Outback Jockeying Handles

Trailpixie
Trailpixie Member Posts: 194
in Tips & Tricks
I am in the final stages of getting a T@B S Outback.  I like to wildcat camp, so I will probably add at least one extra battery, but that isn't my question here.

In tight wildcat campsites, it can be difficult to drive the camper into the right spot.  The outback has those nice handles, but over rough and rocky ground it may still be too heavy for my wife and I to push around. Would those handles be strong enough to connect a come along like the one at the link below? Using the come along we would be able to overcome most rocky obstacles in a wildcat site.

https://wyeth-scott.com/index.asp 
T@B 360 Black Canyon, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6, Maryland
(previous 2018, T@B 320 Outback)

Comments

  • gulfarea
    gulfarea Member Posts: 524
    I would be very supersized if the two of you could not very easy move it around by hand. I am 70 years old & move mine around on # 4 rocks in my driveway. The fulcrum arm distance between the handles & the wheels is long enough to give you a great advantage, so carrying an extra come-along gear should not be necessary. Hope this helps, Art 
    2019 TaB 320 S Boondock Edge
  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420
    Attached is a photo of the front of a T@B before the front aluminum frame is installed.  I believe the handles are simply bolted to the frame on each side.  I recommend calling Ed at NuCamp about using a come-along with the handles.
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
  • Librarydragon
    Librarydragon Member Posts: 103
    Carl and I have had no problems pushing our outback into tight spaces between rocks and on a slight hill.
    Sara&Carl
    2015 max s outback, TV 2011 RAV4, V6, 4x4, & 2017 Tacoma Off-road 4x4
    Soquel, CA
  • Trailpixie
    Trailpixie Member Posts: 194
    I guess I am just going to have to try it for myself. It is amazing to think it can be pushed so easily.
    T@B 360 Black Canyon, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6, Maryland
    (previous 2018, T@B 320 Outback)
  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    I can be pushed, but only so far. I think I've almost reached PXL's limit. Muhahahahaha. :lol:
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,422
    Trailpixie said:
    I am in the final stages of getting a T@B S Outback.  I like to wildcat camp, so I will probably add at least one extra battery, but that isn't my question here.

    In tight wildcat campsites, it can be difficult to drive the camper into the right spot.  The outback has those nice handles, but over rough and rocky ground it may still be too heavy for my wife and I to push around. Would those handles be strong enough to connect a come along like the one at the link below? Using the come along we would be able to overcome most rocky obstacles in a wildcat site.

    https://wyeth-scott.com/index.asp 
    I think it would be very tough on the terrain that you describe. I was in those types of sites last summer and you really need to hook up to you TV if it is more than a couple of feet.

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    Am I the only one that can't hand push (manhandle) my T@B on sand/dirt/gravel? Can't be but make it sound so easy.
  • Trailpixie
    Trailpixie Member Posts: 194
    @jkjenn
    That's why I am considering a come-along. In the wildcat spots I am considering, there are beautiful trees all over the campsite, and they aren't easy to negotiate with a TV.
    T@B 360 Black Canyon, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6, Maryland
    (previous 2018, T@B 320 Outback)
  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    I've found it easier to get into spots than getting out of them :-)
  • rfuss928
    rfuss928 Member Posts: 1,181
    edited February 2017
    A nice big jockey wheel makes a big difference when maneuvering by hand.  Even with that, I still use a trailer dolly in loose gravel.




    Haul-Master 69898 Heavy Duty Trailer Dolly
    http://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-heavy-duty-trailer-dolly-69898.html



  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420

    PXL - I also find the Outback too heavy to move in the dirt.  A come-along would seem to work best attached to the trailer frame (as opposed to the handles).  Perhaps bolt something on the rear cross-member on the frame to accommodate the come-along?  Can't wait to see photos of Trailpixie's campsites!!

    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,422
    A trailer dolly doesn't help, that much in ground that might be slightly rutted. The come along might be worth the try but I have pound if I am patient, I can get the trailer pretty much where I want it with the TV.

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    Uhhhhh - That dolly's way too big for me to haul around :-)
    Have thought about putting a second hitch on the front of my Jeep - Easier to maneuver when you can see what you have to squeeze by.
  • Trailpixie
    Trailpixie Member Posts: 194
    The little guys have a rear receiver hitch on the back that would be nice on the Outback.  You could attach a Reciever-mounted shackle and easily move with a come along. Not sure how to do the same on the T@B Outback. I would hesitate to bolt or weld to the factory original frame. 
    T@B 360 Black Canyon, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6, Maryland
    (previous 2018, T@B 320 Outback)
  • Trailpixie
    Trailpixie Member Posts: 194
    As for jockey wheels, this seems like a nice product to replace the factory original
    http://www.arkportablepower.com/products/xo-trailer-jack
    T@B 360 Black Canyon, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6, Maryland
    (previous 2018, T@B 320 Outback)
  • Jdcouple
    Jdcouple Member Posts: 96
    I like the ark xo trailer-jack. Might look at doing that upgrade. Thanks for the info. 

    2017 T@B Outback, 2000 Excursion V10 4x4


  • Mouseketab
    Mouseketab Member Posts: 1,262
    The ultimate option for moving a trailer around....

    www.purplelineusa.com  I have one and it is awesome!!
    Carol
    MOUSE-KE-T@B
    2007 Dutchmen T@B Clamshell #2741
    2022 nuCamp T@B 320 CS-S
    2021 F-150 502A Lariat SuperCrew, 3.5 EcoBoost 4x2
    Harvest, AL
  • Trailpixie
    Trailpixie Member Posts: 194
    @Mouseketab which of their products do you have?
    T@B 360 Black Canyon, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6, Maryland
    (previous 2018, T@B 320 Outback)
  • Trailpixie
    Trailpixie Member Posts: 194
    That other topic was me too. It didn't quite answer my question on that thread. Below are some pics of the type of campsite I am talking about. They are smooth enough to move the Outback into, but they lack the room to reasonably turn around or position the camper. In that second one, the little driveway is narrow and pretty long. 

    Also, I was hoping someone could give me the tongue height on an Outback.





    T@B 360 Black Canyon, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6, Maryland
    (previous 2018, T@B 320 Outback)
  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420
    I camp in sites like those above all the time.  However, I never drive down a trail without first knowing I can turn around with the Outback attached.  I usually stop and park (with enough turn around room), then walk or bike to the potential campsite.  Google Earth is awesome as a pre-trip planning tool for avoiding getting in a jam.
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420
    Attached is a photo of a very tight spot.  Had some difficulty getting it between the trees.
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    Like Frank, I walk in or unhitch and drive in. Learned my lesson going down a cowpath a half mile only to discover the little bridge was out and no place to turn around. It was a long, long backup. Luckily I wasn't still a rookie.
  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,422
    Truthfully, you would really need to back into a site like that. 

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

  • Trailpixie
    Trailpixie Member Posts: 194
    OutbackAZ said:
    Attached is a photo of a very tight spot.  Had some difficulty getting it between the trees.
    Good job getting that trailer in there. It looks cozy in that campsite. 
    T@B 360 Black Canyon, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6, Maryland
    (previous 2018, T@B 320 Outback)

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