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Old 01-20-2019, 01:05 PM   #1
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On Demand Water Heater Conversion

Has anyone done a conversion to an on demand water heater? I have a 10 gallon unit in mine, and it doesn't take much of a shower to blow through it all. Then it is about a 40 minute or so wait for it come back up to full temperature again.

Any recommended brands, or types to stay away from? Typically pretty straightforward conversion or does it take quite a bit of modification?

Thanks!
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Old 01-20-2019, 01:43 PM   #2
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Is your 10 gal. heater elec only or gas/elec. Ours is 6 gal and We use both for showers and don't run out of water.
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Old 01-20-2019, 01:47 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by seanb02 View Post
Has anyone done a conversion to an on demand water heater? I have a 10 gallon unit in mine, and it doesn't take much of a shower to blow through it all. Then it is about a 40 minute or so wait for it come back up to full temperature again.

Any recommended brands, or types to stay away from? Typically pretty straightforward conversion or does it take quite a bit of modification?

Thanks!
A 10 gal heater should be good for two people if you use a wand with a shut off between soaps etc. Assuming its gas/electric which reduces the recovery time.
Anyway if you are going to go Tankless, go with the Truma. We have one in our LTV and it rocks. The only way you run out of hot water is if you run out of propane. Not positive, but I think it uses the same footprint as the typical suburban heater.
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Old 01-20-2019, 02:02 PM   #4
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It is a gas/electric Suburban brand unit. I really don't have any complaints with it, other than the recovery after running it out of water since it doesn't seem to take running it for long to run out.

I should also mention that I do full time live in this trailer, it would be a complete non issue if the RV was purely for recreational uses.
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Old 01-20-2019, 02:04 PM   #5
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Right, in that case, I'd look into the Truma.
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Old 01-20-2019, 02:12 PM   #6
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Have you considered a 12 gal? Its only 2" deeper, fits in the same opening, no mods to water lines. Did that on our old coach and it made a big difference.
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Old 01-20-2019, 02:45 PM   #7
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I actually had not looked into a larger capacity. Looking at the space I have I might even be able to fit the 16 gallon model, so I suppose that is another option. Looked up the Truma and WOW those things are expensive!

Also did not realize that the gas and the electric elements can be run at the same time, so I am going to give that a try and see how much difference it makes on recovery time.
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Old 01-20-2019, 03:39 PM   #8
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I actually had not looked into a larger capacity. Looking at the space I have I might even be able to fit the 16 gallon model, so I suppose that is another option. Looked up the Truma and WOW those things are expensive!

Also did not realize that the gas and the electric elements can be run at the same time, so I am going to give that a try and see how much difference it makes on recovery time.

Couple of OEM options:
*10, 12, 16 all are same Height/Width just deeper tank/insulation requirements
*Turn electric & propane ON
*OEM t-stat is 130*F....optional 140*F are available
(Suburban 232317)---120V AC (left set)
(Suburban 232319)---12V DC (right set)




Using BOTH at same time.......FREE
140*F t-stats....roughly $20/ea Total $40
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Old 01-20-2019, 10:56 PM   #9
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I actually had not looked into a larger capacity. Looking at the space I have I might even be able to fit the 16 gallon model, so I suppose that is another option. Looked up the Truma and WOW those things are expensive!

Also did not realize that the gas and the electric elements can be run at the same time, so I am going to give that a try and see how much difference it makes on recovery time.
There is a reason why they are expensive, they are the only one that works.
But, I'm sure you will find with the gas and electric turned on your current heater may just do the trick. Another thing you should check is that the electric element is working. If not, it is a common element available at the likes of Home Depot.

Happy Trails
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