"New" 1978 Argosy 27

[ArgyBargy]

Hi! We've been looking for an Argosy since we've outgrown out 1976 Scotty HiLander...and we found one!

It's mostly original inside, the PO put down wood laminate flooring, but was running with the original systems and has all the original paperwork etc.

It has been sitting for about a year, but prior to that the PO (2nd one BTW) used it and lived in it FT for awhile.

There are a few issues we've run into and it's out 1st camper with full services. I'll post some questions in the thread to get some advice.


Thanks!

[ArgyBargy]

Water Heater

We towed it to a campground for Argosy school and there was an issue with the water lines. Water was coming out from under the water heater and eventually the bathroom area and fresh water tank area. PO thinks the heater tank finally gave up. He cut and capped some lines so we have water in the sinks and toilet and I can take some time to research a replacement.

I've seen people replacing with the Atwood/Dometic models and reporting it's pretty much a drop in. Any advice is appreciated.

Also, some are using tankless or gas/electric versions, if anyone can elaborate on the pluses/minuses on those? Models? Install issues?

Thanks!

[ArgyBargy]

Upon checking systems, nothing seemed to be working on the battery.

Battery looks good, but may be dead from sitting for a year.

I didn't see anything obviously wrong on visual inspection.

The water pump and hitch jack work while plugged in, but not on the battery.

I haven't pulled the battery yet to test or any fuses etc.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks

[rmkrum]

Instant hot water heaters are available from Atwood, PrecisionTemp and others. They only use 12 volt DC power for the control board and propane.

I have a PrecisionTemp with built in freeze protection. It fit into the original 6 gallon Atwood conventional water heater with a slight trim to the top of the opening. It comes in several models. Mine was ordered with an unpainted aluminum exterior cover to match the aluminum on my Airstream.

Wife loves her long hot showers the old conventional Atwood could not deliver.

[ArgyBargy]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

They only use 12 volt DC power for the control board and propane.

Cool. Was it a hassle to run power? Did you see a difference in propane use? We don't plan on showering a bunch, but washing dishes and having the option is nice!

[ArgyBargy]

Also, Should any lights be on the 12v line?

[rmkrum]

My tankless install was a direct replacement of the old 6 gallon conventional Atwood. It already had a 12 volt switch and indicator installed. I just cut the old heater wires off and spliced in the appropriate wires from the new one. Worked on the first try. IIRC the color code was the same.

Gas line needed to be relocated just a few inches and water lines needed a quick reroute and elimination of the old three-valve bypass setup, as it was no longer needed. Used my PEX crimper and recycled old fittings. Still have a cold water supply shut-off for the water heater inlet just in case.

[Gkiesel]

So, to me it depends on how much you want to spend on the water heater. Atwood/dometic is a direct replacement. First trip out our Argosy lost it's water heater too. I went the cheap route and got the pilot light model. Next up would be the direct spark ignition, and then came the direct spark with 120 volt electric option. Also, there was no electric in the water heater area of our 76.
Just note that if you do an electric only water heater, you'll always need some type of 120 volt shore power.
All lights I believe, are on the 12volt circuit.

By and large, the only thing on the 120 circuit is the AC, microwave if you have one, converter, refrigerator(goes both ways) and the wall outlets.
Everything else, lights, jack, water pump, furnace are 12volts. That is why it's important to have a good modern converter. If you have the original Univolt, get rid of it. I replaced our with a 60amp intellipower and have been very happy. All my little electrical issues disappeared.
Welcome to the Argosy family! George