Water heater question...

[TennisMan]

My buddies both own fairly new 31' lightweight SOB's; the water heaters on their campers are capable of either electric or gas operation. That's nice when you're connected at a campground so's you don't have to burn LP for hot water.

Just wondering why A/S didn't go with an electric option on our units?

Thanx, Lance

[thecatsandi]

Since the classics have the option and I am not sure about the international. I would assmume marketing.

[jkcru]

Try cost and electric capacity

[lewster]

Originally Posted by TennisMan

My buddies both own fairly new 31' lightweight SOB's; the water heaters on their campers are capable of either electric or gas operation. That's nice when you're connected at a campground so's you don't have to burn LP for hot water.

Just wondering why A/S didn't go with an electric option on our units?

Thanx, Lance

Lance,

Why not out-do both of them and install an RV-500 tankless water heater. You'll get way more hot water (endless) than they will when hooked to city water and they are way more efficient and cheaper to run as they only work when you are actually using hot water.......no tank to keep hot!

[Fyrzowt]

Originally Posted by lewster

Lance,

Why not out-do both of them and install an RV-500 tankless water heater. You'll get way more hot water (endless) than they will when hooked to city water and they are way more efficient and cheaper to run as they only work when you are actually using hot water.......no tank to keep hot!

Lew, Is there any reason why you couldn't do both? For those who already have a gas heater, add a tankless. Use the tankless for all situations where you have power - then fire up the propane if boondocking/dry camping?
If so what would be the plumbing issues? Check valves needed?
Dave

[B4WEDI]

.....but rest assured, its $$$$$ driven ! They ain't cheap !

I can tell you that when I had trouble with my original gas fired Atwood that was under warranty, It was replaced with one of their new combination Gas / Electric "Exothermal" units. ( GE 9 EXT ) It is supposed to increases hot water output by 50%, so 6 gallons magically turns into 9. ( huh ? How-day-do-dat ?)

Electric or gas, it heats up fast and if that ain't fast enough, you can run the electricity AND the gas together ! We don't make HW all day in the trailer, but rather heat the water for our showers and chores when needed and conserve the rest of the time. The water stays hot for a very long time, perhaps helped by the super duper cold weather winter insulation package I installed.

[ In fact, at home, our HWH runs on a timer set to come on 1/2 hour before we wake up for showers, then shuts off. For laundry, chores and dishwasher use, we turn it on manually. Only takes 5 minutes or so to get up to temp. We also switch between electric in the summer and oil fired in the winter. Why keep water hot all day when there is no one home to enjoy it ? ]

The penny pincher in me says it is a good feeling to get more out of your campsite fee dollars by using their electricity that you paid up front for, I like stretching my propane and I do like the flexibility of both options. ( honestly, in reality, I bet you aren't saving much )

Having said that however, if it were a matter of replacing the unit on my dime, I would look at what else is out there, like the one mentioned above, I think it would be a better fit for our lifestyle and dollars better spent.

I've seen the unit Lew refers to, installed and operating....... very nice !

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Fyrzowt

Lew, Is there any reason why you couldn't do both? For those who already have a gas heater, add a tankless. Use the tankless for all situations where you have power - then fire up the propane if boondocking/dry camping?
If so what would be the plumbing issues? Check valves needed?
Dave

Dave,

You really need only one......the RV-500. Now, I just may be a little biased and I know how 'frugal' some of our Airstream buddies are around here..... but I used the RV-500 for 3 months, taking 2 showers a day and never ran out of propane and never switched tanks either!

In fact, I also ran the gas grill from the same 30# tank and there is still LP in it, as my refer has been running on for the last 3 weeks. I think that's a great track record.

Use the campground's 120VAC for your fridge and air conditioner and of course, playing Led Zeppelin at sufficient volume so the entire campground can enjoy them too .

[Fyrzowt]

Thanks for the info Lew.

[Tarheel]

My 2001 has both electric and gas operation installed when built by Jackson Center. The HotShot is available at camping world as a DIY or they will install. It is a convient way of having hotwater when you have good power at the campground

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Tarheel

My 2001 has both electric and gas operation installed when built by Jackson Center. The HotShot is available at camping world as a DIY or they will install. It is a convient way of having hotwater when you have good power at the campground

Just a quick word of caution about using a 'Hotshot' or 'Hot-Rodd' electric element. They will INSTANTLY void your water heater warranty......