I think your concerns with CZone and Alde systems are a little overblown. We have a Classic 33 with both systems and our experience has met expectations. In terms of product solutions designed as the ‘brains’ of a smart, connected system, CZone is amongst the market leaders. It’s a pretty good system all things considered. It originally was designed for marine use - high-end yachts and such - and migrated into the RV market. It actually is a collection of components that all work together. Even the switches and buttons in your Airstream are CZone components. The RV market today is demanding “smart” coaches. CZone is at the top of the heap in terms of supporting technologies for these smart RVs. If you’re in the market for a ‘smart RV’ - like any of the newer Airstreams, one equipped with a CZone system is a good choice.
However, since the CZone system is a vast collection of parts (they’re all over your Airstream), there are bound to be more problems statistically speaking than an older, analog RV with no ‘smart technology’ built in. There is just more “stuff” to break. It’s good stuff…but every high-tech gizmo is susceptible to breaking. If you understand the technology, it’s not a big deal. The problem is…few Airstream dealers **really** understand how the whole smear works. And this is why there is a lot of noise on the forums about the problems folks have. The CZone installation in our Airstreams is very much like a computer network and if you understand that, then working with the system is a little easier to think about.
Similarly, the Alde system is pretty good. Requires some understanding of how it works. It’s sensitive to Airstream water pressure…the goal here is to limit the pressures to reasonable values. I keep our coach pressure at 40 psi. We’ve had no issues with our Alde 3020. Importantly, the Alde air cushion needs to be maintained religiously. Some folks never do…and they eventually have issues (the Alde Flow tank usually develops a leak). The issue is that water is incompressible and when the water pressures in your Airstream are too high combined with the water hammer effect when you initially turn on/off the water, the lightweight Alde Flow tank can spring a leak. Maintain reasonable water pressures and maintain your air cushion and you’ll be fine. We really like our Alde system. Quiet, even heat…endless hot water…runs on gas or electric. We’ve got no issues. The biggest issues I’ve seen are with folks kind of ignoring the owners manual with respect to water pressure and maintenance of the air cushion. Again…it’s a really nice system, but requires a wee bit of knowledge from their owners.
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