From our experience so far, the Alde is indeed cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable than a traditional RV furnace and water heater. That’s good, but it doesn’t answer the question of long-term reliability and service. About a half-hour after activating the Alde system, we heard gurgling noises from the glycol reservoir located in the driver’s side rear closet. Alde may be a relatively new name in the United States and Canada, but the Swedish company has been in business for over 68-years. We just felt comfortable. The first time we activated the Alde Compact 3010 system on our own was quite disconcerting. NuCamp addressed this vexing problem with a grid of plastic bed springs called Froli Sleep System, an imported product from Germany. The solar works great. Alde has developed a free smartphone app that finds the nearest Alde service location, contains the manuals, and answers frequently asked questions. about how the AVIA is refining the camping experience. The system circulates water around a heater that is part of the boiler system to provide hot water. None of us need that. This explains why the Cirrus 920’s batteries only drop a tenth of an amp or two overnight. There are exceptions, but this is the BTU range for most truck campers. Above: Metal-finned convectors being installed at the nuCamp/Cirrus factory. The air was still and at room temperature. Who doesn’t like toasty underpants in the morning? Active ingredient Acetaminophen 500 mg (in each caplet). The reservoir is in the rear coat closet and the level is relatively easy to read. Love it. Above: The Alde Compact 3010 boiler unit located under the forward-facing dinette seat in a Cirrus 920. Trade offs in truck campers are everywhere. The stated advantages of the Alde hydronic system are that it’s clean (no forced air blowing dirt and dust), quiet (no furnace fan to wake you up), and comfortable (even heat). By that point the camper was starting to turn into a sauna. The Alde, a nuCamp signature heating and hot water system, is also included. Pros Even and comfortable heat – a real game changer Completely silent – no wake-up furnace fan Electric heat on 110-volt shore power Incredibly efficient 12-volt and propane use Free Alde smartphone app shows service centers, manual, and FAQ Alde has 68-year history in Europe with 23K/year install base, Cons Long-term serviceability in US and Canada not yet established System needs to be bled occasionally to avoid gurgling System requires 4-hours to heat – but then stays warm Boiler, convectors, and plumbing take up potential storage Small 2.2-gallon water heater – but heats hotter for more water mix Dirt and stuff could get into slots for convectors, Model Information:
2018 Cirrus 920 (with Alde 3010) MSRP: $39,533 (for the entire Cirrus 920) Warranty: One Year Warranty, NuCamp Recreational Vehicles
Phone: 330-852-4811 Request a Cirrus Brochure
Web: nucamprv.com/cirrus, Quality, Customer Service, and Long-Term Reliability. According to Alde, most of the leading European trailer and motorhome manufacturers use their hydronic heating systems as standard or optional equipment. If it were possible, we would snap our fingers and put an Alde hydronic system in our project camper right now. Find the closest one to you and learn NuCamp has created an all season trailer by using Azdel insulation as well as using the Alde radiant heat system. After 13-years of only knowing furnace heat in truck campers, it was a surreal experience. We arrived at my father’s house near Philadelphia a few days later, plugged the Cirrus into 30-amp shore power and switched the Alde system from propane to electric. Or, if you already own a Cirrus Truck Camper, let us know what you think of the Alde Heating System! You read that right. And nuCamp is the only company installing the Alde in the off-road and off-grid world of truck camping; shake, rattle, and roll. The majority of truck campers on the market use either a Suburban or Atwood/Dometic furnace with 20,000 to 30,000 BTUs. In three words, it’s totally unbelievable. Sleeping at night was particularly fantastic as the temperature stayed constant all night long and the Alde heating system remained silent. If your system doesn’t work, check the top compartment (it contains a black fuse box; see figure below, as shown by the yellow arrow). Note the fold-up sink and the covered Alde convector towards the floor on the left. Check out features such as the Alde heating system, all LED lighting, dual layer windows, and yes, A/C! If all this sounds like a mixed review, it isn’t. A ceramic heater is great when we’re plugged into shower power and keeps our main living area warm. Our camper was literally coming apart right before our eyes. It is going to be cold tonight.”, Above: The Alde control panel on its highest temperature setting. We were off-grid and started the Alde in propane mode. However, the Alde can be used to provide heat (i.e, winter camping) without water. The 620 features the Smart Camp function, a custom offline technology offering control of multiple lighting options and the main fan from any smart device. Share your TAB, TAG or Cirrus experience for a chance to be featured on our website! The Alde 3010 in the Cirrus 920 works on the same concept, with a decidedly modern twist. What if a wedding ring rolled under there? The much anticipated AVIA Travel Trailer is now arriving at dealers. A fully equipped kitchenette, queen bed and hide-a-way cassette toilet are included within the unit, along with stained cabinets, LED lighting and five windows. Angela had set the system to 86-degrees and it was following her instructions with vigor. First up, the Alde hydronic heating system. Level two heats the water to 149-degrees Fahrenheit. In the end, it would be less expensive to have the camper repaired than purchase a new one. Lots more faults. This mirrors our experience as well. That’s 25-percent less space to store our clothing, but that clothing is nice and warm! Above: The interior living area of a Cirrus 920. The walls, floor, and cabinetry of the camper were all at that same room temperature. If you want to take advantage of this technology and have the best heating and water tank for your camper, there’s only one thing left to do… visit your nearest dealership and take home a Cirrus Truck Camper today! This keeps out the cold air. It’s completely silent – no more loud heating systems keeping you awake at night. We cannot verify the ease of this process as we have not yet needed to winterize. Looking at the manual, winterizing looks like a straight-forward process. For us, level one has been sufficient. Alde also claims that the system is more efficient than traditional RV water heaters and furnaces. NuCamp addressed this vexing problem with a grid of plastic bed springs called Froli Sleep System, an imported product from Germany. Our cat, Harley, found a very different problem. We delivered it to a company that specializes in major RV repairs and restoration. This is actually a pretty common occurrence with the Aldi System. No heat. I won’t tell you what I wore to sleep that night, but it wasn’t much. The trusty iPhone Weather app said 39-degrees, and it felt at least that cold. That’s obviously not enough time to see how the Alde system holds up five and ten years later. In theory, nuCamp, Roadtrek, Airstream, and Erwin Hymer Group are also training their techs on the Alde system and importing the necessary Alde parts for service. Angela has said one too many times, “How do we get this Alde system in our project camper?” Answer; not easily. Above: The Alde ethylene glycol reservoir in the Cirrus 920 closet. In theory, nuCamp, Roadtrek, Airstream, and Erwin Hymer Group are also training their techs on the Alde system and importing the necessary Alde parts for service. Get Started with our HTML, CSS and JavaScript bootcamp for just $349, ideal for beginners. The heater works on both electric and propane and has two levels. We didn’t feel like we were in a heated camper. In our project camper we carry a portable 750-watt ceramic heater. We know about a dozen or so Cirrus owners who have spoken highly about their Cirrus campers, including the Alde system. And it’s silent! Contrary to what most people would think, if the system is full of glycol, you can still use the system for heat, despite there not being any water in the system. Works well and very quiet. The bathroom makes good use of the small space. I want to make sure you understand the significance of this. For example, slide-outs give a camper more interior space, but they add a significant amount of weight and possible maintenance issues. For that we will have to wait. Wow. Share your TAB, TAG, or Cirrus experience for a chance to be featured on our website! Nucamp Alde System Our TAG Teardrop Trailer is the ultimate two-person sleeper. With the Alde system, only Harley, our intrepid cat, stirred our precious slumber. In June this year, nuCamp introduced a series of upgrades for its TAB 400, TAG, and TAB 320 teardrop campers, as well as the Cirrus 820 truck camper.In most cases, the latter requires a … To allow the Alde convector heat to escape from behind the lower kitchen cabinets, the cabinets have slots where they meet the floor. Built-in electric hot water, yes. Of course the Alde system is not just a heater, but also a 2.2-gallon water heater. Once the warm air reaches the top of your camper it circulates back down to the floor where it is heated again by the convectors and repeats this cycle (the diagram below should help you understand). Four years ago, nuCamp RV rocked the truck camper marketplace with the Alde hydronic heating system for Cirrus truck campers. Even better, we would finally get the chance to experience a Cirrus and its unique systems. Sounds pretty cool, right? That comes into effect and is the explanation for how Alde’s heating system works. A hydronic heating system consists of a boiler and pump that circulates hot water via dedicated plumbing to a series of radiators that emit heat throughout a home. Don't leave anything wet on a floor. Decent counter for such a small trailer. Super slide & 2775 dry weight, small is the new big. NuCamp Cirrus 620 Truck Camper Revealed For Half-Ton Trucks Anthony Alaniz 12/3/2020. The Alde system does maintain the interior temperatures well, according to friends who have these, but they don’t raise the interior temperature as quickly as would a fan-forced furnace. The Alde Heating System is made up of three cylindrical chambers: the center one contains a propane burner, the second one contains the glycol fluid and electric heat elements, and the last one contains the domestic water (see the figure to the left). nuCamp RV, TAB, TAG, and Cirrus Copyright © 2020. By fusing Ohio Amish craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and all the keystones you have come to expect from nuCamp, the AVIA (äh-vee-uh) has been beautifully designed to refine the camping experience. The Cirrus 720 offers several mainstays that you would expect to find in a Cirrus truck camper. However the Alde hot water heat system is great. It was just comfortable. Dirt and other items could potentially get under the cabinetry making for difficult cleaning or retrieval (note the slots under the cabinetry where it’s met by the floor). There are pros and cons to every feature and option you add to a truck camper. Depending on the day, we set it between 68 and 72 degrees. In any c …, COVID-19 Response—Rangers are staffing a desk outside the visitor center during business hours to issue permits, answer que …, In Part 1, Sasha Bezer and Scott Gregson shared their transition from living in a bricks-and-mortar house to being full-time …, When Sasha Bezer and Scott Gregson met in 2014, they discovered that they had a shared passion for travel that couldn’t be …. This popular unit is just the right size for a weekend jaunt or an extended camping adventure. Other things are just learning the system and routine maintenance. Alde System: Control Panel. It’s all pretty much self-explanatory as for as the heat for the camper itself. No, it wasn’t below freezing, but it wasn’t shorts and T-shirt weather either. Alde Flow connects into the heating system and preheats the freshwater before it is conveyed into the boiler's ordinary water heater. The space necessary for the convectors consumes about 25-percent of the possible hamper space. We have absolutely loved our time with the Alde 3010 hydronic radiant heating system in the Cirrus 920. Have your friends over at your trailer for fellowship under this nice extra space. If one of the three is blown, replace it with one of the two spare fuses. 2021 nuCamp AVIA. But this innovative product does more than provide a comfortable night’s sleep—-it also eliminates condensation underneath the mattress, a major issue in many truck campers and in many areas of the country. We actually did a couple of times, but haven’t blown a fuse – yet. After those three seconds, there are two Alde components that cycle on and off depending on the temperature of the glycol; a combustion fan (0.4 amps), and a circulation pump (0.2 amps). The majority of truck campers on the market use either a Suburban or Atwood/Dometic water heater with either 4-gallons or 6-gallons of water capacity. Based on the data and our first-hand truck camping observation, the Alde offers game-changing 12-volt and propane efficiency. Twenty minutes on YouTube revealed the answer. In our project camper it’s not unusual to wake up several times a night when the furnace kicks on. Perhaps it didn’t get as cold outside as they had forecast. The warm Cirrus was heavenly. *Click here to read nuCamp and Alde’s response to the following review, including comments about camping with the Alde 3010 system in altitudes over 5,000 feet. Skip course categories. nuCamp gave us extra fuses just in case we forgot. 2021 nuCamp RV Cirrus 620, nuCamp RV Cirrus truck camper 620 highlights: Froli Sleep System Cassette Toilet Bluetooth Speaker 30" x 78" Dinette ... Princess Craft RV Round Rock, TX Email Call 1-877-342-7067 Above: The lower half of the wet bath in the Cirrus 920. Going back to wake-up loud, overnight battery-draining, hot and cold seesawing, forced air furnace heat is not something we are looking forward to. We don’t see this as a negative because, once the camper is heated, it stays heated. The jury on long-term reliability and service must remain out. It’s unlikely that these premium RV brands would employ the Alde system if it had significant warranty issues. Here’s our first Tech Talk, where we share the basics of features and answer some common questions. The timing and opportunity were almost too good to be true. Enjoy plenty of space and spectacular views through the many windows during the daytime hours, and you will love the stargazer window for after dark views of the night sky as well. PEAK is an online service for Coloradans to screen and apply for medical, food, cash, and early childhood assistance programs. This week Creed will explain how to set your Alde Control Panel. Alde claims that the 2.2-gallon water heater mixes with cold water for approximately 4-gallons of shower water. nuCamp 2020 TAB 320 Teardrop Trailer Gets First Major Update. We have all heard stories about European cars that were lovely to drive, but horrible to maintain. Angela hasn’t heard that one enough, so I make that joke… wait for it… Alde time! Some of the features are Alde heat system, a/c, 12 volt flat screen tv, am fm stereo, 3 way fridge and more. This would bleed the unit, and silence the gurgling. The level one heats the water to 122-degrees Fahrenheit. Everything we’ve said so far is about how the Alde 3010 system performs as a heating unit. OK, per nuCamp Customer Service, the 2021 320 and clamshell model Alde glycol expansion tank is located in the bathroom, on the wall under the sink, behind a white panel that is held on with screws hidden by white, plastic buttons. Alde recommends checking the glycol level at least twice a year. The Alde hydronic heating system in the Cirrus also works on 110-volt electric. We were both very comfortable. He suggested the gurgling was likely a sign that the Alde lines needed to be bled, just like a radiator system in a house. In truth, a number of our 2018 priorities – including this review – flew out the window (and all over the Oregon pavement) after last July’s encounter with a certain Toyota Camry. On level one, the 2.2-gallon water heater lasts long enough for two navy showers. Woodwork is good. A beautiful and easy way to add 6 feet of shade with this deep sun canopy awning. Relax in comfort when you make this nuCamp AVIA your adventure homebase. It wasn’t heating up like a camper does with a traditional furnace system, but something was happening. The next morning I woke up and thought, “Oh no, the Alde isn’t working!” It wasn’t cold in the camper, but it wasn’t super warm either. TAB 320 awning. nüCamp RV TAB 320 teardrop camping trailer S highlights: Wet Bath; Queen-Size Bed; Interior Kitchen; LED Lighting; Outdoor Entertainment When you own this TAB 320 teardrop camping trailer, you own a unit that is ready to go at a moment's notice and is fuel efficient because of its lightweight design. This is a priority for 2018.”. Only time will tell. When running, the Alde system consumes 0.9 pounds of propane per hour. Scott: Yes, it’s 100-percent the same Alde system. We are spoiled. Learn to Code and Become a Front End Web Developer in 17 Weeks for $8/Month until graduation, a Full Stack Web and Mobile Developer in 22 Weeks for $10/Month until graduation. As I like to joke, it’s warm “Alde time”. It’s our home and magazine HQ – on wheels. Remember eighth grade science class – how your teacher always said, “hot air rises”? The best part? 00/night Modern with Alde system. For that reason, we’re here to help. With a style from yesteryear and a bunch of cutting edge features, you can hit the road with these and go anywhere. The TAB teardrop camper trailer is the iconic teardrop that sets the trend for all others to follow. In the moments before we went to bed, I asked Angela, “What did you set the Alde system at?”, “I think I maxed it out. It mildews and stains. In a long-term test, Truck Camper Magazine reviews the system and asks the big question; is the Alde better than a traditional RV furnace and water heater? The build quality, the features, and superior components stay true to the nuCamp … However, the required boiler, convectors, glycol reservoir and plumbing take up a considerable amount of storage throughout the unit. Alde has developed a free smartphone app that finds the nearest Alde service location, contains the manuals, and answers frequently asked questions. During operation, the amp draw of Suburban 20,000 and 30,000 BTU furnaces is 6.5 and 8.5-amps respectively. Interior features ALDE® Radiant Heat, ALDE® Flow System, 1500 BTU AC w/ Dual Climate Controls, European-Styled Cabinetry, Premium Sound System w/ Subwoofer, 1200-Watt Inverter Kitchen features Deluxe Spice Racks, Sink/Stove Combo (3 Burner), Convection / Microwave Oven w/ Air Fryer, 3-Way 5.0 cu. During our travels and camping on the East Coast, temperatures dipped at night into the mid-30s, but the Alde temperature in the Cirrus stayed constant. It’s as if the heat was just happening all around us. How will the Alde system hold up after years of camping, travel, and storage? The nuCamp team warned us that the Alde system needed about four hours to fully heat a unit, so we needed to be patient. John is naturally curious about anything mechanical and was interested in how the Alde system worked. It was forecast that evening to be in the low 40s. “While we have spent days at the nuCamp factory on the Cirrus production line, and been through multiple Cirrus 800, 820, and 920 units, we have not actually camped in a Cirrus truck camper. I would love to tell you that we planned the following Alde (pronounced all-Dee) hydronic system review months in advance, but that’s not exactly how this went down. Founded by Alde Rask in 1949, Alde Corporation manufactures approximately 23,000 hydronic heating systems per year for travel trailers, fifth wheels, motorhomes, and truck campers across the globe. The sound was an exciting sign of life. That night we marveled as more and more heat emerged throughout the camper. People expect a nuCamp camper to have a hydronic heating system. Home » Truck Camper Reviews » Alde Hydronic Heating System Test and Review. Adding the draw of the combustion fan and circulation pump together, the Alde system draws about 0.6-amps of 12-volt power when running off propane. Announcing the 2020 Readers’ Choice Award Winners, 2021 Buyers Guide and Gear Guide Announced. The camper’s interior features European styling, nuCamp stated, with solid wood cabinetry and multiple storage options. An hour later, Angela was thrilled when she discovered warm air emanating from vents in the driver’s side cabover hamper. His recommendation worked like a charm. If you’re unaware of dealers closest to you, you can locate a dealer here. No other truck camper (or non-Alde motorhome or towable that we know of) can plug into shore power and have built-in 100-percent electric heat. Nucamp base package: Sink, 2-Burner Stove, 2-Way Fridge,3-Speed Fantastic Fan, 19" Entertainment Package, A/C, Alde System, External Shower & Front Window, Baggage Door Nucamp Convenience Package: LED Lights, Alloy Wheels, Spare Tire, Electric Brakes, Acrylic Dual Pane Windows, Front Cabinet Night Shades, Tank/Battery Monitors & Disconnect For additional feedback we can look to other RV manufacturers that install the Alde system including Roadtrek (Class B motorhomes), Airstream (travel trailers), and Erwin Hymer Group (Class B motorhomes and travel trailers). In two words, it’s awesome. The Alde system is based on the concept of hydronic heating. As predicted, it was brisk. For starters, nuCamp warned us that you can blow the fuse on the Alde system if you unplug the camper when the Alde system is on electric. Located in Columbus, Ohio, visit, email, or call Mark Wahlberg Airstream RV at 1-877-320-9805. And how easy will it be to get parts and service for the Alde system? One Mega Mod will... Six-years ago, Kevin and Julie Walhof had a horrible tent camping experience. It was like being in a house with radiator heat. These convectors heat the air. The two hampers in the Cirrus 920 cabover are very long, but also quite narrow. And it’s battery and propane efficient! Are you familiar with Alde Central Heating System? Alde uses convectors, a combination of under-floor heating and radiators, along the walls of the Cirrus Truck Campers. Think of it as a boiler in your home. From that point on we hardly touched the Alde control panel. Other than the occasional gurgling, the Alde system was completely silent. With that experience we would learn about the day to day realities of the Froli system, Alde system, and other unique design, material, and component choices of the Cirrus truck camper line. “There’s heat coming from behind the hamper!”. There may be a way to access this area, but we haven’t discovered it yet. The Alde system is a big part of what nuCamp is all about. Copyright © 2007-2020. The Alde fan and pump only run when the glycol needs to be heated. Built-in electric heat, no. All Rights Reserved. Base Package: Includes: Sink, 2-Burner Stove, 3-Way Fridge, 3-Speed Fantastic Fan, 19″ Entertainment Package, Central A/C, Alde® System, External Shower, Portal Window, Front Window. Oct 02, 2019 at 3:56am ET + + ... There’s also a new lightweight foldable table, as well as an upgraded audio system. Founded in 2007, TCM is the RV community's number one source for news, reviews, guides, newbie advice, destination ideas, maintenance recommendations, modifications, and more. Or maybe you’re just looking for a destination or two to add to your itinerary for 2021. Above: An Alde convector (top right) behind the Cirrus 920 kitchen sink. This system also provides a constant source of hot water for your shower and kitchen area. The Alde 3010 boiler heats about a gallon of propylene glycol antifreeze which in turn heats 2.2 gallons of hot water and then runs through a series of metal-finned convectors (radiators). As a new owner of a Cirrus Truck Camper, you may not know how to properly care for your Alde Heating System. Besides, the Alde system is designed to automatically dump its fresh water if the water temperature in the unit gets to 38-degrees. At the Alde control panel I turned the temperature down to 69, and went to bed. nuCamp’s Cirrus truck camper line debuted in mid-2015, just three-and-a-half years prior to this writing. Are you a state fair fan? For both heat and hot water, the Alde system draws a maximum of 1.9 amps for about three seconds when starting on 12-volt DC. Please be sure to balance your gathered feedback across multiple sources including direct correspondence with the truck camper manufacturers and your closest truck camper dealers.