Visit our Popular Forums

batman · 07-23-2013, 02:39 PM

Our 64 Safari has an exhaust pipe.

I installed Hydronic heating by Precision Temp, TwinTemp JR. 55,000 BTU propane burner and 1,500 watt electric AC element and three heat exchangers. Space heating plus instant and continuous hot water. We spent the spring in 22 degree weather and were comfy and cozy inside. Plus all the hot water the wife could use. It only takes up about the same space inside as the 6-gal water heater did. It is considerably quieter & more efficient than a blast furnace that cooks the air and make your hair stand on end. No kidding this has been the best single investment I have made to the retro fit of our rig. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to upgrade.

**DKB_SATX** · 07-23-2013, 02:52 PM

That's very sexy, but it costs more than I paid for Il Progetto! I guess there's a fan running whenever the burner is on to exhaust downward... I see that the downward-facing exhaust is the norm on their specs. Does your thermostat for heating turn on a water circulating pump and the TwinTemp fires the burner when it detects water flow? How about fans at the heat exchangers, or are they convective?

It looks like a nice upgrade for after we pay off my partner's student loans.

batman · 07-23-2013, 03:16 PM

It actually circulated hot boiler fluid (special antifreeze) though Pex tubing to the heat exchangers, the main unit has sensors that detect the correct temp to turn on the fans, and each of the heat echagers has 2 small fans to blow air across the heating fins. The instant hot water has a separate chamber but uses the same burner source. The thermostat just works the space heat function. The hot water is on demand, it does have a very small tank for the start then the blower kicks on. It is wonderful.

lewster · 07-23-2013, 04:26 PM

Welcome to the wonderful world of RV hydronic heating! Once you experience it, no other heat source will satisfy.

ventport · 07-23-2013, 04:34 PM

But can you boon dock with it, or does it require too much power?

batman · 07-23-2013, 04:57 PM

Ventport,
We boon dock all the time. It works primarily on 12v for the fans and igniter and propane for the main burner. The 110 ac is only used when we are hooked up and is used to warm the tank and supplement the propane burner but is not necessary.