It's been many months since ordering, but our new Tab 400 has finally arrived! We took delivery on Wednesday afternoon, 9/20/17, at Apache Camping Center in Everett, WA.
This is our first RV and we're still climbing the learning curve, but folks here in the forum have already been super helpful and very welcoming, even before we got our trailer (thank you!).
We love that the 400 has enough space for two adults plus a 10-year-old, but still tows easily.
Here are a few photos of our new 400. NuCamp really offers some nice color options. Ours has the white exterior option with blue trim and green fabric interior. It's completely stock with the exception of the exterior graphics delete (we'll eventually put some of our own graphics on). Our tow vehicle is a 2016 BMW X1.
We're looking forward to becoming part of the T@B family, and the many adventures to come.
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I was curious of the tow rating on the X1. Hard to find good information, but two sources are reporting a 900 lb tow rating.
https://www.thestar.com/autos/2015/11/27/review-2016-bmw-x1-shares-sporty-pedigree.html
http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/95024/
What's up with that?
http://www.bmwblog.com/2015/07/22/new-bmw-x1-towing-a-2000-kg-boat/
Key issue is what is tongue weight limit?
It is unclear if a factory tow package is available for the US market.
Right or wrong, vehicles in Canada and USA often get very different tow ratings than in other parts of the world.
In the comments on that article, one responder mentions that "in the USA, the vehicle is not rated for towing," which is weird, since it clearly has more than a little towing capability.
More info is here on the forum:
http://tab-rv.vanillaforums.com/discussion/5506/washington-state-east-meets-west-second-annual-gathering-may-17-20-2018/p1
It's a great way to meet other T@bbers from all over Washington State, and we'd love to have you join us! Happy journeys to you and your family!
2017 T@b 320 S
2017 Kia Sorento SXL AWD
Not sure what's up with that, other than the article is simply wrong about the tow rating. Actually, BMW does not specify a tow rating for the X1 in the USA. In Europe I think it's rated at 2,000 Kg if I recall correctly, or about 4,400 lb.
The Draw-Tite 76018 hitch is made specifically for the current BMW X1, and has a rating of 675/4,500 lb (TW/GTW).
Even though the limit would be 4,500 lb, we're trying to keep it conservative by limiting our trailer to 3,500 lb. It was a key reason we choose the T@b 400.
Our local dealer looked into it, and unfortunately BMW does not offer the factory tow package in the USA. They can't even order the parts from Europe.
The dealer wasn't sure why, but suspected legal liability issues. Basically it's the same reason why coffee cups have warning labels in the USA.
Thanks for the suggestion. We were thinking the same regarding weight distribution & sway control. Some of the mountain passes here get mighty windy!
Currently we're considering this Anderson "No Sway" hitch. Supposedly it addresses some of the concerns with WD hitches, such as noise and problems with sway bars when backing up.
Has anyone here tried one of those?
I have heard good things about Anderson. The only downside being it is limited on how much weight it can distribute. So if your tongue weight is extra heavy, might go with another.
i have a Fastway E2 which i’m pretty happy with. Also heard the equalizer and blue ox are good.
2017 T@b 320 S
2017 Kia Sorento SXL AWD