2014 T@B winterizing and the alde

Lisamorrisette

So I I found great stuff here for winterizing. But my 2014 model is a jumble of hoses with only 3 valves not the neatly organized system in the pdf photos. Someone did have this system as well and I read about their issues. I called NuCamp to sort out the lines. I was able to drain, blow-out and add antifreeze BUT there is no bypass in my system so apparently the antifreeze is in the alde as well and I can not use it until I flush the system. I am disappointed as I had planned to use my new T@B in the winter but without heat was not the plan. Does anyone know if there is a way to add a bypass valve or other work around?

Sharon_is_SAM

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/136891#Comment_136891

I found another discussion about winterizing a 2014 TaB with the Alde, but they did not intend to heat with the Alde while winterized, so that won't help you.

Since nuCamp actually uses the blow out technique and adds AF to the p traps, is that an option for you?  That would allow you to at least use the Alde for winter camping.  It would of course require you to drain and rinse everything now, then re-winterize using a compressor.

ScottG

Does anyone have an authoritative source on exactly why the Alde shouldn't be used with antifreeze in the HW tank?

I can speculate on several reasons why it might be a problem. I may even have been among the first here to suggest it was a problem, but if so I confess I'm no longer sure where I originally got my information.

Sometimes things get repeated so much that while it appears they are based on a large body of evidence, in fact it all stems from the same erroneous source. 

Verna

There are three PDF’s in this post, with the third pdf for 2014’s and 2015’s. It does have photos from nüCamp showing the Alde bypass valve. 

See if this will work for you.

I took a label gun and labeled the valves after figuring it out the first time. 

Sharon_is_SAM

@Verna - which post?

@ScottG - yes, it is true.  Validated at uCamp with Spencer et al.  I have also seen it documented somewhere, but don’t ask me where to find it.  You are repeating the Alde recommendation!

ScottG

Sharon_is_SAM said:

@ScottG - yes, it is true.  Validated at uCamp with Spencer et al.  I have also seen it documented somewhere, but don’t ask me where to find it.  You are repeating the Alde recommendation!

Do you recall the specific reason(s)?

Sharon_is_SAM

Yes.  The chosen AF must be able to tolerate the high temperatures of the Alde without degrading the anti-corrosion properties.

Verna

I am so sorry, too many pots in the fire!

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/3703/manuals-for-winterizing-t-bs-pdf-files#latest

Sharon_is_SAM

This from the 2021 Owners Manual:

When using the Alde® System for the first time:

 

“Make sure your Alde® bypass valve is turned to “Normal” Operation.

Confirm there is no RV antifreeze in the Alde® Domestic Water Tank. This can occur if the unit has been winterized.

Sharon_is_SAM

@ScottG - check out Photomom’s post in this thread.  https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6741/alde-and-rv-antifreeze-hopefully-the-last-word

Mellow_Yellow

Thanks @Lisamorrisette - I've had my 2014 320 S for less than a month and am still nervously learning about its systems and how to take care of them. We're getting a cold snap (just above freezing) tonight and I wanted to make sure the plumbing would be safe. All of these posts have been so helpful!
I was also puzzled by the jumble in the Alde compartment and I also only found 3 valves, but thankfully, the previous owner labeled the pipe leading to the red hose (Hot) and the blue hose (Cold). The 3rd valve is shown on the lower right near the green tape.

ChanW

@Lisamorrisette, you can use your Alde in the winter, but you'll need to use the blowout method to winterize your water lines. Blowing out the lines is not difficult, pretty simple, and works fine as long as you are thorough.

There are a few write-ups here on the forum discussing blowing out the lines on your 'era' Tab. Search for "blowout", or use this Google search link: 
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=site%3Atab-rv.vanillacommunity.com%20blowout%20OR%20blow-out