Alde Noise on Propane?

source3

Is it normal for the Alde exhaust hose (black) to vibrate and making a roaring sound while running the Alde on propane? 

Here is a youtube link from someone else that is similar to what I am experiencing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxrXD5lBvo4

Ed with Pleasant Valley sent me a new exhaust fan thinking I had a bad fan.  It seemed to help a little.  The local dealer said it is normal and that they wrap the exhaust pipe with sound deadening material to stop the pipe from vibrating.  I did this too and it seemed to help a little too.

With the cushions in place it sounds like I have a sub-woofer thumping away. 

 

Nomad

Everyone's ears are different and some are sensitive to things others aren't and mine may not be the best but all I hear is the slight sound of fluid gurgling in the overflow container. So, no , that is not normal. Is it really the rubber exhaust hose making that noise?

source3

PXLated - my assumption is that something inside the Alde is causing the vibration, the exhaust hose is the resonator for the sound/problem.

Nomad

I think I'd call Alde direct - nobody knows their equipment better than the manufacturer. They'd also hear about more problems/solutions than a single supplier.

Nomad

"While on Propane" - It doesn't do it if running on electricity?
Listening again to the noise, I'm thinking the glycol pump.

source3

Quiet on electricity.  Once the Alde is at temperature the vibration stops.  The glycol pump is a very quiet hum on both electricity and propane.

I have contacted Alde-USA and waiting for a response. 

Bgkirk

I have experienced the sound that is described here at elevations around 6000 to 7000 feet.  Below this it is very quiet.  Above this, I believe the air fuel mixture causes the sound.  Just my observations.

Assuming you are operating this at home (Durango Co at 6500 feet) I believe this is what you are experiencing.  The sound goes away for me at elevation just below this.

source3

Brian:  I was also thinking it had to do something with fuel/air ratio.  Possibly too much propane causing excessive ignition.  And yes, I live at 6500 ft msl.  I typically camp at 9800+ ft msl.

Bgkirk

I haven't spoken to Alde US, but I have had two trailers with the Alde system.  Both have acted exactly the same at this elevation.  There is no soot or other evidence of a rich combustion so I assumed it was compensating for the high altitude, albeit loudly.  Would be interested as to what they say.

Nomad

Interesting

source3

Bgkirk said:

There is no soot or other evidence of a rich combustion so I assumed it was compensating for the high altitude, albeit loudly.

I have observed soot on the exhaust vent.  I will post up my discussion with Alde.

source3

Bgkirk said:

I have experienced the sound that is described here at elevations around 6000 to 7000 feet.  Below this it is very quiet.  Above this, I believe the air fuel mixture causes the sound.  Just my observations.

Assuming you are operating this at home (Durango Co at 6500 feet) I believe this is what you are experiencing.  The sound goes away for me at elevation just below this.

^^^^ This.  Alde-USA confirmed it is a known issue with the Alde 3010.  The tech stated at around 6000 ft msl the vibration/roar will begin and become more pronounced with an increase in elevation.  Alde is made in Sweden and they do not have elevation issues.  Alde-USA is working with Alde in Sweden to see if they can develop an add-on kit or software reprogramming to fix the issue.  Alde-USA put me on their notification list if a solution is developed.  Almost all complaints Alde-USA get about the vibration live in Colorado.

FYI:  The Alde 3020 is designed to operate at higher elevations. 

DurangoTaB

Our Alde makes the same rumble (we generally camp at 8-9,000ft), sounds like there may be some mitigation at best.  BTW I've had better luck communicating with Alde Sweden than Alde US (Portland/Vancouver).

Bgkirk

Thanks for looking into it.  I will need to put myself on the list also. 

Normfun

Mine has made that noise. I was able to find the section of the double wall vent pipe that was creating most of the racket. By changing the curve in the pipe and providing some support I have eliminated about 90% of the noise. It's been good for the last 6 months and 8000 miles. Hopefully it will remain quiet. We mostly camp 6-8000 ft up. 

Wanderoo

Hey, Norm -- My Alde does the same loud humming when on propane, and yes, I live in Colorado.  Can you post a picture of how you changed the curve in the pipe and provided support?  Thanks!

DurangoTaB

Ditto to Beth from a fellow Coloradoan!

Normfun

What I did too quiet mine was remove the seat so I had access to the alde. While running and making the racket I moved things around. I found the black large pipe was vibrating. By moving my hand and holding it still in various places I could get it to stop. I first wedged a spare towel between a frame member and the pipe. That sort of worked. Next I tied the pipe against one of the water lines. This did it. In thinking about it. The pipe is actually two concentric pipes in one. I think in my case they were vibrating against each other. Mine is on a CS-S. So may not apply to all. 

Wanderoo

Thanks, Norm.  I'll check out the pipes the next time I have an opportunity.

Sgtjohn

Ours didn't rumble when we were stuck in 17 degree weather for several days but the I noted the exhaust was black. around the exterior outlet.

molly

Newbies to all this but ours is doing the same thing.  We were maybe at 2500 ft.  When I turn the heat down low it quits.

rkeebo

Any update on this issue from Alde? I have a 2017 T@b that has this issue. Sounds like an air compressor. Bad at 6,000', unbearable at 8,500' and impossible to sleep through.

Normfun

Yes apparently there is a propane regulator that can be added so that the Alde doesn't burn rich at elevation. Lots of talk about it. 

Verna

Please search for "freight train", @rkeebo, to find the previous information. 

rkeebo

Yup, found it it later, but thanks! Here's the link for anyone else who follows this thread:
http://tab-rv.vanillaforums.com/discussion/3030/alde-freight-train