A real-world 1 year update and review of my 2023 Nucamp T@b 320s Boondock trailer. "The movie"

[@shindoggy]

wow- TY for such a great detailed & informative video!!!!! proll one of my favorite after x miles review. a Tab or Tag is on my bucket list - living variously through your vid.

[@DSWadventures]

Thank you very much. I'm glad you liked them, i will keep them rolling out.

[@scottnordlund8683]

Well done! Appreciate your knowledge and good explanation of your set up.

[@DSWadventures]

Thank you!

[@tuxventures]

Very thorough breakdown. Thank you! I’m very close to a decision and your videos are keeping nucamp at the top of the list.

[@DSWadventures]

Thank you.

[@CGC1954]

I really appreciate your thorough review. I’ve looked at several small trailers as well because I just have a jeep Sahara V6 and this is the one that I like the best. Yes it’s a little pricey, but it doesn’t look like junk on the inside. Sure you can get one for 13,000 but the quality is not there and the reason I love the tab is because of the cassette toilet I haven’t made up my mind to purchase because I only camp once a year for maybe a week and that’s a little pricey. I don’t have the nerve to camp by myself. My family, ( brothers, nieces, nephews) usually 15 of us always goes on a camping trip and we get this large area and everybody except one has tents and we are really really off grid. We have so much fun. I very much enjoyed all of your videos. Thanks again for the review.

[@DSWadventures]

Exactly! I also tent camped or slept in my truck bed for a long time. I could never justify the need for a camper for the same reasons you stated. In the last few years, I started having time of every weekend and started camping a lot. After being rained on many many trips, I finally justified buying a trailer. I could now finally get my use out of one. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@Bartw101]

Now THAT'S how you do a review after a year. Those little details matter to those who know! They speak to quality and being able to trust the product. Most excellent review my friend.

[@DSWadventures]

Its fun to do. I appreciate the great comment once again, thank you!

[@jackielheureux3229]

Love your channel since I have the same set up as you do. But I just got it. It’s December 2024 .You explain everything really good all about the tab. I still have a few things to learn about like that converter down on the bottom .I didn’t know what the heck that was .And good tip about pillows, falling off and blocking it. I will definitely look and make sure nothing falls off when traveling.

[@DSWadventures]

Very cool. You will love it. Many things I've had research and learn myself being new to the Rv scene. Some things are pretty universal. The Tab and nucamp pages on Facebook have also been avery big help. Thanks for commenting. Much appreciated. If you ever have a question, just ask.

[@TapInBirdie]

Congrats on the 1K subs…well overdue. I appreciate how your videos show day-in-the-life practical experiences living with a t@b. I am considering a 320 or 360. I really would like the 360, but I don’t know if I want to daily drive a vehicle that would be required to be able to pull it. I think what I’d really like is a “340” that has a couple more inches of head room over the 320 and a twin bed setup.

[@DSWadventures]

@TapInBirdie Thank you. Haha whatbi always think, but the closest thing you are looking for is probably going to be the 360. What tow vehicle do you have now?

[@TapInBirdie]

@@DSWadventures I have an older BMW X3 (3,500 tow capacity) now, but I will likely be replacing it soon, so I am actually trying to look ahead on the trailer so I can buy the appropriate vehicle. Garage space is tight for me as well. The newer X3s have a TC of 4,000-4,900. Vehicles like a Highlander or Passport would work for a daily driver as well….just don’t know if that would be enough for a 360. If money were no object, I’d probably get a used X5 as they are towing beasts…or maybe a 4Runner. When I stand in a 320 with shoes on, my head just touches the ceiling near the entry. What is confusing as a newbie is that some people say size for 20% above GVWR, some say go 2K above, and I heard one guy say to double it. Then there are KZbinrs pulling trailers heavier than a 320 with a RAV4 🤷‍♂️. Based on your videos, it sounds like you wouldn’t want to go much heavier with your Tacoma.

[@DSWadventures]

@TapInBirdie yeah, you may need a little more tow capacity then. I would say to keep towing enjoyable while keeping vehicle strain down, stay at half of gvwr for towing. This also depends on the speeds you have to travel where you go along with terrain and high altitude power loss. And of course making sure your hitch weight is under the limit of that vehicle without too much rear squat. You could tow a 360 with a tacoma, I see many towing 400s with a tacoma or even a tesla. But I'm not to sure how that would feel towing.

[@richardc3576]

Hi I just saw on a NuCamp video of the Americanized which connects a sewer hose to the cassette cartridge to drain into sewer connection instead of pouring

[@DSWadventures]

Yes, I have seen that also. Cool invention.

[@stuartstuart866]

I use the drill method for lowering our stabilization jacks too. I picked up a threaded metric coupler from a hardware store, drilled out the threaded part and used it to replace the handle on the trailer jack. This makes front to back leveling very quick and easy using the drill. It’s not something you need, just an easy and inexpensive project you might enjoy. I like your outside Legun table mount, it’s a very practical solution if you don’t want multiple table tops for inside and outside.

[@DSWadventures]

Oh, that's a great idea, I'm going to have to come up with something for that. 👍👍

[@stevenjoseph8980]

Great video as always! I am nearing one year as well in December although I only have about 5k miles. Couple of things: - I have the same issue with the cassette toilet level indicator. I'm going to look into that this weekend. - I added Sumo springs and it makes a huge difference. I'm very happy with that mod. - I have a Tackform track on my dash for my Scanguage, TPSM and rear camera monitor. I love it. - Your description about buying good quality stuff the first time was music to my ears. I am 100% in agreement. I don't mind spending money on stuff that serves a purpose and isn't garbage. - I'm about to mod the cutting board on our CS-S. For 2024, nucamp installed one over the cooler fridge. So you have to tilt the cutting board every time you want to get into the cooler. It's a PITA. I'm going to install drawer slides with an additional track so that I can pull the cutting board out instead of lifting it up. - OTT tune was a game changer for towing. I get 2-3 MPG better mileage now even with kayaks on my roof rack.

[@DSWadventures]

Thanks! Very cool setup you have also. YESSSS!! THE OTT TUNE. 🙏😂 Huge difference. Ive never actually seen a css in person, but that mod makes complete sense, unless you can put the fridge on a slide some how, that would be cool, Let me know how that all works out. 5k miles is a lot more than most ever use their trailer, that's pretty good, especially if you're not retired like me .😂 Thanks for watching once again, much appreciated.

[@stevenjoseph8980]

@@DSWadventures I'll let you know how the slide out works. On my CS-S there is a lip on the trailer that the cooler can't slide out past. The T@Gs are different and a cooler pullout would work. If my mod does work I'll be happy. I'm like you in that I am always looking for ways to make everything work efficiently. I love having everything in its place. It's definitely one of the really fun things about having the camper in the first place. I have a trip planned in April to take my trailer up to nucamp to have the Maxxair fan installed and have my bearings redone. I didn't feel comfortable dealing with the sealant even though I know I could do it. Same with the bearings. I'll likely do them next time but mostly I am excited about taking the pilgrimage to Sugarcreek.

[@DSWadventures]

@stevenjoseph8980 awesome. Well, if I were able to take the trailer to the actual factory, I totally would also, haha. Main reason I do all my own work, I don't trust most places to do it right. Hahaa. Awesome, man, keep me posted.

[@MattersonSumlar]

Yes the color of the kislux is beautiful and it is a great decision, maybe one day they will add feet and straps. It would be nice to have a bigger bag during the colder months when we have to store gloves, beanies, scarves, etc…

[@DSWadventures]

👍

[@theroadhome_Liz_Summers]

Excellent information and well paced video to include all! I listened yesterday at the dentist and watched in several goes last evening and this morning ... I will probably watch a 3rd time. I'm in the research phase for trailer but "putting together" phase for my new to me Yukon XL downsizing from a 33 foot Class A with all mod cons ... I have RV experience but no camping experience. "Swiss Army knife" approach is great and helpful. Power ... I am Team EcoFlow. A little over 2 years ago, I started buying bundles on sale with the idea of transportable (house backup to "rv/car/trailer/van ?") power/ac/frig solutions. I have not purchased any solar although a small panel did come in the latest bundle which was Delta2 and 800W Alternator-Charger. You referenced Prof Hobo on one video so am guessing you saw the vid on the Alternator Charger. For me, at my home on wooded property and my preference for forest camping as well as Northwest US ... I think the charger is a good option. I think I recently saw a 500 w DC to DC charger that is more universal ... the EcoFlow being compatible with EcoFlow only. I don't have any operational questions, but I'm wondering if you have seen a 360 in person. One thing that I noticed from videos ... the "kitchen" on the 360 seems more cramped than your 320. I know the 360 has the kitchen stargazer but you have the front and a side window I think ... maybe a cabinet in place of the side window on the 360. Ultimately, I need to follow your advice and actually walk through different trailers! Thanks for taking the time for this video and I'm looking forward to the camping vid as well.

[@DSWadventures]

All very cool and good ideas. I have not seen a 360 in the wild yet unfortunately, I very curious as well. I know they are about a foot wider than the 320, so im guessing the kitchen space is similar with a little more room in front of the sink stove, but I don't really know how that single sink stove combo is going to work out. I think as split version would be the way to go, especially if the two burns could by turned front to back adding additional counter space. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@theroadhome_Liz_Summers]

@@DSWadventures Sorry if this becomes a duplicate comment. My first disappeared or ??? At any rate, I purchased the backup camera this morning based on your various uses, particularly the security option. That camera is on a Prime sale as well as a coupon (this morning) ... GREAT deal. Thanks for the option info!

[@DSWadventures]

@theroadhome_Liz_Summers no problem at all. Very cool, hope you like it, I'm sure it will help you out a lot in many situations. For the price, you can't beat it.

[@user-je5jq1xp5q]

Good advice. Thanks for sharing, 😊

[@DSWadventures]

Thank you for watching. Much appreciated.

[@TheVespap200e]

Well that was a really detailed breakdown on the likes and dislikes of the tab. Excellent job. Really enjoyed watching your video. Congrats on the 1K subs also!

[@DSWadventures]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@richbowie76]

Congrats on 1K ! Nice job 🍻👍 one change NuCamp should consider is changing out the harsh lighting and add some dimmer switches

[@DSWadventures]

Thanks. Which lights do ya mean?

[@richbowie76]

@@DSWadventures all of the interior lighting seems to be that harsh white light that reminds me of florescent light fixtures. At least put a dimmer on the ceiling pucks.....also consider adding a HotTub !😂🤣😁

[@DSWadventures]

@richbowie76 oooh, gotcha. A lot of this new led lighting can be terrible. Although I'm probably a little younger than many watching these videos, I cant stand the new led head lights in cars, so bad. The led accent strips under the cabinet areas in the trailer are actually very nice, kinda hidden, and not as bright as it looks. The bathroom and mid center puck lights are super bright, though, but come in handy when really needing to see under the bed areas. I will have to turn on the rear reading lamps in a video for you. They have a very natural soft light bulb glow, I'm my model anyway.

[@richbowie76]

@@DSWadventures no need man ! I'm sure its how the camera captures the lighting. Like you, I'd like to own every model of trailer and truck camper by Nucamp, but for now I'm livin through you !

[@DSWadventures]

@@richbowie76 👍👍

[@robertcrowjr]

Nicely done.👍

[@DSWadventures]

Thank again for watching.

[@AdventureswithRod]

really nice summary after 1 year. I've been watching a million travel trailers videos for over a year and TAB has always been on my top 5 list. My constraints are the similar as yours - 2017 Tacoma with tow package - only 1000lbs of payload so that critically limits my options and have zero interest in any different tow vehicle. Other issues are spouse and two dogs, plus I'm 5'10" and would definitely want more headroom so the 360 and 400 would be better options. The other constraint for me is storage - I would likely have to find a storage space since my driveway/garage space is limited and is in the back of my house accessed via rear alley so getting a trailer back there would be a little more complicated. I have the same disease as you - I would want to be improving lots of things on my trailer over time and having to do that at a storage place would be less than ideal. Did you ever consider or look at a Casita or other fiberglass trailer? Casitas are also on my top 5 and the factory is here in Texas so that is a big plus for me.

[@DSWadventures]

Awesome. I think as long as your truck is loaded down as much as mine, you should be good as long as you have your rear springs beefed up a little with maybe some sumo bumps or small air bags. As far as storage goes, having a camper shell on the truck helps a lot. I did consider a casita, very neat. But I was just drawn to the T@bs looks and amenities haha. I do see some tacomas pulling 400s, but once again, keeping the truck lighter and I highly recommend getting someone to do the ott tune on the computer Huge difference!!

[@AdventureswithRod]

@@DSWadventures Yeah - I've got sumo bumps installed - rented an rpod-190 a few years back and towed that fine but yes keeping tongue weight down is key - pretty much in my search eliminated anything where tongue weight was over 400lbs and trailer length was over 21feet.

[@AdventureswithRod]

So I just finished watching the whole video and wondering how much weight are you carrying in your truck? You have the same Tacoma as I do so payload must be only around 1000lbs on your door sticker. Your Tab's tongue weight must be at least 300 pounds with propane, battery, and all the stuff in your boxes. How close are you to your max payload when you are carrying all your gear?

[@DSWadventures]

@AdventureswithRod I'm sitting about 1000lbs over factory with all my truck upgrades. Tailer tonque weight is around 280. As fat as the bed weight 400lbs with me gear and camper shell. I have a video going to the scale, I'm about maxed out technically haha.

[@hakennelly]

Very refreshing to see someone with a trailer in the super hot areas of the SW! Living in Vegas, I was wondering how these little teardrops could handle our summers. Do you store yours covered or uncovered? Also, glad you mentioned lights for snakes and scorpions 😳

[@DSWadventures]

Thanks. At the moment, I do not have a shade structure built yet. I keep up on the exterior as much as I can to prevent fading. Of course, things like the sealants on the exterior out here in Az may have to be redone every 2 years because it is so dry and hot, but I think that's normal rv maintenance anyway. I did have to redo a small area of double sude tape because theirs didnt hold up, no biggie. It's went through 2 Az summers now. So far, so good on everything else though. We will see as time goes on. Thanks for watching.

[@user-je5jq1xp5q]

I love the shore power connection upgrade you put in! What is the brand you use ? Looks like an excellent alternative to what CAME WITH TRAILER AND WOULD BE MUCH EASIER TO USE. Please share brand and where you purchased from! I’m very much interested in that upgrade. Thank you in advance for sharing. 😊

[@DSWadventures]

That is a Rv smart plug 30 amp retrofit kit. The kit version is cheaper because you can cut off your existing chord end and use their adapter. It's a fairly simple install. You will have to plug the one lower hole from the factory in the trailer because it's a 3 screw design to the new 4 screw. Then drill 2 new lower holes if I remember. Just make sure you test fit it. Use a slightly smaller drill bit than the screw thickness and get an extra stainless self tapper screw like the factory. Only drill through the outer fiber glass, maybe 1/4 inch in at most. You don't want to drill through your wall, haha. if you don't want to cut and strip your exciting shore power chord, they sell a version of theirs that is actually really flexible, but a little pricey. And yes!! It's a waaaay better! Easier connection.

[@AndyJarrell]

Yes, definitely wish they’d add the MaxxFan by default. I tried putting a potentiometer on the domestic fan in my 400 and it did slow the fan down (since you know the low speed on the Dometic is still loud), but caused a buzzing that offset the reduced fan noise. Guess I’ll swap out the Maxx Fan. Enjoyed your review!

[@DSWadventures]

I also looked into that option, but I figured why not just go with upgrade maxxfan since it had all the other pluses. So far, so good, we shall see in the long run. Fingers crossed.

[@pim1234]

Clever gadgets to park the Tab !

[@DSWadventures]

It definitely helps out.

[@theoutdoordad7395]

Great stuff really enjoy your content. Do you have a video on your awning and outdoor cooking setup?

[@DSWadventures]

Thanks. So far I've haven't bought an awning for the T@b as I usually don't sit stationary long enough. I do carry a small ez up style shade in my truck just incase. I will have to make a video on what I typically use for outdoor cooking. Usually it's just a backpacking stove and pan haha. With going out so much, I try to stay pretty minimal, light weight and compact if I can. I do have a very slick camp stove I need to show everyone.

[@theoutdoordad7395]

@@DSWadventures. That’s actually really useful information. I have a pop up camper and don’t use the awning anymore either because it’s too much work and isn’t wind resistant. I use the typical 10x10 easy up canopy works great

[@DSWadventures]

@@theoutdoordad7395 yep, plus you can move your shade around anywhere you need it.

[@43delta]

Almost got everything you got but I recharge silently with a cheaper alternative with ALLPOWERS S2000 Pro Solar Generator & still got a dealer installed 85 amp AGM while I’m boondoking or portable solar panel with an independent Victron solar charging controller before it.

[@DSWadventures]

Very cool.

[@dturnb9810]

Did you have to drill a hole in the outside of the trailer to add the magnetic plate for the backup camera?

[@DSWadventures]

Nope. I made a thin steel plate. Painted it and used (high-teck) brand double sided tape to stick the plate to the trailer. Camera just mag mounts to it, on what feel like a sturdy backed part of the trailer. Still holding strong so far.

[@jeffreydalesipes5234]

Hey my friend got a question for you, what type of rims do you have on your Tacoma and where did you purchase them?, I live in the Phoenix area and I think you probably purchased them close to the PHX area, thanks

[@DSWadventures]

Those are (Icon vehicle dynamics) rims. They have a couple of different styles. Check um out online, i think Discount Tire actually ordered them for me.

[@jeffreydalesipes5234]

@@DSWadventures Thanks for the reply and have a great Christmas

[@DSWadventures]

@jeffreydalesipes5234 no problem. Merry Christmas.

[@mayjan74]

Putting groceries away in the bags is such a man thing to do 😂😂❤❤

[@DSWadventures]

😂😂 plus it helps keep things contained from leaking. Easy to pull everything out at once too. Lol.

[@twoweary]

One thing I noticed at :36 in the video is there’s a truck right behind you and you had a large pullout you could have used to let him go by, but didn’t use it. Some just fail to think about it , others are just jerks that don’t care how many people they hold up. All of us should try to be considerate and alert to what’s in front AND behind us.

[@DSWadventures]

When it's safe to do so, I usually do if need be. Many of those pull outs are on a small ledge of a cliff with almost no room to pull off, especially last minute doing 35 mph on a windy switch back road. There are also a couple of passing lanes, so I may have been waiting for that to come up also. I also can't go faster than the person in front of me.

[@twoweary]

Could we imagine all the RV manufacturers who make garbage saying it’s not their fault, it’s their suppliers? They put their name on it, it’s their fault. Many people rave about these T@B trailers so it seems they make a good product, but if they continue to buy sub par equipment from a particular supplier,it’s their fault. Even if T@B has to fix it themselves, they should before it goes out the door. Of course some things can fall through the cracks.

[@DSWadventures]

So far, I've been pretty happy with the T@b on its build quality, fit, and finish. Unfortunately, there aren't many good rv parts makers out there to choose from. But, Nucamp is really good at constantly updating and upgrading things as they become aware of issues or customers' wants and modifications. But, a rolling house going down the road through an earthquake may always come across some kind of issue, I think. The best thing to do is walk the rv lots. Check out all the makes and models. The reason I chose the T@b is because it is truly one of the most well made out there. A cut above the rest for sure.

[@MyRanger12]

I need a sway bar for my 2024 TAB 320S Boondock.

[@DSWadventures]

Does it sway a lot, or just when it's windy?

[@MyRanger12]

@@DSWadventures no issues yet.

[@DSWadventures]

@MyRanger12 ok good. It's almost not needed, but it's nice to have just in case.

[@MyRanger12]

@@DSWadventures So tell me how did you mount the plate for you RV camera, I picked one up. By the way good ideas for additional use of it.

[@DSWadventures]

@MyRanger12 i made that out of sheet steel and used (High Teck) brand double sided tape. It's pretty strong stuff. Line the edges of the plate with tape, 2 strips down the middle, leave a very small slit in the tape on the bottom side just in case water needs to drain. If the surface is clean smooth and dry, that tape will work amazing. Been holding on my tacoma emblems for almost 6 years, plus that tape is need for a few other things in the tab.

[@karenr67]

While you were showing us your storage, I didn't see any clothes. Where do you keep them?

[@DSWadventures]

I pack my clothes in a duffle bag, it stays in the back seat of the truck. You could use the tab rear cabinets if you fold your clothes.

[@jodybogdanovich4333]

​@@DSWadventuresI also store my clothes in a duffle bag (or two!) and keep mine in the storage space under the rear seats. There's a lot of space in that hull area! *NOTE: You have to have the 320-S to access that space (S stands for split-seat and you have to have one side up and the otherside down to get to the storage).

[@DSWadventures]

@@jodybogdanovich4333 good idea.

[@deevine7940]

In my Tab 320, I don’t have a microwave and instead I have a cupboard in that space where I keep my clothes in packing cubes. Works really well. You can opt for the cabinet instead of the microwave. Since I am usually camping where there is no shore power, it made more sense for me. 👍

[@DSWadventures]

@deevine7940 Sometimes, it's nice to have, i can power the microwave off my bluetti or generator. But, I've only used it about 8 times also. Haha.

[@pesto12601]

106 degrees inside the trailer??!!?! Yikes..!!!

[@DSWadventures]

Yep. Haha

[@thegrizzlyfamily1374]

With such a big truck, why not a bigger trailer?

[@DSWadventures]

It's usually just me, also easier to tow and park in small spots.

[@ejp9921]

Nothing wrong with the size of this trailer…it has everything a person needs…& is comfortable

[@samuelfox8126]

If I had a home builder that built a home with a leaker I'm going to blame the home builder, not the asphalt shingle company. NuCamp chooses each product and installs it in their products. I'm not finishing the video because you're excusing faulty products.

[@DSWadventures]

Unfortunately, there are not many options out there as far as the rv component industry is concerned. Just about all of the rv manufacturers out there use all or some of these components. I honestly think the lap seal issue on my fan was a fix by the dealer for some reason. All the other T@bs I have seen have a had fairly clean looking installs. After following so many other rv brand pages and forums, these couple issues I've had are nill in comparison to so many other brands out there, some real rv nightmares out there for sure. I will say Nucamp is one of the few that actually listen to their customers. Every year or so, they make small changes here and there over the years to perfect their product. Their customer service and help are absolutely top-notch also. So far, I'm really happy with my little trailer. We shall see how she goes in the years to come. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@samuelfox8126]

@@DSWadventures That's puts into perspective why you write them off as not serious issues. If I bought a car and that much didn't work right is call it a lemon. It sucks the industry gets away with this garbage because people still buy it.

[@GuitarJams-zs7yf]

If you want your toilet to smell better then don't pee and poo in it. Just poo in it and pee outside. When you mix poo and pee is smells really bad.

[@DSWadventures]

I have noticed that. Guess that's why they have those separation toilets. Good thing to remember.

[@lewisbale1]

True, definitely have to keep it separated.