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I have a few queries  -  how much extra weight does it add to the van?      what do you do when towing? - empty it or have water flowing around a towed van?    does it contain antifreeze for the winter - if so to what level?      why are the 'radiator' things below the seats and behind the cushion - surely that heats up the cushion before the van?    how does it improve things by heating from behind solids rather than blowing warm air into an open space?   

I have never been classed as a stick in the mud - wrong job and wrong part of the ladder - am I becoming one now?     I use the van all year round - home and abroad - and the heating seems to be fine - even in the snow.  Is it a case of 'must find a different way' rather than ' is there a better way'?

Quote: Originally posted by ldpdmp on 06/11/2010

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I have a few queries  -  how much extra weight does it add to the van?      what do you do when towing? - empty it or have water flowing around a towed van?    does it contain antifreeze for the winter - if so to what level?      why are the 'radiator' things below the seats and behind the cushion - surely that heats up the cushion before the van?    how does it improve things by heating from behind solids rather than blowing warm air into an open space?    

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Quote: Originally posted by rd57chad on 07/11/2010

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That said if the new 2011 challenger had come with Alde heating i would have ordered one at the Lawn's show as it didnt i decided to keep my present van & put up with a cool bathroom !

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I have Alde heating and I find the biggest advantage over any other system is the lack of draughts,the majority of the heat comes from behind you, no matter where you are sat.Downside is the lack of instant heat,but what we do when we stop for a cup of tea etc.and need some warmth, is turn on the gas oven .this soon warms the place.

Backaxle.

weight factor   if the system holds 10 litres of water  that is equal to 10kg  plus the  piping and the radiator things  and a pump and a heater        suggests it is heavier than the old style      more weight = heavier car = lower mpg      not convinced

heating from behind still heats up the fabric of the van  = good idea together with improved insulation as in scandinavian   but still requires more thermal output to keep the cushions warm before heating the space   - or so it seems     still not convinced

if a van is about 6x2x2m = 24cu.m. and properly insulated  it does not need  a super heater system to keep it warm    

Quote: Originally posted by ldpdmp on 07/11/2010

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weight factor   if the system holds 10 litres of water  that is equal to 10kg  plus the  piping and the radiator things  and a pump and a heater        suggests it is heavier than the old style      more weight = heavier car = lower mpg      not convinced

heating from behind still heats up the fabric of the van  = good idea together with improved insulation as in scandinavian   but still requires more thermal output to keep the cushions warm before heating the space   - or so it seems     still not convinced

if a van is about 6x2x2m = 24cu.m. and properly insulated  it does not need  a super heater system to keep it warm    

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oops an upset.   my apologies for being different.   

chacun a son gout      negatives for some ;  positives for others    not a problem in my book      opinion only     good hunting - and enjoy your caravanning, johnks

Quote: Originally posted by ldpdmp on 07/11/2010

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oops an upset.   my apologies for being different.   

chacun a son gout      negatives for some ;  positives for others    not a problem in my book      opinion only     good hunting - and enjoy your caravanning, johnks

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No not upset. Just glad that Truma will retain a customer. They have been producing the blown air unit since the 1970's. Wasn't any good then and it hasn't altered that much. It is about the only thing that hasn't been updated in modern caravans.

Happy to have the extra weight as we don't take that much with us anyway.

Quote: Originally posted by ldpdmp on 07/11/2010

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weight factor   if the system holds 10 litres of water  that is equal to 10kg  plus the  piping and the radiator things  and a pump and a heater        suggests it is heavier than the old style      more weight = heavier car = lower mpg      not convinced

heating from behind still heats up the fabric of the van  = good idea together with improved insulation as in scandinavian   but still requires more thermal output to keep the cushions warm before heating the space   - or so it seems     still not convinced

if a van is about 6x2x2m = 24cu.m. and properly insulated  it does not need  a super heater system to keep it warm     

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