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Alde Hose Size/Winter Use of T@B?

ScottG
ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,655
edited January 2020 in Heating/Plumbing & Winterizing
Does anyone know the exact inside diameter o
f the large rubber hoses that carry the glycol to and from the convectors?
Can anyone suggest a standard fitting that would allow a brass valve or other device to connect securely to that hose?
I'm thinking the clever owners who have modified their T@Bs for use in winter might know this information.
Thanks!
2015 T@B Max S (320)
2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
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Comments

  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420

    Exactly 2 CM (whatever those are).
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
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  • ChanW
    ChanW Member Posts: 3,165
    er, 25/32"?
    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
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  • ChanW
    ChanW Member Posts: 3,165
    edited January 2020
    Maybe you could persuade a 3/4"id barbed fitting to go in there...
    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
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  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420
    Exactly 13/16 "
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
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  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420
    Scott - I have leftover pieces from my mod.  Would be happy to send one to you.  Just PM your address.
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
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  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,655
    edited January 2020
    Thanks, @Tabaz --PM sent.
    I'd guessed around 20mm based on my rough external measurements. The fittings on Alde components all are listed at 22mm, presumably to give a good snug fit.
    I'm hoping I can find something like what @ChanW suggested that will work similarly, but it apparently can't be copper as it won't play well with the aluminum elsewhere in the system. Brass might be an issue as well. Plastic would be inert but would have to have a higher heat tolerance than typical PVC.  
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
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  • Tundra57
    Tundra57 Member Posts: 640
    Nucamp uses lengths of aluminum pipe. They do use the heafty spring clamps from Alde tho. I used 3/4 fittings. Can you get 3/4 pex couplers?
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  • ChanW
    ChanW Member Posts: 3,165
    edited January 2020
    The PEX fittings I've used on my home have all been brass. Is the brass compatible with the Alde aluminum system?
    I'd like to put another tee drain in. PEX fittings would sure be easy!
    Tundra57 said:
    Nucamp uses lengths of aluminum pipe. They do use the heafty spring clamps from Alde tho. I used 3/4 fittings. Can you get 3/4 pex couplers?

    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
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  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,655
    My limited but growing understanding is that while it is not as bad as copper, brass should also be avoided in systems that have aluminum construction. Possible galvanic reactions can cause the aluminum to corrode. I'm not sure how much trouble one or two small fittings would be, but I'd rather not test it for something that will remain permanently in the system but only serve a purpose once every several years.
    Both the Alde glycol jacket and the convectors appear to be aluminum.
    Stainless steel components would be ok, as would those plastics that are tolerant of higher heat (provided they are compatible with propylene glycol).
    Everything looks simple at first glance, but I sure see how the old phrase "the devil is in the details" was coined.  :-)  
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
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  • ChanW
    ChanW Member Posts: 3,165
    edited January 2020
    Ok, so you got me curious...
    Plastic PEX fittings are made to handle temps up to 200°F
    Edit: I'd think they be able to handle glycol, since it's common in hydronic systems. I'll see what Viega sez about it.
    Further edit: Viega only says they're made for potable water... doesn't say anything about heating systems and glycol...
    (Darn it. Vanilla will only put images in the middle of the page anymore!)
    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
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  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,655
    That would probably do it provided you can get a snug enough fit on the 20mm hose. My untested impression is that 1" PEX fittings will be too big, but 3/4" might be a little too loose for comfort in a permanent system.
    The thing I'm pondering (more details later) might work with the addition of a stock Alde drain tee. @ChanW, IIRC you acquired on of these at one point. Where did you get it? The new Alde/Truma web site shows parts but doesn't offer internet or phone sales.
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
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  • tybladesmith
    tybladesmith Member Posts: 179
    @ScottG, Alde listed 22mm ID and 21.4mm is close to 7/8" ID EDPM heater hose FWIIW. I did use a 1/2" x 3" NPT pipe nipple with a worm gear hose clamp to seal for a temporary connection.

    For reference: 1/2" x3" NPT pipe nipple OD=.840", 21.4 mm=.843", 22mm=.866", 7/8" hose ID=.875" 

    Alde catalog also references a brass valve and nipple. 
    Kay and Tom - SW Wisconsin - Silver T@bernacle - 2018 T@B 320S Boondock Silver/Black trim TV, 2018 Chevy Colorado, Silver/Black trim, Duramax, TowHaul, IntelliHaul
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  • ChanW
    ChanW Member Posts: 3,165
    edited January 2020
    @ScottG, I planned to get that tee, but haven't yet. Now if Alde isn't selling them, I might have to go with something in ¾" or ⅞", if there's anything like that...
    I think with that relatively soft rubber hose, there are some options. Probably better to go with the larger ⅞", if possible.
    I think another thing we need to keep in mind here, is the resistance created with each fitting on the Alde glycol circuit.
    In designing hydronic radiant floor heating systems, the fittings need to be kept to a minimum, as each creates flow resistance that the circulation pump has to overcome.
    It's likely though, that the Tab's system is so tiny that it's using a relatively oversized pump, so I'd guess it shouldn't be a problem.

    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
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