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lewster · 11-29-2011, 03:48 PM

Water Heater.

Just got this notice. Atwood has introduced 2 new tankless, on-demand water heaters that are a direct replacement for just about any existing Atwood LP or LP/electric water heater.

Two new models; OD-45 that runs at 16-45,000 BTU and the larger OD-50 that runs from 16-50,000 BTU on LP gas.

Dimensions are 12.5" high X 12.5" wide X 16" deep with both weighing 30 lbs.

Retail pricing is $949 and 999 respectively.

From what I have seen in the press release, they look like quality built units and both operate with high BTU outputs to effectively heat your water.

I'll let you know more when I get a call to install one of these..........

vswingfield · 11-29-2011, 03:52 PM

Thanks Lew,

They look competitively priced. Do you know anything about options like wind and/or cold weather kits like those for PrecisionTemp?

lewster · 11-29-2011, 06:32 PM

I'm not sure they are required, as they are not used in the standard Atwood heaters. I'll find out about them next time I speak to Atwood tech support.

tlynn87 · 02-09-2012, 10:28 AM

Have you found out anything new about the tankless Atwood??

byamcaravanner · 02-09-2012, 02:18 PM

Doing a little googling, I ran into one dealer doing a "Pre-sale" - They are selling the smaller unit for $740 including shipping ($780 for the big one)

Also, it just occurred to me that using a tankless water heater would eliminate the need for any of the winter by-pass kit hoo-ha. On the other hand, all that circuit board electronics does leave you high and dry if it gets fried... been there, done that.

ROBERT CROSS · 02-09-2012, 02:28 PM

I tank I'll let someone else test 'em

...keep us posted Lew.

Bob

silverback · 02-09-2012, 03:43 PM

If they weigh in a 30lbs, but you don't actually have 6 gallons of water to haul around in the tank, is this actually a weight reduction too? And I also have concerns with all the circuitry having had an Atwood board (and other electronic components) go bad before. I like this option better than earlier products. It looks plug and play.
-Ken

**eubank** · 02-09-2012, 03:58 PM

I was kind of wondering the same thing. Checked the specs on a Suburban 6 Gallon LP/DSI (i.e., regular water heater), and it came in at 33 lbs. (The six gallons of water adds about 50 lbs.) My suspicion is that the tankless will save a good deal of weight.

Lynn

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverback

If they weigh in a 30lbs, but you don't actually have 6 gallons of water to haul around in the tank, is this actually a weight reduction too? And I also have concerns with all the circuitry having had an Atwood board (and other electronic components) go bad before. I like this option better than earlier products. It looks plug and play.
-Ken

whitney · 02-09-2012, 04:25 PM

I've got the Atwood tankless on order since I needed a replacement anyway... supposed to ship Feb 29th. Will let y'all know how it looks.

silverback · 02-10-2012, 09:33 AM

When boon-docking/dry camping, does the tank-less water heater use more battery then the traditional water heater? I'd like to see that part of the spec sheet. I'm sure it uses less propane then a system turning itself on/off all day but does it also use less or more electrons?

Friday · 02-10-2012, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverback

When boon-docking/dry camping, does the tank-less water heater use more battery then the traditional water heater? I'd like to see that part of the spec sheet. I'm sure it uses less propane then a system turning itself on/off all day but does it also use less or more electrons?

If it is running on gas, then no... as it requires the same water pump to run that would draw water from a hot water tank. If it has an electric mode, then yes... as the current needed to heat water 'instantly' is a lot more than an electric probe taking an hour to heat 6 gallons of water. However, if you look at the total electrical consumption, the on-demnd would use less, as it only heats when needed. The difference is the peak load.

I only am familiar with home on-demand systems, and many of those still use a pilot light for NG systems... so they are not as efficient as electronic ignition models. If the Atwood is an electronic ignition then there isn't that issue.

It's hard to say what will use less propane... if the on-demand system is not efficiently packaged, you could end up using more... though I suspect the whole point was to come up with a more efficient system. Really, the end result is exactly the same - x number of gallons heated requires the same input. It is the waste and efficiency that matters.

Mexray · 02-10-2012, 11:37 AM

Having used tankless type water heaters in our home (and boat) for many years, the fuel savings can be significant over time...

Our current model has an electronic ignition - previous models used a small pilot light that was lit all the time...

Our only real problems with our older model was with the temperature/thermostat - had to replace it several times...

With regard to tankless use in your AS - you'll still have to winterize the unit by draining the water - Tankless water heaters are essentially a 'radiator' (actually a heat exchanger) that have a gas burner below to provide the 'heat' as it travels upward through the fins or tubing of the 'radiator/HE' to heat the water when water flow is detected...The 'radiator/HE' is full of water any time your water system is pressurized by the water pump, and would freeze to damage the unit if exposed to harsh winter conditions...

With regard to freezing weather...I wonder if these RV units have a thermistor to fire them off for a short period if the temp drops below freezing during normal use, if the 'radiator/HE' is exposed to the outside air via the vent system???

62overlander · 02-10-2012, 12:55 PM

I believe that Atwood now owns Precession Temp. I might be wrong about that. I do know they now own Fantastic Vent. I have been installing a few PT units lately and I too am sold on them. Fred, from PT told me of a new unit coming out that will vent through the floor. Is there any connection to these new Atwood units?

DKB_SATX · 02-10-2012, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62overlander

I believe that Atwood now owns Precession Temp. I might be wrong about that. I do know they now own Fantastic Vent. I have been installing a few PT units lately and I too am sold on them. Fred, from PT told me of a new unit coming out that will vent through the floor. Is there any connection to these new Atwood units?

Vent through the floor, so it requires some sort of fan in operation? Or is it pulling combustion air up from a port in the floor with an exhaust up higher?