Aqua-Hot alternatives???

[lp5151]

some of the motorhome manufacturers use the Aqua-Hot systems... are there other systems being used? I've read a lot of posts that state many different problems people are having with the Aqua-Hot systems. I know that on the Tiffin forum, many problems are being noted. are there other systems being used that seem to be more effiecent or have a better reliability factor, fewer problems, etc???

[Roger Berke]

There are a number of manufacturers of Hydronic Heaters for motorhomes.

The other systems are no better or more reliable than the Aqua-Hot systems. They all have a somewhat complex system of thermostats, pumps, and control systems.

You could get the impression from reading various groups that hydronic heaters need frequent repairs. This is not true. For most coach owners, their hydronic heaters sit quietly in the basement and make all of the heat and hot water that is desired.

Like any mechanical system, they need to be serviced and sometimes parts fail.

- Roger Berke -
Moderator - HydronicRVHeating : Hydronic-RV-Heating

[jspande]

Most are diesil fuel, and I understand they require annual maintenance. There is a propane unit from Precision Temp which they call the "TwinTemp", and these require no scheduled maintenance (propane burns clean and no fuel pump/filter). I'm not sure which RV manufactures offer this system.

I retrofitted this system into my Alfa 5th Wheel (another advantage of it being propane). It was a fairly ambitious project but I'm delighted with the results. It heats so much better, uses less propane and is soooo much quieter than the furnace. If I were in the market for a new RV I'd definately look for one with this system.

The one problem I've had is with the exhaust fan. This is a squirrel-cage fan and operates in the hot exhaust. They are having an long-standing issue with the supplier getting proper sealed, hi-temp bearings in this fan, and I have replaced 5 in the four years I've had it. Precision Temp has supplied free replacements for it everytime so they stand behind their product, but I've gotten a lot of unwanted practice replacing that fan in real tight quarters.