As some of you would know I have had major problems with my stupid 'Girrad Continous Flow' hot water system in the Aluminium TeePee.
I am going to bite the bullet later this year and replace it with a Suburban hot water service. I have just been told that the plastic John Guest fittings for hot water side of things are proned to bursting as the hot water over time damages the fitting. The same person has told me that there is a Brass version now available. Has anyone heard of these or using them? They are the same as plastic, fitted the same way, only brass.
Trevor law said
10:50 AM May 24, 2017
Good morning Dougwe
We have had our van for 5 years now living in it 24/7 have JG plastic tubes but they have the plastic inserts fitted inside to make them a more rigid. Up to now have had no problems with the fittings, hopefully i have not spoken to soon LOL.
Just movin dirt.
Safe travels TREVOR.
Trevor law said
10:54 AM May 24, 2017
Just re read my post sorry if the grammar is not correct i don't want to upset anyone LOL
Santa said
11:24 AM May 24, 2017
Morning Doug, our 10 year old Truma is plumbed with JG fittings, hot and cold, have not had a problem, yet.
-- Edited by Santa on Wednesday 24th of May 2017 09:22:57 PM
Radar said
04:30 PM May 24, 2017
Dougwe wrote:
How, fellow and fellowette happy campers,
As some of you would know I have had major problems with my stupid 'Girrad Continous Flow' hot water system in the Aluminium TeePee.
I am going to bite the bullet later this year and replace it with a Suburban hot water service. I have just been told that the plastic John Guest fittings for hot water side of things are proned to bursting as the hot water over time damages the fitting. The same person has told me that there is a Brass version now available. Has anyone heard of these or using them? They are the same as plastic, fitted the same way, only brass.
Hi Dougwe
Just a thought maybe you have to high a water pressure, we have experienced some problems with our new second hand teepee,, I purchased from the big green shed for about $10 a plastic irrigation pressure reducing valve that I now put on the tap first then my hose to the caravan.
The cir clips on the JC fitting would be a good start and help, like my cheapy caravan builder did not think they are worth the expence either.
I don't know about the base fitting, I did see some smaller ones for diesel fuel lines the other week when I was seaching for some fitting up on the New England area of NSW.
Just a couple more years we will have good reliable caravans after we rebuild them slowly little bit at a time.
Love my 14 litre Truma.
My leaking rared its head when after nearly 3 months of free camping then I hooked up to town water for a change.
-- Edited by Radar on Wednesday 24th of May 2017 04:33:56 PM
Dougwe said
05:00 PM May 24, 2017
G'day Radar, the Girrard doesn't know what water is mate. My TeePee's plumbing is not a problem, my plumbing is a different story :). I was talking to someone earlier today and they told me about the fitting bursting on his van and to get the brass ones when I change later this year.
warhorse said
05:17 PM May 24, 2017
Trevor law wrote:
Good morning Dougwe We have had our van for 5 years now living in it 24/7 have JG plastic tubes but they have the plastic inserts fitted inside to make them a more rigid. Up to now have had no problems with the fittings, hopefully i have not spoken to soon LOL. Just movin dirt. Safe travels TREVOR.
fully agree you must fit the inner sleeves otherwise the hw pipes tend to collapse
Radar said
05:39 PM May 24, 2017
Dougwe wrote:
G'day Radar, the Girrard doesn't know what water is mate. My TeePee's plumbing is not a problem, my plumbing is a different story :). I was talking to someone earlier today and they told me about the fitting bursting on his van and to get the brass ones when I change later this year.
When I return home later on in the year I will have a look also for bass fittings also, probably do a couple at a time out of my very small allowance.
All the best.
macka17 said
07:09 PM May 24, 2017
YEP.
Those guest are pretty good. Just ALWAYS.. fit that little clear sleeve in the ends of the couplings.
My last van was 14 yrs old. used every yr.
That trip up to Darwin.
sitting chatting with people next door van. Outside their door.
Hey. you got a water leak.
Could see water "sparkling" in evening sunset. As it jetted out of the tiny holes in it.
Long story short.
H\Water hose had gone brittle with continual heat through it over the yrs.
Developed Pinholes.
and just cracked into pieces when bending it. WHOOPS.
COLD was fine.
but I replaced full red line.
Strangely enough. It was ONLY the exposed to outside air tubing that had gone brittle.
INSIDE van was fine. But changed anyway.
Dougwe said
08:46 PM May 24, 2017
Thanks for the input so far everyone. I too have used the little plug on the tube and also the red locking clip. The problem the person had wasn't with the tube but the actual fitting it self blew a foofa valve. It just blew up causing water everywhere. He was just letting me know for when I bite the bullet. A heads up so to speak.
Bear, I was up too early for the bugga today as I had to go to the vampire shop so she could take some blood.....again.
Looks like their is a Brass fitting amongs that lot. I will discuss it with the people that will do the change over for me later in the year.
Hope all is well with you and mumma bear.
Phil C said
12:04 PM May 25, 2017
Gday Doug,
We had the same problems (bursting plastic fittings) in the mixer in the shower, water everywhere! Had a bloke come out (under warrant) and replaced the mixer fittings with brass. The JG fittings were then screwed to the brass. This was when our barracks was new, now 4 years old and working well.
I like the idea of instantaneous HWS (nothing like a long hot shower) but seems you are having issues.
Stay well old mate, spend wampum and leave the squaws alone..
Phil
Dougwe said
03:24 PM May 25, 2017
"leave the squaws alone" WHY They don't leave me alone when they are not down at THE beach mate. Mmmm, they are always down at THE beach
Yeh, the stupid HWS still doesn't know what HOT water is mate. I did all that work earlier this year and still no good. Out it goes.
No not the twins the HWS.
Dougwe said
03:25 PM May 25, 2017
Wrong thread, sorry all.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Thursday 25th of May 2017 03:26:42 PM
patrol03 said
03:45 PM May 25, 2017
Doug,Look up Tony Powel in TSV phonebook.They are over in Garbut somewhere and deal in all that stuff. Have a talk to them and get the gear that you think will do the job.I have always found them excellent. Sorry I did not catch up but will be back down to Tsv a couple of times in the coming months. Cheers Ian
macka17 said
07:24 PM May 25, 2017
Hey.
One of the most iMPORTANT fitting to have on your Hot water\heater\mains,
water system in van.
Is a low pressure valve.
Normally mounted behind, and in conjuction with the one way valve.
All Roadstars do that I know of, and have had.
Brass too.
Dougwe said
07:53 PM May 25, 2017
Thanks again everyone for your input. I will be changing from the Girrard HWS to a Suburban (at this stage) later this year on my return to VIC. I WILL NOT be doing the job myself but will discuss the brass fittings etc with the person doing the job, who I have great confidence in. We have already talked about the changover. In the mean time I will enjoy the tropical weather here in Townsville.
Ron-D said
08:43 AM May 26, 2017
Doug have you considered a swift hot water system,they have a stainless tank,so no anode to worry a bout,all the plumbing is outside the van,so no leaks inside the van,they have a full 23 ltr capacity...
Dougwe said
09:27 AM May 26, 2017
Thanks Ron, no I haven't. I haven't heard of them to be honest but will now do some research into one then discuss with the person doing the job when time comes to ring and book in for him to order the items needed. The Suburban fits in the opening already there so no need for structural changes, something I will not do unless easy.
Thanks Rocky. This "old" bloke appreciates your help
At least that is what the doctor told me I was the other day.
I will check that link out later
rockylizard said
10:42 AM May 26, 2017
Gday...
I know the feeling young Dougie
Woz talkin' to an old bloke cuppla days ago at a camp I woz at ... I assumed he musta been at least late 70s or early 80s.
He seemed to have lived as long as Macka and had probably even more stories to tell of his experiences.
Ultimately, in our conversation 'age' got mentioned .... he was 68.
GEEZ, it made me go inside and look in the mirror - which is NOT something I like doing at the best of times ... and I saw I am 'old'.
That bloke was a cuppla years younger than me!
Cheers - and keep on the same side as the grass and breathin' regular - John
Aus-Kiwi said
10:51 AM May 26, 2017
Only issues I have had is with white hose going from
Water filter to tap . It just fell to pieces .. I guess age and heat ? It was the underside, outside area that failed . I've had the rear of shower fittings leak due to stress, pulling on fittings from bed mechanism which stores up on wall when not is use . I used Mrs hair dryer to heat lines and tied them away from bed mechanical counter spring system . Alll good . Nothing worse than hearing water pump turn off and on over night !! Finding the fault is the issue !! Yes the centre double fitting can be left out on ends ..
Ron-D said
04:54 PM May 26, 2017
Doug suburban are goog reliable unit with a good track record and you have a hole for it sounds like a good choice,but the swift has things going for it as well ...
Dougwe said
05:09 PM May 26, 2017
I agree Ron. After a quick look at Rocky's link it apears to be same size so worth further research me thinks. It also needs the Anode replaced but not as often. "Good track record" is very important after the problems with the Girrard.
meetoo said
04:44 PM May 28, 2017
Ron-D wrote:
Doug have you considered a swift hot water system,they have a stainless tank,so no anode to worry a bout,all the plumbing is outside the van,so no leaks inside the van,they have a full 23 ltr capacity...
The Swift does have an anode for their stainless tanks in their heaters. It is aluminum and it slips inside the inlet pipe. They recommend changing it every 12 months. I changed my anode after 12 months and it was pretty much eaten away.
Cheers, John.
-- Edited by meetoo on Sunday 28th of May 2017 04:48:44 PM
-- Edited by meetoo on Sunday 28th of May 2017 09:59:34 PM
Can't remember the name.
But the Roadstars I had. ALL had Stainless HWS Tanks in locker. Never changed an anode. ever.
Nowadays. I use the "HOTTAP" Constant supply heater, Mounted on Outside wall of van.
Easy to remove when Have visitors round pool in Winter. or go fishing weekends with boat.
Hang on tree beside lake, or off back of ute, Same place.
Turn on gas.
Lake Awoonga, on the banks. Or Tinaroo.(Kip in boat beside ramp).
Both got ALL the water i'll ever need.
macka17 said
07:21 PM May 29, 2017
PS.
Some whinge about the hot supply of those HOTTAP's.
The secret is. Stay away from those small low pressure pumps they come with, (Mine did) Full sized. and keep water supply TO heater. Turned down. ALL the water you want then. As hot as you want. 5 of us had a shower other week in van. Beside pool. Just to try it out. Coupla them wouldn't believe.
Even keeps my Toilet seat feeding table clean too. Honest.
<<< Look at it.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 29th of May 2017 07:23:12 PM
Dick0 said
09:29 PM May 29, 2017
Dougwe wrote:
I agree Ron. After a quick look at Rocky's link it apears to be same size so worth further research me thinks. It also needs the Anode replaced but not as often. "Good track record" is very important after the problems with the Girrard.
For what it's worth Doug...
My 2004 Suburban 20lt HWS has never given me trouble nor had given the previous owner any concerns. Anode has been changed annually, about half eroded in 12 months, and bought on Ebay for about $20.00 delivered.
Have been heating over last 4 months when travelling on both gas & 240v depending whether free camping or parks with no problems. I also set up thermal heating for the van using the Suburban HWS which works a treat. In my experience I would recommend the Suburban HWS as a robust & efficient heater. Have spoken to many GN gypsies lately using Suburban HWS with positive feedback.
Hope you get the HWS issue solved before the "Greens Lake" season comes around.
How, fellow and fellowette happy campers,
As some of you would know I have had major problems with my stupid 'Girrad Continous Flow' hot water system in the Aluminium TeePee.
I am going to bite the bullet later this year and replace it with a Suburban hot water service. I have just been told that the plastic John Guest fittings for hot water side of things are proned to bursting as the hot water over time damages the fitting. The same person has told me that there is a Brass version now available. Has anyone heard of these or using them? They are the same as plastic, fitted the same way, only brass.
Morning Doug, our 10 year old Truma is plumbed with JG fittings, hot and cold, have not had a problem, yet.
-- Edited by Santa on Wednesday 24th of May 2017 09:22:57 PM
Hi Dougwe
Just a thought maybe you have to high a water pressure, we have experienced some problems with our new second hand teepee,, I purchased from the big green shed for about $10 a plastic irrigation pressure reducing valve that I now put on the tap first then my hose to the caravan.
The cir clips on the JC fitting would be a good start and help, like my cheapy caravan builder did not think they are worth the expence either.
I don't know about the base fitting, I did see some smaller ones for diesel fuel lines the other week when I was seaching for some fitting up on the New England area of NSW.
Just a couple more years we will have good reliable caravans after we rebuild them slowly little bit at a time.
Love my 14 litre Truma.
My leaking rared its head when after nearly 3 months of free camping then I hooked up to town water for a change.
-- Edited by Radar on Wednesday 24th of May 2017 04:33:56 PM
fully agree you must fit the inner sleeves otherwise the hw pipes tend to collapse
When I return home later on in the year I will have a look also for bass fittings also, probably do a couple at a time out of my very small allowance.
All the best.
Those guest are pretty good. Just ALWAYS.. fit that little clear sleeve in the ends of the couplings.
My last van was 14 yrs old. used every yr.
That trip up to Darwin.
sitting chatting with people next door van. Outside their door.
Hey. you got a water leak.
Could see water "sparkling" in evening sunset. As it jetted out of the tiny holes in it.
Long story short.
H\Water hose had gone brittle with continual heat through it over the yrs.
Developed Pinholes.
and just cracked into pieces when bending it. WHOOPS.
COLD was fine.
but I replaced full red line.
Strangely enough. It was ONLY the exposed to outside air tubing that had gone brittle.
INSIDE van was fine. But changed anyway.
Thanks for the input so far everyone. I too have used the little plug on the tube and also the red locking clip.
The problem the person had wasn't with the tube but the actual fitting it self blew a foofa valve. It just blew up causing water everywhere. He was just letting me know for when I bite the bullet. A heads up so to speak.
www.waterequip.com.au/john-guest-caravan-fittings.html
Have a great day, cheers
Looks like their is a Brass fitting amongs that lot. I will discuss it with the people that will do the change over for me later in the year.
Hope all is well with you and mumma bear.
We had the same problems (bursting plastic fittings) in the mixer in the shower, water everywhere! Had a bloke come out (under warrant) and replaced the mixer fittings with brass. The JG fittings were then screwed to the brass. This was when our barracks was new, now 4 years old and working well.
I like the idea of instantaneous HWS (nothing like a long hot shower) but seems you are having issues.
Stay well old mate, spend wampum and leave the squaws alone..
Phil
"leave the squaws alone" WHY
They don't leave me alone when they are not down at THE beach mate. Mmmm, they are always down at THE beach 
Yeh, the stupid HWS still doesn't know what HOT water is mate. I did all that work earlier this year and still no good. Out it goes.
No not the twins
the HWS.
Wrong thread, sorry all.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Thursday 25th of May 2017 03:26:42 PM
One of the most iMPORTANT fitting to have on your Hot water\heater\mains,
water system in van.
Is a low pressure valve.
Normally mounted behind, and in conjuction with the one way valve.
All Roadstars do that I know of, and have had.
Brass too.
Thanks again everyone for your input. I will be changing from the Girrard HWS to a Suburban (at this stage) later this year on my return to VIC. I WILL NOT be doing the job myself but will discuss the brass fittings etc with the person doing the job, who I have great confidence in. We have already talked about the changover. In the mean time I will enjoy the tropical weather here in Townsville.
Doug have you considered a swift hot water system,they have a stainless tank,so no anode to worry a bout,all the plumbing is outside the van,so no leaks inside the van,they have a full 23 ltr capacity...
Gday...
Here's a bitta info for ya young Dougie -
http://rveethereyet.com/hot-water-systems-swift-vs-suburban/
Cheers - John
At least that is what the doctor told me I was the other day.
I will check that link out later
Gday...
Woz talkin' to an old bloke cuppla days ago at a camp I woz at ... I assumed he musta been at least late 70s or early 80s.
He seemed to have lived as long as Macka and had probably even more stories to tell of his experiences.
Ultimately, in our conversation 'age' got mentioned .... he was 68.
GEEZ, it made me go inside and look in the mirror - which is NOT something I like doing at the best of times ... and I saw I am 'old'.
That bloke was a cuppla years younger than me!
Cheers - and keep on the same side as the grass and breathin' regular - John
Doug suburban are goog reliable unit with a good track record and you have a hole for it sounds like a good choice,but the swift has things going for it as well ...
-- Edited by meetoo on Sunday 28th of May 2017 04:48:44 PM
-- Edited by meetoo on Sunday 28th of May 2017 09:59:34 PM
But the Roadstars I had. ALL had Stainless HWS Tanks in locker. Never changed an anode. ever.
Nowadays. I use the "HOTTAP" Constant supply heater, Mounted on Outside wall of van.
Easy to remove when Have visitors round pool in Winter. or go fishing weekends with boat.
Hang on tree beside lake, or off back of ute, Same place.
Turn on gas.
Lake Awoonga, on the banks. Or Tinaroo.(Kip in boat beside ramp).
Both got ALL the water i'll ever need.
PS.
Some whinge about the hot supply of those HOTTAP's.
The secret is.
Stay away from those small low pressure pumps they come with, (Mine did)
Full sized. and keep water supply TO heater. Turned down.
ALL the water you want then. As hot as you want.
5 of us had a shower other week in van. Beside pool.
Just to try it out. Coupla them wouldn't believe.
Even keeps my Toilet seat feeding table clean too. Honest.
<<< Look at it.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 29th of May 2017 07:23:12 PM
For what it's worth Doug...
My 2004 Suburban 20lt HWS has never given me trouble nor had given the previous owner any concerns. Anode has been changed annually, about half eroded in 12 months, and bought on Ebay for about $20.00 delivered.
Have been heating over last 4 months when travelling on both gas & 240v depending whether free camping or parks with no problems. I also set up thermal heating for the van using the Suburban HWS which works a treat. In my experience I would recommend the Suburban HWS as a robust & efficient heater. Have spoken to many GN gypsies lately using Suburban HWS with positive feedback.
Hope you get the HWS issue solved before the "Greens Lake" season comes around.