Best Of
Re: Solar Suitcases Compared?
There are lots of these types of panels with the same design, and they are a great improvement over the "flexible" panel styles from just a few years ago. Just a quick Amazon look at the Vevor pictured, it does not seem to include a solar controller. But, if it has the MC4 connector at the panel, it would be simple to use your existing Renogy controller and most likely the same cables you now use to your trailer.
I know the DOKIO panels have been mentioned in various Forum threads. They went with SAE cables from the panel, for whatever reason. (Probably because they are easier to connect). They also use XT60 connectors out from the solar controller, which I wish every solar controller company would rig their controllers for.
I have a 2014 Renogy 100 watt panel and a newer 2019 or so panel. The new panel (monocrystalline) is much smaller. The two panels have essentially the same specs, and with a cable I've combined them. It works great in my back yard. But, trying to move the two panels with all the associated cables is like watching Laurel and Hardy move that piano up those stairs!
Re: uCamp 2024
MOD NOTE: We had two parallel discussions going regarding uCamp 2024. I've merged them both here.
Re: Leaking Alde fluid
UPDATE: disassembled the ALDE and found a pinhole leak at one of the manufacturing welds in the heat exchanger. There was absolutely no corrosion in the tank. This is clearly a manufacturing flaw, but I'm out of warranty. Took it down and had the welder TIG weld the hole and all is good. Between the welding and new glycol I'm in about 200 bucks cost and two days of work.
Re: Moonshade XL Awning on my T@B
Built it for our motorhome and cars originally with three long bays, 12' ceiling, a workbench area, and second floor storage but now the T@B only takes up a third of the motorhome bay. Workshop is the smaller building to the left.pthomas745 said:What airport is this hangar at?Garage envy!
Re: Alde Fluid Never Changed - Problems?
Also, in a couple of years we will find out if the change to the blue/green glycol has any effect on the corrosion issue. This is still TBD. It's been 3 years since the change (Jan. 2021). Five years will be a good milepost.In a couple years, the owners here who have cleaned their corrosion and stayed with the Century glycol, and properly sealed and clamped the various hoses in the trailer, will be able to come back and tell us what they find: did proper hose installation and clamping prevent corrosion? We will see.
Re: Leaking Alde fluid
I did quite a bit of research on Alde issues a while back. At the time, you could buy what was called the "boiler core"... but only in Europe, and only as part of a professional service call. Not sure if things have changed, but my impression remains that a leaking core calls for a total replacement of the unit. Hopefully someone else can confirm or refute.
Re: Tab 400 vs alternatives
In my trailer considerations I was leaning hard toward a Safari Condo F1743, but when I visited a dealer close to me and walked inside a Tab 400, I reconsidered. The plusses for the F1743 is that it is more than 1000 lbs lighter, has a full Queen, and with the special countertop fold-out bed can sleep 2 adults and 2 teenagers. But, the two year wait, the logistics and cost of getting it to the US, and the challenge of getting it serviced if there were ever any issues were problematic. There is now an official dealership in the US in Colorado so the logistics of getting them are easier, but service would still be a challenge.
I live in central North Carolina and like to summer camp nearby as well as go to the mountains. The Tab 400 is better insulated. One of the critiques of the F1743 is it doesn't keep the summer heat out very well (the ceiling can get very, very hot). For those milder Canadian summers it probably isn't as much an issue. But this lesser insulation also applies in reverse to cold camping. The Tab 400 doesn't seem to have this issue. I splurged and got the Boondock Black Canyon edition with the battery package as I wanted the tank heaters to facilitate shoulder season camping a little better. Furthermore, the font platform and storage is so useful. I'd worried that not having the larger undercarriage storage that the F1743 has would be a problem. But, honestly, its
I still think the F1743 is a fantastic trailer, but I decided a camper that I can use for a broader range of seasons was better for me. I purchased it late last year (haven't even dewinterized it, yet) and have camped in very cold weather (20s). It is a dream. I debated about the fold out bunk, but my two teenagers are just too big. So, when I can drag them along, One will sleep in the twin at he fold down dinette and someone will be in a tent. But, they aren't big campers so it'll mostly be me (and my wife in a few years when they've flown the coup).
I'd owned a Forest River No Boundaries 19.8 before this and it was about 1000 lbs more than the Tab 400. The weight reduction in the Tab 400 is noticeable and it tows much better (I tow with a 6000 lb towing capacity 2022 Nissan Pathfinder). Also the build quality is night-and-day different than the Forest river. The Tab 400 is so well made.
To the Sol's credit, it has much bigger interior storage and the sink looks lots more useful. Both the Tab and the F1743's sinks are pretty tiny. I didn't consider the Sol as I was trying to reduce my weight as much as possible, was trying to avoid a top-of-trailer AC unit, and wanted a trailer I could get into smaller locations.
Good luck with your decision as it sounds like you've done some really great research.
Re: Moonshade XL Awning on my T@B
What airport is this hangar at? 
Garage envy!
Re: Alde Fluid Never Changed - Problems?
@AnOldUR - the Alde rep kinda caught me off guard. I did not think to ask what time frame this happens in. I guess it’s like most manufacturers they like to stick to the book.
Re: Bike rack addition
There has been a lot of discussion about "double receivers" and the impact they have on your trailer hitch capacity. It's not a great option according to the experts. The Jack-it rack is ok but agree that on the tow vehicle is the best option. IMO