Community Forums

bullcity · 12-18-2011, 03:37 PM

Just purchased Safari Panther 2001 with Aqua Hot. Live in Kansas and was told buy individual seller that unit is "winterized. Read the manual, but still uncertain on what next steps are to get unit working for heat only at this time. Should you be able to see "antifreeze" in expansion tank?

Does generator need to be running when operating on DIESEL?

Any help, advice or suggestions is appreciated. thanks

radams · 12-18-2011, 07:29 PM

Yes, you should be able to see antifreeze in the expansion tank. No, the generator does not need to be running to operate your Aqua Hot.

Good luck with your new coach!

texnet · 12-18-2011, 09:17 PM

The Aqua Hot system runs off of 12vdc and diesel. Just make sure you are either plugged into AC or have a solar cell that will keep the batteries charged. Also, you need to keep greater than 1/4 tank of diesel as most pickup tubes for the Aqua Hot and generator are at or above the 1/4 full level.

BigSkyBob · 12-18-2011, 09:31 PM

I guess I'm confused. The amount of boiler antifreeze in the expansion tank has nothing to do with winterization. Unless you have automatic winterization in your coach, you have to blow out all the water in the Aqua-Hot system then fill the domestic water loop with RV antifreeze using the onboard water pump. Be 100% certain this has been accomplished as the repairs to the unit can be extremely expensive if it freezes and bursts internal piping.

Dave78Chief · 12-19-2011, 02:58 PM

Aqua-HOt (formally Hydro-Hot) can have up to 3 seperate water systems flowing through it. Need to be careful about which system is being discussed.

1) The closed loop sealed system that uses boiler antifreeze in the water to prevent freezing. This is the water that is routed to the heat registers for coach heating. This is the system that has the Aqua-Hot expansion tank.

2) Motoraid system which is also a closed loop system that can either heat the engine during cold weather or use engine heat to assist in heating of the other 2 water systems (not available in all models). An extension of the engine coolant system which has it's own expansion tank.

3) Domestic fresh water system flows through Aqua-Hot system to be heated rather than using an external water heater (Atwood or Suburban). Provides hot water for sinks and showers.

Only the domestic hotwater system would need to be flushed and winterized with pink RV antifreeze. The other 2 closed systems have their own seperate antifreeze requirements.

Dave