Best Of
Re: Modified Ultimate Jack
The plastic tube guide serves no necessary purpose. Permanently removing it makes taking the jack on and off a very simple process. The only modification necessary to mount the Ultimate Jack on our 2020 320S was to grind a little off the tab opposite the pin so that it didn't contact the plate that's welded to the frame. I can have the Ultimate Jack pulled out and placed in the basket in less than a minute.bjn2 said:
I wish the groove on the jack's outer tub didn't require removing the guide to allow full removal of the jack from its mount.
I put using a power tool to drive a mechanism designed for manual use in the same basket as adding that hitch extension. Fine for someone else, but not me.
Re: Changing out the Alde fluid.
As much as I want to believe what that dealer said, my guess is they’re misinformed. I would love to go 4 years without having to do the exchange.
Modified Ultimate Jack
I know I am not the first to mention the Ultimate Jack but I thought other forum members might be interested in how I modified and use mine, especially since there have been recent jack discussions concerning accessing bike racks and tailgates, etc.
I purchased my Ultimate Jack a few months ago from Tractor Supply for around $70. It is top wound and can be easily raised and lowered to various heights with the use of a sprung locking pin. Although the manufacturer does not promote the complete removal of the jack, it can be accomplished by releasing a side bolt that protrudes into a vertical location groove.
As I hope is evident from my pictures, I removed the wind handle and replaced it with a 1/2" socket that I drilled to accept the existing nut and bolt (if necessary the handle can easily be reinstalled at anytime). Not only does this allow me to wind the jack with my power drill, it also makes the jack more compact. I also adapted the side channel release bolt with a large hand screw that allows me to quickly release and remove the jack without the need for a wrench. Additionally, installation of the jack to my 320 tongue required some modification of one of the three jack bolt holes.
Since we carry our bikes using a hitch adapter, I can at any time quickly remove the jack, which means less risk of damaging the bikes and easier releasing/tilting of the bike rack to access the rear of my Trailhawk. Previously, I was using the original jack modified to operate with the drill from the rear. Although that worked, the Ultimate Jack is so much easier and gives complete reassurance, especially in tight turns. Of course, when not transporting bikes, the UJ can be easily put in a raised position and left in place.
Incidentally, if any member could use my old jack (2018, 320) modified for drill use (I can set it for front or rear winding), they can have it for the cost of the shipping from NY.
I purchased my Ultimate Jack a few months ago from Tractor Supply for around $70. It is top wound and can be easily raised and lowered to various heights with the use of a sprung locking pin. Although the manufacturer does not promote the complete removal of the jack, it can be accomplished by releasing a side bolt that protrudes into a vertical location groove.
As I hope is evident from my pictures, I removed the wind handle and replaced it with a 1/2" socket that I drilled to accept the existing nut and bolt (if necessary the handle can easily be reinstalled at anytime). Not only does this allow me to wind the jack with my power drill, it also makes the jack more compact. I also adapted the side channel release bolt with a large hand screw that allows me to quickly release and remove the jack without the need for a wrench. Additionally, installation of the jack to my 320 tongue required some modification of one of the three jack bolt holes.
Since we carry our bikes using a hitch adapter, I can at any time quickly remove the jack, which means less risk of damaging the bikes and easier releasing/tilting of the bike rack to access the rear of my Trailhawk. Previously, I was using the original jack modified to operate with the drill from the rear. Although that worked, the Ultimate Jack is so much easier and gives complete reassurance, especially in tight turns. Of course, when not transporting bikes, the UJ can be easily put in a raised position and left in place.
Incidentally, if any member could use my old jack (2018, 320) modified for drill use (I can set it for front or rear winding), they can have it for the cost of the shipping from NY.
Re: Replacing AGM with lithium in 2021 tab320 BD
@Yoshi_TAB Attached is the pdf that was taken from. I didn't see much in the way of explanation. I would have loved to have done the busbar route shown in the first example. However, it certainly would have made the installation more complex, and there isn't that much room in my '23 Tab 400. I just copied the install (Like the last image), more or less as Nucamp, and had it checked by Battleborn's tech staff.
Re: Replacing AGM with lithium in 2021 tab320 BD
@Yoshi_TAB here's a link to the Victron webpage. Unless it goes from best to worst, there's no rating of methods that I can find anywhere on the page. The only comment is on the last method saying that there could be a slight difference in individual battery currents. Strange because most of the wiring diagrams I found use that method.
Re: Tab 400 wiring and plumbing diagrams
I wish I had found this post before I installed the rear-view camera on my T@B 400! After removing the cloth-covered panel behind the bed, I found a big bunch of differently-colored wires and this diagram matches what I saw. I ended up splicing into the running light wires to power the camera.
Re: Replacing AGM with lithium in 2021 tab320 BD
In my 2021 320S I did not replace the WFCO converter. I let it supply DC when on shore power and just switch my two 100AH lithiums off. The lithiums get charged with a Victron smart charger connected to shore power. When I disconnect from shore power I just switch the batteries back on. The Victron charger is cheaper and more reliable for charging lithiums than the installing a newer WFCO auto sensing converter. Don't really have a use for an inverter as only the AC runs off 120V and we spend most of our time here in the Northeast outside anyway and don't use it.
Re: Replacing AGM with lithium in 2021 tab320 BD
Hi @rickpool,
The two things to consider when sizing wire is how much current it will carry and the distance run (both ways). Do you (or plan to) have an inverter? If so, that will impact the size? If you do not have an inverter, you can go with smaller AWG wire. If you do not have an inverter, your TAB max. current capacity is probably only 30 amps and you can size your wire for that current. If you have an inverter, the first thing to do is size your fuse based on the wattage of your inverter, then size your wire based on the fuse size and distance run.
So, while bigger never hurts, it may not be necessary.
Here's a link to help.
Circuit Wizard - Blue Sea Systems
Keep asking and good luck with your project...
The two things to consider when sizing wire is how much current it will carry and the distance run (both ways). Do you (or plan to) have an inverter? If so, that will impact the size? If you do not have an inverter, you can go with smaller AWG wire. If you do not have an inverter, your TAB max. current capacity is probably only 30 amps and you can size your wire for that current. If you have an inverter, the first thing to do is size your fuse based on the wattage of your inverter, then size your wire based on the fuse size and distance run.
So, while bigger never hurts, it may not be necessary.
Here's a link to help.
Circuit Wizard - Blue Sea Systems
Keep asking and good luck with your project...
Re: 2021 T@B 320 Wiring Batteries
Hi @rickpool,
I used 2/0 AWG only because I have an inverter in my circuit. If you don't have one, you can get by with much smaller wire. An inverter circuit needs to be protected with a high amp fuse (depending on the size of the inverter...225A/2000W in my case). If you do not have an inverter you do not need the large of wire.
I used 10AWG for all other circuits (than inverter), which for 30 amps is fine.
Good luck with your project...
I used 2/0 AWG only because I have an inverter in my circuit. If you don't have one, you can get by with much smaller wire. An inverter circuit needs to be protected with a high amp fuse (depending on the size of the inverter...225A/2000W in my case). If you do not have an inverter you do not need the large of wire.
I used 10AWG for all other circuits (than inverter), which for 30 amps is fine.
Good luck with your project...
Re: Average Age
Just picked up our new 400. We had zero issues pulling it with our Tahoe. A little longer and wider than out 320. Yes we stopped here for lunch.