If you backed into a spot, try pulling forward even just a few inches before trying to uncouple. This can relieve some of the pressure on the hitch, allowing the coupler to open.
Nice job on the mods. No daily set up/take down is a plus. Would be good for solo. We couldn't do it though. We spent a couple of our camping years climbing over each other in a camper van to get in and out of bed and swore we'd never do it again. We're taller so we sleep front to back. One big bed with both of us and our dog or a single twin when I'm using it solo. Gives us more room for our toes.
jillenej said: @MuttonChops, super helpful and insightful. THANK YOU!
. . . This forum is wonderful and I'm glad to be part of a new forum-family.
I'm glad my reply was helpful and Yes this is an amazing forum & T@B Trailer resource.
Side Note:
While all the other comments on fluids and changing fluid are helpful and correct . . .
I would encourage you to start by doing the minimum needed to ensure correct initial
operation of the Alde (and other trailer systems for that matter) by adding some fluid.
The age old " Keep It Simple " approach!
Once you understand how all your new trailer systems operate & we all hope they will
operate correctly . . . than you can think about maintenance items to improve operation
or extend the systems useful life.
Using the trailer {doing some camping} early/before starting bigger maintenance projects
will educate you and identify any possible items needing attention. Just stay close to your
home base for those initial adventures . . . that makes any Oh No situation far less stressful.
Yes, our 2014 has the A/C window unit and the Alde heating system. We will be adding the Glycol to the Alde system and running the system to check all the lines and make sure it's all working.
Most likely the 12 volt powered USBs are drawing battery power all the time. That's a no for those of us that don't use shore power. I put all mine on a switch. Way too many things in a T@B that are always on.
@ReenieG, most group 27 batteries will fit in your tub with a battery box. You may have to slightly angle or change the box position, but it is possible. I have a 2017 with the plastic front tub and I have a group 31 battery in the tub. Due to it's larger size (than a 24 or 27) it is angled in the tub and does not have a battery box. We had to place a piece of plywood in the tub bottom (anchored) to secure the battery onto. We used a plastic battery box lid on top and strapped it down, so that too is doable. 2 6V gc (golf cart) batteries can be arranged to fit also without too much refitting. You have options.
If you change to a group 27 battery, you will need a battery box to fit a group 27. -Denise
@jillenej welcome to the T@b family and the forum! I agree with @MuttonChops (and the others) start simple by topping off the reservoir tank and be on the lookout for leaking glycol at hose connections as that could be why the tank is low. If they had the heat running when you picked it up then my guess is the main components are ok but you definitely don't want to keep running it if glycol is leaking out of the system somewhere. You'll have heat convectors (aluminum tubing with fins) as in photo below. There will be 2 long ones in the rear near the reservoir tank, 2 shorter ones under the passenger bench (shown below) and possibly 2 more under the driver side bench. You can follow the hoses around the camper to look for any leaks in the system.
You should drain and refill the Century TF-1 fluid. It would also be a good time to have a TaB dealer to go through the Alde system, and do a drain/flush/clean of the glycol and replace it with the new Rhomar fluid, now being used in the Alde system. Whilst this can be done DYI, it is not an easy or quick procedure and requires a pump to do it right, and three to four gallons of fluid. There are several previous discussions on this here. Cheers
We have a Garmin inReach Explorer that I picked up last year to use when I through hiked the Colorado Trail. It worked really well when I was in the backcountry to update people on my location and to arrange re-supply. I still use it now when I ski the backcountry, go backpacking and go off fishing in the mountains. We also carry it in the truck when traveling in case of emergency or if we break down we can at least communicate with family who can arrange a tow or other non-emergency help if needed. Luckily have never had to use it other than for normal updates on location or how things are going.