best tankless water heater

[yoopersafari]

Hi all,

I'm new to the community and this is my first post! I am the owner of a 1965 Safari and am in the process of gutting/remodeling. The water heater was shot, which is why I am posting.

I'm looking for options other than the precision temp, girard, and atwood etc. Can I get away with something like the eccotemp l10? Why or why not? Has anyone tried something similar?

I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts!

Cheers.

[lewster]

If you spend a little time searching the Forums, you will see many posts and reasons why you SHOULD NOT use a residential water heater in a trailer.

RV specific or marine grade appliances are designed for use in a moving, dynamic environment where residential units are not. And are certified as such.

It's your trailer and you can go as you please, but should you have any type of failure from a non- certified appliance, don't expect your insurance company to cover the damage.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

[J. Morgan]

I used a residential propane Ecotemp in my build, I am way happy with it.

It has been being used for over two years now.

Endless showers, and super efficient with the propane.

I set the temp at 110 degrees, and that is all.

Paid less than $500 for it, vented it through the roof with a 3" internal 4" external flue.

It looks pretty well built internally, and has thus far proven up to the task. I bought a replacement board and a few other parts to carry just in case, but I haven't had to use any yet.

[yoopersafari]

Thanks for your input, lewster. That definitely makes sense.

J. Morgan - which Eccotemp are you using? Any recommendations for installing? Does it work with your water tank/pump as well? Thanks so much!

[J. Morgan]

I had the model in my notes in my now broken phone.....

It was a six or seven GPM model that has now been superseded by a similar looking model.

I mounted mine on a bulkhead wall between my shower and the stove.

It works well with my pump. I cant remember if my pump is two or three GPM, I think three though.

[tjdonahoe]

Why go to all the trouble? It is easier to put back what was there originally,the way it was engineered .....

[Rick0824]

Just finished restoring our 64 Globetrotter, installed a Girard GSWH-1M. First trip was 2 weeks ago, the water heater worked great.

[2012FB]

Originally Posted by yoopersafari

Hi all, I'm looking for options other than the precision temp, girard, and atwood etc. Cheers.

I am just curious why you are not considering the Precision Temp, is it just cost? I have installed two in brand new trailers, the first a RV500 in 2012 25' FB Twin and a RV 550 in a 2015 30' Bunk. It is absolutely a wonderful water heater. Very efficient, endless hot water, easy to winterize, no draining just flush with air or run the antifreeze through it. It also prevents the existing hot water heater designs from over pressurizing the trailer and causing leaks. This was a major issue on our new 2012 that prompted the change out. Once we experienced it there was no going back. Installed on the 2015 before we even took it out on the first trip. Never ever had a minutes problem with either. Worth the money and time to install even on a brand new unit. "At least to us."

[philipsinewe]

So, since we are discussing this. How easy is it going to be to fit a RV-500 into a 2003 Classic, 30' that currently has a 6 gallon Atwood in it?

[yoopersafari]

Thanks for all your thoughts.

Cost and size are both deterrents for me with the Precision Temp etc. My Safari is tight on space as is, and I'm trying to remodel then live out of for a year with my soon to be wife.

I actually just purchased an Eccotemp FVI-12-LP on eBay. I called Eccotemp before purchasing and told them what I planned to do with it. They said it should work great as long as I don't use it while on the move.

Has anyone used this model or a similar one? Thoughts?

[J. Morgan]

It looks similar to mine except mine has all digital controls.

I think you are going to love it. Ours has been providing endless showers for over two years now. It is SUPER efficient with regard to propane use.

In two months of full time use this summer I figure we might have burned about three and a half gallons including cooking gas.

(I set the temp at 112 degrees)

[yoopersafari]

That sounds ideal, J. Morgan.

Do you use yours for hot water to your sink as well? Do you do anything with it when you're moving your trailer?

[J. Morgan]

I use it for all hot water in the trailer, the only thing I do is turn the gas off when I travel, and make sure to protect it from freezing.