Best Of
Re: Corrosion of Alde Convectors
As stated on September 16th, I see signs of corrosion at various places. Preparing to pull all hoses, exchangers, pump, etc -all except the main unit to assess, clean and repair all corrosion. As stated earlier I plan to clean corrosion with glass beading and using a 2 part epoxy coating on all metal ends (id and od) to protect from corrosion. Where there is severe corrosion pitting, will fill with Defcon for aluminum prior to epoxy coating. Plan may change once I get it disassembled.
I am ready to drain glycol out and rinse with water first then drain/evacuate the water before disassembling to avoid glycol inside the trailer.
Looking at the system it seems the simplest way to accomplish this is by dismounting the two passenger side (small) exchangers so they can be held in a vertical position higher than the reservoir to pull the end hose off to get access to installing 7/8 inch hoses to the two exchangers which are run outside the trailer to buckets- one filled with rinse water and the other to catch the glycol. The rinse water bucket will be set at a height to keep the reservoir filled while running the Alde pump which will then circulate water through the system until all signs of glycol are gone. This followed by a wet vac to pull the water out.
I know there are many ways posted to replace the glycol, but I cannot recall reading a procedure to simply get all the glycol out before disassembly. Comment? Is there a better way?
I am ready to drain glycol out and rinse with water first then drain/evacuate the water before disassembling to avoid glycol inside the trailer.
Looking at the system it seems the simplest way to accomplish this is by dismounting the two passenger side (small) exchangers so they can be held in a vertical position higher than the reservoir to pull the end hose off to get access to installing 7/8 inch hoses to the two exchangers which are run outside the trailer to buckets- one filled with rinse water and the other to catch the glycol. The rinse water bucket will be set at a height to keep the reservoir filled while running the Alde pump which will then circulate water through the system until all signs of glycol are gone. This followed by a wet vac to pull the water out.
I know there are many ways posted to replace the glycol, but I cannot recall reading a procedure to simply get all the glycol out before disassembly. Comment? Is there a better way?
Re: Enhanced Security Measures After Former T@B Theft
Thanks for the reminder-I locked my chains today.
Re: Winterization of 2018 T@b 320S, no water draining from hot water tank
The Alde tank is drained by both the cold water low point drain and the Alde yellow valve. The tank holds, at most, only 2.5 gallons. If it wasn't completely full when you started, it may have drained completely with just the cold low point drain.
What I do with my 2017 with the low point drains is get the trailer "nose up". And, when draining the cold low point, I open the cold water faucet side of the sink. Then open the hot faucet when draining the hot low point drain. (This prevents "suction" from keeping the water from escaping.)
Re: Some "Out the Window" Views
On Oct 25 2023, we found optimal fall color at Douthat State Park's White Oak campground here in VA, and the morning view out the window showed nicely backlit trees from our site #9 ..
There are 4 or 5 sites in this view, and they were all filled by the next day.
There are 4 or 5 sites in this view, and they were all filled by the next day.
Re: Batteries
@qhumberd I wish I asked them, but I already brought them to the local auto parts store for recycling and they gave me a $20 gift card at least 
. @otr_320 we mostly boondock as my wife loves to go to a nice spot on the way towards Yosemite called Pinecrest that doesnt have hookups so wont be running much other than a portable honeywell 360 degree heater when it's cold or a small coffee maker. Now with the Battleborns installed I expect we should be good for at least a 3-4 day trip without hookups, longer with good sun . My next project is to install a Victron MPPT 100/30 to support an external 350watt Bluetti solar panel to complement the solar on the roof of our Tab.
. @otr_320 we mostly boondock as my wife loves to go to a nice spot on the way towards Yosemite called Pinecrest that doesnt have hookups so wont be running much other than a portable honeywell 360 degree heater when it's cold or a small coffee maker. Now with the Battleborns installed I expect we should be good for at least a 3-4 day trip without hookups, longer with good sun . My next project is to install a Victron MPPT 100/30 to support an external 350watt Bluetti solar panel to complement the solar on the roof of our Tab. 
Finally ready for a trip
When I purchased my T@B 400 in July, the screen on the window over the bed was out of its tracks and misshapen to the point where it could not be fixed. A condition of my purchase was that it be replaced. The dealer of course agreed and immediately ordered the replacement. The window and screen finally came in last week and I'm taking the 400 in for the replacement Friday morning. I understand the window units are manufactured in Europe and have to be shipped across the pond. I hope to get at least one trip in before I have to winterize. I love fall camping anyway!
Re: Batteries
Marceline said:If you're not already on the mailing list for the NorCal T@B rally group, here's some info about our annual rally:runline said:@qhumberd I wish I asked them, but I already brought them to the local auto parts store for recycling and they gave me a $20 gift card at leastThere's also a Facebook Group (for NorCal residents only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/norcaltabfamily
Thanks @Marceline I just joined the group! Looks like I missed the meet up for this year, but will make sure to join you all next year!
Re: Blow Out Water with a hand pump?
If you're in the Bay Area (sea level-ish) I'm not convinced it's worth the effort. I used to use a compressor, but now I just open the low-point drains. I store my camper on rural property near Fairfield and it occasionally gets down to freezing but it's never long enough (a few hours in the middle of the night) to do any damage.danmcgrath2014 said:I am new to winterizing. I keep my tab outdoors in California. antifreeze is not necessary. I want to drain all of the water from the trailer for four month winter non-use. 1) Do I need to drain the water heater tank as well as fresh water and gray water tanks? 2) I do not have an air compressor. After draining everything, can I use an adapter and blow out the remaining water with a hand pump?
Dan
2023 Tab 360 boondock
San Francisco Bay Area
Make some reservations and camp all winter! The coast can be beautiful in January.
Etiquette for using parking lots like Wal-Mart, Cracker Barrel, etc.
I'm new to RVing and I've seen several references to people using business parking lots for a quick boon docking overnight stop. Is there some sort of etiquette one should follow relative to the business, like asking permission first, being sure to purchase something from the business, etc.?
I'm a motorcycle rider and try to avoid actions that feed peoples' negative stereotypes of bikers. I'm sure there's something similar for RVers.
I'm a motorcycle rider and try to avoid actions that feed peoples' negative stereotypes of bikers. I'm sure there's something similar for RVers.
Re: Etiquette for using parking lots like Wal-Mart, Cracker Barrel, etc.
@CandJB asking permission is a good place to start. There have been other discussions and questions regarding etiquette and security at these type of locations. Do your due diligence. Use an app that rates or gives opinions on the specific location. Use that info as a guide, not as gospel.
@Jilong, we were once in a sketchy situation and had to remove ourselves quickly. We do NOT chock or put stabilizers down as that places one or both of you in that sketchy or dangerous situation longer than you need to be when you have to undo anything you've done. Get up and go immediately. Trust the sensation at the back of your neck.
Otherwise, enjoy. Even in the back lot at Cracker Barrel we've smiled at the antics of squirrels and gotten pleasure from watching bunnies devouring dandelions. For the most part, the journey is as important as the destination.
@Jilong, we were once in a sketchy situation and had to remove ourselves quickly. We do NOT chock or put stabilizers down as that places one or both of you in that sketchy or dangerous situation longer than you need to be when you have to undo anything you've done. Get up and go immediately. Trust the sensation at the back of your neck.
Otherwise, enjoy. Even in the back lot at Cracker Barrel we've smiled at the antics of squirrels and gotten pleasure from watching bunnies devouring dandelions. For the most part, the journey is as important as the destination.
