We decided a small RV, that we could tow behind a car, would propel us on our goal to visit national parks and state parks. We watched countless YouTube videos and read blogs describing various types of small RVs. We began to look at RVs in person. When we saw the T@b 400 at Southland RV in LaGrange, GA, we knew it was the one. She was on backorder for four months. A product of the pandemic-related flurry of RV/camping purchases. After a long wait, she finally arrived from the factory.
This post is a quick look at Pe@rl, our brand new 2022 T@b 400 Boondock teardrop camper. We haven’t figured it her all out yet, but we have only had her a week, and we have already taken two trips. Let’s take a look.
When she finally came in we picked her up, had a quick orientation and paperwork at the dealer, and went straight to a nearby state park on our maiden voyage in Pe@rl. She passed the test run with flying colors. It took less than an hour to back in, level, unbox, read instructions, and hook up our electrical, water, etc. That’s not bad for a couple of newbies, but we expect it to get much better with experience.
Then we made our way inside to stash away the rest of our new purchases. We unboxed our new silverware, plates, pots/pans, utensils, towels, and all manner of comfort items that Amazon has delivered while we waited on Pe@rl to make her way to Georgia. By the end of the day, things were all stowed away, and we realized that there was plenty of room to organize. We cooked our first meal in Pe@rl and marveled at the functionality of the gas stove.
I was fully prepared for some type of equipment failure that first night, but we were able to cook, wash dishes, use the electricity, and stay warm.
The bed was cozy, with lights, a stargazing window, and a cubbyhole for cell charging and glasses and such.. We were able to watch a DVD prior to retiring that first night. Not sure if we will use the TV much, but it was nice that first night. We were toasty warm in the bed in our sleeping bags under a Glacier National Park Pendleton blanket.
The bathroom is a good size for a small teardrop. As of now it is unused and pristine. I guess we will see how long that lasts (maybe until we start our boon docking experiments). The square sink folds down and there are cubby holes for storage. This whole room is a shower. Thanks to M and M we have cool National Park towels.
The front booth, with the surrounding windows, is a good spot for meals as well as computer work. It is built for two (or maybe three), and folds down into a short bed.
Here is the kitchen area. The sink is tiny but adequate. The stove works like a dream. There is plenty of room for pots/pans, dishes, silverware, pantry items, etc. Not sure if there is enough room to live in, but there is plenty of room for what we needed, even with all of the heavy coats and bulky clothes. The refrigerator was quite handy too.
We will update Pearl’s info as we figure more stuff out. But for now we are thrilled with her.