Best Of
2023 Tab 400 Battery & Solar Upgrade
Wanted to share our recent project:
We needed more battery capacity to run the refrigerator while boondocking and considered adding an additional Battle Born battery, but given the sale price of the 314ah Epoch Eco ($499) opted to save the $ and run one larger battery vs two in parallel. Went with a non-heated battery because I could not think of a use case where the heat feature would be needed given the battery is under the bed, inside the trailer.
With the added battery capacity, it should allow boondocking for 3-4 days with zero sun and indefinitely with some sun. Previously, we could go maybe 1.5 days running the refrigerator with no sun.
- Added 314ah Epoch Eco Battery (non-heated) and removed the 100ah Battle Born (capped off wires for heat switch - can use for something different in the future, if desired)
- Installed MRBF 300a fuse to positive terminal on battery for added protection
- Installed BMV-712 Smart Shunt to monitor the battery and both solar controllers (opted for the BMV-712 for greater bluetooth range, but chose not to install display since the app is better)
- Installed On/Off breaker for the rooftop solar next to the battery on/off switch (ability to isolate rooftop solar for long-term winter storage and towing in cold temps instead of relying on the BMS to protect cold-temperature charging)
- Installed Victron MPPT 100/30 in cargo compartment (previous owner installed sae solar port next to cargo compartment but no solar controller - this will allow use of our Zoupw 350w portable solar panels
- Disabled tow vehicle charging from 7 pin connector (no longer need to disconnect from tow vehicle during overnight stops + added protection vs relying on the BMS to protect the battery from charging during winter towing)
I used a local RV solar/electrical business to help with the plan & install.
We needed more battery capacity to run the refrigerator while boondocking and considered adding an additional Battle Born battery, but given the sale price of the 314ah Epoch Eco ($499) opted to save the $ and run one larger battery vs two in parallel. Went with a non-heated battery because I could not think of a use case where the heat feature would be needed given the battery is under the bed, inside the trailer.
With the added battery capacity, it should allow boondocking for 3-4 days with zero sun and indefinitely with some sun. Previously, we could go maybe 1.5 days running the refrigerator with no sun.
- Added 314ah Epoch Eco Battery (non-heated) and removed the 100ah Battle Born (capped off wires for heat switch - can use for something different in the future, if desired)
- Installed MRBF 300a fuse to positive terminal on battery for added protection
- Installed BMV-712 Smart Shunt to monitor the battery and both solar controllers (opted for the BMV-712 for greater bluetooth range, but chose not to install display since the app is better)
- Installed On/Off breaker for the rooftop solar next to the battery on/off switch (ability to isolate rooftop solar for long-term winter storage and towing in cold temps instead of relying on the BMS to protect cold-temperature charging)
- Installed Victron MPPT 100/30 in cargo compartment (previous owner installed sae solar port next to cargo compartment but no solar controller - this will allow use of our Zoupw 350w portable solar panels
- Disabled tow vehicle charging from 7 pin connector (no longer need to disconnect from tow vehicle during overnight stops + added protection vs relying on the BMS to protect the battery from charging during winter towing)
I used a local RV solar/electrical business to help with the plan & install.
Re: Full timers in their TAB 400
I've been full-time rving since 2006 and started right after university. I bought the 2020 tab 400 from camping world in western Massachusetts and had the best experience with them due to being in this industry for 15 years prior. I was hesitant to go smaller than a 5th wheel, but the lack of stress maintaining and having a much smaller towing truck, make it well worth it. I really could be much happier in a 320 at this point, but I found I needed to be in the 400 first, to realize this.
I'm a builder and remodeler and go between MA and FL with friends in both, so I do not have any electric or lot rent bills, but compensate with doing projects for them. I also part-time remodel and build for customers I have developed over the years, and their friends. I would rather enjoy my entire life and work less, than work all my life, and retire with a few years before dying.
I do all my maintenance and repairs myself and, quite honestly, have not had anything major besides for frame rivets falling out and needing to be replaced with bolts (check every one after every trip,) upgrading all my faucets, installing four wall fans to keep the Dometic basement AC comfortable in 110 degree heat (do no buy with the new air8 ac,) bearings repacked after every 3000 miles, Good year tires every 6000 miles - no exceptions, and wash and wax 12 times a year (I have a light weight roof cover to keep it clean when parked.). Be proactive with over maintaining!
As for the Alde, I hate it, but it has worked non stop for 5 years with zero issues. I have one bulging hose I'm going to replace (Amazon has all parts for vehicles that match Alde parts.) I hate it because of how complex it is and there is no one that can service it while you are on the road. It heats up super fast, keeps the RV at 70+ F in -3F temperatures, and provides hot water with zero problems. I've never replaced the fluid - just add and test the PH yearly. The key is to use the Alde full-time to avoid issues. It likes to work and like a car, using it a few times a year causes parts/fluid,to age faster and rust up/fail.
I have found Nucamp not be a great RV manufacture (especially 2021 to present,) but one of the better manufactures when compared to the big three. I've done a lot of work such as pulling all the plastic outside trim, to find they didn't put more than a hand full of screws on the metal trim that seals the roof to side walls, but should have with predrilled holes where the rest of the screws should have been placed, so I added over 100 screws and replaced the trim. How did I come to that point? There was a small leak running down the roof to wall trim inside, where the heat comes up near the bed, that brought me to all the missing screws.
The other thing to watch for is their 3900 lb axles are not strong enough for the 400, when you add basic living essentials, so weigh everything you place in your RV to keep the weight down, otherwise you will ruin the suspension on the torflex axles.
I replaced my propane tank with 2-5lb tanks and a 10lb tank. In Florida, they last months, in MA, I'm going through 3 gallons a week in November/December to heat and create hot water full-time. I do 6 months in each state.
I did add heat tape around all the water tank pipes, and an "S" pattern on the entire fresh water tank, then added foiled foam stick on insulation they use for sound deadening in cars. I plug it into the outside outlet below 50 degrees, and have been down to -3F with no issues. I don't heat the black or gray tank, and never had an issue in negative temperatures, but keep them open. I also use a bag system for the water closet and don't use the black tank - so much easier, since gray water can legally be dumped on private property ground or you can dump into a tank and then water the plant with it.
My monthly expenses with a paid off RV include:
Truck $470
Food $400 vegan/healthy
Gas $1200/yr (10,000 miles total/yr.)
Maintenance (materials $50/ month.)
Lot rent $400 with electric (I barter this cost.)
Verizon unlimited internet hot spot $50/month, flip phone $20/month
Full-time RV insurance $70/ month truck $130/mo
2 Honda EU 2200 generators running total 1 month out of the yr for gas - $100 ( outages, on the road, no electric sites.)
Hiking/running cross county/ exploring ($0)
Clothing ($100/month - running shoes, shirts, etc.)
Dog ($$$) he gets whatever he asks for.
Hope this helps, I've been rving for 20 years full-time, and really learned about the construction and mechanical side from my experience as a building contractor for large homes.
Ask anything, and I will try to answer without sugar coating it.
I'm a builder and remodeler and go between MA and FL with friends in both, so I do not have any electric or lot rent bills, but compensate with doing projects for them. I also part-time remodel and build for customers I have developed over the years, and their friends. I would rather enjoy my entire life and work less, than work all my life, and retire with a few years before dying.
I do all my maintenance and repairs myself and, quite honestly, have not had anything major besides for frame rivets falling out and needing to be replaced with bolts (check every one after every trip,) upgrading all my faucets, installing four wall fans to keep the Dometic basement AC comfortable in 110 degree heat (do no buy with the new air8 ac,) bearings repacked after every 3000 miles, Good year tires every 6000 miles - no exceptions, and wash and wax 12 times a year (I have a light weight roof cover to keep it clean when parked.). Be proactive with over maintaining!
As for the Alde, I hate it, but it has worked non stop for 5 years with zero issues. I have one bulging hose I'm going to replace (Amazon has all parts for vehicles that match Alde parts.) I hate it because of how complex it is and there is no one that can service it while you are on the road. It heats up super fast, keeps the RV at 70+ F in -3F temperatures, and provides hot water with zero problems. I've never replaced the fluid - just add and test the PH yearly. The key is to use the Alde full-time to avoid issues. It likes to work and like a car, using it a few times a year causes parts/fluid,to age faster and rust up/fail.
I have found Nucamp not be a great RV manufacture (especially 2021 to present,) but one of the better manufactures when compared to the big three. I've done a lot of work such as pulling all the plastic outside trim, to find they didn't put more than a hand full of screws on the metal trim that seals the roof to side walls, but should have with predrilled holes where the rest of the screws should have been placed, so I added over 100 screws and replaced the trim. How did I come to that point? There was a small leak running down the roof to wall trim inside, where the heat comes up near the bed, that brought me to all the missing screws.
The other thing to watch for is their 3900 lb axles are not strong enough for the 400, when you add basic living essentials, so weigh everything you place in your RV to keep the weight down, otherwise you will ruin the suspension on the torflex axles.
I replaced my propane tank with 2-5lb tanks and a 10lb tank. In Florida, they last months, in MA, I'm going through 3 gallons a week in November/December to heat and create hot water full-time. I do 6 months in each state.
I did add heat tape around all the water tank pipes, and an "S" pattern on the entire fresh water tank, then added foiled foam stick on insulation they use for sound deadening in cars. I plug it into the outside outlet below 50 degrees, and have been down to -3F with no issues. I don't heat the black or gray tank, and never had an issue in negative temperatures, but keep them open. I also use a bag system for the water closet and don't use the black tank - so much easier, since gray water can legally be dumped on private property ground or you can dump into a tank and then water the plant with it.
My monthly expenses with a paid off RV include:
Truck $470
Food $400 vegan/healthy
Gas $1200/yr (10,000 miles total/yr.)
Maintenance (materials $50/ month.)
Lot rent $400 with electric (I barter this cost.)
Verizon unlimited internet hot spot $50/month, flip phone $20/month
Full-time RV insurance $70/ month truck $130/mo
2 Honda EU 2200 generators running total 1 month out of the yr for gas - $100 ( outages, on the road, no electric sites.)
Hiking/running cross county/ exploring ($0)
Clothing ($100/month - running shoes, shirts, etc.)
Dog ($$$) he gets whatever he asks for.
Hope this helps, I've been rving for 20 years full-time, and really learned about the construction and mechanical side from my experience as a building contractor for large homes.
Ask anything, and I will try to answer without sugar coating it.
Re: Battery/ Fridge/Towing
TomCanada said:... if we turn off the battery (via disconnect switch) before leaving the driveway, the TV suddenly can provide all the current the fridge needs.
First, you should NEVER tow your T@B with the battery disconnect off. It disables the breakaway braking system.
Second, if the disconnect is off you are drawing power for the fridge exclusively from your tow vehicle battery. If your alternator can't keep up, you may be depleting your tow vehicles battery instead of the trailer battery.
Re: Alde/Truma changing glycol brand in new models. (NOT A RECALL)
Yes @tinglebells - you have the same copy as the first post of this thread.
Classic Accessories RV Cover…Amazing Warranty
Just putting in a good word for Classic Accesories. We’ve been using their R-Pod cover for our 400 for the past 4.5 years. It was getting a bit tattered this fall when I put it on and sure enough a wind event completely tore it from the 400 and it blew away. I was about to buy a new cover when I realized their Perma Pro covers have a lifetime warranty. A simple online form is all I needed to fill out WITHOUT a receipt and they sent a new one no questions asked. Pretty amazing considering the cost of these isn’t sky high.
Re: Towing a 400
We have towed with a Subaru Ascent and a Toyota Tacoma; the Ascent had no problems towing but did not provide room for our bikes fire pit and other items we would take camping so bought the truck. The Tacoma no issues with towing uphill can handle it without any issues.
Re: Towing a 400
We tow our 400 with a Highlander (with tow package) and a Fastway e2 WDH. It's been fine for us for several years. It's slow going on high altitude steep mountain passes, but otherwise it's okay. The mileage drops to 12 MPG, depending on wind. We'd rather have the maneuverability and smaller size of the Highlander verses going with a larger vehicle where you wouldn't notice the trailer as much.
Re: Towing a 400
It really depends on the terrain you are going to be in. Flat Midwest or the hills and mountains to the east or the west. We have towed with an Audi SQ5, V6 twin turbos upgraded suspension and brakes, and really liked the comfort and pulling power. We still have it. Now we tow with a F150 Powerboost, V6 twin turbo hybrid, both do just fine. We use the truck because of the bed storage not the road performance. You will want the torque and power when climbing long grades or just steep ones. Turbos are nice at elevation.
Re: Towing a 400
I can't speak to a Honda Pilot, but I have towed my 2021 400 with my 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee (factory tow package) for 20,000 miles, including mountains in New Hampshire and Vermont. Traded my trusty 2015 JGC for a 2025 this fall and ready for the next 20,000 miles, including a June trip to Colorado. Very happy and comfortable while towing.