Alde 3020 noise

ChuckieG
ChuckieG Member Posts: 3
in Heating/Plumbing & Winterizing

First time using my camper in high altitude, 8000'.

The heater is making a noise that find of sounds like crunching a granola bar, and crazier than that you can hear it move through the system.

Any ideas?

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Comments

  • Grumpy_G
    Grumpy_G Member Posts: 740

    Haven't heard it described as "crunching a granola bar" but it's a well known symptom of running the Alde at high elevation/lower oxygen levels. The older 3 way fridges with gas mode do that too, and even the stove might be a little noisier with less consistent flame.

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  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Member Posts: 1,963
    https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/20436/alde-3020-noise

    Assuming you have the Alde set to propane fuel source . . .
    Set the Alde to 'High Altitude' mode. That will increase the combustion fan speed providing more O2 to the burner for a quieter and cleaner propane burn.

    The noise of moving glycol means there is some air in the system. The 3020 has an automatic air bleeder so with time the air will be removed and the fluid movement noise will stop. However, do make sure the Alde Glycol tank has fluid to be drawn into the system.

    For my TAB fluid movement noise tenses to occur after towing on rougher roads but changes in air pressure might be a factor as well.

    '18 320 S,  pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures:  58   Nights:  405  Towing Miles 50,180
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  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,561

    ChuckieG, welcome to the Forums. We really need to know what exact year your trailer is for a proper answer. If you have a trailer with the Alde 3010, the "Alde Freight Train" noise was a real thing, and there are long threads about it.

    If you have a trailer from around 2018 and on, you might have the Alde 3020 or an Alde 3030. Those Aldes have a "High Elevation" setting that takes care of the noise. If you have one of these units, just check your manual and look for that little "Mountain" symbol in the menus.

    And, I always wonder "what was Alde thinking" when they built a system that was such a "clunker" at the "high elevation" of 3000 feet!

    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • ChuckieG
    ChuckieG Member Posts: 3

    I'm wondering if I should install an expansion tank to help remove any air bubbles.

    Any thoughts?

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  • qhumberd
    qhumberd Administrator, Moderator Posts: 829
    https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/221828#Comment_221828

    The newest Alde install manual below seems to address this, and it might take care of the noise. Anyone have one of these accumulator tanks in their install? I know some have used such a tank to dampen the water pump noise

    Alde with Flow diagram .pdf
    2019  T@B400 Boondock Lite "Todd"
    2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Crew Cab
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