Title: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Jim McNeece on May 23, 2013, 09:30:53 pm
Post by: Jim McNeece on May 23, 2013, 09:30:53 pm
In preparation for installing a Seelevel system on my new-to-us 2003 U-320, I found there is a heater in my holding tank bay. There is a small radiator (about 12x6 inches) with two hoses (black in color, like engine coolant hoses) and a small fan. It is near the fresh water tank on the passenger side of the coach.
Is this a standard or even optional item from Foretravel? Does anyone else have one of these in their 2003? Original owner is deceased, so cannot get info. Guess I could call Triana, but he is hard to get hold of. Thought it would be easier to ask here.
Jim
Is this a standard or even optional item from Foretravel? Does anyone else have one of these in their 2003? Original owner is deceased, so cannot get info. Guess I could call Triana, but he is hard to get hold of. Thought it would be easier to ask here.
Jim
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Michelle on May 23, 2013, 09:39:37 pm
Post by: Michelle on May 23, 2013, 09:39:37 pm
In preparation for installing a Seelevel system on my new-to-us 2003 U-320, I found there is a heater in my holding tank bay. There is a small radiator (about 12x6 inches) with two hoses (black in color, like engine coolant hoses) and a small fan. It is near the fresh water tank on the passenger side of the coach.
Is this a standard or even optional item from Foretravel? Does anyone else have one of these in their 2003?
We have the same - it's an Aquahot loop controlled by the knob thermostat on the face of the Manabloc cover.
Michelle
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Barry Beam on May 23, 2013, 09:47:48 pm
Post by: Barry Beam on May 23, 2013, 09:47:48 pm
We have the same - it's an Aquahot loop controlled by the knob thermostat on the face of the Manabloc cover.
Michelle
Same one on ours.
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on May 23, 2013, 09:50:52 pm
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on May 23, 2013, 09:50:52 pm
Jim, like Michelle's coach, our 2001 U320 has the same heat exchanger in the tank bay. Hot coolant is supplied by the AquaHot. Our thermostat is located in the panel above the water pump just forward of the Manablock. Of course it only works if your AquaHot is running on diesel or 110v. When you are driving the engine coolant heats the AquaHot coolant and thus the tank bays are heated when it is cold and you are driving.
Keep on exploring and asking questions. There are more answers here than anywhere else.
Keep on exploring and asking questions. There are more answers here than anywhere else.
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Michelle on May 23, 2013, 09:51:32 pm
Post by: Michelle on May 23, 2013, 09:51:32 pm
BTW - there's one on the driver's side, too, behind the white panel/back wall of the utility bay. It's for the black and grey tanks.
Here's a photo of what's behind "door number 2" (more photos here http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=315 (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=315) )
Yes, and if you're just overnighting somewhere in a temperate climate (aka not needing furnace heat), the residual heat from the engine loop will be enough for hot water and showers the next morning, no need to fire up the AquaHot itself).
-M
Here's a photo of what's behind "door number 2" (more photos here http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=315 (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=315) )
When you are driving the engine coolant heats the AquaHot coolant and thus the tank bays are heated when it is cold and you are driving.
Yes, and if you're just overnighting somewhere in a temperate climate (aka not needing furnace heat), the residual heat from the engine loop will be enough for hot water and showers the next morning, no need to fire up the AquaHot itself).
-M
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Jim McNeece on May 23, 2013, 09:55:02 pm
Post by: Jim McNeece on May 23, 2013, 09:55:02 pm
Thanks guys. I really appreciate you tearing your bays apart for me.
I have a feeling tomorrow will be an "enlightening" experience as I install the Seelevel.
Jim
I have a feeling tomorrow will be an "enlightening" experience as I install the Seelevel.
Jim
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Michelle on May 23, 2013, 09:59:01 pm
Post by: Michelle on May 23, 2013, 09:59:01 pm
I have a feeling tomorrow will be an "enlightening" experience as I install the Seelevel.
Jim
Be sure to take photos and post the resulting tutorial. If/when our Javelina/Audit ever dies (or sensors become unavailable) we are likely to be installing a Seelevel ourselves and will appreciate the knowledge ^.^d
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: J. D. Stevens on May 23, 2013, 10:43:42 pm
Post by: J. D. Stevens on May 23, 2013, 10:43:42 pm
Jim,
I recommend that you add some information about your coach as a signature line. It helps us to remember what Foretravel you enjoy. Look at some of the other signature blocks to see what people normally include.
I recommend that you add some information about your coach as a signature line. It helps us to remember what Foretravel you enjoy. Look at some of the other signature blocks to see what people normally include.
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Bill & Deanne Brown on May 23, 2013, 11:25:19 pm
Post by: Bill & Deanne Brown on May 23, 2013, 11:25:19 pm
Just FYI, I believe on my 2003 U-320, these water bay AquaHot heaters share the circ pump with the bathroom circuit so I believe the bathroom thermostat needs to be on for the basement heaters to work properly.
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Rudy on May 24, 2013, 05:18:43 am
Post by: Rudy on May 24, 2013, 05:18:43 am
Bill is correct that the basement heating loop shares the number two circulating pump with the bathroom heating loop. Actually one heating loop that goes from the heater to the bathroom to the basement and back to the heater.
But, the basement thermostat controls the basement fan coil fan and number two pump independent of the bathroom thermostat that controls the bathroom fan coil fan and number two pump.
Hope this helps sort the workings out.
But, the basement thermostat controls the basement fan coil fan and number two pump independent of the bathroom thermostat that controls the bathroom fan coil fan and number two pump.
Hope this helps sort the workings out.
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Caflashbob on May 24, 2013, 11:32:26 am
Post by: Caflashbob on May 24, 2013, 11:32:26 am
Bill is correct that the basement heating loop shares the number two circulating pump with the bathroom heating loop. Actually one heating loop that goes from the heater to the bathroom to the basement and back to the heater.
But, the basement thermostat controls the basement fan coil fan and number two pump independent of the bathroom thermostat that controls the bathroom fan coil fan and number two pump.
Hope this helps sort the workings out.
So there are in reality 4 seperate thermostats? If the aqua hot unit is on the basement thermostat is the controller for its loop. No off switch? Be nice if it had an off switch. On 115 volt the amount of btu's is limited and I find I reduce heat to some coach areas to have more in others.
Are all the areas hot antifreeze always in the units and the thermostat controls the fan only?
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Dick S on May 24, 2013, 11:56:58 am
Post by: Dick S on May 24, 2013, 11:56:58 am
Agree with Rudy...
A simple way to check this is to shut off all interior thermostats, then pinch the bulb sensor between two ice cubes. In our case that sensor is in the water manifold bay passenger side. Both heat exchanger fans in the basement should turn ON.
A simple way to check this is to shut off all interior thermostats, then pinch the bulb sensor between two ice cubes. In our case that sensor is in the water manifold bay passenger side. Both heat exchanger fans in the basement should turn ON.
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Barry Beam on May 24, 2013, 12:17:32 pm
Post by: Barry Beam on May 24, 2013, 12:17:32 pm
If the aqua hot unit is on the basement thermostat is the controller for its loop. No off switch? Be nice if it had an off switch.
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Rudy on May 24, 2013, 02:29:11 pm
Post by: Rudy on May 24, 2013, 02:29:11 pm
Bob
Basement thermostat keeps basement as low as 40 degress to 50 degrees. So as long as ambient is above 40 degrees, the basment will not call for heat.
To turn basement thermostat off, pull one wire loose from thermostat and/or put a switch in that wire. Defeating basement heat in freezing weather not recommended.
Basement thermostat keeps basement as low as 40 degress to 50 degrees. So as long as ambient is above 40 degrees, the basment will not call for heat.
To turn basement thermostat off, pull one wire loose from thermostat and/or put a switch in that wire. Defeating basement heat in freezing weather not recommended.
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Caflashbob on May 24, 2013, 03:55:16 pm
Post by: Caflashbob on May 24, 2013, 03:55:16 pm
Bob
Basement thermostat keeps basement as low as 40 degress to 50 degrees. So as long as ambient is above 40 degrees, the basment will not call for heat.
To turn basement thermostat off, pull one wire loose from thermostat and/or put a switch in that wire. Defeating basement heat in freezing weather not recommended.
Yes been there, done that. -30F in an ored with normal exposed tanks and batteries.
No amps at -30F. Dry camped at Taos, New Mexico.
Does the antifreeze circulate through all the radiators all the time? Do the basement units have fans?
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Rudy on May 24, 2013, 04:22:28 pm
Post by: Rudy on May 24, 2013, 04:22:28 pm
Bob,
The coolant only circulates when the zone thermostat calls for heat and then only thru the fan coil(s) in the loop(s) calling for heat.
Foretravel installed fan coils so fans are in the basement.
The coolant only circulates when the zone thermostat calls for heat and then only thru the fan coil(s) in the loop(s) calling for heat.
Foretravel installed fan coils so fans are in the basement.
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Caflashbob on May 24, 2013, 11:32:08 pm
Post by: Caflashbob on May 24, 2013, 11:32:08 pm
Bob,
The coolant only circulates when the zone thermostat calls for heat and then only thru the fan coil(s) in the loop(s) calling for heat.
Foretravel installed fan coils so fans are in the basement.
So there are solenoids off a loop circuit? Or all the way to the aqua hot unit?
Exactly how does the system work?
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Rudy on May 25, 2013, 01:07:41 am
Post by: Rudy on May 25, 2013, 01:07:41 am
Bob,
I see your coach is a 1997 so you have the Model 431/12 heater.
When the bathroom thermostat calls for heat, it grounds a electrical loop going from the thermostat down to the heater. This ground latches the number two relay which sends 12vdc to the number two pump and to the fan in the bathroom fan coil.
The number two pump circulates hot coolant to the bathroom fan coil and the basement fan coil. Only the bathroom fan coil fan runs so only warm air circulates in the bathroom. This applies to the living room thermostat, number one pump and heating loop one fan coils which there are usually three. This applies to the bedroom thermostat, number three pump and the heating loop three fan coil which there is usually one.
When the basement thermostat calls for heat, it sends a 12vdc signal directly to the number two pump and to the fan in the basement fan coil. The number two pump circulates hot coolant to the bathroom fan coil and to the basement fan coil. Only the fan in the basement fan coil is running so warm air in basement and a warm fan coil in the bathroom cabinet but no warm air in the bathroom.
For the folks with coaches starting in 2003 that have an electronic control board, the thermostat sends a signal to the control board which, seeing which thermostat is calling for heat, starts the corresponding pump and fan(s) in the proper fan coil(s) as described above.
Bob, here is a link to the wiring diagram in Appendix A on page 76 of the shop manual for your heater. Hopes all this helps.
http://www.aquahot.com/eSource/ecom/eSource/staticpages/documents/AHE-100-02S%20Service%20Manual%20Rev.%20B%209-27-2011.pdf (http://www.aquahot.com/eSource/ecom/eSource/staticpages/documents/AHE-100-02S%20Service%20Manual%20Rev.%20B%209-27-2011.pdf)
I see your coach is a 1997 so you have the Model 431/12 heater.
When the bathroom thermostat calls for heat, it grounds a electrical loop going from the thermostat down to the heater. This ground latches the number two relay which sends 12vdc to the number two pump and to the fan in the bathroom fan coil.
The number two pump circulates hot coolant to the bathroom fan coil and the basement fan coil. Only the bathroom fan coil fan runs so only warm air circulates in the bathroom. This applies to the living room thermostat, number one pump and heating loop one fan coils which there are usually three. This applies to the bedroom thermostat, number three pump and the heating loop three fan coil which there is usually one.
When the basement thermostat calls for heat, it sends a 12vdc signal directly to the number two pump and to the fan in the basement fan coil. The number two pump circulates hot coolant to the bathroom fan coil and to the basement fan coil. Only the fan in the basement fan coil is running so warm air in basement and a warm fan coil in the bathroom cabinet but no warm air in the bathroom.
For the folks with coaches starting in 2003 that have an electronic control board, the thermostat sends a signal to the control board which, seeing which thermostat is calling for heat, starts the corresponding pump and fan(s) in the proper fan coil(s) as described above.
Bob, here is a link to the wiring diagram in Appendix A on page 76 of the shop manual for your heater. Hopes all this helps.
http://www.aquahot.com/eSource/ecom/eSource/staticpages/documents/AHE-100-02S%20Service%20Manual%20Rev.%20B%209-27-2011.pdf (http://www.aquahot.com/eSource/ecom/eSource/staticpages/documents/AHE-100-02S%20Service%20Manual%20Rev.%20B%209-27-2011.pdf)
Title: Re: I found a heater in my tank bay - standard or optional item on 2003????
Post by: Caflashbob on May 25, 2013, 02:17:23 am
Post by: Caflashbob on May 25, 2013, 02:17:23 am
Thanks Rudy. Now I start to understand. Seems like an expensive piece of equipment. No wonder other motorhome builders have built their own versions.
Bob
Bob