Heating: Using everything available and heating everything needed.

[Chaz]

That mixer valve sounds good. I'm not worried about kids getting burnt, just grown ups. (I don't have kids. Chances are they will never be in the bus. Just a few blondes - namely me!  ) I will look into those. Good idea.  

That loop would be inline with the motor on the gen. I'm not sure how else to do it as it doesn't have a port plumbed for anything else like a car engine does.

The line from the Detroit is also the line for the defroster so I have to be sure it flows well also. The plumbing for both of these is where I need to get creative. I want to KISS but also as hands off as much as possible. That's where I really would like to hear from you guys - as you did so kindly post. That mixer valve is VERY good to know about. Thank you.

OH!!!!!!!!!!!!  Hey, what about just plumbing in a parrallel coolant line with the actual hose that is already there, in both situations. Then use a pump that can handle hot water (Is there such a creature??) to pull the water off the main line, into the parrallel line, when I need it pumped thru the loops in the tank. Otherwise, I'm thinking the hot water would probably act like electricity and take the path of least resistance, there by not really flowing thru the heater tank enough. It could also be governed by a thermostat.  Hmmmmmmm................  

Thanx Buswarrior.
 Chaz

[Chaz]

Len,
  we were typing at the same time, I guess. That's a thought. But my first drawback I can think of is the amount of copper tube I'd have to use. I like the idea of it picking up heat that is trying to escape out the sides, and no contamination, but what ever diameter the tank is times pi - many times - might get into quite a bit of tubing. But worth looking at for sure.
  Thanx Len,
  Chaz