T@B 320 beginners Boondocking Tips

[@autoboto]

This is pretty good info. I've been work camping in my tab outback for a year. I'm fortunate to have gotten the 3-way fridge. Also propane is nice on cool mornings and to have warm shower before leaving for work. Plus cooking, the propane tank last a good 2 months. 160 watt solar panel and for backup I have 2000 watt generator. I usually do week at rv site with power and 3 weeks off grid. The generator I mostly use to splurge on energy to cook delicious meals in my instapot. Bag of dry pinto/black beans to delicious chilli is about an hour on the generator. As for passive cooling I do a shade over the whole trailer with air flow gap. Second shade for the side door area. Also the hitch side front window I use car solar reflector window shade outside of the window stop sun heat going through the window and building up inside between paper shade area and window. Was using velcro but uv rotted the plastic so looking to do sleeve that fit over the window snug and the solar reflector attaches to the sleeve. Solor reflectors on the outside windows while i'm gone at work greatly reduce heat buildup inside closed locked TAB.

[@ingridhansen8278]

Sounds pretty awesome!!!

[@drivin69]

spray bottles work good two wash your hands & dished.. a home depot spray bottle on mist the most mist you can get will last at least 3 days with constant use.. get ones for sink for you hands and keep one for the dishes separate , like a hair spray bottle... but the home depot or lowes kind are fine.. 27 once i think mabey 32 oz i forget

[@peterboddie3904]

Good job. We don't have a TAB, but are thinking about scaling up from a tent. Boon docking will definitely be the normal way we would camp and staying in campgrounds with hookups, not so much. As far as water and power usage - we don't need much as we are used to primitive camping. We started out backpacking, then moved to car camping. Because of our age (late 60's) there are two luxuries we would like to have camping: not sleeping on the ground and having a bathroom for the middle of the night. The TAB offers both those options. Thanks for posting your video. Very well done. P.S. We like the desert too.....just not in July.

[@RobertsAdventure]

Good info, we just got our 2021 TAB SS Boondock used and I didn't know it had the BT Victron controller.

[@dturnb9810]

I loved the explanations of passive solar orientation. You also made clear about which types of outlets worked off grid. I have a cpap machine I use at night. If I understood you correctly, the extra solar panels worked to a battery that would power the ac outlets. Thank you!

[@lakewindMN]

Excellent video, Chris and Gris. I appreciated your concise yet thorough approach to these topics. We're newbies too (newbie-er than you!) so you clarified several questions and topics for us regarding boondocking.

[@chrisgris6553]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ParalegalSEA]

Good job! Thanks❤

[@charlottewilson4680]

This was so helpful.we have a 2017 T@B.

[@sandyw821]

I bought an awning like this from Amazon also and sewed keder rope to the side that attaches to the trailer. I ordered the keder rope off the internet, so the awning will then attach directly to your keder rail. It’s not expensive and fairly easy to sew, just be sure to use a needle designed for heavy fabric as the tape that is part of the rope is thick.

[@sandyw821]

I need to add, I bought rail stops for both ends to keep the awning from sliding.

[@snowpetersen8869]

@@sandyw821 Do you have a link for the keder rope you purchased? That is a great idea

[@tclarke971]

Great video Chris and Gris. I am a photographer and love the images in the US SouthWest. I have been looking at boondocking for a few years now. I though Maybe 2023 would be the year. Since I have never really been RVing I thought I would try it for 4 months and see how I like it. Of course I would mix it up from boondocking to sites with full hook ups. I have some questions regarding adding lithium batteries and extra solar panels to the TAB. Is that a practical solution to adding more power to the TAB. Also, is the TAB something you feel would be a good RV to start my journey. Trying to give myself room if I don't like RVing I could sell it and not go brook in the process. Appreciate any comment or advice you can give. Thank you

[@cruisinwithjudy]

It was great meeting you on our recent cruise. New Subscriber! Excellent video. This is a lot different from the camping we do, so this video was really eye opening and informative. Thanks.

[@judyzeigler3980]

Thank you. Looks like it is working pretty good.

[@paulromero2368]

Good info! I’m saving up for a one of these $30,000 mini campers

[@onefastcyclist]

Good basic info on orientation - we go out for a week at time with our 2019 T@B on moderate 4x4 trails. We have a Lock & Roll hitch/coupler and a Jack-e-up for ground clearance along with updated cabinet latches to make that possible. Our 3-way frig runs on propane, so we get by with just a 90watt solar panel. However, it is just as small as yours - so we fill an Otter cooler with ice to provide additional space for a head of lettuce. Our truck is lifted one inch higher in the back so it rides level when towing (Old Man Emu). Happy Trails

[@mikelig8365]

Thanks, I appreciate your help

[@regstewart06]

Thanks 🙏🏾 for sharing

[@lindaschmitt3625]

Thanks! Great video!

[@davidsavage5930]

I'm new to your channel. So far enjoying your vlogs. Good mix of content! Thanks

[@chrisgris6553]

Glad you like them!

[@mandyg1516]

Excellent video

[@barbforrest6026]

enjoyed your video 2xs now. my solar is not generating any power. I have the same model you do. about to check fuses but can't find any info on where they are. The battery will charge on shore power. solar was working 29 days ago according to hx on app. Also, I bought that tent/awning and it's hard for me to put up alone. You must have it up high to get the side to lay on top of your teardrop. Any suggestions. It did come with the rubber suction cups and I have extra. I just checked the ontroler. It has a green light on and a blue light ocassionally flashing. looks like there is a red wire hanging loose. not sure where it goes. Funny it should have come loose since it hasn't been moved.

[@MaryOKC]

You kids could buy commercial grade Double Bubble Reflective Foil Insulation (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, Ace), cut that out to fit inside your windows to block the suns heat during the day…easy to install and remove if cut to fit inside the window frame.

[@Nambosmom]

I've done this but it is not recommended because it will melt the windows! 😔 But you could put them on the outside as someone else commented. Great idea.

[@MaryOKC]

@@Nambosmom yes - I did fail to say if you put them on the inside you need to lock the window so it breathes and I put on the outside too. I had awnings for my tab400 found on Etsy but sold that and now have a 320 so need them for the 320.

[@larsthorwald3338]

That's pretty slick. Your choice of location seems a little odd--is there some interesting hiking or other activity in the area? ...seems a little desolate, but maybe that's the appeal? In any case, it's a really interesting proof of concept--showing that you can live comfortably in a harsh environment like that for a week. Thanks for a great discussion of boondocking!

[@polofreak5]

Yes this is the closest BLM land outside of Zion National Park. We were about a 30min drive away. So we decided to boondock here for the week and then we stayed at a campground at Zion over the weekend.

[@larsthorwald3338]

@@polofreak5 Smart!

[@stevecastle4285]

Love your show

[@ginam3940]

Are you still traveling in your T@B 320 Boondock? We have a 2006 T@B, purchased new and we're finally thinking of of upgrading to the 320 Boondock. Your videos are very helpful!

[@dlmac5935]

Well done video guys!

[@TrekkerPlanet]

Love your videos. What size is the TV? My '05 T@b doesn't have one, and I've been thinking about getting one from Walmart or Bestbuy. I am planning to power my camper with an ecoflow delta and river pro + 3-160w ec panels. Hopefully, that will take care of all my energy needs.

[@jeanw9977]

Great video and great info! Thank you!!

[@chrisgris6553]

Glad it was helpful!

[@normafec68]

THanks.. you both are awesome... cant wait to see your next vlog

[@rebekahm6288]

Thank you so much for this video!!. I too wanted a sun shade for my 320 but they are too expensive. Thanks for the idea of what and where you purchased your sun shade. I'm wondering if you could address boondocking with just the battery. Im looking to boondock for three nights. I don't have a solar panel, not worried about water but would my battery get me through 3 nights. I have taken ur advice on tuning the fridge down and disconnecting the TV. Again Thank you GREAT ADVICE!

[@grega1010]

You two have the start of an awesome channel. I’m considering a 320s or 400. The 320s is attractive because of its smaller size. I’m curious about how you manage your dogs? I have two larger dogs. Where do your doggies sleep?

[@chrisgris6553]

Hey Greg! Check out our tour of the T@B, we show our viewers where our dogs sleep :) Also Thanks for watching!

[@joniboulware1436]

The back up charger is smart. But why not just upgrade your primary battery. So many great lithium options are affordable now.

[@cliffwendy3765]

Curious to see you thin sulate the outside of your Tab southern and west exposure. I did for my Alto 1713, but haven't tested it yet.

[@jesserevilla992]

Chris, appreciate this vid. Great technical's needed for your exposure. Please have you used the A/C in hot weather being hooked up to shore power? I'm in Florida and enjoy the state parks but we need A/C I have yet to find anything commenting A/C usage in a Tab 320 and I get it. Most are boondocking and winter camping in this TT from what I'm seeing. That is what holds me back is the A/C ; 90% of our camping has Grid power.

[@chrisgris6553]

We actually have used the AC when connected to shore. We were in Utah last summer and weather was around 104 degrees so we definitely needed some fresh cooling. The AC does great and actually cools down the trailer pretty quick! You do have to make sure the TAB is slightly tilted down so it can drain appropriately. Keep an eye out for that!

[@Steve-yo4ld]

What are you using for Batteries? Ever give any though to upgrading to 2 6 Volt AGM Batteries! A far better choice than 2 12 Volt Batteries!

[@cliffwendy3765]

Excellent information, but what is the outside temperature ranges?

[@robinsnyder6618]

if you are anticipating full sun the next day, why turn of the fridge at night? I typically don't and my battery is still about 3/4 full in the AM, then charges right back up to full during the day

[@chrisgris6553]

Hey Robin, Unfortunately during that week they kept predicting cloudy days so we couldn't afford to lose or drop the battery. We had 2 days with no sun and we had to compromise:)

[@hoco1007]

I got my Honda generator converted to propane so I don’t need gas :)

[@kimberleygarrett895]

Great tab info video! Question...any suggestions for those of us ladies that like to blow dry our hair or heat up a straightener while boondocking? Sometimes I need to dress for a work meeting....

[@chrisgris6553]

Solar charger is the way to go. You would just have to make sure the charger can handle the amount of wattage that your blow dryer and straightener pull. Ours can only handle 1200w so we would most likely need to upgrade.

[@marionk995]

Hope all is well

[@andrewmcmullen9883]

Very good video. We are considering a 320 as well. I’d love to Boondock and would likewise upgrade to lithium batteries. Have you thought of adding an inverter? Or carry a generator? I’m not trying to start a fight (I promise!) but the hottest part of the day actually occurs between 3:00-4:00pm. In case that affects how you set up your camper. Keep the videos coming! Andy

[@marionk995]

How well did the cassette toilet hold up or should I say fill up lol

[@chrisgris6553]

Hey Marion, Cassette toilet was dumped at the local dump that was only 3 miles away. The best thing about this T@B is that you don't have to take it with you. You can easily take the cassette by itself.

[@elliottmeltzer6127]

We were watching your video and saw the battery monitor you are using. What brand is it and are you happy with it?

[@ellie-ji4wi]

Nice video for a newbie. Picking up our tab 320S which 600 miles away from home & first time ever driving with a trailer. Do you recommend installing a sway bar & what kind/type of electric brakes are you currently using for the tab?

[@polofreak5]

We don’t use a sway bar. Did a lot of research before hand and determined that it wasn’t needed because it’s not nearly heavy enough. We use the curt echo electronic brake controller. However, if possible I would get a brake controller hardwired into your car. There’s a lot of hassle dealing with the curt.

[@ellie-ji4wi]

@@polofreak5 Thanks for the quick reply. Then what brand would you recommend for a hard wired brake controller? Thanks again.

[@ellie-ji4wi]

@@polofreak5 What's the maximum output & sensitivity setting while using the curt echo you recommend?

[@bethcote4252]

How do you pack groceries and meal plan for a week on solar?

[@brent6518]

Great video...what kind of battery setup do you have (standard 12v, 2 6volt, lithium?)..thank you

[@chrisgris6553]

Hi Brent, The t@b comes standard with a 12v AGM. Eventually we plan on upgrading to a lithium.

[@andrewmcmullen9883]

Quick question. Do you have the V6 or V8 Jeep GC? Do you feel secure towing the trailer? Also, since you travel with full tanks, propane and battery, what is your tongue weight? Thanks! I have a Jeep GC with the V8 but my payload capacity stinks! I would be afraid the tongue weight would eat up all my payload. Cheers! Andy.

[@WestonMaggio]

Thank you! Very informative. I am about to install a solar panel on my 2021 Tab 320S (non-Boondock). Can you tell me where nuCamp placed the solar controller? Is it in the tongue box , or elsewhere? Thanks again!

[@brent6518]

On my Tab, its located under the driver side bench seat inside the trailer

[@WestonMaggio]

Thanks@@brent6518. I was thinking of putting it there at first, but recently, I was thinking of placing it inside the tongue box, close to the battery.

[@brent6518]

@@WestonMaggio i find that the inside of the tongue box frequently is wet from condensation.. something to consider, dont know if the victron controller is weatherproof.

[@sikesy7]

How's the tab do off road in general ? Those tires look small.

[@Steveski70]

Hi What is the length of the alum box behind tire on your T@B?

[@jennifermayer-glenn4127]

Missing your new videos. What are you up to?

[@BettyMak]

You mentioned that you guys just used ventilation and positioning, but if you wanted to use the AC would that be possible, or it's just too much of a draw to work? Say even when you are in full sun? Same question if it was heat? or does propane take care of that?

[@chrisgris6553]

Hey Betty you would need to be hooked up to shore power. If you wanted to be off grid with AC you could buy a generator to give you power. The heater on the other hand could run completely on propane.

[@exploringcolorado720]

Have you had any trouble keeping the fridge cool in the hot temperatures while boondocking? I saw another video where the owner installed small fan in the vent to exhaust the hot air coming from the fridge to the outside, but I don't see an exterior vent on the 2021 Tab. I am wondering where they exhaust the air to...hopefully it's not just trapped in that sealed cabinet.

[@splatmatt]

The older less efficient absorptive refrigerators had issues. The newer 2 way units with the high velocity danfoss compressor sips battery power and stays cool

[@LouCook4531]

I see you shower outside, do you use you shower in the trailer on a regular basis? I am deciding between the tab 400 and this trailer and was wondering if you had regrets getting the smaller shower.

[@chrisgris6553]

Hi Lori, Thanks for watching. We use our trailer shower on a regular basis but in this scenario we were by Zion in 90-100 degrees weather and a nice shower outside was calling our names. We also did not want to fill up the gray tank so this was a great alternative.

[@HrudhayVarma]

Can we fit it in a regular garage?

[@flaxjimdiaz9989]

Good information but too many selfies, I want to see the area you in.

[@keeponkeepinon76]

Could you just add a second battery or switch to lithium?

[@polofreak5]

There’s really not enough room for a second battery and switching to lithium is an option but it’s expensive. It’s recommended. That you let nucamp do the conversation because they have to switch out the wiring that’s hard to get to. So we decided to forgo that route.

[@jtepsr]

A Honda generator would help you out

[@chrisgris6553]

That is definitely on our list :)

[@bh9262]

New subscriber!

[@chrisgris6553]

Thanks for subbing!

[@debrajean9432]

Were you camping on BLM land? It looks like the perfect getaway location.

[@paulromero2368]

I don’t know if I like the idea of disconnecting the TV while in the middle of the desert. The alternative, looking at a bunch of a little weeds in the desert, eeeeeh... doesn’t seem that exciting to me. I’d rather have a little tv. Especially for a $30,000 tiny camper

[@paulromero2368]

Your excitement here is staring at your partner in the face, saying who blinks first