Much Ado About ALDE

[paiceman]

Originally Posted by paiceman

Recent Alde issue found in rest of 30' Twins. At JC Laurie's system was repaired and a bracket installed to add just enough support to prevent this neoprene corner from rubbing and slipping down enough to get pinched again. My set up appears to be fine but service decided to add the same bracket with no request from me. I appreciate the attention paid to this issue and the corrective measures taken. On to Alde fluid replacement. I was going to watch and then in the future for it myself. After a couple of minutes I made a management decision that I have no intention of draining and replacing. Our technician had to get in positions and angles I've not been in for years. So, probably about every year or eighteen months we will be back here at JC and have it done. Reason given to me is that eventually the fluid slowly gels up and is no longer efficient at carrying heat.

I said "rest of twins", should clarify, potentially in Classic Twins as mine looked fine so hopefully many others will as well.

[Rosieriviter]

A great update. Anticipating delivery of our 2018 Classic Twin 30 in a few weeks.

[ksteve06]

If anyone can post pictures of the support bracket used that would be great. Maybe we can get airstream to mail out whatever they used so owners could fix themselves. Thanks again

[james.mileur]

Originally Posted by paiceman

So, probably about every year or eighteen months we will be back here at JC and have it done. Reason given to me is that eventually the fluid slowly gels up and is no longer efficient at carrying heat.

Hi Bud, thanks for the status report. I wonder if the gelling is from slow water evaporation through the expansion tank?

[paiceman]

Originally Posted by james.mileur

Hi Bud, thanks for the status report. I wonder if the gelling is from slow water evaporation through the expansion tank?

Did not ask, but could be. Actually I was glad to see a sense of urgency to get things right and all where free in answering questions.

[paiceman]

Originally Posted by ksteve06

If anyone can post pictures of the support bracket used that would be great. Maybe we can get airstream to mail out whatever they used so owners could fix themselves. Thanks again

So, here are some pictures of the fix a service advisor and technicians came up with. In my opinion after talking with all, looking at the placement of the brace I have a good deal of confidence this is a viable, easy very inexpensive fix. When looking at the picture, this is on the left side of the rear of the trailer, remove the access panel and there is the Alde pipe, free to bounce up and down. The brace is an easy to find half circle vinyl coated hook put in fastened to the support wall towards the trailer front. I like it. May have to post three pictures separately.

[paiceman]

I further suggest anyone with a 2017 or newer 30' Classic check your trailer for this issue. The problem was just discovered by Laurie and I as posted and JC had only seen it this week, therefore even production this week could have the potential problem. If it were me picking up a new trailer I'd make sure my dealer checked and if the neoprene is pinched or not I'd have them contact JC for this simple fix. JC is simply the best.

[Rosieriviter]

10-4 adding this to my delivery checklist.

[paiceman]

While at JC, although no Alde issues we made the decision after 18 months of ownership to have our Alde Fluid changed out. After a night in the Terraport I can safely say the job done by our JC technician was spot on and the fluid change made a difference in the efficiency of the Alde system. So, we've come to the conclusion that in all probability we will have the fluid changed once a year when we are back for an annual "go over" and safety check by these, in my opinion, exceptional technicians.

[BarryLCole]

Thanks, good info posted here. Would really like Airstream to provide manuals for both firefly and alde systems that show the different software variations as well as operations and trouble solving with each system. We are enjoying our 2018 classic 33 and will take a 2 month shakedown cruise in about a month. Our system, after Martin and I finally figured some stuff out , is working well. Our only out standing squawk is the day shade by table whch is non operational.

[sbowman]

[QUOTE=BarryLCole;2079829]Thanks, good info posted here. Would really like Airstream to provide manuals for both firefly and alde systems that show the different software variations as well as operations and trouble solving with each system.

Good luck and keep hoping for AS to provide a complete and thorough set of O & M's w/their trailers. One would reasonably think buying the ICON, one would get same w/a good set of O & M's.

What we did for our 2017 Classic, go on line, do the research and assembled a good set of O & M's for our use. For use this helped us to better understand what all we have and how things work.

Best regards and safe travels

[rmkrum]

The clamp part looks very much like a standard aircraft-style rubber-lined clamp. They can be found in various sizes in the specialty hardware drawers in most big box home improvement stores.

They are also very useful for tidying up and securing wire bundles that are run inside the corrugated split loom tubing material. Makes a nice tidy job of it if you have engineering OCD like I do...

[sbowman]

Current status on "ADLE Flow" up grade for Classic's w/3010 ADLE system. Over the past couple weeks of on going conversations w/ADLE US (360-597-3017), received parts and pricing for parts required for up grade. Note this is only parts required not labor for the up grade. I am waiting for labor pricing. Do not know if pricing I received is same for others. Pricing does not include shipping or taxes, $1,343.88. Included is a credit for 3010 unit (ADLE takes), new 3020 unit w/ADLE Flow, new 3020 touch screen control, and MISC. to make system complete.

Once I have received labor pricing, I will post. We are looking at couple options on the install.

Best regards and safe travels

[sbowman]

Originally Posted by sbowman

Current status on "ADLE Flow" up grade for Classic's w/3010 ADLE system. Over the past couple weeks of on going conversations w/ADLE US (360-597-3017), received parts and pricing for parts required for up grade. Note this is only parts required not labor for the up grade. I am waiting for labor pricing. Do not know if pricing I received is same for others. Pricing does not include shipping or taxes, $1,343.88. Included is a credit for 3010 unit (ADLE takes), new 3020 unit w/ADLE Flow, new 3020 touch screen control, and MISC. to make system complete.

Once I have received labor pricing, I will post. We are looking at couple options on the install.

Best regards and safe travels

received parts and pricing for parts required for up grade.

Should have read "received parts list and pricing for parts required for up grade. My error.

Best regards and safe travels

[kendrick.l.j]

Barry, I see this is just your second post so welcome to the forum and Congratulations on your purchase. You may find it extremely beneficial to read the Much Ado Alde thread. Although it is a bit cumbersome to wade through it is the closest thing to a manual you are going to get. There are several other threads that you may find helpful. Depending on which dealer you bought from, they may be a good source of information and if all else fails the folks at the Airstream Service center are available to help. The so called manuals that we were given are woefully inadequate and many dealers are still trying to play catch-up with the systems. Most of the questions you will have have already been asked and answered on this forum. Being new to RV/Airstreaming I have not found a better source for information, tips, suggestions, inspiration and troubleshooting than right here. Again, welcome and safe, happy Airstreaming.

[paiceman]

Snowman, not sure why one would want to go thru the added expense and trouble to move from the 3010 to the 3020. This past week I had discussions with several people with Airstream while we were at JC and I was told the 3020 only adds the ability to function with the pre hot water holding tank. With our adjustments done over a year ago we find we have plenty of hot water with the 3010.

[sbowman]

Originally Posted by paiceman

Snowman, not sure why one would want to go thru the added expense and trouble to move from the 3010 to the 3020. This past week I had discussions with several people with Airstream while we were at JC and I was told the 3020 only adds the ability to function with the pre hot water holding tank. With our adjustments done over a year ago we find we have plenty of hot water with the 3010.

Hello paiceman,

Yes we have made corrections/adjustments to our 3010 system and concur w/you. Thank you and greatly appreciate step by step from both you and Lauri.

For us we are exploring/researching at this point w/the up grade, cost and return. We have used on demand systems in our homes for over 20 years, for us you can not beat them. The return far out ways the cost. Energy use on these systems can be 50% less energy use w/greater return.

For us, the question is restraint or endless HW w/less energy use. The 3010 w/adjustments does extend HW times, however these adjustments are at the upper end of what it can return and requires greater energy use. One can add the ADLE Flow to the 3010, however a second recruit pump and additional plumbing is required. The 3020 system is designed for the ADLE Flow.

Changing out your glycol from polyethylene to ethylene will reduce energy cost as ethylene has a higher heat transfer and greater operating range of efficiency. The demand on the system is less w/greater return. ADLE uses both types of glycol in their systems. JC is constrained by Federal regulation to use only polyethylene out of the factory. As an owner you are not.

Long story short, why change? We both have work hard all our lives to this point in life. We like comfort, ease, and sure things other than death and taxes. Last truck and AS for us, we are hoping. We bought the Classic for a sure thing w/the understanding we would have to modify/upgrade to our wants and likes. Not sure if this answers your question. Not trying to sell anyone on what we are considering, each to their own w/the understanding most every buddy looks at things in a different perspective.

Best regards and safe travels

[paiceman]

Scott, I get it, thanks. You might also check with CanAm in Ontario as I know last year they installed Attwood Water Heaters in 2017 Classics, how many I do not know, as a supplement to the factory Alde system. The folks who had it done seem to be very satisfied.

Take Care and good luck

Bud

[cbburke]

I've been following this discussion for some time. I have a Sept 2017 build 2018 30' Classic. I've verified the label on the Alde boiler, it is a Model 3010. Between the boiler and outer wall is a Alde Flow. It can be see from the forward side of the dinette seat.

Additionally the online parts manual Page IV-1 illustrates and is labeled #1 is a Model 3010 Alde and #5 is an Alde Flow.

[kendrick.l.j]

As to the Alde Flow, while at JC for a week I did ask about the “on demand, continuous “ hot water upgraded possibilities. It can’t be done with my model but I asked how it was working for those you have it. Very diplomatically was told the Alde system even with the Alde Flow on the 3012 will not be able give you the hot water like the system I have in my stick built house.
If you are really wanting on demand, you’ll need to add the Atwood as Bud said. Some folks up in Canada have added the Atwood or maybe they replaced the Alde system altogether, not sure. Apparently they had good results. I don’t know the cost or where they had in done. Sorry. I ruled that out as an option a long time ago.
I just would not anyone to go to the trouble and expense of retro fitting a FLOW and it not live up to the expectations.