Best Of
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
Re: Trailer brake and sway bar - is this a must pulling a 400 with an F150?
We use the Andersen WDH with our Chevy Colorado/T@B 400 combo and feel there is a marked anti sway improvement when dealing with wind and the pressure waves from semi-trucks passing us on the interstate.RemoLyn said:Does anyone here have experience to share regarding using an Anderson Weight Distribution Hitch with friction sway control? We have a 2022 Tab400 Boondock that we just got. We'll be towing it w/our 2011 Honda Ridgeline RTL (5000lb tow limit / 10,050lb GCWR limit. Thanks
Re: Honda Ridgeline Tow Vehicle - Monitoring Transmission Temperature
+1 for the Scangauge. I've used this Scangauge II for many years. First in our campervan, then motorhome, then towing with a Bronco Sport, and now towing with a Ford Maverick pick-up. The newer version is nice but this gives me what I need to know at a glance.
Re: Towing with a Honda Ridgeline
@Canyoneer, we've towed our 2018 320S over 75,000 miles with our 2020 Honda Ridegline AWD. 5000 lb towing capacity is great for our camper. Love it. Smoothest riding truck I've ever driven...flip split back seat and trunk is great. Nice ride height so easier to get in and out of than some trucks. Same with reaching over side of bed to get things. The dual function tailgate is handy too. Have the OEM tonneau cover to keep stuff stored secure. Most of time never even notice the camper is there unless in the mountains. Get used to using sport mode and manually shifting the tranny in the mountains. Older Ridgeline sometimes had problems with getting too hot in the mountains but it didn't have the new 9 speed transmission that came out in 2020. Haven't had any problems with it overheating on trips to Colorado Rockies. Four wheel disc brakes are great for stopping it. Gas mileage is usually about 10 mpg less when pulling the camper...more in a headwind. Generally 18mpg on flat terrain 15mpg going into a headwind. If real strong wind even less. Don't have the model with navigation so use a Garmin GPS in case we're in an area with no phone service. Also use Garmin backup camera so don't have to have different screen. Can use the backup camera as both a rear view mirror when going down the road and additional help when backing camper up. Tried the wireless brake controller but went thru 2 of them and gave us fits so switch to a ReDarc wired one. Like it because the unit fits out of the way of your knees under the dash and the control button fits perfectly in a blank panel in the dash. Been in all kinds of windy situations and never have experienced the need for a sway bar. My only complaint with my Ridgeline is the electronics. Have had the radar unit and alarm control unit go out recently. Also would be nice to have a 12v and USB connection in back of the console and one in the bed (probably end up installing them myself). We carry an ICECO 20 frig/freezer in back seat with us.
Re: Loose "bolts" attaching tongue to trailer
A little fun with the right angle grinder made quick work of the huckbolts. I drilled the holes out to 5/16 and installed grade 8 hardware. Seemed a little bit of overkill, but all is fixed nicely now. Let hope the TAB leaves me alone until camping season starts.
Re: Honda Ridgeline Tow Vehicle - Monitoring Transmission Temperature
Along with changing transmission fluid it should be said that your front and rear differential fluid as well as your transfer case fluid should also be changed out more often as well. Different intervals for different manufacturers.