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Thread: Household LPG water heater in a camper trailer? Too fragile?

  1. 17th June 2013, 09:47 PM #1
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    Household LPG water heater in a camper trailer? Too fragile?

    I have been chasing down some options on an LPG hot water heater in a camper trailer situation.

    I'd like instant (on demand or endless) gas hot water if possible. I found one of these initially:

    from this site: Girard Water Heater - Girard Products, LLC | Tankless RV Water Heater | On Demand RV Water Heaters | Endless Hot Water RV | Instant Flow RV Water Heaters | LP Gas Tankless RV Water Heater | Induced Draft Tankless Water Heater
    But there are quite a few negative reports on them - nothing too serious, but lots of people not thrilled with them. Hot/Cold pulsing mainly.

    The other popular option is the Suburban storage heater. Am not so keen on a storage heater system, but might have to go to one in the end.

    These are gas powered and 240v powered. Most RV motorhomes seem to be fitted with this heater.

    A third option suggested was to just get a bog standard Rinnai Infinity 16, which is not "ruggedised" or anything special for 4x4 work. It does require 240v for the ignition, but I will have an inverter, so that's not a show stopper. This was suggested by a gas fitter but when I rang Rinnai they were so-so on the idea. Didn't say I couldn't install it on a vehicle, but were hesitant about vibrations etc.

    Any thoughts on how long a domestic HWS might last installed in a camper trailer? What about issues with dust ingestion? Would I need a cover to put over it whilst travelling?

    Thanks
    David
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  2. 17th June 2013, 10:00 PM #2
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    What about this?

    Marey CC LPG GAS Portable Camp Instant HOT Water Shower Heater Bonus 12V Pump | eBay
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  3. 18th June 2013, 06:49 AM #3
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    Main issue with instant systems is water supply. We found having one fitted in the boat that it wasn’t very good, not because the unit didn’t work, but because of the small water flow (only had 400L water) it was near impossible to regulate the temp for showers. Changed to a storage unit, everyone happy now.
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  4. 18th June 2013, 07:05 AM #4
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    HWS

    Look at marine options as these have been fitted to boats for a while.

    Everything linked to boating costs a premium.
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  5. 18th June 2013, 07:51 AM #5
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    we have one of these in our camper, though ours is not the 240v one.

    http://www.google.com.au/aclk'sa=l&a...Hot-Water.html

    It has been all over Aus without a drama, though a bit expensive it delivers a beautiful hot shower

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  6. 18th June 2013, 08:15 AM #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by bee utey View Post
    What about this?

    Marey CC LPG GAS Portable Camp Instant HOT Water Shower Heater Bonus 12V Pump | eBay
    That looks like a good solution - except maybe it it "too cheap" which makes me a bit wary.

    The other solutions are all around the $1000 mark, so I am wondering what the quality would be like for around 1/4 the cost.....
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  7. 18th June 2013, 08:21 AM #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by The ho har's View Post
    we have one of these in our camper, though ours is not the 240v one.

    http://www.google.com.au/aclk'sa=l&a...Hot-Water.html

    It has been all over Aus without a drama, though a bit expensive it delivers a beautiful hot shower

    Mrs hh
    Hi Mrs HH,

    I have read about these, as one of the other popular options along with the Girard and the Suburban.

    There are a good number posts on forums that think they should be renamed the Trauma Gas How Water Service, as quite a few people report the tanks rusting out and tanks leaking, so am pleased to hear a good report on these.

    At this stage I think an instant HWS is what I am after, although I do note what Harlie said about problems with showering with an instant design.

    We will have 350L of water so a good supply, but not bottomless.
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  8. 18th June 2013, 11:32 AM #8
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    HWS in a camper trailer, i think you're too fragile .
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  9. 18th June 2013, 04:52 PM #9
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    Obviously this is a requirement for Mrs Spud I am very tough and can do without a shower for a week or two, and wash the dishes in cold water and, Oh - alright - I'd like hot water too.....

    I went to see the Girard endless HWS unit in operation today. The seller (a big Caravan/RV supplier) said he thought they were a great idea but still a bit flaky. He recommended the Suburban as they have been around for 20 years and are very reliable.
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  10. 18th June 2013, 05:46 PM #10
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    What is the "use case"? What sort of trailer and is it primarily for bathing rather than cooking and washing up? The vehicle mounted (heat exchanger plumbed into cooling system)units seem to work well. Or even the portable heater units rather than fixed? Its great having a shower away under a tree when camping, less issue with run-off and drainage too.
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