Hydronic Zone Diesel Heating

[Traps90]

Have heard about a few problems, was just wondering how good this type of heating system is and has it been reliable, for you.

This is kind of a must have for us, as our dual stage furnace on low keeps my DW awake at nights when it;s necessary to have it on, which up here in Canada can mean quite often.

Thanks Trap

[Mvlawn]

I love mine!!!!! The only problem I have had is the combustion air fan motor went out. They are quiet and supply unlimited hot water to the shower.

[MADP4301]

We're in Michigan and use our coach three seasons plus. Hydro heat was a "must have" when we purchased it used last fall. The only issue we had was blowing smoke. The previous owner probably didn't service it from new. ~$35 dollars in parts and 60 minutes of my own labor and it's like new...no smoke. You can download manuals on the web and DIY no problem (at least with Aqua/Hydo Hot systems).

The only downside to this system is the slight exhaust smell. When using shorepower it runs on electric only except under heavy load. The burner will fire when showering and when temps outside dip into the 50's (and you want it 70 inside).

If you leave your windows open and run a ceiling vent you will smell diesel fumes in your coach when it is running. Simple fix for us is to shut the bedroom slide windows. There are kits out there to run the exhaust up, same as for the gen set but to me that's overboard and asking for problems.

We're all electric too so we never have to get propane which is also very nice. Burning $4 dollar a gallon diesel isn't cheap but neither is LP.

Cheers.

[litespeed]

My 2010 has Oasis hydronic....has a electric switch( AC heat) as well as a "burner" switch. I am plugged in to 50 amps...so I have left the electric on...
It seems to be adequate for showers, heat etc...although not very cold here.

I am guessing that mine won't light the boiler automatically unless I turn the the burner switch on. Wonder if it is a good idea to leave both switches on at the same time...don't know which system would take priority?

["007"]

Jay if you have it on both electric and burner the electric would keep water hot, if not, the burner would cut in to heat the water also if it cooled down below your set temperature.
Like anything it will need maintenance to be efficient and most I know would not do without.
Here is a link to Oasis and here is a link to Hydro Hot.
Heater repair
There are other links for the heaters in Quick Tips.

[RJay]

I agree with 007. If it's maintained yearly as prescribed it is the best system you could have.

[glennb100]

Make sure you operate a hydronic system on any coach you're considering. Listen to it in operation and notice how much burned "diesel breath" you get from the exhaust.

We have an Aqua Hot system in our '06 Monaco Camelot. The boiler is installed in a bay just forward of the bedroom. Our system is very noisy. We hear the combustion chamber blower come on, followed by the burner, followed by the combustion blower purging the chamber of gases as it finishes a cycle. The heat exchanger blowers in our coach are also very noisy. On a cold night, the sequence is: heat exchanger blowers, combustion air purge air, burner firing, purge air blower, heat exchanger blowers, over and over.

The system has bad diesel breath (and yes, it has been maintained) and between the burner noise and smell is not very neighbor friendly.

If connected to shore power, we use electric space heaters and only fire up the diesel boiler for hot water for a shower.

[enjoyrv]

Have the Oasis diesel burner in our coach and it is nice not to have to fill up the propane tank. As stated below, until you get into cold weather, the electric element (I have 2 on mine) keeps water hot for daily use.

[dougburi]

I have the Precision Temp PROPANE fired hot water system. It has none of the disadvantages of diesel - e.g. smell / noisy. It's almost inaudible, gives off no bad smells, needs much less maintenance, and is cheaper to buy and repair (check out the cost of a replacement electronic board on the diesel units!!). Yes, I do have to fill the propane more often but so be it.

[MADP4301]

Great points on LP v. diesel fired systems. You have no smell to worry about and slightly cheaper fuel to burn. If you’re buying a new coach and have the choice I would go with LP if I also wanted a gas cooktop and a gas/electric refrigerator. If you’re going “all electric” the obvious choice is diesel; no LP tanks period. This is for DP motorhomes only of course!
I’m not sure I agree with precision temps marketing of less maintenance/ part cost though. The systems are setup identical with the exception being the burner. Things like control boards, pumps, hoses, blowers…etc. will be roughly the same. Both systems should be maintained annually. As stated earlier, mine cost $35 dollars and an hour of my time. You can’t get much cheaper than that on motorhome!
Maintenance and replacement part costs really should factor into one decision on which system to go with. Upfront system cost and clean burning LP is the major factor in my opinion. If I had LP onboard I would prefer it over diesel…even with the hassle of more frequent filling of the tank.
However, given the used market choice of std LP furnace / water heater and diesel fired hydronic it was a no-brainer for me. I will never have a coach without a hydronic system, period.

[siggyd]

In my new 2011 DSDP,I have the Oasis heating system.
Where do I buy the "Nozzle's" or other maintenance parts at a fair price??
Siggy

[jillie]

We have the Precision Temp propane system and love it. We don't need the heat often - we winter in Florida and summer in PA - but having instant and constant hot water is wonderful. I can have all the long, hot showers I want! And having hot water already available after a day on the road is a bonus.

I just haven't figured out the water flow pattern yet. Is this information available somewhere?

["007"]

Siggy, you maybe able to get parts on this link.

[siggyd]

Thanks "007" for the LINK
Siggy D.