TAB (T@B) teardrop trailer review - Roaming Times
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T@B (TAB) - teardrop trailer
See reader's comments and experiences at bottom of page

"T@B is so light you can usually move it around by hand - and pulled by most light trucks and SUV's - even many passenger cars"




The T@B (TAB) teardrop trailer has an exterior height of just 7'7" - it can be stowed in most garages!  
The exterior length is 15'6" and width 6'7".  The manufacturer says "It is so light and maneuverable that you can usually move it around by hand.  Most light trucks and SUV's can easily handle the T@B. In addition, many mini vans and passenger cars can also pull them."   (Check your car owner's manual: if you have a tow rating of 2000 lbs or more, you can tow a T@B ..)

The U-shaped floorplan is shown below. It has a U-shaped dinette and sofa bed that convert to a 70"x80" bed.  This was the original T@B arrangement.  The Cool Cat ® air conditioner with heat pump is an option.

 

L-Shaped galley arrangement:

This arrangement has an "L" shaped galley on the front wall of the trailer  The two sofas  convert to a 70" x 58" bed.  The rear wall has floor to ceiling storage cabinets.


The 2 floorplans above can be combined into the "Queen Bed with L-Shaped Galley" floorplan (not shown here).  This has the "L" shaped galley on the front wall of the trailer and the U-Shaped sofa bed that converts to a large 70" x 80" bed.

"Clam Shell" arrangement:

This arrangement has an outside galley.  The two sofas convert to a 70" x 58" bed.  The front wall storage and a bench seat.


Just some of the features of the
T@B :


Yes it does! - Porta Potty (option)


Isn't that cool? - The optional awning

  • T@B is a fully laminated travel trailer.  AluFiber skin is laminated over foam insulation.  The double pane, tinted, poly windows are top hinged for venting and feature rollaway screens and privacy shades.  Choose from Jolt Grey, Orange Krush, Mellow Yellow, or Cherry Red exterior trim colors 
  • Al-KO Kober ultra light frame.  The galvanized frame features rubber torsion, independent suspension axles.  Plus, the frame includes a surge brake coupler, parking brake, easy-up tongue jack, and four corner stabilizer jacks.
  • Interior colors available - Owners Club Blue, Outburst, Block Party or Star Burst Green
  • Premium vinyl flooring
  • Various optional extras available

 

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Check readers' comments below

Dutchmen T@B (TAB) - teardrop trailer

Priced around $18,000 (?) 
(if you have one, tell us what you paid and the price of the options you chose ..)

READERS' COMMENTS
 (LATEST COMMENTS FIRST)

What do you think? - add your comments here
 
authorcomments
MarilynJust bought our T@b (2008 used) for 9k. Can't figure out how to turn on the heat? The thermostat has a lever on top that says on/off, but it doesn't move easily and I don't want to break it.
BRADWe looked at a TAB, and TADA but the ceiling height (or lack there of) among other things, really drew us away. Plus did you know that although these are ASSEMBLED in the US, that the compenents are all from over seas? Very expensive to replace! My wife and I are picking up our new R-Pod by Forest River. They have bigger tanks, full ceiling height, lots of standard features, and we were quoted for $2600 less than the TAB!!
Dianna and MarkThis is our very first RV and we are such newbies. We bought the trailer in August and have only used it once. We try to read the manuals, but it is all Greek to us, who are not mechanically talented. We checked on our little trailer today and the battery is dead. What do we do? Does anyone know of any resources besides the manual that pertains to this type of trailer? We live in Colorado and sure would like a T@B beginner class! Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.
BobOK, I did it. Bought a TADA. So have a 2006 yellow and silver T@B T16-Q with many options (including full tent room) for sale. Olympia, WA 360-480-7640.
Kim ThornsburgMy wife and I purchased a 2007 TAB, wrecked it after only a few trips, and probably would have bought another one if it only had more beds. We also had the lug nut problem. No wrench ... lost a lug nut. One major problem to watch out for was that during the nite while we were asleep, the battery overheated and spent toxic gas into the cabin. PS: We did salvage a brand new, never used canopy and poles. Anyone interested in purchasing? (361)564-7500
BobI own a 2006 T@B. I have taken it into the mountains (Staircase, Hamma Hamma, Lake Cushman) when the roads have had huge potholes. I have yet to have a problem. Heat works, water pump works (noisy), frig works. I toe it with my Honda Ridgeline and I can't even feel it. I am not crazy about the 5 foot 9 ceiling but I can deal with it. I replaced the old battery with a new Sears Platinum. When you are not using your T@B disconnect the battery and turn off the propane. Now I am thinking about getting a T@DA.
DearTeddHey Roller, I am having the same problem with my ceiling fan(2008). I'm bringing it in to be looked at, but wondered if you had diagnosed the problem yet. Also, thanks for the info on the honda 1000!
RavenhouseWe are looking for a newer model used T@B. We live in Colorado, but are willing to travel a reasonable distance to collect it. The Queen seems ideal for us, but are open to other models.
DONI have owned a T@DA since April and have towed it from Oregon to New England with my Quest minivan and feel it is a great trailer for two people. That is what it was ment to be and that is what it is. I do not use it as a camper, but as a traveler with all the comforts of home that a T@B can not compare with.
Joyfuljust bought a TAB..anyone have a screen room to sell?
Steve MI actually own a T@da and love it. My wife and I are on the short side so the ceiling is no issue. I love how easily it tows; set up is easy.. I put bubble levels on the corners so I can quickly level; the TV-DVD player combo is great during rainy days. I'm not one to pull a "living room" around since we camp to be "out doors". So the T@da is perfect for out needs. Also, to workmanship is top notch. My brother has a Tab and after he saw our T@da he knew it's days were numbered and he would have to upgrade.
TigreDoes anyone else notice a similarity with the ICamp which is made in China?
Intrigued in OmahaAre T@B Trailers the only teardrops on the market that put the kitchen INSIDE the camper?
DaveWe love the T@B, as it fits in our garage. Our Home-Owner-Ass does not allow RVs outside our house. I venture inside our " Original-U " everyday just to enjoy it, whether camping or not...... : - )
ClaudiaLOVE my new T@B!! It's perfect for us and the 2 dogs. We took it out for her inaugural trip this weekend in the High Uintas and had a wonderful time. This trailer was a perfect purchase for us. Wondering if anyone has a screen room for sale?? Thanks!
X tab owner..My husband and I bought one of these trailers in Mich. we live in Iowa. It was the beggest lemon we ever got. By the time we got it home. The housing around the front tanks was in pieces. The seals on the outside edges had all slid back. The window cranks were all broke. The shades did not work. I could not work in the kitchen, as the ceiling pushed my head back. I am 5' 8 1/2" tall. If you open the windows, you ran into them. The awning looked like a shower curtain. We pulled it with a VW beetle, which they said would work. I would not recommend it. It was to heavy for the beetle. We went from 40 miles per gallon down to about 14. The beetle was really straining under the weight. The company also would not stand behind it. We took it to a local dealer for repair. They had to sue the company to fix it. The only good thing about the trailer was the bed was comfortable, and we liked the surge brakes. We sold the tab after repairs. Spent only two night in it.
BoullWe past our first winter with a new TAB in Acapulco Mexico from Quebec Canada. We use to have a westfalia, to many problems. We had no problems towing our TAB tru montains, USA and Mexico. In 4 months not a problem with the unit. The JEEP Liberty 3.7L was perfect to tow and there is a lot of dealers in Mexico. We are looking forward to go back next winter.
Mark ChaseWe purchased our T@B in 2007 on a Saturday. The next day we left for a 3300 mile vacation. We go out often and have NEVER have had a single problem with our nifty little trailer. This is a "made in the USA" item of very high quality and we highly recommend this product. Every time you stop for gas someone wants to see it. Ours has a heat pump, queen size bed, fridge, and stove. We pull it with a Ford Taurus that has a 3.0 V6 engine at 70+MPH. No biggie!
shawnIn regard to the "can I pull 08 t@b with a Subaru Forester"? I think you would have no problem. I pull my 07 t@b with a Subaru Baja 4 Cyl. I pulled over Monteagle Mtn in TN last month. I just returned from Panama City Beach, Florida this week. No problems. Hope this helps you.
BandsI have an 08 T@B. Can it be pulled with a (new -09) Subaru Forester?
ROLLERMy local T@B dealer got back to me with a date they could see me. Sept. 22. Not good. Dutchman said go to any Dutchman dealer and they should be able to do the warranty work. I did and they said because I didn't buy a unit from them they didn't have the time or the space for me and my T@B. I'm starting to have regrets. I'll contact Dutchman's parent Thor to see what they have to say and after that I'll contact government agencies that monitor warranty complaints.
ROLLERWARNING!!!! If you buy a new T@B trailer at a dealership only expect that dealership to do the warranty work on it!! I just got of the phone with a Dutchman representative 'Connie' and she told me if you take your T@B to a dealership that you did not purchase it from, they do not have to work on it! When I bought my '08 T@B 5 weeks ago I asked if warranty work would be covered at other T@B distributors and was told yes. I wasn't told that a dealership could refuse doing warranty work on it. They do have a reason for not wanting to work on my T@B but they won't admit it. I DIDN'T BUY IT THERE!!! Sour grapes yes, but I was told at the dealership where I bought it that I could get it serviced at any dealership in North America.I want to warn other potential new T@B owners that if you buy a T@B you should buy it from a dealer closest to your home base, and not a dealer that will give you the best price! Am I wrong here? Should I expect a good deal and service TOO! It would be too expensive for me to have warranty work done on my trailer in a timely and professional manner(5 hrs. drive to dealership where I purchased it),glad I didn't purchase the extended warranty, so I'll have to find someone locally that can help me with my electrical problems and expect not to be reimbused by Dutchman, T@Bs parent. Are there other people out there with similar disheartening experiences, I hope not ,but probably so? Stay tuned.
Susan HI have had 5 dfferent TTs in over 30 years from large to small. I've had my T@B now for over 4 years and it by far is the best. It goes out at least once a month and takes only 5 minutes to hook up. Very easy to tow and does not give that "looming" feeling you get with regular trailers when going down the road. My 19 ft trailer went out only twice a year and took over 30 minutes with equalizer bars,etc. The T@DA will not be for everyone at it's size. If you want to sleep 4 you will be looking at a bigger trailer anyway, lets be realistic. However my T@B has gone all over the country in all conditions and is still in great condition,never a problem. It may look flimsy to some but it really is well built. By the way mine is one of the first built...#172 and the only reason that I'm hesitating getting the T@DA is that I'm still in love with my origional T@B! Oh by the way I forgot to mention that I'm 6'2" ;)
SandraI purchased a T@b in January 2006. Have had nothing but problems since the first weekend after purchase. The service for this trailer is terrible. Many electrical problems which they can't seem to fix. When traveling from California to Georgia I could not find a single service department to help with the problems. The dealer has not been receptive either. I would not reccommend this trailer.
ROLLERHello fellow tabbers! I just got back from my 3 week maiden trip to Boston with my new '08 T@B. It pulls great with about a 12 to 13% additional cost to my fuel bill. My deep cycle marine battery is not maintaining a charge (which to my suprise didn't come with the unit) and when I turned on the ceiling fan, it wouldn't turn off! I had to pull out the fuse to get it to stop. I should have read the manual before I left the dealership. I was supposed to check the lug nuts every 50 miles for the first 200 miles. I thought (silly me) that a lug nut wrench would be provided. I'm glad I didn't have any problems with my wheels and a little disappointed with the dealership for letting me drive away unprotected. Anyway, I'm busy personnalizing "LADYBUG" and planning a trip with her to the Maritines this spring. I'll keep you guys and gals updated on the problems I have encountered until they are resolved.
MontanaandyJust purchased a "used" T@B 04-05 for $8700 (it has been used 6 times in the past 2 years and is immaculate). Has all of the upgrades except the AC. Plan on getting an on-demand water heater so we can shower, and a privacy tent for the port a potty and a small microwave (I already have the Honda 2000 generator). After lugging a 31" Airstream for years it is nice to return to pulling a camper along the lines of my first non-tent camper, a Coleman Popup. I will miss the convenience of having the bathroom/shower inside the AS but will look forward to the ease of backing up and in and getting much better fuel econoy.
shawnI pull my 2007 t@b with a 2003 Subaru Baja and have had no problems. Pulled over the Monteagle Mtn in TN 3 weeks ago. I was concerned about brakes getting hot going down the mtn, but no problems. I love my t@b !! Going to Fla next month.
Bob SHello, anybody tried to add bunkbeds into a tab trailer? Thanks, Bob
Terry and GordieWe have a 2004 T@B and love the design of it! It is a downsize from our airtsteam 35ft. motorhome and we have never missed the motorhome a minute. We had ceiling bumps from delamination problems and they took it back to the factory and fixed it and they did a wonderful job!It has towed behind us for thousands of miles and never given us any trouble. The interior is spacious and we took the table out and put in boards for making the bed. Never miss our table. George Sutton was our dealer in Eugene,Ore. and he has always done us well. We had the ceiling bumps and our converter went out and Dutchmen replaced it. Great service always from both. Based upon your experiences, would you buy one of this manufacturer's RVs again?: Yes. Rating: 5/5.
lowcountry lilwent to a 'sistersonthefly' open house on tybee island, ga. and saw their vintage teardrop trailers.had no idea there was a modern version available
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