Alde shutting down

runaway30

I wonder if anyone has had this experience with there Alde.

On my 4 day out I woke up in the morning with no hot water.  I turned up the water temp icon to full, shore power to 2kw.
After 5 seconds the water temp indicator went back to off.  
I turned it back up and it did the same thing within 4 or 5 seconds.
I checked the temp of the glycol in the tank and it was cool to the touch.
Pulled the bed cushion and took a look at the fuse for the Alde, ok.
Powered the unit off at the display and unplugged the 30 amp shore power to restart, made no difference.
Checked all connections all good.
Heat was also off.  Heat had been set at 70+ every night.  left heat and water on 24/7 heat was turned down to 68 during day.

Called Alde tech support.  Tech trouble shooting.
Checked settings on Alde pump to verify they were on the same settings, water heater was on 3 flow on 2 set both to 3.
No change.
Turned setting on both up to 5 did not hear any glycol could not feel pumps running.
Checked high point drain under sink found small air bubble.  Manually released bubble.
No change, except now the show power settings also began to shut down within 15 seconds along with water temp settings.
Tech recommended trying only propane as source.
No change.
Tech was stumped promised to check with engineer and get back to us next week.
Tech was on the phone for at least an hour.
No error messages on display.

Half an hour later with both shore power and propane selected glycol started to flow, I could feel the pumps running and everything went back to normal.
Wonder if it was air working its way out of the system as this was the first trip for the unit?
Curious but pleased with the service from Alde and I know a little more about the system.

2021 Tab 400
12v fridge

Sharon_is_SAM

We’re you running the Alde only on shorepower overnight?  Do you use a surge protector?

runaway30

Yes we were only on shore power and were using the progressive pt 30x.
The propane was on for the stove.
I could hear a clicking coming from the Alde when setting the water heating level but I don't think the pumps were running because I could not feel them vibrating.

Is there a breaker on the main panel under the sink I wonder?  I did not check for a tripped breaker

Sharon_is_SAM

Interesting.  If you had tripped a breaker, the Alde would not have spontaneously returned to service.  What do you mean when you say the shorepower settings began to shut down?

Verna

what year what year and type of T@B do you have—320 or 400?

Sharon_is_SAM

@Verna - they have a 2021 400.

runaway30

Sharon,  The heating step indicator would drop from 2kw to 1kw and then off.  This sequence would take about 15-20 seconds. 

jkjenn

There is a setting, I cannot remember the exact term, but something about the circulation being set to thermal vs. Continious.It is somewhat buried in the Alde settings. When I have a second I can look for it.

Sharon_is_SAM

@runaway30 - now I understand.  That is very strange.  It almost sounds like it shut off during the night.  We’re the vents open?  Any chance the Alde over heated?  What was the outside temp and what did you have the thermostat set at?

runaway30

Sharon_is_SAM I think you are right that it did shut off during the night, because the camper was relatively cool.

• the overhead vent was cracked open
• The outside was 50ish
• I had the thermostat set to 80

Thanks for the help everyone.

Sharon_is_SAM

You only had it on 1 kw during the night.  Not sure why your thermostat is set so high.  Did you calibrate the thermostat?  Was there adequate air circulation around the Alde? 

4ncar

80!!!!😳

sorry, I’m no help...😒

runaway30

I was cold hence the high temp, and trying to get a feel for the heating capabilities in our new camper.  I will say we are quite satisfied with the heating.
I made sure the vents were not blocked, should I be doing something else to ensure adequate ventilation around the Alde?

Sharon_is_SAM

I was reading the list of Alde Fault Messages and they talk about overheating.  Just curious why you only use 1 heating element as opposed to 2?  Did you reach 80?  Was the pump constantly running?

Michigan_Mike

One thing I’ve noticed is that the glycol level can drop in the tank and I attribute this to the system probably being filled up with a pre-mix solution.  Glycol as a rule is pretty stable and will not evaporate until it hits 371.1 F.  If your glycol level drops off you won’t have heat.  One thing I like to do is go into the settings on the screen, go into the tools (I believe) and scroll back about 3 screens until you see the “Service” menu option.  Click on that and watch it as it will show you the RPM level of the pump and it provides real time read outs on the glycol temperature.  It’s a great means of checking the system output and whether or not things are operating as they should be.  And if you are going to bed with the thermostat set at 80° you are going to wake up with a wet pillow and sheets!  🤣  Waaaaay too much heat for a 400 in such a small space.  I program my Alde to maintain a comfortable heat level and it drops off to around 64°F at night and starts heating things back up to normal around 4:30 AM.  

It’s a good idea to include extra glycol as part of your travel gear too as things normally occur when you are out 2K miles from your home base.  I carry a gallon jug with me on trips and also have glycol in a few water bottles as well for ease of pouring as needed.  

Denny16

I find 62F to 64F is a comfortable setting for night time whilst I sleep, Nd have auto day program set to 66/68 F to,start at 0600, so it is toasty when I get up at 7/7:30. 
cheers

runaway30

Sharon_is_SAM to verify 1kw/2kw do I understand correctly that:
1kw operates one heating element
2kw operates  two heating elements.

I thought I read 1kw & 2kw referred to the power used to operate the system, and you could only use 2kw when hooked up to a 30amp plug, and the 1kw with a household 110 outlet.

In regards to the 80 degree setting I had forgotten my thyroid meds, and have a condition where without it I get cold very easily.  Yes it was to hot in reality.
But what a great system it can really put out the heat and I am very happy with my new 400.  

The Alde worked normally that next night but I will be sure and take a close look at the glycol level ASAP.  

Denny16

Yes, the 2KW uses two heating elements and draws more power than the 1KW setting.  You can however run the 2KW mode on 20 amp circuit as long as you do not run another large draw appliances like a microwave, or hair dryer.

The 30 amp RV connection is still 110/120 VAC, and household receptacles can be 15 or 20 amp.  Running 110/120 VAC at 10 amps, best to keep to then1KW setting.

You can also use the propane setting while connected to the mains, to heat the cabin a little faster.
cheers

Sharon_is_SAM

@runaway30 - you are correct about the heating elements.  Like Denny said, you can heat with 2kw on a 20 amp circuit.

I am trying to understand why your Alde stopped running.  I assumed you were using a campground pedestal 30 amp circuit.  

So, did it actually reach 80 on the 1 kw setting?  

runaway30

Sharon_is_SAM, I was on a 30 amp pedestal.
It did get to 80 and during the night I turned it back down to the lower 70's.  I am not sure if I remember correctly if I was on 1 or 2kw at the time.

  I was running under the theory that the 1kw vs 2kw referred to the power source available.  1kw for a regular 110 two prong extension cord or 2kw for the 30amp shore power cord.  I am a little uninformed on electricity. 
  
I am spending more time going back over the manuals and the unofficial guide.  It all makes more sense after using the camper. 

I appreciate the help from everyone.

Sharon_is_SAM

The Alde does require repeated perusing of the manual.  Hopefully you won’t have a repeat performance!  Good luck!