We have been told that this system works best using gas and electric together. If we used it on electric alone is it good enough? Anyone agree with this? Also does this heating system 'eat' gas as we ususally only carry one bottle with us. Thanks.
We find that the Alde system is by far the best we have had in a van,had it in our last 2 vans and when we renew we will certainly be looking for a van with Alde,in answer to your question ,when it is extremely cold and you first arrive on site yes gas and electric together for a short time til the temp gets up then turn off the gas and run on electric, we caravan all year round and as we allways have the heating on low at home during the colder months we never use gas at all,as the van is usually still relatively warm when we arrive on site.
We find that the Alde system is by far the best we have had in a van,had it in our last 2 vans and when we renew we will certainly be looking for a van with Alde,in answer to your question ,when it is extremely cold and you first arrive on site yes gas and electric together for a short time til the temp gets up then turn off the gas and run on electric, we caravan all year round and as we allways have the heating on low at home during the colder months we never use gas at all,as the van is usually still relatively warm when we arrive on site.
It only works "best" in respect to the fact that with both gas and electricity on you can pump in more heat.
I our case gas is 6 kW and electricity is switchable between 1,2 or 3kW so a total massive 9 kWs input is possible.
This is much higher that the last Truma system we had.
Is it enough on electricity alone, this wholly depends how cold it is outside, how good an insulated van you have and how quickly you want to be warmed up to temperature. But in most temperature down to zero then 2 kWs electricity is adequate with our Hymer.
Its sometimes wise to boost the van with gas and elecrticity then switch off the gas. Its even wiser to use the timer and set the heating to come on nice and early before thing chill down etc.
Does the system "eat gas"; well it sure can as its rated at 6kWs relative to the blown air often used of 3 kWs.
However it does not use more gas like for like, its just it is so comfy that you tend to spoil yourself revelling in its luxury.
If its very cold just like any other heating system your going to be using quite a bit of gas; I would not winter camp with a single cylinder unless I knew it was full and I was only away for a few days.
Thanks for your very informative replies. We really are looking forward to our new van with Alde heating - but we have to wait till April.
Out of interest is it possible to isolate a radiator on the Alde heating? 'Him indoors' is wondering if the radiator beside the fixed bed will be too hot for him!
Rod One - we are still loving the CR-V. A recent holiday of 800 miles (320 towing) averaged out @ 36mpg. At nearing 26,000 we are thinking about treating it to some new tyres. 'Him indoors' is currently lusting after a new automatic CR-V - but unless he wins the lottery he will have to wait a little longer!!
Ours and an earlier one were single circuit Alde systems which does no allow a radiator to be isolated. Some expensive motor home have this feature. However cover the bedroom radiator with some thick towels and that will inhibit the convection from it without screwing up the other areas of the van.
I am also waiting to see the new auto deisel CR-V. It should be available at the end of this year/early 2010. As well as the auto gear box. Honda have made a few other changes, including the more powerful engine that is currently used in the Accord. Good luck with the lottery !!
The Alde system is very good indeed. We don't bother to use gas as well as electricity-just the latter on 2Kw setting till everything warms up, then down to 1 Kw. This is often enough, unless its very cold. As for night heating, just set the controller to a temperature that suits you-perhaps 16 or 17C. This way you won't overheat. Unlike domestic room stats, the Alde controller is 'on' all the time, but only kicks in when the temp falls below a given temperature setting-such as during the night.
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