spoma
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Post by spoma on May 3, 2016 17:55:06 GMT -8
So, I have been reading a lot of threads on here and elsewhere on the internet and I am torn on the water heater to put in my trailer. It is a 1969 Shasta Starflyte. It is 17' in length. I will mostly be using on shore power but need to be able to go off grid as well. The trailer is being completely redone so i have the ability to put whichever in for space.
I was original leaning towards GSWH-2 Tankless from Girard and then I noticed that the Atwood On Demand 50,000 is just about the same price. But, then I am still not 100% convinced to go tankless as opposed to buying a 6 or 10 Gallon and putting it in the trailer.
Does anyone have any experience with the Girard vs Atwood On Demand?
The newer tankless seem to be much more efficient, so I am thinking it is a good route to go now over a standard 6 or 10 Gallon heater. Anyone have any experience comparing LP efficiency between them?
Thanks for any info someone can add.
Mark
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Post by vikx on May 3, 2016 21:57:38 GMT -8
Tank water heaters have worked for 50 years and are very efficient, if a pilot model. DSI use some power to control the circuit board and are more likely to have part failures.
On demand are nice, but need good water flow all the time. I suggest the tried and true tank model. It works.
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spoma
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Post by spoma on May 4, 2016 16:50:13 GMT -8
vikx
Thanks for the information. My concern around a 6 gallon or even 10 gallon water heater is the small amount of hot water. It seems even when on shore power and water that we would have very limited hot water. With the On Demand system it seems on shore power and water we would have unlimited hot water.
When boondocking it seems that I would have to ensure that I have adequate water pressure, but I would think this could be done with a small pump. Off the grid the 6 or 10 gallon storage is probably better because with limited water you want to be going quick and not using to much water. But, it seems only nominally better.
Is my thinking correct? Also, I was surprised that the tried and true are almost the same prices as the on demand. That is what started making me look towards them in the beginning.
I appreciate any feedback that you can provide on my thinking. thanks.
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edbrown
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Post by edbrown on May 4, 2016 18:21:12 GMT -8
I only know what I've read, but I chose a traditional tank-type water heater. What I read is that the less-than-$1,000 tankless heaters aren't smart enough. If you turn the water on full, they work. But if you are, for example, taking a shower, they cycle between full on and full off. So the shower is scalding, then cold, then scalding. Etc. There's also a longer delay from when you turn the faucet on until your water is hot. I have a very expensive tankless heater at home, and it's a PITA when washing dishes. Turn the water on, and it's a full minute before the water is hot.
I suggest you read the reviews carefully. I'm just reporting the comments I read. The more expensive one (can't remember the manufacturer) is smart enough to monitor the temperature, but it takes extra sensors and smarter electronics.
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spoma
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Post by spoma on May 4, 2016 18:37:16 GMT -8
edbrown - thanks so much for the information. I have been trying to read through the reviews. The two I have been looking at mostly have good reviews, but they are both way below $1000.
My wife and I have been talking a lot about this tonight. She really makes all the decisions.
Our new way of thinking after conversations tonight are that when we are at a campground with full hookup, we are less likely to use trailer hot water because we will shower and wash up at the campground facilities. It seems that with full water hookup the on demand would be at its best.
But, we are more likely to want trailer hot water when we are off the grid and it seems that the traditional water heater is better in that scenario.
So, I think she is leaning towards traditional now but there will be some more discussions over the next couple of nights.
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Post by vikx on May 4, 2016 19:41:59 GMT -8
I agree with EdBrown. On Demand have flaws, the biggest being water flow. I'll tell you tho, the old Vaillant in my Shasta Deluxe was amazing. Built 60+ years ago and wow, did the water get hot quick... Greedy on propane.
For off grid, the tank style is my pick. As you said, you're going to be miserly on water anyway...
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spoma
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Post by spoma on May 6, 2016 11:42:35 GMT -8
Thanks everyone. I think I am leaning towards getting an Atwood 6 Gal DSI water heater. There is about $100 difference between the Gas model and the Gas/Elec model. I was thinking it might be worth it since when I was at full service campsites I could use their electric, since I already paid for it. Is it worth it? I was only going to put a 30A service into the trailer. Would this be enough to run it on electric and would this then require an upgrade to 50A?
thanks everyone.
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goshawks
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working on the trotwood when not camping
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Post by goshawks on May 10, 2016 7:58:19 GMT -8
we have 30 A in ours and it's fine... If you have the room the 10 gal. may be a better deal esp if you take prolonged showers of grid. Then again make sure you have enough fresh water tank to support that habit! For years now we have boondocks and used campground electric w/o issue, and ours is a 6 gal unit.
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