Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: kb0zke on October 22, 2021, 07:31:53 pm

Title: Aqua Hot questions
Post by: kb0zke on October 22, 2021, 07:31:53 pm
No, I haven't put an Aqua Hot into our 93. We are talking a bit about maybe trading at MOT for something newer. Most of what looks interesting to us has Aqua Hot, so I guess I'd better start learning a bit about it.

1. I understand the necessity of running the diesel burner regularly. Can this be done while going down the road?

2. How about when we're parked at The Ranch? Does it make a lot of noise (like a generator), does it smoke or leave soot on the ground? In other words, is it going to bother the neighbors?

3. How much fuel does it use?
Title: Re: Aqua Hot questions
Post by: folivier on October 22, 2021, 07:46:21 pm
1.  Yes it is perfectly ok to run while driving.  But the aquahot has an engine loop so the engine will keep the aquahot hot while driving.
2.  It is much quieter than a generator, the only noise is from the diesel burner.  If used and serviced regularly it shouldn't smoke, if it does it probably needs servicing and nozzle changed.  Rudy can help you with this.
3.  I can't remember how much it uses but that depends on the ambient temperature.  If not needed to heat the coach and only used for showers it will be less than a gallon/day.
Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Aqua Hot questions
Post by: Jan & Richard on October 22, 2021, 07:47:34 pm
David,

1: Yes

2: It makes very little noise.  Neighbors will not even notice it.  If it is working properly it will not smoke or leave soot marks. 

3: I understand that it uses about half a gallon per hour of run time, which is not very often except in very cold conditions. 

Richard
Title: Re: Aqua Hot questions
Post by: rbark on October 22, 2021, 07:50:44 pm
And after a days driving you can just turn on the electric heating element for heat as long as it not below 40, 45 degrees
Title: Re: Aqua Hot questions
Post by: Woody & Sitka on October 22, 2021, 08:17:03 pm
1. Yes.
2. Very quiet, not as loud as a 5th wheel propane furnace, but mine sounded like a jet engine until Roger Berke overhauled the burner/blower, and he replaced the bearings....twice.  Shouldn't smoke, but you will get a soot spot after a week or so if the exhaust is pointed 45deg like mine is.  Also, no matter how well tuned, it will smell like a pre-def, very clean-burning diesel truck exhaust, so depends on the neighbors sensitivity.  I only have diesel switched on when in the KOA when it's forecast to go below freezing overnight.
3.  As posted.  1/2 gallon per hour of run time.  Mine goes through a gallon a day when it's in the teens out and plugged in/running electric heater element to supplement the diesel.  Off grid, down in Quartzsite, I'll burn <10 gal a month to heat the water and heat the coach. 

In other words, the aquahot is magnificent!  Just need to maintain it, and occasionally throw money at it, like any amazing machine.

Woody.