Bathroom renovation and water heater.

[Chaz]

Hey Folks,
  I'm putting in new bathroom walls, vanity and insulation. Looking good so far and will post pix when I get it done.
  But, while I was looking thru my Sportsman's Guide mag, I found this: http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=804642  And it just so happens that one of the other things I'm wanting to do while updating the bathroom was relocate the hot water heater from way out in the salon to in or in between the Kitchen and bath. One of these units look like they could be the ticket. (I'm thinking the second one.) What do you think?? I would think I could mount it inside and vent it to the outside. The one I have is an old standard tank with many miles on it. I HAVE to move it so I may as well replace it.
  I have messed with a couple heaters and am even toying with the idea of building one. At least the tank. I was thinking of putting more vent tubes thru the water section to heat the water quicker and more efficiently. They are pretty lame the way they work. I was also going to plumb engine coolant thru it to have hot water anytime the motor was running. That just makes sense to me.
  Open to your thoughts!!
   Chaz

[TomC]

Chaz-just something to consider-I'm using 2-10gal electric water heaters.  One feeding into the next with the final one wired through the inverter for hot water while driving.  The total cost of the two water heaters are $520.00 (today's price).  The two in my bus have had ZERO maintenance since 1994, except for yearly draining.  They are quiet, don't require venting or propane to power (on my bus my furnace and stove are the only propane appliances-don't have a real liking for propane), no extra plumbing from the engine for coolant, etc.  The replacement heating elements you can get at any hardware store and are around $20.00. Granted you have to start the generator to warm them in the morning, but even when boon docking, the water stays warm all day.  Just my way that I feel is extremely simple.  Good Luck, TomC

[Chaz]

Thanx Tom. Good points. I also would rather not have propane on board but, I am going to always have a gas grill so...... oh well. And my cook top is even going to be induction. (cool stuff right there!)
And as far as building what I want, well, it's a large part of the fun for me. I just thought I could build a custom unit that fit my space the best and was efficient. Putting in an electric element would be no problem at all if I want to use all three heating resources. And, I even made provisions for pulling coolant off the main line to the defroster when I did it, so that shouldn't be too tough.
But when I seen this instantaneous unit for what I think is a pretty reasonable price... well... I'm thinking that might be the way to go. The beauty is I never have to wait to have hot water, always have enough, and it doesn't take up a lot of space - altho it is a design size I would have to work around. The only real drawback is that I wanted to limit the propane use. I guess there is always a trade off.
I'm kinda curious if anyone else has used this on a bus?? And I wonder if it would work going down the road??
Thanx again Tom!!
  Chaz

[scanzel]

I would be cautious as to how far you can vent it, number of feet for vent pipe before you have venting problems and also remember if you mount it inside the coach you will need fresh air for combustion or you must seal it off and provide a fresh air intake area. Plus it only provides 1.4 gallons per minute depending on the incoming water temperature. Also the mfg is stating for outdoor use only.

[pabusnut]

I am trying one of those like Chaz linked in his post.  Right now it is just hanging on the wall near the cieling in the bathroom above/behind the toilet. 

Since I don't plan on any winter camping for a while, I think it will be OK to just open the bathroom vent above the shower for fresh combustion air.  I just don't like cutting holes in the roof, but I would really hate to cut a big hole in the side for a RV water heater.  A diesel heater would really be ideal, but my wallet is extremely limited at this time.

Eventually, I plan to do more boondocking, so LP gas is not a problem with 2 -30 lb removable tanks.  I try to keep my stuff simple as all my electronics seem to be made by MURPHY!

I will post a write-up after the shakedown cruise.

Steve Toomey
PAbusnut

[Chaz]

Thanx Steve. I'll be watching to see how your test went.I also did do a little checking since reading scanzel's post. Ebay has a bunch of them there and even more competetively priced. And set up correctly for RV's, etc.
But, I don't think venting will be an issue. But, I am like Steve, I'd rather not cut holes but I will if I have to.
BTW, how much water flow do you need?? I do have a couple different shower heads that are very water conserving. I thought if you set the temp just a little higher than what you like for showers you would save gas and water. But if you need more flow, set the temp higher and mix in more cold....not??
Chaz

[desi arnaz]

i had one i got real cheap that lasted one season.  the trick is use no cold in the shower and just throttle up the hot pressure as it will mix itself as the unit cannot keep up so it gives you cooler water the higher the pressure.

[oldmansax]

That looks like a big improvement over the standard camper water heater. The only thing I would want to know is does it have to be level to work? I have looked into other means of heating water before & always ran into that problem. I would read the specs & installation manual carefully.

TOM

[Fred Mc]

I have had one for almost 25 years. There are some drawbacks but also some real advantages.
One of the advantages is that if you have a good supply of water i.e. city hookup, you can shower as long as you like- or at least until the propane runs out. Also you aren't keeping water hot even if not using it. And it doesn't use any propane unless it is working.

Mine is mounted in a bay with a short exhaust sideways through a bay door. A louvered cover goes over the 6 inch hole.

All in all I have been pleased with this unit.

[robertglines1]

Confused a little.  6 gal elect  we use 120 volt quick recovery 2400 watt element.  20 minute hot water from cold. three adults take reasonable showers  and turn off have warm water for close to 18hrs later. If we need 140 degree water we just kick switch on shortly before we need it. Power management on a 30 amp circuit pays off. well insulated tank and distribution lines.  Cost of water heater  $220    The elect demand units don't get good reviews.  Chaz  all that said:WHY  not? only concern I would have would be open flame and heat/fumes. As if I don't think outside the box.   Bob

[chev49]

Maybe i will get a bunch of flak here.. What's wrong with putting a electric water heater in series  (or parallel) with the rv unit? Just a thought.. haven't done it, but i did put a looped system with a set of coils in one of my wood stoves that circulates with the electric water heater. This works well and can be shut off during the summer.

[pabusnut]

Another note:  I do plan on putting either a 10 or 12 gallon "fast recovery " electric water heater later, but right now I need to focus money on the things I don't have yet---like cabinets!

If I am in a campground, I want to get my money's worth--hence the electric w/h.

Steve Toomey
PAbusnut

[5B Steve]

    Chaz , like TomC mentioned his two 10gal heaters in line and you having the large generator and inverter,

    I would think that is the way to go myself.  Hey if you need an extra hand on the renovation you got my

    number, give me a call!


   Steve 5B.....

[Chaz]

Thanx for the tip, Desi.

Good question, Tom. I'll check it out but I would think what little it would be off would be OK. But,      

Good point Fred. Plus, my big thing is never having to remember to get the water heater going, and, wasting energy w/ a tank (and forgetting to turn it off .

Good thoughts Robert. In answer to "WHY not?", that's what I am looking for info for. It seems good to me but I haven't been around that block. And Steve makes a real good point about being tied to a pole. I had not really thought of that but then it's pretty rare that I'm tied to a pole. But with luck, maybe in the future!  

Flak Chev?? Nah! Good thoughts. I'm also a very energy conscientious kinda guy (see HGTV link on my site: www.amstudio.us) but I am always trying to conserve space as well. If I have a "tanK" I am definitely putting in a loop from the coolant. As a matter of fact, if I stay with a "tank" I am building one with all three resources. Just makes sense to me since I have no problem in the welding/fabrication dept. (BTW, just sold my '51 Chevy Chop and put a bid in on a '59 Stude 2 door wagon )

Thanx Steve!! I'll keep you in mind. With TWO bum arms now, my work has slowed a bit. But still hangin.  You will have to check out the bathroom when done. Looking pretty good. Might give you some ideas.
 Thanx again guys!!!!!!! I appreciate ALL the input!!! "Everyday is a School Day".  
  Chaz

[Len Silva]

I have a tankless water heater at home and love it, but...... it's 140,000 BTU and it's in Florida where the incoming water is around 70° all the time.  Just sayin'.