robyn523
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Bendix Corsair
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Post by robyn523 on Mar 5, 2017 16:17:44 GMT -8
I have a '77 Bendix Corsair that has a working water tank and pump. The only system I have not gotten fully working is the hot water heater (just got the camper in Oct. 2016). I can light the pilot but it doesn't hold the flame. So I know the gas is coming through the line but not staying. I have been told it is a bad the coupler which I will be replacing to see if it will then work. Advice welcome if that's not the problem or anyone has had experience with this.
The current hot water tank is a 6 gallon Suburban. If it isn't the coupler I will be looking to replace the current heater with an identical one so I know it fits.
My main question is......Is it worth while to look at an On-Demand tankless water heater? I have a few different places I could possibly connect it depending on installation specifications. How well do they work in campers though? I'm not looking for a spa day in the shower just possibly more hot water then the installed 6 gallon.
Side note......I'm not using this camper for regular camping (I'm use to tent camping). I am a horse trainer and attend shows with clients year round where hotel living gets expensive. Most places we go offer camper hook ups (electric and water) or have camper parking for off the grid use. One of the places we go to also has shower facilities on the grounds. That being said mostly looking for an efficient option for rinsing the dirt and sweat off after a day of workin in the sun.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. |
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Post by vikx on Mar 5, 2017 22:08:36 GMT -8
Hi Robyn,
I think you would be better off with a Suburban replacement. On demand are very nice but don't always "fit" the camper. Gas hook ups are in the wrong spot, etc. I will say you can buy a replacement (fits the hole) on demand for around $600 but it seems way high in price for what you get.
Be sure you check under the skins for rot before towing too far. Surprises aren't very welcome on the road...
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edbrown
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Post by edbrown on Mar 7, 2017 11:01:34 GMT -8
There's another problem with the on-demand tankless heaters. (I speak as someone with two tankless heaters at home. I wish I had the old fashioned one with a tank.) It takes a fair degree of computer intelligence to provide the proper amount of heat to keep the water at the right temperature. From what I read, all the tankless heaters under about $1,000 tend to go on-off, so the water cycles between way-too-hot and way-too-cold. The cheaper ones just have too simple a computer brain.
I have a six gallon suburban in my trailer. I've only used it for I believe it was four showers- I'm still completing the trailer. But it worked just fine.
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1stimer
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Post by 1stimer on Mar 22, 2017 9:31:31 GMT -8
Hi, new to the site. Im in the midst of gutting a camper that was destroyed inside. Before rebuilding im doing a lot of research to aid in planning and came across something that may help you. Its a tankless heater with a 5 year warranty under $200 .The company is called MAREY. i plan on using one with a splitter for the sink and shower.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Apr 10, 2017 10:37:41 GMT -8
I bet it is the thermocouple that's bad. Mine was, I put one from a hot dog cart in it and it works great.
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CorvettCrzy
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'58 Corvette, '64 Franklin
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Post by CorvettCrzy on Apr 11, 2017 9:27:56 GMT -8
I am also considering an on-demand system. I've been looking at Eccotemp, the small portable version runs about $120. The problem is that it's an outdoor system. After reading the comments above I looked at the Marey as well, they are very similar. I have read many reviews on the Eccotemp and most are people using
them at camps and cottages off grid. It looks like a good choice for us because of the size. Our camper
never had a water heater and there is very limited and valuable space; but there are a few hurdles.
I decided to connect with Eccotemp and did an online chat with them regarding some basic venting questions.
I'm copying it here, I thought it might be useful to others.
Welcome! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
You
Can I use the portable water heater inside the cabinet of my camper if I keep it 2" from the wall and put in a vent?
Tech Support
Hello. My name is Brian and let me help you with your concern.
The portable outdoor tankless water heater that we offer doesn't have a fan to force vent it so it needs to be mounted outside.
You —
Where is the vent on it?
Do you have a small unit that I could use for that application?
Tech Support
It's at the top
You —
Does the body of the unit get hot also?
Tech Support
Yes it does especially when you've been using it for quite some time already.
For an indoor unit, I highly recommend the i12-LP
The dimensions are:
Width: 14.00
Height: 25.00
Depth: 5.00
You —
If I mounted it inside, the a vent that I could open for outside air when I used it, would that take care of the problem. It would essentially be outside but in an open box.
Tech Support
As long as it's still outdoors and have good ventilation
You —
The 25" might be too big. It's just a 12' vintage camper.
Tech Support
Oh I see
You —
Oh one more question, do I have to have a separate line for the heater and one for cold?
Tech Support
Yes since the water heater is pressure-triggered so mixing in cold water will push back the pressure from the unit and it will shut off.
You —
If I were at a campsite, could I use a Y to split the water? Provided there is enough pressure. Do you think there would be enough pressure from a single hook up to do that? I realize it's very dependent upon the source, but generally.
Tech Support
Yes that would depend on the water source if it can supply enough pressure to maintain operation.
Another option to a y is just to have the heater located in a spot with easy access and you can just turn it down/off.
Or maybe you would need a bypass? Hhhmmmm.
I am also thinking about the possibility of just having and exterior hook up for the water heater and maybe
some sort of unobtrusive place to hang it on the outside of the trailer, pull it out when we need to use it. Of course you run the risk of someone grabbing it in the night if you don't put it away.
Anyway, just some thoughts and info. Would love to hear if someone has used one of these units (or other), the method of installation, etc. Thanks.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Apr 27, 2017 13:02:42 GMT -8
I've been thinking of eventually making a solar pre-heater for my 6 gallon heater, to save propane and time. I've seen solar water heaters that were simple black hoses laid out on a lawn. That thread on the burned-up trailer scared me into vowing to only light the propane heater right before I use it, so having the water pre-heated even a little would save time and gas.
I'm also toying with installing a semi-permanent, 10-gallon-or-so rigid sun shower on the roof with hoses leading down through the bathroom ceiling vent, which is right above the tub. I could pump it full from my tank in the morning and let it sit in the sun all day. My rafters are essentially 2x4s and can hold the weight, but I bet a plain ol' sun shower from walmart would work on the roof of a ham if you have a roof vent in your "bathroom"...
So much to do...
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