Aldo Upgrade

[Hoagie]

Our 2017 Classic has the Alde 3010 system installed from the factory. From Day 1 we have experienced issues with this system. It has been back to the dealer (actually 3 different dealers) to be addressed numerous times starting during the first few months and continuing to present day, well after the warranty expired. Of course, this means any direction taken now if out of our pockets.

There must be a reason Airstream switched to the Alde 3020 system after less than 2 years. With a multi-page thread dedicated to adjusting the Alde system so that it provides adequate hot water I know ours is not the only system with issues. And yes, I have tried everything in that thread.

From Day 1 it was apparent that dealer service centers had limited training and zero experience on this system. In true Airstream fashion, our installation does not match any of the technical drawings in the Alde paperwork: line routed differently, valves located different fromt he drawings, etc.

Airstream first moved to the 3020 system and is now using the 3030 system. In conversation with the dealer we are working with now (Airstream Adventures of Spokane) they are recommending an upgrade to the 3030 system at a price of $4800. A pricey upgrade for a system that never worked properly from the start. But seeing our current system is due for an Alde fluid change which would run north of $1000 I would be offsetting that expense.

Has anyone done this upgrade? Was it worth it? Right now we get maybe a minute or two of hot shower. And that's taking navy showers. Some nights we get almost zero hot water for dishes. Probably going to pull the trigger and get this done, but would like to hear others experiences.

[Pete B55]

We also have a 2017 Classic. I was proactive and learned about the system before we picked up the trailer and showed our dealer how to properly adjust the system. We got a reasonable amount of hot water from the 3010 but it was never great. A little over two years ago the water jacket developed a leak and it required a total replacement. I went back to JC and had the work done- price was about what you quoted. They were not very knowledgeable in replacing it with the 3020.

If I did it again I would go to Truma in Elkart IN. Lots of positive comments from those who have had them do the work. My view is anyone else will not do the install correctly.

The change was huge. A lot more hot water. Never ran out taking a shower.

My understanding of the 3030 is there is about 5% greater volume in the water tanks than a 3020 which is good, and it also supports mutizones which is not an issue. Its the current model Alde offers.

[BGClassic]

+1 for Truma in Elkhart. I would DIY before taking it to an AS dealer.

[Ptoneill]

I have a 2021 30’ RBT Classic, I am looking to upgrade to the 3030 system just to get rid of the ALDE expansion tank, mine is leaking. I will reach out to ALDE tomorrow to see if I can get a quote from their service center in AZ.

[Hoagie]

Originally Posted by BGClassic

+1 for Truma in Elkhart. I would DIY before taking it to an AS dealer.

I've continued researching this and Truma has informed me that they do not sell this unit for a DIY installation.

[Hoagie]

I reached out to Truma regarding this upgrade and they responded with some information.

First, they do not allow the customer to self-install the new boiler. It must be done by a trained tech. The closest Truma service center is in Phoenix, about 1400 miles one way from us. That's not doable for us.

I next looked at authorized Truma dealers that offered service. There is one about an hour away, but in speaking to their rep they have never worked on an Airstream nor ever done this upgrade. This calls into question whether or not the have a "trained tech" that has experience doing this upgrade. Plus, looking at their Google and Yelp reviews there have been a lot of people that have experienced issues with their service center. Too bad as they have a lot of positive reviews for their sales department. Yes, I know you have to take these reviews with a grain of salt.

So the local Airstream dealer is looking to be the best solution. I should get the trailer out of winter storage early in April and get it it. I'll report back on how it goes.

[catrinapdq]

Due to a failing 3020 Audi unit I had Truma and Aldi service in Lakeland Florida install the new 3030 Plus in my 2018 classic 30. Dave the technician was great to work with. New unit is significantly better than the 3020 and I now have continuous hot water.

3030Plus has the continuous hot water, basic 3030 unit did not.

[BGClassic]

Originally Posted by catrinapdq

Due to a failing 3020 Audi unit I had Truma and Aldi service in Lakeland Florida install the new 3030 Plus in my 2018 classic 30. Dave the technician was great to work with. New unit is significantly better than the 3020 and I now have continuous hot water.

3030Plus has the continuous hot water, basic 3030 unit did not.

Interesting. What failed in the Alde 3020? I have read that these units had some issues.

After reading this thread, I think I'd have no problem letting Alde/Truma replace mine, vice the AS dealer. Once you get the unit exposed, it looks like any other RV, 12V, AC and PEX.

[catrinapdq]

My 3020 had a leak in the seam. Unit was seven years old.

They now recommend the air bubble being replaced every week, but the 3030 plus also has a warning in the electronic display. Don’t know if that turns on after so many days or if mine turned on due to pressure, either way, the reminder was nice.

[BGClassic]

I think I read about that seam failure on here, and possibly the tank material was too thin. Glad you got the upgraded model.

My 3020 has no warning or reminder to reset the cushion, that I am aware of. I probably do it more than once per week, though.

[Ptoneill]

I also replaced my 3020 with the 3030+, had Pete (Truma) from the Phoenix office do it, he traveled to Las Vegas. Very happy to be rid of the failing Alde flow tank. Job took about 3.5 - 4 hours. I have a 2021 30’ RBT Classic

[Hoagie]

The plot thickens.

My dealer reached out to Truma again regarding the price difference between the 3030 and 3030+. $600 more for the Plus model which we are going to do ensure a more continuous supply of hot water.

Now the interesting part. Although our dealer had previously received a complete list of all components necessary to install the standard 3030 in our 2017 Classic 30, when he asked about the 3030+ the Truma person responding informed him it is impossible to upgrade from the 3010 to even the 3020, much less either of the 3030s.

Seeing as he was previously given an entire parts list and some intruction on the upgrade by Alde, AND there have been numerous Airstream owners reporting successful upgrades to their 3010s, it is obvious this latest Alde rep doesn't know what they are talking about.

So we are waiting for the dealer to get a good price quote on the 3030+ and they we move forward.

This has been interesting journey but we are nearing the end.

[BGClassic]

You still have options. How about a 3020 system? Make a trip out east, and have Truma in Elkhart (or another location) do it. The 3020 has the bugs worked out.