Precision Temp Tankless Installed

[philipsinewe]

Well, installed a tankless heater this weekend in our 2003 Classic. Thought I would post photos for others to have as reference. Just a short list of things we had to do, issues, etc.

1: Pulling the old tank out was a bit rough, the foam insulation got in the water.

2: Had to cut the opening bigger. Also have to cut the inner wall. We just snipped the inner wall and bent it up and out of the way.

3: Plumbing was fairly simple, see photos, we used push connections.

4: Propane does not reach unit, so we had to add propane line. Not too bad of a job, need a cooper tube flaring tool.

5: In our case, we had to move a shelf under the sink up a bit, which required some rework on the shelf, fairly straight forward.

6: Unit has flanges large enough to cover the whole (old unit is wider than new, height is a little taller than old unit.

[KJRitchie]

How are the corners sealed against water infiltration, from the photo the corners appear exposed.

How does it perform?

Kelvin

[philipsinewe]

It has corner plates. I have some additional butyl caulk work to do before it hits rain.

I have not used it beyond testing in the driveway.

[rmkrum]

We love ours...be sure to have decent water flow rate and propane pressure. Empty tank and restricted cheap pressure regulators are a pita. Don't ask how I know this. 😀


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[Doc Foster]

Please keep us posted on its performance.

[LEWBAY500]

You-all did a very professional conversion/ installation(probably better than a Fact. job)

My ignorant question, "Why?" Could you list the pros/cons, reasons, economics, or advantages to educate Forum Followers like myself ?

Thanks Gino Dubay

[DaytonaDan]

Hi Phil and Kathy,

Great job! Who had the pleasure of the inaugural shower? How long did you bask in the warmth? Did the temperature and pressure of your new heater feel different than your original water heater?


Thanks. The photos are great. Enjoy!

[lewster]

Originally Posted by LEWBAY500

You-all did a very professional conversion/ installation(probably better than a Fact. job)

My ignorant question, "Why?" Could you list the pros/cons, reasons, economics, or advantages to educate Forum Followers like myself ?

Thanks Gino Dubay

I'll add a bit from the professional side.

I have used a Precision Temp in every RV that I have owned since 1999 including the first one that Monaco Coach installed in one of their rigs (40' diesel pusher), then in my 19 CCD Bambi (THAT was a challenging installation!) then on my '96 Beaver Patriot 33' diesel pusher. My Foretravel had an Aqua-Hot hydronic heating system that was also a tankless stare heater.

The Bambi gave me unlimited hot water when on city water with an appropriate drain (sewer connection) and was extremely efficient.....never missing a beat! I would full-time in it for 4-5 months in the summers and did not run down my twin 30# LP tanks.

It also worked well while on the road, but 'Navy' showers were a must then! I would not hesitate to use one again on my next trailer!!! I have installed at least a dozen of them and never had issues!

[nickclifford]

Originally Posted by lewster

I'll add a bit from the professional side.

I have used a Precision Temp in every RV that I have owned since 1999 including the first one that Monaco Coach installed in one of their rigs (40' diesel pusher), then in my 19 CCD Bambi (THAT was a challenging installation!) then on my '96 Beaver Patriot 33' diesel pusher. My Foretravel had an Aqua-Hot hydronic heating system that was also a tankless stare heater.

The Bambi gave me unlimited hot water when on city water with an appropriate drain (sewer connection) and was extremely efficient.....never missing a beat! I would full-time in it for 4-5 months in the summers and did not run down my twin 30# LP tanks.

It also worked well while on the road, but 'Navy' showers were a must then! I would not hesitate to use one again on my next trailer!!! I have installed at least a dozen of them and never had issues!

i installed one in my 1972 Sov, went in very easily. Works like a charm with the pump or city water. Only used it camping twice but now doesn't seem to get that hot, maybe it never really did. How hot should the water be? hot enough where you'd have to mix in some cold too? or barely hot when on full ? It's ok for a "warm" shower but not a steamy hot one? wondering if anyone has any tips for hotter water. The little red valve is fully open. thanks

[Greg1410]

Anyone have any experience with the Girard tankless water heater? It is half the cost of the precision temp and I am wondering if the precision temp is really worth the extra money.
Greg

[lewster]

Originally Posted by nickclifford

i installed one in my 1972 Sov, went in very easily. Works like a charm with the pump or city water. Only used it camping twice but now doesn't seem to get that hot, maybe it never really did. How hot should the water be? hot enough where you'd have to mix in some cold too? or barely hot when on full ? It's ok for a "warm" shower but not a steamy hot one? wondering if anyone has any tips for hotter water. The little red valve is fully open. thanks

The water temp coming from your unit should be at least 120ºF, which will require mixing in some cold water.

Call Precision Temp and ask for their tech support line. I'm sure they will help diagnose your issue.......1-800-934-9690

[nickclifford]

message from their customer service, i'll give it a go.

"Low water temperature is related to water flow or gas pressure or the anti scald adjustment on a shower faucet. If water flow is too low it can’t fully open the gas valve, too high can exceed the ability of the heater to significantly increase incoming water temperature. Try opening two faucets then close one to see if the water temperature increases"

[rmkrum]

Yup. In real use, I found that low water flow or low gas pressure really makes it act funny. I eliminated a cheap in-line water pressure regulator and make sure my propane tanks are full. No issues since. I suspect water flow was the main issue. Empty tanks (both of them) were no help.

I suspect a low gas pressure situation from a bad regulator could also screw things up. I just had two low tanks. Refill fixed it.


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[nickclifford]

[QUOTE=rmkrum;1847469]Yup. In real use, I found that low water flow or low gas pressure really makes it act funny. I eliminated a cheap in-line water pressure regulator and make sure my propane tanks are full. No issues since. I suspect water flow was the main issue. Empty tanks (both of them) were no help.

I suspect a low gas pressure situation from a bad regulator could also screw things up. I just had two low tanks. Refill fixed it.


all good advice, but not great for boondocking if you gotta burn through a lot of water to get a hot shower !

[rmkrum]

It doesn't seem to take excess amounts of water. The low water pressure cut flow to barely above a trickle. On the pump it worked fine.

The reason I installed it was wife loves hot showers. Her idea of boondocking is when the trailer isn't parked level....😀


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