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Findings from Subie Forester T@B Test Drive

Trailpixie
Trailpixie Member Posts: 191
edited March 2017 in Trailer & Towing
Yesterday we rented a T@B U as a test to see how we felt about towing it with our Forester XT.  We drove around in the Michaux State Forest in Pennsylvania and returned on some big highways. Here is what we learned:
  1. Braking is fine, even with the surge brakes that only kicked in once. Electric brakes will be even better.
  2. Even in windy conditions on the highway, the tail didn't wag the dog.
  3. I need a tighter fitting hitch pin.  The clunking of the receiver moving against the pin in the hitch was disturbing
  4. Bouncing was occasionally a bit disconcerting.  Heavier duty springs may help or more weight on the tongue may help.  This T@B was winterized so no water to hold the tongue down. (I didn't weigh the tongue)
  5. Heater was cozy.
  6. It does fine on winding roads (as long as it doesn't get too bumpy)
  7. I can lock the subie steering wheel to one side and turn the thing around in a very small space.
  8. The difference in engine effort between 60 mph and 65 mph is massive. 60 mph seems like a sweet spot.
  9. The single table leg was really wobbly. Is that a common problem?
T@B 360 Black Canyon, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6, Maryland
(previous 2018, T@B 320 Outback)
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Comments

  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    4) Bouncing - Once you get it loaded up, that will probably settle down or go away.
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  • TabberJohn
    TabberJohn Member Posts: 588
    edited March 2017
    Trailpixie said:
    1. I need a tighter fitting hitch pin.  The clunking of the receiver moving against the pin in the hitch was disturbing
    The pin should be a snug fit if it's the correct size.
    Ball mount movement within the receiver is easily fixed with a hitch tightener like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DOJGD2M?
    2015 T@B Max S (White/Silver) -> 2014 Ford Escape 2.0L (turbo, AWD, factory tow)
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  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,521
    I'm not clear how the tighteners work in real life.  Do they have to be bolted on and off each time you put the hitch on and off?
    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • TabberJohn
    TabberJohn Member Posts: 588
    edited March 2017
    pthomas745 said:
    I'm not clear how the tighteners work in real life.  Do they have to be bolted on and off each time you put the hitch on and off?
    Yes, bolted on/off each time you install your hitch.
    Brand/models vary from U-bolts with standard lock washers or two nuts per side to an angled plate version with a single bolt.
    The U-bolt one I linked to above is inexpensive, stainless steel, and claims superior lock washers.
    Here's one that costs a lot more but is on/off in seconds with a ratchet wrench: http://hitchrider.com/nowobble.htm
    2015 T@B Max S (White/Silver) -> 2014 Ford Escape 2.0L (turbo, AWD, factory tow)
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  • Trailpixie
    Trailpixie Member Posts: 191
    T@B 360 Black Canyon, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6, Maryland
    (previous 2018, T@B 320 Outback)
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  • Cyclonic
    Cyclonic Member Posts: 1,232
    edited March 2017
    Now I know who had Beckley's T@B out this weekend :-) Didn't see it sitting there when I drive by.  Sounds like you learned a lot.

    States the T@Bpole has camped, so far ;)
    Nathan & Becky... 2013 Ford F150 FX4 TAB HLR... 2012 LG T@B T@Bpole.
    Sterling, VA
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  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    pthomas745 said:
    I'm not clear how the tighteners work in real life.  Do they have to be bolted on and off each time you put the hitch on and off?
    I have the bolted on one. All you need to do is loose the nuts so it slides back off the receiver, don't have to take the nuts off all the way. Takes just as much time as the more expensive ones. I was surprised, to be honest. I was just going for "cheap, but effective" at the time.
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
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