Tour of a Cargo Trailer Vs a Tab Trailer
Vložit
- čas přidán 29. 03. 2020
- In today’s video we draw a direct comparison between a $20,000 T@b trailer versus a $6000 DIY Cargo Trailer Conversion. Which is the better bang for your buck?
Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
Be sure to check out my Amazon store, which is full of items that I either use myself, or know other nomads who use them.
Buy anything through my Amazon Store and the commission helps support the channel.
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com/shop/cheaprvli...
AMAZON LINKS - Items I Recommend:
~Power Stations
amzn.to/3P4S3YV
~12V Batteries
amzn.to/3R16srM
~Portable Solar Panels
amzn.to/3PzhK5z
~Hard Solar Panels
amzn.to/45EVXPi
~Gas and Dual Fuel Generators
amzn.to/3L8Ix5W
~Air Conditioner Units
amzn.to/3P5wAip
~Pop Up Tents
amzn.to/3sNkFyc
______________________________________
Website:
cheaprvliving.com
My Book- How to Live in a Car, Van or RV:
amzn.to/3LDxDWW
Need a Cool Hat, T-shirt, or Sticker:
cheaprvlivingstore.creator-sp...
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com/shop/cheaprvli...
---------------------------------------------------------------
Socials:
• Facebook: / cheaprvlivingdotcom
• Instagram: @CheapRVliving
• TikTok: / cheaprvliving
______________________________________
Thanks for watching!
Just came across you’re video and I gotta tell ya I’ve owned just about every travel trailer known to man over my life time even class A and C motor homes and the reason for so many is I was never satisfied with any of them for one reason or another. Two yrs ago I purchased a 14x7 cargo with a 4ft deep V nose to work out of. Unintentionally it’s now I guess what you call a toy hauler. I installed a kitchen/ potty area solely in the v nose for job site comfort and added counter with sink and water system entry steps windows led lighting 13ft A&E awning even a removable king size bed for when wife and I use it for recreation and much much more But I can still work out of it because everything is removable except what’s in V nose. My work and play motel room lol. Man I love it and wished I’d done this 30 yrs ago. It’s virtually worry free. No delaminating or nothing. Most versatile worry free thing I’ve ever owned. FYI I bought it used and wrecked for 800. Fixed it back and up including complete new axels and components plus 5 new tires and wheels and the awning I made from two used ones and everything else I’ve bought or built for it I only have $4200 total invested. How cool is that.
Not sure the two are apples to apples. Regardless, if someone has the means and prefers the more finished space they'll spend the $20k or whatever the cost (could be a $250k class A?). Some buyers don't have the money or don't want to spend it so the cargo trailer works for them. To each his own.
For me the tab because I don't have the skills to build the cargo trailer. But I can see the advantages to the cargo trailer.
Great video Bob. With almost 2 years of having my custom built cargo camper, investing only $4200 and built perfectly for me.....yeah. I'll go Cargo any day.
I've been living out of a T@B Boondock Edge or over a year now and I love it. If you have the luxury of time I would definitely just build out your own trailer though. That being said I also think you left out a lot of cool details about the T@B. The Alde heating system is a dream especially at higher altitudes. I also have a wet bath in mine alongside built-in solar
Is there a bathroom in this model, do you think? Trying to figure that out from the video and comments, but wasn't mentioned.
I agree. Solar can easily be installed on Tab nuCamp uses flexible solar panels. The quality of the materials and build of the T@Bs is what make the price higher than cheaper RVs. It all comes down to personal preference. Some of us prefer to custom build our trailers and others prefer to have already built trailers. it is apples and oranges!
ghlyall some T@B models were built without a wet bath. I personally like having a wet bath in my RV. Not all people do though
@@g-r-a-e-m-e- sorry meant to respond sooner. The model shown in the video does not have a wet bath
@@g-r-a-e-m-e- No, the model he showed does not havre a bathroom. It would be where the closet is on the left front across from the door.
That's a TAB 320 boondock edition. They have the u shape seating...and this one doesn't have a shower/bath, many of these do. And yes, you can have solar - the newer ones have that option. Frankly, the aerodynamic design and dual pane fully opening windows are worth it. Love love the windows. Plus the exclusive doors. Not to mention the Amish carpentry in the Tab - quality. Just look at the dovetailed drawers.
T@bs are very nice trailers that can be modified to make a really nice home. Many have a bathroom inside, you can add more shelves and cabinets. It was my first choice but a bit more than I wanted to spend. Cargo trailers can be amazing if you take the time to design and build. I think I prefer a Weeroll personally. That's what makes life fun!
It all comes down to the comfort level you want/need, and are able to afford.
I'm 6' 2" and wouldn't want ANYTHING I can't stand up in. That being said, there are trailers much less expensive than the T@B that are more comparable to the Cargo Trailer.
Metal roof/skin on metal frame?
Or fiberglass skin, rubber roof, and wooden sticks on metal frame?
Personally, I'd pick the former.
I sold a 16 foot Scamp because at 6 foot tall my head was on the ceiling when I stood, thought I could compromise. Not. Haven't made next purchase yet, it will be a few years. R-Pod or self built cargo trailer. Just weighing the options.
@@66block84 do you have a site/channel to keep up with your decision?
Years ago I bought a brand new 22 ft. Ultralite travel trailer. While I loved my extended stays in it because of the amenities, I was shocked at its absolute lack of durability. In spite of my efforts the darn thing literally rotted out from under me. There was a new soft spot in the floor or walls every time I turned around. Furthermore, having to repair it gave me the chance to see its skeleton and construction materials up close. I was left speechless to learn how cheap its materials were compared to the $20,000+ I paid for it. When I buy another, it will be a cargo trailer I completely convert or a Wee Roll unit that I finish to my liking. The cargo trailer products are simply more bang for the buck than manufactured travel trailers.
Absolutely! You know a cargo trailer is built tough. It's a no-brainer for me!
The scamp or something similar second hand seems to be a very good choice period they are those all fiberglass eggstyle trailers period you won't get any soft spots in those and it keeps it kind of lighter for A ready-made light weight Travel trailer.
You had me at $6000.
I went the Cargo Trailer Route. I got a 6 X 12 ft Patriot. I had it sprayed with insulation and installed 1KW Solar with a 200 Ah Lithium battery system. I put in a 95 DZ Dometic Fridge with slide, a stove with oven, 13 gal. Big Kahuna water system with 12 volt pump. I also installed a Fantastic Vent w/remote, Window and Wave 3 heater. I painted the walls and installed a rug. I also got a massage table for a bed that has built in heating. Total weight of trailer is 2K lbs. Total cost of build out including trailer is 12K. About half the cost of the T@b with complete customization. 👍
37 people don't like slug fests between trailers but I do. My money is on the cargo trailer .
Bob, yes, you provide such service to the community. You validate & inspire people who would otherwise be discarded by society; something we have all experienced either personally or through loved ones. That said, I would so take the T@b. It's a girl thing. It's just more pretty & comfy looking-which is worth $$ to me.
I own a T@b. Bought it used for 7k, a few years back, in great condition. It's 8 years old now.
It is 1690 lbs loaded. The Cargo trailer weighs a LOT more. I thought about getting one, but a Gen 1 Tacoma TRD model is not meant for towing at all without mods. 3000 lbs, is overdoing it. It can't pull a Cargo of equivalent size to the T@b. And there are people that can't do that kind of work.
I'm 5'11" and I can stand up in the main area. I don't stand up in the table area, or when it's a bed. Why would anyone do that. I could live in it. By myself. Lol. You've shown people that do.
Those SUV's look like they'd break after a while of towing that Cargo as well. They're not meant for something that heavy, either. F150 time.
So that's what it's really all about with a T@b. Lightweight. Anything can tow it. Except my Prius. Then again.....
Hot Wheels, you got a bargain if you picked up a T@b for 7K. I think the cheapest I have seen them for is $12K. They are very nice trailers that have a lot of potential for mods. I will probably get a smaller cargo trailer and keep the build lightweight. Enjoy your T@b!!
A 6’x12’ v nose cargo trailer straight out of the dealership can weight as little as 955lbs, and as much as 1200lbs. A tab is 1220lbs
Great video !! Short and sweet !
I would definitely choose the cargo trailer, plenty of room, even for a house style, prefabricated SHOWER !!!, bigger water holding capacity, lighter weight, longer lasting construction, stronger, the list goes on...
cargo trailer I'm over 6 ft need that headspace for sure and like the deck space as well
I would say that you should have the same size camper to compare with the cargo trailer. Just a thought. I like the cargo trailer best too, but I would really change it inside. It is so naked and sad inside. Get cabinets on walls, shelfs, proper fronts on those already there etc. And diffrerent colors! Just my thoughts on it.
If you have the money and the income by the fancy one life is too short just remember when we die we aren't taking the bank. So me I'll buy the tear drop. Good luck to y'all.
The factory trailer is deluxe. Finished, polished, no wires hanging from the ceiling. etc. Many prefer the 'finished' look. My cargo conversion is a built to my liking. No wires on the ceiling. Hauls my motorcycle, has Solar, AC, TV, AM/FM-CD/DVD player, Jenson speakers, roof rack, awning, sofa-bed, diamond plate front deck, and I get 28mpg pulling it... I wouldn't trade for the tear drop but to each their own. 💙
Agree 100%. Cargo trailer. Van. Jeep. That's the way to go depending on where you want to go.
I would rather have that weeroll skycloud 12' long for 10k and mod the inside myself and in a year it will be just as nice inside as the T@B trailer but this one will last forever!
Is that the all aluminum one? Those are so lthey as a canvas to build whatever you want on
Cargo trailer is very nice. I'd also would take the tab if it were free 😁
I have a TAB but I love the layout of the cargo trailer. Amazing.
Mr. Wells,
On another note. With this COVID-19 many people will become jobless and homeless. Every one that I know that ends up in that situation I will be referring to your CZcams channel. Your channel was made for a time such as this. Thank you up front for being there for them. You are about to save countless people from a dismal existence. Please remind your subs to refer their contacts that may need your help.
I definitely prefer the cargo trailer. I like the simplicity of the design and the head space.
This is apples to oranges comparison. I don't have the time to build out. I have been in construction all my life so I could do it. I bought the Tab. In June I retire. My T@b and me are ready.
I want AC, and a wet bath. The Aldi. Heating system on Tab trailers is impressive. You could always put the solar panels on the SUV roof rack. I think Tab’s come pre-wired for solar. I guess it all depends on your budget and building skills.
Obviously the ones who did the build out on the cargo trailer had little to no skills. That thing looks like crap inside. Id be embarrassed to show people that mess.
Bob, you are so down to earth. Just a great spirit all around 💕 thank you for these videos and for being honest and so helpful to people interested in this lifestyle and for those who would otherwise be homeless. The world needs more of you!
Are cargo trailers usually allowed in RV parks?
I liked the video a lot! I would have liked to have seen the budget for the build-out of the trailer as well as the trailer's dimensions.
Put in another $3,000 on the cargo trailer (enclose the wiring and electronics, add a porta potty behind a privacy screen, finish the plywood surfaces with luan edges and varnish / polyurethane finish, add HVAC, and install larger windows), and I'll prefer the cargo trailer. It's roomier and more open to hanging pictures and other items for personal enjoyment.
Great Vid Bob, would take the T@B hands down. But both do not have facilities. As well, with the T@B, do not have to BUILD!!!!!!
Also the T@B is a well built trailer with high quality materials. Can't forget the Alde heating system either, much more efficient than your average propane heater.
I bought a 20 year old rv for $6k. Been in it 10 yrs full time
My answer would be neither. My heart is set on a class b camper van. Love the 80s & 90s Falcons or Airstreams. But if I HAD to choose, the cargo trailor for sure!
A falcon is a very nice setup. I almost bought one but the mileage was a deal breaker for me. I hope you find one that suits your needs! Enjoy.
True but the one thing I like about trailers is... you could save a lot of gas money with the right vehicle. The sienna van can tow 3500 pounds and gets 27 mpg. Where Van's and trucks get 17mpg or less depending on type of vehicle. I'm not sure about ford transit Van's though. I heard they get like 22mpg
Hi Bob! Great timing for me with this video! Thank you!
I don't need fancy, I need functional! Plus a cargo trailer I can build it my way, to accommodate my lifestyle, over time. For a lot less money.
Cargo trailer for me.
Thank You all that bring these vids This helps. 2yrs. behind on my cargo. Keep it simple. I don't want to Camp every day. But step out my simple Camper and in to a View that only a trillionaier could own. I am making it but Will feel RICH when I can do that. Living in a National Forest helps.
Hands down, the cargo trailer.
Thanks Bob.
Great video, easy choice, Cargo Trailer!! Thank you for sharing!
Trailer conversion for me and it is not close. Not only is the price greatly better, but the flexibility can't be beat. What's in there is what the owner wants there. Also, if you don't want it you can take it out.
Quality is huge!
I have lived in and worked on RVs, Tiny homes and even a 1950's Metro Van. There are many travel trailers that come from the factory with water damage. Most RVs live in a driveway or storage lot most of their life. They are not meant to be lived in full time. The high end ones are better but, over all, they are poorly constructed. Most of the RV repairmen I know that camp, have converted cargo trailers. Cargo trailers are built to be used in construction. That is a rough life.
Even if you spent 20K on building out a cargo trailer, you will have something.
I built a tiny home in 2009. It is still like new and it has been lived in full time it's entire life.
RV= short term
Cargo trailer+ long term
I love the Casitas!
Cargo trailer would be my choice. Love your videos thank you for all you do . God bless and be safe
Like the idea of the trailer but I’m not a builder don’t know anyone who does builds without wanting big bucks. So ready made makes sense for me, hoping for a casita but the tab is nice too.
there are videos of a 'no build' trailers on the channel
I'd take the Tab for its lighter weight and cuteness being towed behind my midsize truck. I'm 3" taller than the ceiling height of my vintage camper and I got used to it. Other than when cooking or showering I don't stand up in it. Towing is easier on gas with a lower profile and more stable down the road with proper weight distribution. I don't care much for the rear door of a cargo trailer as all my toys fit in the back of my truck. Considering that my camper is 47 years old it did ok with proper maintenance and updating.
I am going with the cargo trailer cause I already had one. I want to make a micro toy hauler.
Cargo for sure between THESE two. Im still shooting for a van and the main reasons are I don't want to have to get outside if I need to leave and it's easier to maneuver into spaces without towing something
I'd like to do the same with mine! The dinette/bed and the couch/bed in the back will be removable to accommodate for a quad or dirtbike. Cheers!
Love my cargo toy hauler. Takes 5 minutes to drop the back and load my Harley and off I go.
Hands down. Cargo trailer. NICE!
I would pick the cargo trailer for sure! Much better deal and the way I want it
Bob, love your channel. I have been going back and forth on different trailers. I built a small (6' x 10') open utility trailer that I use for camping. But to live in, I picked up a 26' used toy hauler that can sleep 8, has AC and a 5500 generator and even a fueling station. I looked for a while and got this one for $10k. The downside is that it is very heavy and requires a 250 or 350 to tow it. But i am very happy with it. I am 6' 3" and have great head room. Anyway, I think used trailers are a great option.
Great Alternative!
I built out the exact trailer for my business for a fiber splicing trailer and take it in ditches so put an inversion kit on the springs and got 5inches of lift for ground clearance. It inverts the axle above the springs instead of under
Take the camper. By the time you build out the cargo trailer right not sure if you would have close to 20,000 in it.
Hugely incredible shapes, friend.
NuCamp any day.
I'm 6ft but would still go with the Tab
Hi Bob! Great comparison video! I'd be curious to see more. Glad to see that you are in good health with covid19 going around. Stay safe!
I choose the cargo trailor. I can put what I want in it.
See....how I would have compared them would have been by matching prices equally. I mean...if you are spending $20k on one...spend 20k on other and see the differences. Trailer will then come out waaaaaaay ahead.
Awesome video bob, I like them both😍❤️🇨🇦 thank you for doing this video, your the best
The tab has a bathroom. Shower/toilet, the cargo trailer doesn't. There is a lot of expense in plumbing, water storage etc. associated with the tab. I would have to have a shower and toilet in anything I'd consider staying in for any length of time personally.
As a T@B owner I do agree that there are much better value trailers on the market. Of course, for NuCamp, this really isn't their niche. I like to think of the T@B as the Airstream of the teardrop world. Do we know for certain that the cargo trailer is better insulated? My T@B 320 s Boondock has double pane windows and even parked in the Texas heat all day seems to have a very slow temperature gradient throughout the day. In the absence of empirical data I will leave the question open.
Value is subjective. Build costs were not mentioned for the cargo trailer, as well as it is plain, plain, plain. The T@B has a "cool factor" that the cargo trailer will never have. This may have been an unfair comparison on Bob's part.
@@beach3girl459 Cargo trailers are notoriously cheaply built. Most have cheap thin plywood interiors if they have wood at all and the overall build quality is really low. I have owned several over the years as a contractor and I would never consider building a home or camper from one for this very reason. There may be better quality available now then when I was active (1985-2009) but I doubt it, If anything they're probably worse now than then.
"... the Airstream of the teardrop world".
Beautifully put!
I consider the T@b to be one of the best designed and constructed travel trailers, and to be built with high quality materials, components and appliances.
My only real complaint is that the roof could be 6 inches higher, that would make it about perfect as a commercially manufactured trailer.
@@graystone3048 My experience has been just the opposite. Factory built RV's are notorious for poor quality construction, whereas cargo trailers are built to last.
Cargo trailer of course . One concern though I see the Cargo trailer has a lot of seams that seem quite open and wide do all of those seams have to be caulked or sealed some how if so what would be used. Thanks Bob you are the man
RV's, especially larger ones, have the same issue. The seams are usually just covered with a color-matching tape or have a slotted plastic joint that the two adjoining pieces slide into. I couldn't tell for sure if this was FRP or what they were using, so I posted that question.
Better to buy cargo trailer that is seamless. The build outs I've seen go back and caulk from the inside before insulatiing with foamboard
Teardrop wins hands down because it has a BATHROOM, if you can have a bathroom in a teardrop that's half the size, no reason you can't have one in the trailer. The problem with most of these self builds is they take the lazy way out and have no bathroom so... Go out like an animal? It's 2020. No bathroom no buy.
6k vs. 20k, I think I could come up with something for the cargo trailer for 14k difference, jmo.
I was trying to figure that out. Bob didn't mention the bathroom, so maybe there isn't one in this model, although often they are built in, and if so should be mentioned as a definite plus point.
@@g-r-a-e-m-e- Boondocks have a wet bathroom standard
I think so, but still couldn't see it in the video. Maybe Bob could confirm.
Thanks for the video.
I know they didn't and I'm sure they have good reasons but...
HOWA could have sold the T@B and built 3 cargo trailers helping more people.
Cargo trailer 100% great job on bldg it. I think its absolutely gorgeous. Good luck to the Mom and Son❤
For 20k I expect a ready to go totally off grid trailer which includes solar. Especially that small. You could build out an amazing trailer for 20k or buy a chunk of land.
Or do both - buy land and build out a cargo trailer. :)
I pick the one in the middle. A nice runaway for about 4 grand.
That's a no brainer...cargo trailer.👍🏻
can't compare the 2! I own a Bushwhacker Plus that I bought new few months ago for $10500 and it came with everything I need, of course some stuff I didn't need but much better value then both of those campers... and it's tall inside. I build a cargo trailer before too but it feels like living in a warehouse no matter how nice you make it and it can get expansive
This is apples and oranges comparison. It's hard to compare 20k to 6k. The Tab is much lighter, nicer inside, better (offroad) suspension , is smaller (pros and cons) and most of those things Bob pointed out people WOULD want. Not trying to live with no AC. But if all you have is 6k the cargo trailer works.
The Tab weighs in at almost 3,000 lbs, whereas the cargo trailer before mods is about 1,000 lbs. If you don't buy heavy cabinetry etc you can easily come away much lighter with a cargo conversion
@@sandywieringa4434 I was referring to $$ not weight.
You were referring to $$$ when you said the tab was “lighter”🤔.
I bought a 6X12 cargo trailer last year for 3K. I fixed it up and sold it for 8K. 👍
Knowing what I know now, I would go with the cargo trailer. The pre-built RVs have all the nice amenities for sure. However, those amenities take up a lot of room, are expensive to repair and in many cases, just unnecessary. It’s really a matter of desire really.
I'm going with a Runaway Venturist 6x8 and will make it my own. I owned an 19' foot travel trailer with a slide out briefly (thank goodness) Very cheaply built but relatively expensive. The Runaway is all composite, no wood and the model I'm buying is rugged enough to go off road. Being a truckdriver for 12+ years, the small living space is no problem for me. Bob has interviewed a couple of Runaway owners. I saw one being towed by a Corolla!
Most people cannot get a FREE build for their cargo trailer. Custom Building a cargo trailer is very expensive for those who are unwilling or unable or don’t have the time to do build it for themselves.
He accounted for the cost of the trailer. They paid $3000 for it. And besides, is putting a cot and a table in a trailer really that expensive? You can start simple and work slowly. And if you're just "unwilling" to do it, then that's a completely different problem entirely.
@@tedfort1698 Yeah, you make a great point & even non builder people can get ready made cabinets to screw in. Suggestions for even buying cheap plastic drawers or used dressers / cupboards from yard sales & thrift stores are all over you tube.
Price-wise, I think most people , myself included, would rather custom build a trailer. A 20K custom build cargo trailer next to a 20k T@B , I'd appreciate the custom built trailer much more.
The cargo trailer I would choose
Both are nice
My vote for the cargo trailer the ability to add as much solar as you may want, designed custom to fit my needs
Great vid! Thanks Bob! Michael in Houston (Jazz Man, lol 😂)
Yeah, I’m getting a cargo. Most tabs I’ve seen only have outside kitchens. Every few pay days I’ll get some work done starting with the electric and solar.
Thanks Bob, that was great, Now I have a better idea which direction I want to go.
Way to go Jeff
I'd pick a cargo trailer anyday
I'm curious what you used for wall / ceiling covering material in the cargo trailer.
Cargo all the way!!!
I like the Tab better but the cost is way to high
I would have to go with the cargo trailer . I'm 6ft 5 in tall and 380 lbs.
THE CARGO TRAILER BY A MILE !
So, do state and national parks allow a converted cargo trailer entrance to their parks? Do commercial parks allow converted cargo trailers?
Phil Capling good question
I have been in state parks and koa campgrounds in my cargo trailer.
State parks and National Parks shouldn't be a problem. It is private RV parks that sometimes have rules on how old a trailer is. You would have to call the RV park to find out.
My first Boondocker was a build out on a used bread truck. Beat all the trailers I ever had. It wasn't that hard. If you are not trying to duplicate all the fancy stuff you really need you can do it without building anything. Just takes a bit of imagination. At the moment I stripping out a used B+ because I don't need all the stuff or the extra weight.
You Sir are far from prejudiced but it was easy to see your preference :) Take care everyone at HOWA.
I'm with you Bob my son could make it wonderful for me
Cargo trlr for sure!
From thefirst time I saw one of your videos with a t@b 400, I felt that that was the trailer for me! However, in all honesty, a lot of the features are probably too fancy... I wouldn't be happy about carrying tanks, and I don't mind a poop bucket and portable water tanks.
I would still love to have one though, but in Canada all the trailers go for much more cost than just the exchange rate. I'm guessing it's duties and import fees... So every price I hear in videos I have to double. T@bs around here go for $45,000 Canadian (new, and I haven't seen any for sale used) 😭😭😭
All that said, if I had somebody to build the basics, a cargo trailer is probably more sensible for me. You did a video of a lady whose name escapes me (Gypsy?) In a cargo trailer (WeeRoll, I think) and it was **absolutely gorgeous** inside! She's my inspiration... I think that was the most beautiful build in any vehicle that I've seen!
The Tab Boondocker was a freebie versus a $6,000 custom built cargo trailer. What was the interior head room for the trailer? And its width? Having the beds running side-to-side had me wondering if the parent and child weren't tall.
Comparing the two side by side is not a fair comparison. I'm glad that you admit that you are biased for the cargo trailer over the Tab, and, if someone prefers the smaller trailer, so be it. You have made it a normalcy to praise and demonstrate small modes of living, the car, the van, etc, and it now it amazes me that you now show distain for a small trailer. Let everyone choose what they want and let it be.
Yes cargo is best IMHO
i will take the cargo trailer buildout in a minute!!!!!