newbie with'17 320 with rear outside kitchen.

antiquemoto · February 26

HELP please. This is not even close to my first travel trailer but is my first T@B or small TD. I think I understand the ALDE for the most part. Although this is 8 years old I don't think it's been used more the a dozen or so times in all those years. Stored most of its' life in a garage or storage unit. In reading I understand that the glycol needs to be checked in the little tank/fill port.And from time to time needs to be refreshed with new Glycol mix, about 2.5 Gal.?, to avoid nasty bacteria, So far, so good. I read that to "tank fill port" has to be 6 or t inches above the highest point in the unit to allow for air bubble relief. I have been from front to back under the seats and all over the ALDE unit and I see no relief tank/fill port. What am I missing? How do I check Glycol mix? How do a refresh the unit?

My trailer is a 2017 320(mfg in 2016) and has an ALDE 3010 Compact on the passenger/left side adjacent to sink plumbing aa\to the rear of the bench

Grumpy_G · February 26

This might help: https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/141856/

The heat transfer fluid ("glycol") should be changed because the corrosion inhibitors in it become less effective, it's not because of bacteria. Note that there was a change in the recommended fluid since your trailer was built, you probably have the yellow-ish fluid in it and ideally you should replace it with the newer green fluid. However these can not be mixed so be sure to flush the system thoroughly.

Bayliss · February 26

@antiquemoto, it sounds like you are trying to figure out where the Glycol Expansion Tank is located. I am not specifically familiar with your model, but see if these discussion threads help:

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/10140/alde-glycol-expansion-tank-locations-for-the-tab-320-clamshell-and-400-models/p1

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/12514/tips-for-reading-adding-glycol/p1

There are an abundance of discussions on this forum regarding how/when to change the glycol. Consider using the search box at the top of each forum page to locate that information, and prepare for a lot of reading to get up to speed.

Also, you might get a head start of that by reviewing the various "Categories" (folders) on the left side of each page. Maybe start with the "Heating/Plumbing & Winterizing" category. If you do not already have it, you will also want to track down an Alde owner's/user's manual for your specific Alde model.

Good luck!!

Mickerly · February 27

I have a 2018 230 CS, like yours. We've had ours since Dec 2000.

The glycol tank is inside the little door above and behind the toilet.

You would like to keep the level near the bottom line. It expands a lot when you heat it up.

The fluid needs to be changed every two years to prevent corrosion. Your guess at 2.5gal is correct.

It sounds maintenance or attention heavy in the beginning. The first time you use the Alde for heat, it will be so comfortable you forget the fiddliness.

Enjoy your new trailer. Feel free to ask questions. That is the best way to learn.

antiquemoto · February 27

Thanks to all for responses. On further inspection I found the overflow tank behind the little trap door and Mickerly I appreciate your sharing about the correct level.In buying this trailer I asked the PO to walk around on the floor to see if there were any soft spots. A couple of days later he got back and said there was a crack in the floor vinyl and he would take it to his RV dealer to have it replaced. The techs found the floor had been "water damaged. They also replaced a top sheet of plywood and installed new vinyl and Seller paid for all of it Which I though made him a real stand up guy in these times. I've looked under both side benches and found nothing that seems like Alde fluid damage or whiteness but there definitely was a water leak. My plan after switching all valves to camping and closing all drains is to use a Blow out fitting and apply low pressure air to see if I can hear or the compressor tells me air is escaping somewhere.

Am I crazy???

Mickerly · March 1

Sounds good. Typically there is water damage along the back edge of the kitchen. Condensation along the hatch aluminum frame generates the water. It pools along the back edge. Take extra towels if you go camping in the winter. ; )

newbie with'17 320 with rear outside kitchen.

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