The T@B is back! Dutchmen, the original manufacturers of the T@B, discontinued the production and support of the colorful, stylish little trailer in 2009, much to the chagrin of die-hard T@B owners and fans. One reason for this might have been because of the high cost of the various parts of the trailer that came from Europe. The rights to the popular trailer has now been acquired by Little Guy Worldwide, a company that makes teardrop trailers. Little Guy has partnered with Pleasant Valley Teardrop Trailers (the people who built my teardrop) to build the T@Bs. The Ohio-based company was also considering acquiring the T@B name and business at the same time as Little Guy, but instead decided to partner with Little Guy and their large fan-base.
The new 15-foot long T@B has the same smart and sassy design, options and details as the original, but is still in the initial floor plan phase. Little Guy has added some additional amenities such as an outdoor shower with a 2.5 gallon heated tank, a 3-way refrigerator that can run off 12 volt, 110 or propane and a detachable screen door. The trailer is about 1,500 pounds fully loaded, contains a sink and a 2-burner LP stove, a propane tank and battery attached to the front and has a 5 gallon fresh water tank. The interior has birch cabinetry, storage under and over the seating/Queen bed combo, a small closet, a Port-a-Potty, an LP furnace/CoolCat air conditioner and several upholstery designs.
Little Guy has also made an effort to redesign and correct issues that plagued the original T@B. The new trailer will have a better door handle, a heavier front door, solid aluminum instead of mesh wheel wells and they are using automotive adhesives to attach the trim to the roof. There will also be additional 110 and 12v outlets and the axle weight was increased to 3,500 pounds instead of the original’s 300 pounds. The expensive European parts will be produced in the U.S.
Other standard features include:
- Silver, Yellow, Red & White Exterior trim available
- Aluminum Framed Roof & Sidewalls
- Laminated Fiberglass Sidewalls with foam block insulation
- Alufiber Roof with R-12 cut insulation
- 14″ Alloy Rims
- E-Coated Microlite frame; Independent suspension
- Tongue jack with dolly wheel
- Two sets stabilizer jacks; Two sets grab handles
- Poly Plastic, duo pane bay windows w/roll-away screens/ shades
- 2-Way, 3-Speed Fantastic Fan ; Multiple 12v/110 outlets
- Spare tire and under mount bracket
- Premium vinyl flooring on Aluminum Framed Floor
- 5 Interior 12Volt light fixtures & External Porch Light
- “Easy-up” indoor/outdoor table, Table top 28″x31″
- 110V A/C to 12V D/C power converter
- Hydraulic Surge Brakes
- Pre-Installed Keder (Awning) Rail
- DVD/TV Player with AM/FM and Cable Coaxial Hookup
- 12v Norcold Compressor Refrigerator
- Redesigned, Industrial Strength Entry Door w/ Removable Screen
Optional features include:
- Norcold 3-Way Fridge that can be plugged into 12 volt or 110 or propane
- 15″ Monitor w/DVD/AMFM
- Side Portal Window
- Side Awning
- External shower
- 2.5 gallon Hot Water Heater
- 19 gallon gray water tank
The 2012 T@B is being sold at dealers around the country for around $16,000-$20,000. Only about 600 units will be built in 2012, but the company projects to build about 1,200 a year in their current facility in the next 18-24 months.
Photos courtesy of T@B/Little Guy
By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]