NuCamp TAB 400 Review – Did We Make A Good Choice?
After several years of tent camping, John and I decided that enough was enough, and began the hunt for the perfect trailer.
We knew that we were partial to Teardrop Trailers, so when we came across the 2023 Nucamp TAB 400 Boondock, it was an instant connection.
Now that we are heading into our third season with “Nellie,” we felt it was time to post an honest review of our trailer.
In this blog post, we talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between about owning a TAB 400.
So if this is a trailer that you may be considering, or maybe you are just curious about Teardrops in general, then this post is for you!
The Basics
Let’s start off with the basics! This is the trailer we will be reviewing in our post:
- Model: 2023 NuCamp TAB 400 Boondock
- MSRP: Approximately $47,914 USD
- Purpose: Designed for extended off-grid adventures with enhanced off-road capabilities.
Key Features of the NuCamp TAB 400
So let’s start with what most people are interested in – the features of this trailer!
Dimensions & Weight
These stats are really important to look at for several reasons. For one, you need to know if your current vehicle can handle towing the TAB 400.
Secondly, If you are on the taller side, will this vehicle accommodate you comfortably?
In our case, we were fine on all counts.
- Exterior Length: 18′ 3″
- Exterior Width: 7′ 6″
- Exterior Height: 8′ 8″
- Interior Height: 6′ 7″
- Dry Weight: 2,831 lbs
- Tongue Weight (Dry): 390 lbs
- Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): 3,900 lbs
Interior Layout
Aside from how cute the TAB 400 looks on the outside, we really fell in love with the layout on the inside.
This trailer definitely makes efficient use of the space that it has. Every nook and cranny has been thoughtfully planned out.
You will find a queen-sized bed at the rear of the camper, a galley kitchen on the passenger side middle of the camper, with a fully enclosed bathroom opposite it on the driver’s side.
The dinette with a hidden bunk bed is located at the front of the camper.
And while there is plenty of room for John and me to move around, it does start to feel crowded when the kids are in the camper as well.
But that’s ok for us, as it is only really a place to sleep, use the bathroom, and maybe cook in.
Walk-Through Video of Our TAB 400
Interested in seeing what our Nellie looks like on the inside? Check out our short walk-through video on YouTube below!
Sleeping Arrangements
The sleeping arrangements were one of the biggest reasons we decided to buy this trailer.
- Main Bed: 55″ x 79″ (Queen-size)
- Optional Bunk Beds: Top Bunk – 31″ x 74″; Bottom Bunk – 22″ x 65″
- Convertible Dinette: Transforms into an additional sleeping area.
We really wanted a dedicated sleeping area for when we travelled without the kids.
The smaller NuCamp teardrops required you to convert the dinette to the sleeping area, which did not appeal to us whatsoever.
We did not want that hassle.
The only downside to the dedicated bed is that you are sleeping wheel to wheel. This means that one person has to climb over the other to get in and out of bed.
This may be a deal breaker for some.
For us, we really don’t mind as the sleeping area is really comfortable and cozy!
The RV queen bed is pretty comfortable. It uses a Froli system (plastic coil-like pieces under the mattress) for added support and breathability.
We added a mattress topper for added comfort, and sleep like babies!
Bunk Beds
The 2023 TAB 400 was also the first model year that incorporated bunk beds. This was a plus since we often travel with 2 kids.
We do not mind converting the dinette into the bunks (it’s a really easy process), because with four of us, we don’t use the dinette anyway.
The bunks worked out great for the first year. Then our youngest hit a serious growth spurt!
Now our teens fight over the bottom bunk as it has a little more leg room! 🙄🙄
Kitchen Amenities
One of the main reasons for purchasing a trailer was to get us out of inclement weather.
The TAB 400 comes with a full indoor kitchen, which was exactly what we wanted!
- Refrigerator: 4.6 cu. ft. 12V compressor fridge
- Cooktop: 2-burner glass-top stove
- Sink: Round, stainless steel with glass cover
- Microwave: Optional add-on
While we still use our Coleman gas stove to mostly cook outdoors, I love having the option of not going outside if I don’t want to.
And since John and I tend to camp at least until the end of October (and sometimes later than that), we have definitely made use of it!
If you prefer an outdoor kitchen, then other NuCamp models may be a better fit.
We find our fridge to be big enough for our travels, and the 2-burner gas stove and microwave to work well for our needs.
Just note, that the microwave can only be used when plugged into campground shore power (30 amp service). It won’t run on the battery.
Storage in the kitchen isn’t bad either, but we will talk more about that later.
And as far as counter space goes, it’s not too bad. I mean, I could always use more! If you close the sink and stove, there is plenty of prep space.
Our only complaint is the size of the sink. The Dometic sink with its fold-down faucet may look great, but it does not function.
The sink is too shallow and the faucet is too short, making it difficult to wash larger dishes. And forget about pots and pans!
We already have plans to replace the sink in the near future!
Bathroom Features
This was the absolute TOP reason that we purchased the TAB 400 over other smaller Teardrop trailers – the bathroom!
- Type: Wet bath
- Components: Shower, flush toilet, and sink
- Water Systems:
- Fresh Water Tank: 25 gallons
- Gray Water Tank: 18 gallons
- Black Water Tank: 12 gallons
John and I looked at a LOT of Teardrops, and none had a bathroom as nice as this one!
The TAB 400 comes with a pretty spacious wet bath, considering the size of the trailer.
While we don’t usually use the shower (unless the campground one is in bad shape), when I do, I don’t feel overly cramped or uncomfortable.
Our bathroom also comes with a flush toilet, porcelain sink, fan, mirror, a 120-volt receptacle, and a window.
I love how the porcelain sink sits on a small shelf. We use that shelf to hold our soap and a number of other things.
Unfortunately, the sink has been replaced by a plastic corner sink and the shelf has been removed in later models of the TAB 400.
The storage is also pretty functional.
Our only complaint is the faucet handle to turn on/off the shower. Poor design means if you hit it accidentally or get caught on it, you get a surprise shower!
Fortunately, a clever NuCamp owner designed a sweet little gadget to put over the faucet, which solves the problem.
The design can be found for free online, and you can have it 3D printed for pretty cheap.
Storage
Storage will definitely be an issue for some in the TAB 400. But considering the size of the camper, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise.
But as we mentioned earlier, NuCamp really does a fantastic job of packing as much storage space as possible in their Teardrop Trailers.
There are plenty of drawers, cupboards, and shelves to store all your essentials. There is even storage under the seats in the dinette.
Plenty of space if you are a Master Packer!
And if you use some clever storage solutions, you can take full advantage of all that space.
John and I have no complaints about the storage situation. Everything that we need for day-to-day living is in the trailer.
Where we run into problems is with our clothing, and with our outside gear.
With our clothing, we just pack all we need in a duffel bag. The bags sit at the foot of our bed during the day, and on the floor at night.
Outdoor furniture and larger items all need to be stored in your tow vehicle.
Unfortunately, the underbelly storage is only good for storing things like electrical cords, hoses, tools, and wheel chocks.
Climate Control
Living (and camping) in Southern Ontario means that we are exposed to all kinds of weather.
This is why it was important to us that we had sufficient climate control in our Teardrop.
- Heating: Alde® Central Heat & Hot Water System
- Cooling: Central Air Conditioning
- Ventilation: Power roof fan
Our TAB 400 comes with both heat and air conditioning, as well as a power roof fan that helps to circulate the air.
And since it only takes a few minutes to cool the camper, we have been more than comfortable during a summer heat wave.
And when it dropped down to single digits while camping in November, we were toasty warm with our Alde heater.
While the heater does run on both shore power electricity and propane, the propane is a lot faster at heating the camper on pretty cold days.
Propane System and Outdoor Stove Hookup
The TAB 400 comes with a propane system that supports the Alde® heating system and indoor cooktop.
- Propane Tank: Comes with a single 20 lb (4.7 gallons) propane tank housed in a front diamond plate LP tub.
- Exterior LP Hookup: Includes an exterior low-pressure propane connection located at the rear on the passenger side, allowing for the connection of an outdoor stove or grill.
It can also be used for external appliances via the LP hookup.
While John and I do use a Coleman stove outdoors, we have not used the LP hookup. For that, we would need to find an adapter.
The Propane tank is housed in the diamond-plate storage box located at the front of the trailer. There is plenty of space in the storage box for a second tank if you think that you will need one.
For us, the only time we really run down the propane tank is in the late fall when we have the heat going for longer times.
Otherwise, our propane tank will last for almost the whole camping season.
Electrical & Solar
One of the great things about the TAB 400 Boondock, is that it comes with a Lithium battery and solar panels.
This means that you are ready to camp off-grid if this is how you roll.
- Battery: 100-Amp Hr Lithium Battery with internal heat
- Inverter: 1,200-Watt
- Solar: Roof-mounted solar panel included
- Converter: Auto-detect power converter
John and I usually camp in powered sites, but there have been occasions when this was not possible.
The battery and solar panels kept us going for the night, which was awesome!
If boondocking is your regular form of camping, we might recommend getting an additional Lithium battery to boost your power for longer trips.
Water Systems
Our TAB 400 features the Alde® Central Heat & Hot Water System and the Alde® FLOW Instant Hot Water System.
- Water Management: Equipped with the Nautilus Water Management System, allowing for easy control of water functions, including tank fill, city water, and winterization settings.
- Fresh Water Tank: 25 gallons capacity.
- Gray Water Tank: 18 gallons capacity.
- Black Water Tank: 12 gallons capacity.
Together, these systems provide decent and efficient heating for both the interior and the water supply.
The Nautilus System is super easy to use. There is a sticker right on the panel which shows you how to set the dials for whatever function you are doing.
It’s pretty foolproof, even if you are a complete Newbie.
I like the fact that you don’t have to wait very long after the systems are turned on before you get good hot water and excellent water pressure.
There is even an outdoor shower! This comes in handy when I just want to spray off the sand from the beach or fill my bucket with hot water for doing dishes.
While we sometimes wish that we had larger tank capacities, we can easily get through 2 to 3 days of camping (with the kids), before we need to empty our tanks.
Of course, this is with using the campground showers.
Lighting
When it comes to lighting, you won’t have much to complain about in the TAB 400!
- Interior Lighting: Equipped with energy-efficient LED lights throughout the interior, powered by the 12V battery system.
- Exterior Lighting: Overhead porch light and light on the step.
- Power Roof Fan: Provides ventilation and additional lighting, increasing airflow and adding comfort inside the trailer.
The energy-efficient LED lights are everywhere! And because they all have their own switches, you can choose how much lighting you actually need.
From over-the-bed reading lights to 2 different lights in the bathroom, over-the-counter lights, outdoor porch and step lights, and general overhead lighting, NuCamp hasn’t missed a thing.
There is even a blue light setting for at night on both the over-the-bed reading lights and the main overhead lights.
We use these lights at night when we are mostly outdoors but are coming in and out of the camper.
Our one complaint about the lighting is the reading light located over the dinette. It’s annoying that it can only be used when the accent lights in the camper are also on.
Apparently, it can easily be rewired. AND, this issue has been fixed in later models of the TAB 400.
Entertainment & Connectivity
While an entertainment system really wasn’t on our must-have list when shopping for a camper, this actually really is nice to have.
- Media Center: Bluetooth® enabled
- Television: 24″ TV
- Speakers: Interior speakers
- Connectivity: USB ports and pre-wiring for satellite and TV antenna
The USB ports are perfect for charging all of our devices. I really like the fact that there are ports in a couple of different areas of the camper.
I also regularly use the Bluetooth function to connect my phone to the camper’s speakers so that I can listen to music or podcasts.
And while it was a bit of a pain to figure out how to stream movies from my phone to the TV, we have done that too.
We have enjoyed a few rainy afternoons watching movies, all cozy in our camper!
My teens have also enjoyed binge-watching their favourite shows in the evenings while dinner is being made.
I can’t, however, speak on the ease of connecting a satellite dish, as this is something that we have not yet tried.
Construction & Exterior
For a small trailer, the TAB 400 is very well-built. From the design to the finishings and small details, the craftsmanship is awesome.
- Frame: Aluminum with composite sidewalls
- Exterior: Fiberglass with diamond plate accents
- Windows: Acrylic dual-pane with screen/shade system
- Entry: Heavy-duty Boondock entry door handle and step
- Storage: Front diamond plate LP tub and under bed storage
While you have to expect screws to get loose and things to shift a little (we have learned to check things after every trip), this is normal considering the ‘earthquake’ the trailer goes through every time you drive on campground roads.
We still find the TAB 400 to be a solid little camper.
One of the things that we love the most about our Teardrop, is all the windows!
We have been in Teardrop Trailers made by other companies, and this is one thing that always seems to be lacking.
If you are going to buy a small trailer, the last thing you want to feel is claustrophobic while inside!
The TAB 400 has 3 large windows (including the HUGE Stargazer window over the bed), plus 3 round port windows, and a long window on the door!
The natural light in the trailer is awesome!
Our Experience with Owning the TAB 400
Now that you know all the details and specs of the trailer, I wanted to share some real-life experiences with it.
As I mentioned earlier, we are headed into our third camping season with our 2023 NuCamp TAB 400 Boondock trailer.
While we still don’t know everything, we have a pretty good handle on owing a trailer (especially as Newbies).
Towing Experience
When it comes to towing the TAB 400, it couldn’t be easier! We have towed Nellie with both an SUV and a pick-up truck.
- Ease of Towing: Lightweight design makes it towable by many mid-sized SUVs.
- Stability: Boondock package enhances off-road stability.
- Setup: Manual front and rear levelling jacks for campsite setup
Our Teardrop was our very first trailer… EVER! So we definitely had an extremely steep learning curve.
But I have to say, once we got used to changing how we needed to drive while towing, it wasn’t really that bad.
In fact, since it was my vehicle towing Nellie for our first camping season, I was the one who learned how to drive with her.
Because we have the TAB 400 Boondock package, Nellie’s tires are larger and the camper is higher off the ground.
That extra clearance gave me the confidence to take her off-road, as well as on the bumpiest of campground roads with relative ease.
I also had to learn how to back her into a campsite and onto our driveway!
Backing the camper into a spot is DEFINITELY the toughest part about towing a camper!
You will see a ton of memes online about couples arguing during this process.
And while it does get easier, it is still challenging at times. This would be especially true if you are travelling solo and don’t have anyone to spot you.
In this case, purchasing a backup camera for your TAB might be a good idea.
Comfort and Convenience
We love everything about this trailer. I couldn’t imagine camping without her!
We love the layout, the fact that we have both heat and air conditioning, and of course my fave, a fully functional bathroom!
When John and I camp alone, we find that this camper is perfect for us. We have a dedicated sleeping and dining area and enough room to move around.
We don’t feel cramped, even when spending a rainy day lounging inside.
That said, when the kids travel with us, it gets crowded.
Because they occupy the bunks, we usually end up eating outside. Although on a rainy day, we have made it work indoors as well.
Space becomes much tighter when all four of us are inside getting ready for bed.
But again, we are not the type of family who stays inside the trailer if we don’t have to. We love the outdoors.
And when it comes to storage, we find that there is more than enough. We have no issue with packing our clothing into duffel bags and placing them on the bed.
We have also installed a number of hooks on the bathroom door and the bathroom wall, to hang our clothing on.
We even installed a bike rack on the tongue of our trailer so that we could transport our bicycles with us.
This trailer definitely functions exactly the way we want and need!
Maintenance and Durability
In the three years of owning our TAB 400, we have only run into small issues that needed fixing.
- Materials: High-quality finishes and components reduce wear over time.
- Ease of Maintenance: Accessible systems and components for routine checks.
- Support: Backed by a 1-year basic warranty and a 3-year structural warranty
As I mentioned previously, we have gotten into the habit of checking over the trailer often.
This is because, after a while, things start to get loose like cabinet doors, drawers not staying closed during travel, the screws holding the step in place, etc.
This is mostly due to vibration. Driving down a campground road is essentially the same as a shed going through an earthquake!
We had to do some warranty work on the gas stove as well. Again, the vibration caused the gas burner to come loose.
Since this could not be fixed, we had to wait several months for NuCamp to send new parts to our dealership for it to be fixed.
Inconvenient, yes. But not a big deal.
We also make sure that our dealership checks our seals before and after we store the trailer for the winter to prevent water damage.
They also handle our winterization and dewinterization for us.
This year, we will need to change the Alde fluid as part of scheduled maintenance.
One thing that we would recommend is getting an extended warranty. Things are expensive to fix, so this will give you some peace of mind.
Value for Money
We realize that the NuCamp TAB 400 Boondock sits at the higher end of the teardrop trailer market, but you can see where the money goes.
The build quality is solid, the materials feel premium, and the layout is smart.
It includes features you’d usually expect in larger trailers—like the Alde heating system, a full wet bath, and the Nautilus water panel.
Plus, the off-grid setup with solar and a lithium battery adds real value if you camp without hookups.
While we definitely think that the TAB 400 is an investment, for people who plan to use it often and want comfort without going full-size, it holds up well in terms of value.
Ideal Owner Profile
In our opinion, the NuCamp TAB 400 Boondock is best suited for couples, small families or solo travellers who want more comfort than a basic teardrop but still want something compact and easy to tow.
It’s a great fit for people who plan to camp off-grid thanks to the solar panel, lithium battery, better tires, and higher clearance.
If you like having your own bathroom, full kitchen, and heating/cooling system in a smaller footprint, this trailer checks those boxes.
Families with one or two small children could make it work, especially with the hidden bunk option, but space will be tight.
It’s not ideal if you need a lot of indoor room or have older kids who want their own space.
Pros and Cons
While I have mentioned many of our pros and cons throughout this post, I figured that I would summarize them neatly in this section as well.
Pros:
- Compact Size: Easy to tow and maneuver, even in tighter camping spots.
- Off-Grid Capability: Equipped with solar and lithium battery for extended boondocking.
- Quality Construction: Durable materials and thoughtful design elements.
- Aesthetics: This trailer is pretty cute, both inside and out. Expect lots of attention from curious campers!
- Fixed Sleeping Area & Dinette: No need to take apart your bed every day to use your dinette.
- Awesome Bathroom: Nice-sized bathroom with great amenities.
- Sufficient Storage: There is more than enough storage for your everyday indoor items.
Cons:
- Price Point: Higher cost compared to some competitors in the teardrop category, as well as other smaller-sized trailers.
- Limited Interior Space: May feel tight for families or during longer stays.
- Storage: Many things will need to be stored in your tow vehicle.
- Small Water Tanks: This means you may have to purchase caddies to empty/fill tanks during longer stays, or break camp to head to the dump station.
- Bed: Wheel to wheel position of the bed may not appeal to some people.
Personal Opinion
For John and I, we really made the right decision when we purchased our TAB 400.
We absolutely LOVE our Nellie, and she suits our camping style perfectly.
And while no trailer will be perfect, this one came pretty darn close to checking off all the boxes when we were shopping for our Teardrop Trailer.
It’s small enough to tow easily, big enough to live in comfortably, and tough enough to handle boondocking trips.
In fact, we can’t wait for the next camping season to start!
Final Thoughts
After digging into all the specs and features, it’s clear the NuCamp TAB 400 Boondock is packed with smart design and high-quality components.
While it’s not the cheapest trailer out there, it does a lot in a compact space.
From the solid construction and off-grid options to the Alde heating system and Nautilus water panel, it’s built for comfort and convenience—especially for people who like to camp beyond the usual hookups.
Whether or not it’s the right choice depends on how you plan to use it.
Would we make the same choice again?
Most definitely!
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