Community Forums

Scottspence · 04-02-2014, 08:33 AM

Hey Guys,
Picking up my coach tomorrow for the first time,(2004 American Eagle 42.5), I know the wife will be cold heading through the mountains. My brief understanding is the Aqua Hot is this:

It has an electric side as well as a diesel side, the diesel for heavier heating demands.
The part I am curious about is how the engine heat ties into this and the procedure to do so when traveling. I have read that you can turn the diesel switch off, the electric one on and have circulation and hot water heat off the engine coolant. Is this true? Do I have to set the thermostat to anything particular? Sounds like a great system and I'm excited not to have to deal with LPG and noisy forced air furnaces. I look forward to any info. Cheers!

CampDaven · 04-02-2014, 08:48 AM

If you google "aqua hot manuals" you can download what you need. :-)

MandG-Fun · 04-02-2014, 09:04 AM

Scott, congrats on the new coach. Quick answer assuming your AquaHot has an engine loop, which I would guess that it does. There is nothing to do beyond having the engine warmed up and turning on the thermostats in the zones that you want heat. The coolant loop from the engine should automatically circulate to the AH boiler.

Happy trails...

Docschro98 · 04-02-2014, 09:42 AM

Remember to also turn on the engine preheat switch to run the circ pump.

StevenH · 04-02-2014, 12:03 PM

Scott

Congratulations on the new coach.

You do not have to run the preheat switch for the engine loop to heat the Aqua Hot.

The Aqua Hot consists of a burner unit (diesel Wabasto burner) that heats the "boiler" this is the fluid that is circulated thru the heat exchangers in the coach and probably one in the bay. There are also one or two electric heating elements (depending on model) that can be used to heat the "boiler" fluid.

There is a separate coil loop that the fresh water is routed thru. This is where your potable hot water comes from. Make very sure that this loop is winterized properly with the pink stuff or it will freeze and crack resulting in VERY costly repairs.

The next loop is the "motor aide" loop (if it was plumbed in on your coach) this is another coil that antifreeze from the engine circulates thru. This loop will transfer heat from the engine while it is running to the Aqua Hot "boiler" thus providing heat or instant hot water when you get to the campground. This loop can also be used to preheat the engine by turning on the engine preheat switch (if your coach is equipped). The circulating pump will pump engine coolant thru the "motor aide" loop transferring heat from the Aqua Hot (if its on) to the engine.

The electric element has limited capacity for providing heat. The diesel burner provides approximately 45,000 BTU. People turn the diesel off to save money when getting electric for free. No reason you can't just turn both on and not worry about it. The Aqua Hot will do it's thing and provide you plenty of hot water.

Annual maintenance ( I do every 2 or three years depending on use) consists of mainly changing the burner nozzle and fuel filter and cleaning the combustion chamber.

Enjoy the coach and have a great trip back with it.

Steve

MandG-Fun · 04-02-2014, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Docschro98

Remember to also turn on the engine preheat switch to run the circ pump.

With the engine running there shouldn't be a need to turn on preheat since the engine water pump will circulate the fluid. That's how my system works, but I can't speak confidently for others.

Cat320 · 04-02-2014, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MandG-Fun

With the engine running there shouldn't be a need to turn on preheat since the engine water pump will circulate the fluid. That's how my system works, but I can't speak confidently for others.

Agree, and if you want to preheat the engine prior to starting (and have AC power) the Eagle should have an electric preheat option. My plug is in the basement with the power cord.

Also, if it is very cold when driving, you'll have to turn on the diesel burner to augment to the heat the engine alone is providing.

Mrchips · 04-02-2014, 07:38 PM

I have never had to turn the diesel burner on while driving to augment the engine heat and I have driven several times for MANY miles in sub 20 deg temps and had to turn the heat down to keep from getting too hot. But I will say that all I run is the zone one loop, keep the rear door closed and I do run the dash heat which is also very good. But that is my coach.