Alde Heater Propane Usage Test & AP Products Sensor Accuracy Test in our NuCamp T@B 400
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- čas přidán 10. 03. 2019
- I ran a non scientific test to see how much propane we would use operating the Alde Heating System in our NuCamp T@B 400. At the same time, I also tested the accuracy of the AP Products propane sensor that i installed two weeks ago.
I ran the test over an 8 hour period where I brought the trailer up to 64 degrees from 34 degrees. I also tested it for another 4 hours with just maintaining that 64 degrees. During the test, the temperature outside never exceeded 30 degrees.
#travelswithdelaney #nucamprv #tab400
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Very helpful video in appreciating gas usage. Before watching this I had no idea.
That's the sort of info people need! Plan ahead. Monitor your use. Carry a spare tank. Another good one.
I thought this video made a very good case for carrying a 2nd 20# propane tank.
Thank you!
I think it really depends on whether you are going to be doing a lot of sub 30 degree camping. Last summer we spent almost 4 weeks on the road and didn't even go through the 20# tank. But temperatures never got below 40 at night. If I was going to be seeing temperatures below 40, I might consider adding a 2nd tank which there is room for in the diamond plated bin.
I'm taking possession of my new tab 400 tomorrow so I've been learning all about it since I'm trying to take it out boondocking right away. Your videos have been so relevant and helpful, thank you!! I'll definitely be getting a 2nd propane tank for my 7 day boondocking trip in cold temps next week and refilling along the way. I'm sure there will be a lot of learning happening my first trip out :) I'll definitely keep up with your channel.
Did you test the battery life? Running the circulating pump/pumps must use alot of power. Is it capable to boondock for 7 days. Or do you charge during boondocking?
Excellent video, thanks!!! I love the analysis, the math and heater/usage analysis!!!
Thank you! I really enjoy making this type of video because I am learning along with everyone else.
Thanks Patrick! Well done and that is great info to know. I also like the helpful tip about lighting the stove first after reconnecting propane.
Thanks John! That simple lighting of the stove can save a lot of aggravation with the propane systems whether its the furnace, water heater or refrigerator. Those things tend to not night if air gets in the line.
Thank you for the great information!!!!! We purchased the gauge through your site at Amazon. Yay! (saw the picture of the pups)
Thank you Joyce! Hope you love the sensor. We are impressed with it so far.
Great job.....answered all my questions. Can't wait to pick up our Tab 400 in a few weeks
Thank you! I think this is a worst case scenario because most people probably won't be camping in sub 30 degree weather. It was a fun video to do.
Thanks!
Nice job!
Thank you Denise!
Very informative, thanks!
Thank you Lisa! Hope you are doing well!
I'm a new Tab 320 owner. Your videos are very helpful. Thank you!!
Congratulations on your new 320!
Mad math skills, Patrick! Great information to at least have some general knowledge of propane usage in colder temps...now we just need to remember to carry some extra batteries for the sensor, lol! Love those "non-scientific-but-oh-so-useful" experiments! Thanks so much!!
Safe and toasty travels and see you #ondowntheroad ~💜 (TaB sighting too;-) 💕
I always have to give the disclaimer of "non-scientific" because there will be someone that will point it out if I don't....You know me....I try to be thorough! LOL
Great video! Very informative.
Thank you!
Very Enjoyable, love your process and the results on both usage and the Sensor are good news!!!!!
I was impressed all the way around with the results. Especially considering how cold out it was.
Just purchased the sensor from your last video via TWD amazon store :)
Thank you Mo! Hope that sensor works well for you.
The sensor looks like a good thing to have for a heads up! Thanks for providing a propane baseline... as conditions change so will propane usage.
Absolutely! The temperature will play a huge role in how much propane is used. I would have loved to have had another trailer there that day with a forced air furnace which is more common in trailers to compare propane usage.
Great information 👍🏾
Thank you!
Great video Patrick. Like the special effects with Truman and Bess
Thats something new I started doing in the Monday videos....its my tribute to Disney and the "Hidden Mickey's" that they have in their hotels and parks.
Wow! Thanks so much for doing the math for us! I broke out in a cold sweat when I watched you doing the computations. That sensor is now on my list! Leave it to Steve and Karen - they know the best gadgets! I watched another video from a guy in a class C - he burned through a 20lb tank of propane in 24 hours running his heater. Go Aldi! Thanks again!
LOL! It's the business professor in me coming out....except normally I am working through profit and loss type problem! Steve and Karen have helped so many of us out....they are a great resource.
Thank you for doing all the work that I would have to do.
You are quite welcome! Did you get your reservation for uCamp19?
Yes, and I am looking forward to the trip. I just hope all the snow is gone when I move the trailer from it's winter storage site (across the driveway from the house).
Great video. I loved watching you do the math. Thumbs up.
Hopefully I did the math correctly! LOL
The info you provided gave me a sense that the Aldi system is the way to go it appears to be whisper quiet and easy on the use of propane
Thank you 😊
PLUS the heat is disbursed EVENLY through "ducts" throughout the teardrop.
We love the Alde. And you are correct, it is super quiet!
Travels with Delaney all I need now is to research a weight distribution hitch that will work for the frame of the 400 and give the system you use a serious look. thanks
Our experience with temps in the 30’s and low 40’s is the tanks lasts about 3 days. We use hot water as well but cook on our portable stove. It is always fun to figure out your set up when you are boondocking. What we bring and how we do things changes depending on the circumstances.
Do you have the plastic bin or the diamond plated one like ours? The diamond plated one will hold a 2nd tank but the plastic ones I believe will not. Good information from your actually camping in 30 & 40 degree weather.
Travels with Delaney We have the standard bucket. I have it on my list to ask my dealer for the cost to order one as well as the lifts for under the bed. Do you know how much a second tank would increase the tongue weight?
Great info, again. Truman & Bess should probably have their little coats on if they're going to be "laying in the snow!!" ;)
LOL! I must have made the hidden TaB too obvious this week. It seems everyone is finding them in this video.
Dude this was great 👍
Thank you!
Great help thanks Patrick no faff just genuine info. BJ
Thank you very much Brian!
thanks!
Thank you!
You wore me out! My brain hurts from the math and pulling that tank in and out was tiring 🤣🤣. Thanks for the info!!
That video was a little more intense on the both the filming and editing. Hopefully it was helpful for everyone. It was definitely educational for me.
Numbers don’t lie. Great demonstration.
Thank you!
Nice video Patrick....
Thank you Al!
Good info. Been in hospital with back surgery and then c def infection have not been able to get sensor yet.
Oh no! I hope you are doing better! Getting feeling better soon.
Working on it, thanks!
I think I would feel better with 2 tanks if I was planning on camping in the cold. Maybe have the second back up tank be a smaller tank so it can be hooked up when the primary tank needs refilling.
You are very patient 😁
LOL. That or I a am just really bored! LOL
I'd like to get that AP sensor for my grill propane tank..currently I use the pick it up and shake it method for determining the amount left in the tank. That doesn't work at all hahahaha great video!
LOL! I have used your method before Jack! I am impressed so far with this sensor. Plus its easy to install and easy to read.
Great information! Now I don’t have to do the math... Thanks😁
Thank you!
Great video Patrick, thank you for the details. Much appreciated I went ahead and got the sensor.
Hope the sensor works out well for you. I am impressed so far with it.
I'm thinking you've made a good case for going out & buying a 2nd 20# Propane tank; seems to me like it's a requirement for anything LONGER than a weekend.
The really nice thing about the Alde heating system is that it's "ducted" which means you have even heat throughout your Teardrop. "NON-ducted" heating systems don't disburse the heat as evenly as the Alde "Ducted" system.
I'm in Yuma, AZ and 64° means we're bringing out the parkas. I can't imagine leaving the heater on at 64 and calling it toasty. LOL Good info!
And I can't imagine you considering 108º only WARM.
@@azclaimjumper Why that's spring weather OR fall! LOL
It's funny how different areas of the country react to temperatures. My family in Florida thinks 50 degrees out is freezing....we call that shorts and t-shirt weather here in Indiana in the winter! LOL
That was a great experiment Pat! Ya, the math was flying. If you were on the fly....look out! I’ll be using Mr buddy and a little ceramic in April.
We love our Mr. Buddy too! And if the outdoor temp is above 40 and we have electricity, we have a heat pump in the T@B we can use.
You must be a math teacher! That was impressive. Very helpful test, really appreciate it. Think I like Mandy Lea's mod of using a larger box in front and installing two 20 lb tanks as we'll be travelling in the cooler weather and latitudes and together with cooking propane wouldn't be able to stay out even one week boondocking. Doesn't the TAB 400 fridge use propane as well?
The small refrigerator like we have does not use propane. The larger one that is now an option does use propane. The diamond plated bin that is on our 400 is large enough that a 2nd tank could be added. We don't do enough cold weather camping to worry about adding a 2nd tank. But if someone was going to do a lot of camping in 30-40 degree weather, a 2nd tank would be a real plus. I don't teach math but I have taught enough business courses over the past 25 years that I have gotten decent at demonstrating math. Normally though its on profit and loss! LOL
Thanks for the video; given a real-life stress test on how the Alde system works. I have been considering a radiant heating system for a camper van and it is nice to know the "real-life" performance of a commercial unit.
I will mention that I think you are overestimating your run times by assuming a 100% full 20# tank. As you detailed the propane tanks are typically only 80% filled and in your case (due to cold) you had only 73% after the refill. For example, at 9:30 you calculated that you have 2.3 days from a full 20# tank. However, in actuality, it is only 73% full so you would need to reduce that duration by the same 73% ratio resulting in only 1.68 days.
There are so many factors that would actually play into how log it would actually last. This was really just to show an approximation on one scenario. Definitely could vary quite a bit.
@@TravelswithDelaney That is true, but you are using actual (measured)usage in the calculations and so having the actual amount available (e.g 80%) would be more consistent with actual performance in this worst-case scenario (10 deg outside temps). As a first approximation, you could probably scale the difference between ambient and thermostat setting to estimate actual usage rates for alternate conditions.
IIRC you had a 65 deg thermostat and an 12 degF ave outside temp. That is a 53 deg difference. If that difference were 1/2 then I would expect the consumption rate to be 1/2. I don't mean to be nitpicky, but rather get more value out of the measurements you did make (I'm an engineer). Assuming someone else's RV has a similar insulation value, the consumption rates can be adjusted with appropriate values for overall space volume, tank size, and temperature differential and be pretty accurate. Thanks again for the video.
I know that most Ontario campgrounds open in the winter are mostly electric sites, which means that you would be primarily run the Aldi on electric.
Propane works great to bring the temperature up quickly. Once it's there, if you have electric then I would switch to electric to save on propane.
Great video. What is the coldest temperature you have camped and any problems with plumbing? Thanks.
We were in sub 30 degree weather once. The trailer was winterized. We just used the campgrounds facilities for water usage.
Great video (as usual). And I see the "non-scientific" disclaimer. But I'm really puzzled by what seems like a huge inaccuracy of readings from the app gauge. Here’s what I mean:
The tank is 20# with a 18.4# TW.
Reading 1 was 35.18#, minus TW is 16.8# of propane. That’s 84% of a 20# tank. The gauge read 73% which implies 14.6#, or -13% against the actual #.
Reading 2 was 32.4#, minus TW is 14#; that’s 70% actual. The gauge read 59% which implies 11.8#, or -16% against actual.
Reading 3 was 31.34#, minus TW is 12.9#; that’s 65% actual. The gauge read 52% which implies 10.4#, or -20% against actual.
Reading 4 was 30.18#, minus TW is 11.78#; that’s 59% actual. The gauge read 45% which implies 9#, or -24% against actual.
Okay, maybe the 20# tank actually holds more than 20#. So let’s correct for that. If the 73% initial gauge reading is correct, then the tank actually holds 23#. (From: 73% of X = 16.78#) So with this as the reset, then the initial reading is forced to be accurate. How about the other readings?
Reading 2 of 59% against the new tank max of 23# implies 13.6#, that’s accurate enough to the weighed result of 14# (
+csktx I think the gauge will only read about 80% when the tank has a full 20# in it because propane tanks can only be filled to about 80% because they have to leave room for expansion. So with our 18.4# TW, a tank with 20# would weigh 38.4#. Assuming that's about 80% then a 100% tank would weigh 48#. So my first reading was 73%. 73% of 48# is 35.04# which is pretty close to my first weight reading of 35.18# especially considering there's some assumptions in all of this. I’m not sure there’s a gauge that’s 100% accurate. Even the gauge that’s on our big 500 gallon tank here at the house isn’t 100% accurate. For $35, I think this Sensor will do what we want it to.
Excellent. I see Truman and Bess at 10:20!!
Love those babies!!
Congrats on finding the "hidden" TaB
Don't know if u have done a vid on backing a trailer into a camping spot. I have never backed one and would appreciate any and all tips! Thank u.
I haven't done a video specifically on backing however I did address the topic in this video: czcams.com/video/kDHy6fd0wPg/video.html
Have you experienced the Alde camping at temps around 10-20 deg as the overnight low? I have a 2019 T@B 400 and my internal temp will go down to around 52-55 deg with the Alde Set at 60. It just can’t keep up. Wondering what your experience has been. Love the videos, thanks!
We actually camped last weekend and it was down in the 20's at night and we had to turn ours down in the middle of the night because we were too warm. Were you running it on electric or propane. When it's that cold out, we turn it off electric and run it on propane. It seems to be much better at keeping up on propane.
@@TravelswithDelaney I almost always dry camp so it was propane only. I wonder sometimes if my Alde system works as it should. I've kind of been through the ringer with it. I had to have the boiler replaced because it made an awful racket when on propane - even with high altitude mode enabled (I live in CO and mostly camp at altitudes of 7,000-10,000 feet). The radiator in the bathroom gets pretty hot to the touch so it seems like the glycol is circulating at a good temp. The only other places on the trailer I feel some warmth radiating are the circle window in the dining area driver side, behind the kitchen counter and along the far back of the bed (which always is covered by the sheets/blankets. I thought the spaces along the floor (under the bed, under the dinette seat, etc) would have warmth radiating but I haven't been able to feel warmth coming from there. Anyway, love the Alde heat but I'm a little disappointed that it can't maintain over 55deg if the temps drop to 20 or below. I've really enjoyed your videos, thanks for doing it! Hope you get a little income from it.
@@markwaller1735 You might want to reach out to NuCamp on this. Ours does struggle in cold temps when on electic but propane really hasn't been an issue for us. We did notice our wardrobe and the bathroom get really warm and we feel a lot of heat from the wall by the bed. We too don't necessarily feel a lot of heat from the floor openings. I wonder if altitude has anything to do with it. We have the high altitude kit but last weekend we were probably around 1,000 feet is all here in the midwest.
The front bin that holds the propane tank is open on the bottom, aren't you concerned that the sensor will fall off while driving over bumpy roads?
Our bin has a solid bottom in it. However, our friends have a bin with the open bottom and they said they have not had an issue yet with the sensor falling off. They hauled theirs to the Pacific Northwest and back from North Carolina. To be safe, you could also install a small piece of wood or something below the tank to catch it just in case.
Loved this Video, just subscribed and I don't subscribe to ANYONE. Am 64 and we are strongly considering a Nucamp AVIA and traveling for a couple of years. How good or bad is the insulation on these NuCamp trailers?
Welcome and thank you! NuCamp uses aluminum framed walls and roof with a foam insulation in between the aluminum bars. We have found it to be really good and always have to crack a window in the winter to allow the trailer to breathe to avoid condensation. I am not sure what the R-Value is on the insulation they use.
Have really picked up many useful tips and THANKS!
Would love to know if any of your readers liked the Avila. Great advice to have as much as you can added before delivery..
PS I will not have a back up camera just my side Jeep mirrors.
is there an option to get a 2nd propane tank installed?
Not that I am aware of however with our diamond plated tub, there appears to be enough room to add a 2nd tank.
How long does it take to heat the trailer from close to 30 degrees to 75 degrees?
I don't have an exact time but I can say it would take several hours. That's why we carry a Mr. Heater Portable Buddy if the trailer is going to be that cold to start with. It will bring the trailer temp up within 10 minutes then we shut it off and let the Alde take over.
How much of a tradeoff do you find single vs double propane tank?
For us it's no issue having just one 20# tank. Last summer we traveled for over a month and never ran out of propane. Unless you are going to be doing cold weather camping, it doesn't seem to be an issue especially with the 2 way fridge that doesn't use propane.
Your test will be different at other outside temperatures ???
Absolutely! The warmer it is outside, the less your heater will run. I did this on a fairly cold day to show a worst case scenario. My guess is most people won't be camping in sub freezing weather.
Great video! Do I get a prize for seeing the dogs up in the corner?
I thought finding them was the prize! LOL
What is an Alde heater please? How does it work?
The Alde heater/water heater is a radiant heater system used in the nuCamp trailers, some Airstreams and some Winnebago's. It is very common in European trails. A series of tubes runs throughout the trailer with opens to allow the heat to radiate.. A solution of glycol is used in the tubes. A circulating pump keeps the glycol moving. The glycol is heated to up to create the heat. It is super quiet and it provides a very consistent heat.
is it more or less evvicient than a forced air furnace? @@TravelswithDelaney
Great video. I see you forgot your hat. Don’t get a cold. Thanks
LOL! I should have had a hat and gloves on that day.
Hi.. I am a graduate student in the US. I'm doing a project that requires propane consumption data for different outside temperatures. If anyone could provide me your propane consumption data (Daily/Monthly) for a period of one year that will help my project to get better results. Your response is highly appreciated.
Common core kids can't follow your math. ;)
LOL! Sad yet true....