Alde Heating Pipes

scott14

With cooler temperatures upon us, we are going to be using the Alde System for the first time next weekend to provide heat in our 2022 320S.  We have used the Alde for Hot Water with great success, both electric and gas.  

We store our bedding under and behind the dinette seats, which is also where some of the Alde pipes run.  When I did a test run of the system in heating mode, the pipes got very hot to the touch.  Are these hot pipes a concern when storing bedding next to/on them?  Has anyone experienced any issues?  The conservative part of me says to keep everything away from the pipes... just to be safe.  I read both the nuCamp manual and the Alde 3020 manual and I do not find any caution or mention of this concern.   Thoughts?

Thank you!

kottum

Not something I would do, with concerns in those closed compartments about synthetics in the bedding melting, off-gassing, or possibly catching fire.  Even pure cotton will scorch or burn if it gets hot enough.

Yes, we also have a 2022 320s BD and there is little storage space.  We knew that going in and keep much of our clothing and food in storage containers in our pickup on long trips.  We use our bed in the twin configuation, and don't fool around with residential bedding.  It's a camper and we use sleeping bags.

Douglas

Tabaz

Initially, I too was concerned about the warm hoses (I assume that's what you meant instead of metal pipes).  Then I noticed that the Alde bleeder value (the highest point on the unit) actually touches the underside of the rear driver side seat cushion fabric.  AND the bleeder valve is the hottest component of the Alde loop.  So I've learned to accept the fact that the hoses do not get so hot as to be a hazard.  But now I'm worried about this "off-gassing" issue Kottum mentioned.

MarkAl

We've the 2021 320S BD also and put our rolled up sleeping bags in back of the seats. There is a very convenient space for them. They get warm which is appreciated on pulling them out for the night. We do winter camping a lot, so this is very normal for us. I have not been concerned. We keep the rolls down enough that the slot in back of the shelf always allows airflow from the convectors under the shelf.

scott14

Thank you for the responses.  Seems to be a varied opinion among the group.

@tabaz - our 2022 T@B has piping not hoses that run through the camper.  The 90-degree bends are black hose, but otherwise the piping is maybe aluminum.

Thanks again for the responses.

MuttonChops

If the 2022 Alde tube/pipe routing is anything like earlier years Your sleeping Bags will not directly contact the hot[ter] sections other than maybe the top of the Alde unit.  And everything will be FINE.

Now in the morning after everyone is awake.  Lift the rear seat back into the recline position.  You will fell a much faster cabin temperature rise as the seat back does block some of the heating air flow
= = IMHO = =

qhumberd

So my recall from the service menu on the Alde is that the glycol temp maxes at around 160-170 degrees. Is that hot enough to melt nylon or polyester fabric? When I looked it up both have melting temperatures about twice that

Denny16

Correct, on our recent trip,out, I checked the Alde glycol temp, and it was 151 to 158 degrees F.  I believe ( from what our dealer tech said) the pipes are stainless steel in a 2018/2019.  Not sure about the TaB 320, or newer TaBs.  
 Cheers 

klenger

Do the temperatures get any higher that when you launder your fabrics in a clothes dryer?  I think you will be OK if you avoid direct contact.

Sharon_is_SAM

@klenger - you have returned!  Tempted by the new 400 I see😊