Thinking of moving up to a T@B. Anything to look for?

[Martinjmpr]

So after 3 years of Bubbles, we have decided we'd like something a little more sturdy, something we can stand up in, and something that will be a little more comfy for the two of us. We had thought about a "vintage" trailer but every one we saw was in terrible condition, very heavy, and it just looked like a ton of work. Prices also seemed to be pretty high considering the amount of effort and $$ we'd have to put into it.

Then I suggested something like a Casita or Scamp but the ones we saw had interiors that were, to be blunt, a little bit ugly.

We even considered an R-Pod but we both think that's "too much trailer" for the two of us.

We keep coming back to the T@B. Seems like a great compromise. A trailer you can stand up in, that's still a tear. There are even models with a rear galley like a "real" teardrop.

I know they went through a couple of different manufacturers (Dutchmen, Little Guy, any others?) anything in particular to watch out for?

We'd love to find a clamshell model. There are a couple on CL in California but that's a long drive for us. Not that we're in a hurry - we'd like to be in a new trailer by Springtime, though.

Would love any input from any T@B owners out there...

[Esteban]

Martin and Liz, Probably the best place for you to learn the ins and outs of of a T@B is to read, and join, their friendly forum. T@B Forum

Good luck and have fun whatever you decide to do.

[JuneBug]

We checked out a T@B at Princesscraft, just north of Austin. First, the ceiling was a tad too low. Crusty and I are both 5'9" tall, which is the maximum ceiling height in a T@B. For this reason, it just can't work for us. Love them, otherwise.
We also checked out a clamshell T@B we saw on CraigsList. If you go for a clamshell model with a galley in the back, make absolutely sure that the rear hatch does not leak. This one did and had some major water damage and mold.

[jfocallag]

You might want to check out Escape fiberglass trailers. They are molded fiberglass like Casita and Scamp but nicer interior.

http://escapetrailer.com/trailers/the-1 ... iler-tabs4

[wincrasher]

Well I just looked at several T@Bs at my dealer and their ceiling height is NOT 5'9". I'm 5' 10" and there was still room over my head in the main walking area. The roof does slope toward the back, but you are sitting down in that area - it's a banquette.

T@Bs are about a cute as a small trailer can get. I like the clamshell version (outside kitchen) with the wet bath option. Pretty much everything you could want can be included - cooktop, fridge, heater, air conditioning, TV etc. The 2015 models are getting bigger waste tanks after November 1, so that would make ordering one worth it over buying one off the lot.

I can attest to Little Guy's quality. I've not had any real problems on the ones I've owned.

If you are looking at Egg type trailers, like the Scamp and Casista, etc, then I'd suggest checking out the FiberglassRV forum at http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums. They cover all that's out their, new and vintage.

[lrrowe]

I took a peek over there and again came away with how good we have it with this forum layout. I find ours so much more easier to browse and read

[Bill and Elaine]

We have the 2014 T@B Clamshell, that's the model with the rear galley like a teardrop.

One major downer for me is the bed in the T@B Clamshell. The bed is shorter than the bed in our 2011 Silver Shadow. So if you are over 5'9" stretching out in bed may be an issue. I have to sleep slightly on the diagonal in order to fit comfortably in bed.

I am happy about having a toilet inside the trailer. Getting dressed inside the T@B is much easier than in a teardrop.

We always leave the bed made up, so we never use the inside table and seating area. We set up a tray table at at the end of the bed if we want to eat inside the trailer.

Moving up from a teardrop to a T@B with plumbing, heating & AC, wet-bath and entertainment system was a steep learning curve for us. Honestly, there have been times I was thrilled with the new trailer and other times I wished we'd stuck with our Silver Shadow set up. Going camping now is more complex than it used to be with the teardrop. So is maintenance. But there are many perks too.

Bill

[JuneBug]

Well I just looked at several T@Bs at my dealer and their ceiling height is NOT 5'9". I'm 5' 10" and there was still room over my head in the main walking area. The roof does slope toward the back, but you are sitting down in that area - it's a banquette.

We looked at the T@Bs three or four years ago; however, the current T@B Web site does specify maximum interior headroom of 5'9" (69 inches).