After my experience, and also that it's easy to change (on 2009 and newer),
I plan on changing the fuel filter every 5,000 miles. Cheap piece of mind. Can't believe how much better the trike runs!!!
Easy peasy. Can get a $30 tool to remove the lock ring or improvise by tapping the tabs or make one out of PVC. Once open, pretty self explanatory by removing the retaining clip on the shell. The service manual and YouTube are your friends.
I'll add that if you use the taping tabs method don't use a steel punch. The risk of igniting nearby gas fumes is much too high, IMHO. I bought the tool.