How to remove the back panel?

jkjenn

So, I am now having some time to work on little T@b projects and want to take a look at the area that holds the expansion tank for the Alde. How do I remove that long board across the top of the back section? I have heard several references to 2 screws, but where are they?

Wanderoo

Mine has two screws which were very visible on each end of the long board.  Do you have a thumb hole?  If you don't see any screws, just try pulling up on the thumb hole.

Nomad

Like Wanderoo, mine has two philips-head screws about a foot and a half either side of the finger hole. Remove screws and lift up.

I'm going to do a post about that shelf and the space underneath with some pics as soon as I get a chance here in the next couple of day. A lot of inefficiency in the heat system back there. I've also modified the shelf for more storage.

mawebb

I noticed on a couple of units that I looked at, at our local dealer, the screws were almost invisible as they had been countersunk so far that the head of the screw was not visible. This may be your case. You will need to look closely for what looks like a small hole in the surface of the plywood. 

Wanderoo

Great!  I can't wait to see the mods for the shelf.  We can always use more storage space.  )

jkjenn

Yes, very hard to find and too close to the trim. I am not sure they are even necessary, to begin with.

Glad I checked. My fluid is not much above the minimum line.

jkjenn

PXLated said:

Like Wanderoo, mine has two philips-head screws about a foot and a half either side of the finger hole. Remove screws and lift up.

I'm going to do a post about that shelf and the space underneath with some pics as soon as I get a chance here in the next couple of day. A lot of inefficiency in the heat system back there. I've also modified the shelf for more storage.

Looking forward to that write-up.

Sgtjohn

I built a small box approximately 2x6 5 " deep and screwed it in to where it wouldn't interfere with the heat and installed a piano hinge on the shelf. Now the shelf won't bounce off. Since I permanently removed the two screws. I also installed one of my "boxes" within the electrical area for more storage of fishing gear.

jkjenn

SgtJohn, I would love to see photos of your set-up!

mash2

I have an older tab, but I removed the screws and added a piano hinge on the cover to make it easier to access (the heater on the older ones often require a reset of the heater and I wanted to make access easier).

Nomad

Posted a photo of what I did to that back ledge/shelf here...

http://tab-rv.com/community/#/discussion/518/rear-panel-heat-slots

ChanW

Jenn, careful what antifreeze you put in the Alde tank. Alde specifies antifreeze that's safe for aluminum, and 'green', I think. I asked LG what they used to fill the system, and they said they used "Sierra", which is available at 'Tractor Supply' around Buffalo. I'm not sure that you should mix antifreeze brands.

Per Alde, the heating system antifreeze needs to be replaced every 3 years if I remember right, in order to keep it clean and to keep the alcohol percentage correct (the alcohol evaporates slowly).

I looked into a good tester for alcohol concentration, but they cost way too much, so we'll have to find someone who can test it.

-- 

Chan

2014 'S' Maxx

ChanW

mash2 said:

I have an older tab, but I removed the screws and added a piano hinge on the cover to make it easier to access (the heater on the older ones often require a reset of the heater and I wanted to make access easier).

I opened our back cover up and found it hadn't been insulated under there very well. The sheet of foam they used was taped in there minimally, and wasn't big enough to fit the space.. I had to replace it and seal it.

I like your idea of a piano hinge. We've found that the heat works a lot better with that cover open, especially when the bedding is covering the heat vent holes back there. The hinge would help hold it open.

--

Chan

2014 'S' Maxx