Hot water (1 Viewer)

[photogod]

Mods, move if needed.

Spent time this weekend mounting my on demand hot water heater. The price was right ($116.00) and the temp and water flow are adjustable. It runs on propane and the heat shuts off when the water shuts off and heat goes on when the water is turned on again. No burnt out heat exchanger or water too hot or cold. Mounted it under the storage unit and it slides no drawer glides. I hinged it to stand up and reinforced the back with a strip of stainless steel. Stainless hardware and wire rope to make it stand straight up. The shower head fits great in the open door window and with the Kelty car port the showering will be completely private. Water tank goes on the other side of the storage unit and I should be able to get at least twenty gallons in there. I will also run a quick connect line to the rear to plug into my camp kitchen for hot running water there. The pump will be installed on the opposite side of the storage unit and be wired into the rear power with one of the available switches. It looks like it is close to the door and storage unit in the photos but is really quite safe as it only needs to be one inch from other surfaces. It is about six inches away from everything. Tons of fun.

 

[Lockd97]

Sweet setup and the price is excellent!

 

[decavo]

Propane? It runs off of a propane cylinder like a propane torch ? What model where to buy etc...

 

[photogod]

Propane? It runs off of a propane cylinder like a propane torch ? What model where to buy etc...

Propane tank like a gas grill. Up to 18 hours on a 10lb. tank

Sportsman's Guide... Portable Tankless Water Heater, Camping Accessories at Sportsman's Guide

I picked it up local so I saved a bit. You can Google Eccotemp L5 and get a price as low as $116.00.

 

[lx450landcruiser]

so what the story on this unit? have you had a chance to use it much? like and dislikes?

 

[photogod]

Finished install

Photos of the instal. Pump in place, plumbing done except for a vent that won't leak, hose to the heater unit and to the rear of the truck to hook into my camp kitchen for pressurized water there for dishes and such, water tank in the storage space, filler hole on top of the storage rack. Last photo is of the inlet on the backside of the camp kitchen.

1.5 gpm flow should be good enough for all my needs except to pressure wash the dirt off... kidding. The 3 gal. tank is a bit small for now but another custom made nine gallon is on the way to take the place of the stubby. I was originally going to put the 3 gal in the camp kitchen but the thing is really heavy as it sits now so water goes in the truck.

Comments welcome as usual.

 

[photogod]

More snaps.

 

[photogod]

Lastly.

 

[Cj80cruiser]

I used to work for the Walmart SuperCenter in Auburn. Those coiled hoses stayed on the shelf and collected dust for months maybe even years. I'm glad somebody found a good use for them.

 

[spressomon]

Looks great! Is it an inline/on demand style water heater? Or does it need to heat the entire 3-gallons to temp? And if so how long does it take to do that?

 

[photogod]

On demand water heater that shuts the gas off when the water shuts off.

 

[lx450landcruiser]

well how does it work? like it? dont like it?

 

[The Proton]

How do you route the hot carbon monoxide exhaust out of the vehicle?

 

[pint]

Very cool! Much better than my sun shower!

 

[Fly Rod]

Can you install a Y valve in the intake (supply) line for using external sources of water? Would the pump have enough head pressure to pull water from an external source?

Looks good.

 

[photogod]

How do you route the hot carbon monoxide exhaust out of the vehicle?

You have to keep the door open to use the system so there is no build up. If I feel faint when I use it I will know I have to rethink the system.

 

[photogod]

well how does it work? like it? dont like it?

It works very nice. Not to much pressure to empty the tank and the on off feature for the gas is really nice. Don't have to worry about burning up the heat exchanger. I have not done a real field trial, just the usual driveway test but it does exactly what I wanted it to do.

 

[photogod]

Can you install a Y valve in the intake (supply) line for using external sources of water? Would the pump have enough head pressure to pull water from an external source?

Looks good.

You know, I never even thought of that! I was so consumed by the onboard thoughts that I got tunnel vision (Unusual for a person with ADD). The pump directions mention the pump should be mounted at or below the tank "For best results" so I never even gave the suction thing a thought. I will now have to reconsider the thought and give that a try. It is self priming so it might very well work.

If not I might have to go to a 1/2 horse shallow well pump...

Thanks Fly Rod!!!

 

[concretejungle]

photogod, slick set-up there.

I second the external water source usage question? I know a member who has a on board shower thingy and he can drop a hose into the river/stream/creek/lake/pond whatever, suck water up into the system and shower that way.

That would be the real ticket and not have to carry water with you.

 

[Fly Rod]

My thought would be to conserve on board water for situations where external sources are not available. Even if the external source is a 5 gallon bucket full of water. That is better than leaving the on board supply with an unknown amount. I am very good at forgetting stuff....