Airstream letter about new Alde glycol

[rewillia]

Our Classic M30 is undergoing the Alde fluid flush and refill plus the addition of more grounding cables at this time. Had to wait 3-months due to the que ahead of us and the shipment of the fluid and kit to perform the TSB of which we learned is ordered by Dealers based on the unit VIN#.

[SilverBVer]

I was shorted quite a bit of Glycol with the Alde Service on my 2018 Classic. I’m quite familiar with my Alde since soon after taking delivery I had a critical mother board failure, received a new one (under warranty) from Spencer. Replaced the board with the help of this forum and recharged the system with this fluid (picture attached). The bleed tube behind the couch is so low, I can’t see it in the 16 inches that are visible. I asked and Airstream of Virginia said this was the new fluid, however, when I called Truma (too close to Trauma for this ER Nurse) to double check, they said it isn’t the correct fluid. ≈$50 for a gallon from Truma but they recommended I get the replacement fluid from Airstream of Virginia at no cost because it was a recall service that should have been done to some expected professional standard. When I called AoV for the fluid, they were going to transfer fluid from a drum into a container and mail it to me. I don’t trust them to send me uncontaminated glycol. And I’m not willing to risk my Alde. So, I’m ordering, on my dime, from Truma, a gallon of the new glycol. Does anyone want to share their opinion of the fluid in the picture or of Airstream of Virginia? I’m showering in cold water which is helping to cool my temper.

[primepower]

Airstream of Virginia also did my service and used blue fluid but I didn't know it wasn't incorrect. Great. I guess I'll use it for 5 years then change it myself with Amsoil low toxicity coolant.

[SilverBVer]

I hope that AoV took care in executing the service bulletin recall and that the only air is in the bleed point behind the couch. I won’t know until next week when I can get fluid to add.

[primepower]

I guess I'm kind of confused. Did they use the correct fluid on yours? I don't know if they did on mine because I'm not for sure what the correct fluid is supposed to be.

[SilverBVer]

I don’t doubt they used the correct fluid for the flush and fill. I just wish they had taken care to bleed the air out as they filled it; a process that takes time and patience. I know bleeding after transporting can be necessary, but the glycol level seems very low.

[JDG]

SilverBver

That looks like the old fluid. Recently had mine changed at JC. New fluid is light blue or aqua color. I think you made right choice with ordering from Truma.

[primepower]

Ok thanks, I feel better now. They also didn't flush mine well so I did that at home and topped off with some amsoil low toxicity coolant. Didn't take too much.

Originally Posted by SilverBVer

I don’t doubt they used the correct fluid for the flush and fill. I just wish they had taken care to bleed the air out as they filled it; a process that takes time and patience. I know bleeding after transporting can be necessary, but the glycol level seems very low.

[69SoulShine]

Originally Posted by SilverBVer

I was shorted quite a bit of Glycol with the Alde Service on my 2018 Classic. I’m quite familiar with my Alde since soon after taking delivery I had a critical mother board failure, received a new one (under warranty) from Spencer. Replaced the board with the help of this forum and recharged the system with this fluid (picture attached). The bleed tube behind the couch is so low, I can’t see it in the 16 inches that are visible. I asked and Airstream of Virginia said this was the new fluid, however, when I called Truma (too close to Trauma for this ER Nurse) to double check, they said it isn’t the correct fluid. ≈$50 for a gallon from Truma but they recommended I get the replacement fluid from Airstream of Virginia at no cost because it was a recall service that should have been done to some expected professional standard. When I called AoV for the fluid, they were going to transfer fluid from a drum into a container and mail it to me. I don’t trust them to send me uncontaminated glycol. And I’m not willing to risk my Alde. So, I’m ordering, on my dime, from Truma, a gallon of the new glycol. Does anyone want to share their opinion of the fluid in the picture or of Airstream of Virginia? I’m showering in cold water which is helping to cool my temper. Attachment 374564

Definitely old fluid I have a jug of that was given to me with our new Classic in March of 2017.

[69SoulShine]

Said jug

[Airhead2018]

Airstream of Virginia is the reason we travel to JC for all our service work. Airstream should not endorse the unqualified service work that comes out of it, period.

[trikdacy]

Colonial Airstream recommended I call Truma for the newest blue glycol for my 2019 Classic's Alde heating system. Both Airstream and Truma strongly advised to never mix colors/brands. Attached is my invoice so you can have the vendor and part number. Sales at Trum is very helpful.

[RussRamz]

Originally Posted by Airhead2018

Airstream of Virginia is the reason we travel to JC for all our service work. Airstream should not endorse the unqualified service work that comes out of it, period.

I can second that opinion. Airstream of Virginia is awful. I’ve made two 6 hour trips to Ohio vs taking my Classic to the butchers at AOV

[Airhead2018]

Originally Posted by RussRamz

I can second that opinion. Airstream of Virginia is awful. I’ve made two 6 hour trips to Ohio vs taking my Classic to the butchers at AOV

We told Airstream (JC) about the issues with this dealer and recommended they discontinue the dealership. We were told that definitely won't happen because it is owned by Camping World or Gander (whichever), and they are Airstreams biggest distributor. SELL, SELL, SELL!, to hell with service.