Can Alde 3020 compact run dry?

sambarone4202

We are about to take delivery of a 2022 Tab 320 BD which has been winterized for travel north. Can we use the Alde system without water in the tank if we just want to heat the trailer for an overnight night stay enroute home? Any special settings or valves to be aware of?

pthomas745

Yes, you can use the Alde with no water in the trailer plumbing.  It can make heat just fine.

To prove to yourself the Alde is empty, all you have to do is open the "Famous Yellow Flapper Valve" in the Alde compartment.  If the trailer was winterized properly, with the Nautilus valves in the proper position...nothing should come out.

Which "Nautilus" version do you have?  The "2.5" version with the two "handles?"  

Or the 3.0 version with the 4 handles? 

Depending on who you are buying the trailer from, they may have zero zip nada idea of what the Alde is and how it works.  That little test with the "Famous Yellow Flapper Valve", which is the Alde hot water tank drain, will tell you quite a lot.  The Yellow Valve looks like the ones in the photo below.  In your 320, you will only have one of these Yellow Valves.  With the valves pointing up like these, the valve is open, which would indicate the Alde tank would have been drained.  When the valve is "horizonal", it is closed.  

Take pictures and ask questions if you need to!  And, welcome to the Forums!

From the Alde Manual.

scott14

Congratulations on your new Tab 320.

Yes, you should be able to use the Alde System for cabin heat. If you are boondocking (no hook ups) you will need to use propane by selecting propane on the Alde panel (the other option is electric). If that is selected you will not have heat without 30 Amp service. It will take some time for the cabin to warm as it is more of a passive heat; but once warmed it will be cozy.

Consider leaving the roof vent and one window cracked open. This will help to minimize condensation forming overnight inside the cabin.

Let us know how your maiden trip goes.

pthomas745

The Alde can run just fine on the 1KW setting with only a "15 amp" setup.   Takes longer to heat, but it will work on a 15 amp circuit on the 1kw setting.

mx4789

Yes. It is my understanding that the Alde will work with either water in the hot water tank or with the hot water tank empty. Just don’t use it with antifreeze in the tank.

AnOldUR

The propane combustion camber is at the center of the furnace and heats the glycol surrounding it. The electric heating elements are immersed in the glycol (not water). Water is isolated in an outer location and only gets heat from contact with the walls of glycol chamber. No water in that outer area is not a problem, but low or no glycol will be.

Too much information? 

sambarone4202

Thank you all for this great bit of education