2017 Classic owners

[Packerman]

I have a 2017 TWIN on order and it comes off line 7/28/16. I should have my hands on it first week in August. I ordered the new cabinet color (that was the limited edition 2016 cabinet color). I am not concerned about storage as we will make due with what we have plus can use the bed of the truck if needed. In my opinion, purchasing a 2016 off the lot vs. the 2017 was never an option. There were so many upgrades to the 2017, the extra few thousand was a no brainer. I would be happy to offer more feedback once I have it. We plan to spend a few months in the Palm Desert area during the winter when we escape from Colorado.

[jonathan b]

Yes I did try that I also tried it on both electric coils and propane . They had the unit back at colonial for two weeks airstream said that was as good as it's going to get . Now they are talking about putting a mixing valve in . But I don't think that is going to fix it either because inside the boiler there is no hot water coil it is nothing more than a water tank against the boiler .

[BetterNowlinLater]

Thank you all for the information. I am going to stop worrying about the little things and work with what I have. I am very excited. We still need to keep posting any new issues that come along as 2017 owners.
Jonathan, did Airstream or Colonial indicate that the hot water problem was going to happen with everyone, or is this just an issue with your trailer?

[jonathan b]

Unless they come up with a fix everybody with the alde system will have the same problem in my book.

[Zybane]

How are two electric coils and a propane burner not enough? Are the electric coils not in the same water tank as the water that gets to the shower? Seems like there may be a design fault if so.

[Naper]

There are several good Alde videos on YouTube. The company has been producing these systems in Sweden for over 10 years. One video explains how to use the controls, it appears the system is very flexible as far as heating sources, I assume this is more for heating and water recovery.The water temperature is adjustable (separate settings for heat and hot water) You should have the the hot water set fairly high and mix the hot with the cold.This will give you more than a 2 minute shower. If you are running the water heater at a lower temperature and have the shower faucet turned to 100% hot for sure you will run out of water in 2 minutes. If you have the hot water set higher and the faucet set half way you should get a 4 minute shower. The factory claims these unites are comparable with a 6 gal conventional water heater.

[Packerman]

Do you know if you are camping with no electricity hook up that the Alde system will operate on propane? If not, would it operate with a small 2000 watt generator?

[Naper]

Originally Posted by Packerman

Do you know if you are camping with no electricity hook up that the Alde system will operate on propane? If not, would it operate with a small 2000 watt generator?

Yes it will operate on propane. It will use far less power than the traditional furnace as there is no blower motor. No problem with a 2000 watt generator.

[Packerman]

Thank you! I went online to the Alde website and learned a lot! This system is amazing to me. It is versatile and if set properly will function to whatever your needs are based upon your climate. Can't wait for our 2017 Classic to arrive.

[OSIN]

Thanks Packerman: A few of the dealers in my area are nervous about this system too. Maybe they are just saying this in trying to unload the 16's using scare tactics? A 2 minute shower works for me, but not the better half...LOL. What did you find out that will help...We are planning on ordering a 17, tomorrow, but will buy another if we need to. A 140K trailer should not have these issues IMHO

[Rawn77]

My '17 is due to arrive at my dealer next week.
Supposedly there is a 2 gallon reservoir in the system for hot water; which it heats to a very high temperature as well as a very quick recovery.
I think the key will to be turning on the propane function before taking a shower and if available to use both electric elements. Turning off the shower head liberally should help as well.

I hope I did the right thing trading in my '15 ; time will tell.

I think I'm the only one who chose the new lighter cognac wood, sandalwood countertops & chestnut leatherette.

[Packerman]

The Alde website is extremely helpful. It has a frequently asked question section that answers most of your concerns. Running both propane and electric together is the key and turning way down well below the ambient temperature for heating when heat is not needed such as during the summer.

[jonathan b]

I ran my system with both electric elements and propane. If you go to the function on your screen you can watch the boiler temperature and the hot water temperature when you use the hot water the temperature drops like a rock and the boiler temperature almost stays the same. So the problem is not the boiler being able to keep up it's the small tank that does not recover fast enough. I am still waiting for my mixing valve kit since June. Airstream really dropped the ball for me. I wish I would have never traded in my 15 model for this one. I put 16,000 miles on my 15 and work flawless. I really hope that the mixing valve works for all of us if not I think we have a big problem.

[Naper]

Originally Posted by jonathan b

I ran my system with both electric elements and propane. If you go to the function on your screen you can watch the boiler temperature and the hot water temperature when you use the hot water the temperature drops like a rock and the boiler temperature almost stays the same. So the problem is not the boiler being able to keep up it's the small tank that does not recover fast enough. I am still waiting for my mixing valve kit since June. Airstream really dropped the ball for me. I wish I would have never traded in my 15 model for this one. I put 16,000 miles on my 15 and work flawless. I really hope that the mixing valve works for all of us if not I think we have a big problem.

We are considering a new Classic. Our 2011 has been great other than some small stuff. Sure wouldn't want to trade it in for a head ache. What does this "mixing valve" do ? If its mixing hot with cold can't it be done with the faucet ? These systems have been around for a long time you would think they would have the bugs out of it.

[rodsterinfl]

The Alde boiler also heats water for your shower and sink in another jacket around the outside of the boiler. It will hold a couple of gallons, which when mixed with cold water at your shower faucet is enough for a (quick) shower. This water is usually very hot – 85 degrees Celsius, or 185 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want hot water in a hurry, you can turn off the pump circulating the glycol, and all the heat goes to warming the shower water.

Here is a tidbit I found on looking up Alde. I guess anything past that and it is more about recovery.

[lsbrodsky]

Wow, I repeat that this really looks like a major step away from comfort. While I ask my wife to conserve water, she does not do Navy showers. This system would freeze her out!

Larry

[ghaynes755]

Sounds like this will all boil down to recovery time (no pun intended). The current Atwood is 6 gals at no more than about 150 degrees, probably less since the pressure relief valve is 155 degree. Alde 2 gals at 185. Probably quicker to heat 2 gals with elec/propane than bringing up the Atwood with elec/prop turned on. But the proof will be when folks have the Alde and report back. Might work out that the Alde is better for a long continuous shower.

[Rawn77]

My '17 was supposed to come off the line on July 18. It was held up for the hot water issue we've all been posting about.
Just got off the phone with my dealer; my unit was released today. It was held up until the new mixing valve could be installed.
My dealer told me he had spoken to one of the head honchos at Airstream who was using a new '17 Classic (w/ new mixing valve) with his family of four and had no problems showering one after another.

I'm starting to feel much better!

Ron

[AIRHEDS]

I'm anxiously awaiting to hear how you all make out with your new 2017's. I'm hoping quality picks up as I read somewhere else on this forum that Airstream leadership acknowledged the issues and intended to improve. Holding your trailer up for the new mixing valve, IMHO, is a very positive step in this direction and I'm hoping for more steps in this direction. James' (Zybane's) 2016 issues were scaring the hell out of me (poor wiring and duct work to name a few).

Originally Posted by Rawn77

I think I'm the only one who chose the new lighter cognac wood, sandalwood countertops & chestnut leatherette.

Funny Ron. We originally ordered the maple cabinets, but we stayed with the Nightsky countertop and Macadamia leather colors. Then, just a couple of weeks ago, I successfully requested that we change the cabinet color back to Cherry given it's what we fell in love with when we first saw the Classic. (I wimped out to my wife's surprise).

Ours won't be in until some time in September so it's been a difficult wait. I've been trying to get miles on the new 6.7L diesel to get it broken in before we start towing ... we're up to about 3700 miles so far.

Anyways, good luck to all on your new 2017's. Keep us all posted!

Regards,
Rich

[Rawn77]

My new '17 arrived at my dealer today
He was kind enough to send me some interior pics.
I think my colour combination will be a rare one indeed: