Gas hot water systems

Adventure · Newbie

Gas hot water systems

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Installing an instant gas HWS in a van is very problematic, because combustion gasses MUST be vented outside and sealed to the inside to be safe and legal.
Paradise Motorhomes do install a Bosch model sometimes.
It would not be a low cost exercise.

Cheers,
Peter

PeterD · Guru

To add to the previous reply, not only do they have to exhaust their combustion gases to the outside they must draw their combustion air from outside. Last time I went looking there were no approved units.

The ones that Pete was quoting that Paradise motorhomes are using are technically not installed in their motorhomes. They are mounted in an enclosure that is sealed from the inside and vented to the outside. A lot of work and space lost if you are going to retrofit your van.

There were some gas water heaters installed in vans in the 70s & 80s. They were only exhausted to the outside air. They are no longer approved.

pricey43 · Guru

We were convinced to install a small electric Reva brand hot water service in our van. It is very efficient and quick but you need to be careful not to get too smaller one depending on the flow rate of hot water that you need.

Terro · Guru

The are a few electric water heaters on the market. I am considering the one that replaces the tap on the sink and heats the water as it runs. Whatever you choose just make sure it is safe. Don't want any unfortunate accidents.

Terro

-- Edited by Terro on Monday 30th of November 2009 08:27:00 AM

dave06 · Guru

an external enclosure is the answer but as has been said it will not be cheap or easy, the " tap replacement" ones are hell on wheels as far as power draw goes

justcruisin01 · Guru

I looked at the electric tap replacment one , like dave said the power consumpion is very high ,they draw about 12/13 amps of your 15amps that is available from memory .
This means you have to turn off most other things while using them , they are also very slow.

We have a primus portable shower unit , this will heat up washing up water quicker than a kettle on a gas stove, & I mean hot to the point you will not put your hand in it.Once it is set up & going it is very quick.& easy on the gas.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

We have a Truma (small storage unit) in the OKA.
It has been faultless for 5 years @ 8-9 months each year.
They are gas or gas + electric.

Cheers,
Peter

dave06 · Guru

I'd agree fully with that, either a primus or coleman, my preference would be the primus, seems to be a more compact unit, I'm looking to buy one myself shortly I'm having a look on ebay at one at the moment

they are very good, and inexpensive for what they do, ideal for coffee or dishes,

kesue · Senior Member

We have a gas hot water heater in our Golf van, which is pretty efficent, butwhen it did break down it cost me $320 for a circuit board the size of a match box. If it should happen again I think I would replace it with an electric one as we mostly use caravan parks with power. I had one of the electric type that replaces the tap, OK but very slow..I could piddle faster, gave it away in the end Keith