New Member Seeking Info

[a10koaksfed]

Good afternoon from SoCal. We recently picked up an 02 Newmar Mt. Aire and have discovered my wife likes more hot water than it currently produces. Would someone please advise us if; 1. it is possible to install an insta hot water system in a coach and, 2. if not, where to find a REPUTABLE list of installers of the traditional diesel/electic continuous hot water systems?

My wife would greatly appreciate it, and it would certainly lower my stress levels as well

thank you, and safe traveling.

[TXiceman]

It probably has a 10 gallon water heater. Basic solution is to lean how to take Navy style showers.

Sorry I can't be more help.

ken

[oldcouple]

If you are hooked up, you can run both the electric and gas heaters to heat more faster, but never going match home. Best solution is to use the camp ground showers, never have run out there, but has taken a while to get warm.

[a10koaksfed]

Thanks for the info. I have no problem with the Navy showers, but my wife wants 'home comforts'! I learned awhile back to turn on the electric AND gas while she's in the shower, but it still runs out.

I believe you are correct that we have the 10 gallon H2O heater.

Can we install a insta hot heater in a coach? If not, which type of diesel/electric heater is most preferred by rv'ers? Aqua hot, .......

"Freezing in CA"...

[KIX]

A possible problem is the water heater tank may have sand, etc. in it reducing the 10 gallon capacity. There should be a drain plug you can remove to try to check for this problem.
Some, not all, RV water heaters have an anode rod as part of the drain plug.
Another potential problem could be the thermostat. I don't think they are adjustable but they are replaceable. if it were me I would try these two ideas before attempting to retrofit an instantaneous unit. Hope this helps you.

[a10koaksfed]

I'll check out the 'sand' issue. It is an 8 year old coach. I just replaced the annodes in May. Thanks for the tips. I'll see what I can do.

So, no one sugguests installing an Aqua Hot, or similar type system?

[KIX]

If you just successfully replaced the anode a few months ago I doubt that sand in the tank is the problem. The thermostat is another issue.

Another thought .......... install a water flow restrictor in the shower supply line. It won't affect the pressure but will cause less usage and therefore allow longer hot showers. Still not going to be like home but would make it better than no restrictor.

[a10koaksfed]

I'll try a low flow shower head first. Then I'll go to the restrictor. Then I'll shoot myself!

[Roger Berke]

It is possible to retrofit Aqua-Hot into existing coach.

New unit with heat exchangers and all parts ready for install somewhere in the 8 – 10K range. Somewhere around 100 man hours to install.

Probably not something that you would consider for a 10 year old coach.

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

[oldcouple]

While cleaning cobwebs ect, I bumped the temp setting lever on the WH once, could not get the thing to heat up, thought it was broken, then found it was set to zero!! Silly me. The oxygenics head is supposed to be a good head to replace with, check ebay for best prices.

[RickO]

I would really suspect a problem of some sort with the heater based upon our experience. Even when DW and I shower right after one another we rarely run out of hot water... and usually only in very cold weather.

We use both gas and electric heat when showering and have the Oxigenetics shower head which probably does help a lot.

Good Luck...

Rick

[oldcouple]

Quote:

Originally Posted by a10koaksfed I'll try a low flow shower head first. Then I'll go to the restrictor. Then I'll shoot myself!

Bit drastic, divorce is about $5000, and half of everything you own.

[a10koaksfed]

Thank you everyone for you insights and assistance. I'm going to switch out the shower hear and see how we do. Enjoy the sense of humor injections as well.

Stay safe.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Like the others, we manage fine witha10 gallon heater.

However, you can install a "flash" type water heater if you always have adequate electric power available, but they suck a lot of amps. Here is a RV/Marine electric heater that draws 20A, for example:
Eemax 120V 20A RV/Marine Electric Tankless Water Heater - Bottom Feed

And here is a gas fired, tankless, continuous water heater that is supposed to replace the existing one. I have no experience with it, though.
Recreational Vehicle LP Gas Tankless Water Heater. RV 500 on demand hot water heater by PrecisionTemp