Airstream letter about new Alde glycol

[DeltaRon]

My Classic has the original Alde system. Got a letter from Airstream today directing me to take our 2018 Classic 33 to our dealer to replace/upgrade to a new type of Glycol. Anyone know more about what’s really going on?

[GMFL]

I’m sure it has something to do with Cancer and the State of California.....

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

I haven’t heard anything about it. If it’s free then go ahead and do it. It also may be a letter from your dealer reminding you that the two year recommended replacement of Alde fluid is now.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by DeltaRon

My Classic has the original Alde system. Got a letter from Airstream today directing me to take our 2018 Classic 33 to our dealer to replace/upgrade to a new type of Glycol. Anyone know more about what’s really going on?

Have they offered to pay your total travel expenses in full?

[turk123]

I have a 2019 with yellow fluid. When I added glycol (from JC) the other day, it was blue. So what is the new glycol?

[JDG]

DeltaRon

Best to call JC for the “scoop”. I made an appointment to have it done at JC. Also includes a additional ground wire to the Alde boiler which is suppose to help with galvanic corrosion caused by the fluid moving through the system. It is a new fluid but not sure on extended replacement life or if it will still be two year replacement. Kevin at JC wasn’t sure and said they would have answer when I brought it in in a couple of months. Kudos to them for improving or trying to correct an issue. Replacing fluid every two years at $$$ doesn’t sound very desirable.

[BayouBiker]

Alde has switch to antifreze with glycerine rather than glycol and a OAT with compatible silicate based additive for corrosion protection it is an improvement over some of the previous formulations in that the anti-corrosion properties break down about half as fast in aluminum systems so it does not need to be changed but every 5 years and the silicates also work better with aluminum components. Some claim the glycerine is more environmentally friendly but that presumes Carbon Dioxide (Plant Food) is harmful to the environment which is a bogus claim.

Older soldered brass systems should not use the glycerine / silicate / OAT formulations, they should stick with G11 or G12 glycol IAT formulations.

[turk123]

I just finished talking to Cory at JC and my 2019 is affected. He did say there is a new formulation and that it will prevent corrosion from happening.

The system has to be flushed by your dealer and the new fluid added. All for free.

[BayouBiker]

Originally Posted by turk123

I have a 2019 with yellow fluid. When I added glycol (from JC) the other day, it was blue. So what is the new glycol?

You should generally not mix different colors of antifreeze as they are often not the same formulation and will dramatically reduce the anti corrosion properties. Yellow and oranges and magenta formulations are usually HOAT, blues reds, and ,dark greens are generally OAT. So in your case it could be worse but.... You have likely lost much of the anti corrosion properties so you should flush the system within the next 6-9 months. Try never to mix the bright green IAT with any of the other colors.

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

Awesome. I have a JC appointment in April, I’ll check to see if we are impacted (wouldn’t be surprised being an 18) and try and get this added to the week.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I have not seen a letter (yet). Since my 2017 *should* have the "bad old stuff" in it, I'd guess I should be watching my mail box .....

Do they provide free beer while they are changing out the Alde fluid ?

Bob

[Hoagie]

2017 Classic 30' here as well. We also have not received this letter regarding changing out the fluid. And wouldn't you know it? Had it into the local dealer for some warranty items prior to putting it away for the winter and one thing they did was the prescribed 2 year replacement of the original fluid. Looks like when it comes out of winter storage it may be going back to the dealer for this work if we are also affected.

[BayouBiker]

Just take a quick look at the fluid color, if it is magenta, orange or yellow you are likely good as is. If it is blue, red or dark green you should ask them to redo it.

[primepower]

I have a 2018 with the blue color fluid. I checked the pH level the other day and it was 9 so I'm good to go for now. However if I do receive a letter for a free replacement I'll take them up on it.

[ajwbarnard]

Originally Posted by BigSxyWhtGuy

Awesome. I have a JC appointment in April, I’ll check to see if we are impacted (wouldn’t be surprised being an 18) and try and get this added to the week.

We have an appointment scheduled in April as well. We will add this to the list. When are you there?

[Airhead2018]

Wee Doggies!

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

April 6th. Last of our warranty work getting done before we head to Alaska. Dropping the trailer off at JC and we rented a cabin on a near by lake to hang out at.

[69SoulShine]

No letter either and following.

[DeltaRon]

My dealer (Southland in Atlanta) is aware of change. Glycol has to be drained and replaced with a less corrosive fluid. Also they had to add some grounding wires to system.

[RickyNelson]

Following - Thank you!