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Topic: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require? (Read 1285 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Engine, Generator and...

How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

       Looking hard at a 1997 U320.  So, how much maintenance is required on the Auqua hot System?  Went to Auqua hot forum and it's scary! 

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #1 –
[split post from an unrelated topic and deleted a duplicate - Michelle]
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #2 –
Rudy has the answers. All I can say is don't let it freeze. Lots of work to fix.
Scott

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #3 –
Yes, Aquahots are more maintenance than propane (furnaces and hot water heater need to be considered as they are combined in the aquahot) if they are used regularly (ast least once a month, preferably more) the service is fairly minimal - change filter and nozzle annually

things that can bite you;
control box
burner housing
fuel pump

and probably one or two other high dollar items

if the idea of an occasional $1,000+ aqauhot bill every three years or so seems painful to your budget, I suggest you reconsider buying a motorhome. LOTS of things on a 1997 Foretravel can (not will, but can) put that kind of dent(or higher)  in your wallet once or twice a year.

  • fuel lines
  • airbags
  • level system
  • refrigerator
  • batteries
  • tires
  • bulkheads
  • Slide room (if installed)
These are a few of the bigger items that can ring up the maintenance $$$$. Usually the Engine, Transmission and generator (if used regularly and maintained) are the lowest cost items to maintain on the coach. Fuel is about $.40 a mile give or take your state these days, which is rounding error for most users in the cost of ownership of these coaches.

These are 20+ year old machines, made to the highest standards with the best (and usually most expensive) parts available at time of manufacture. We are all maintaining old machines that offer the advantage of incredible utility and value at a very low acquisition price. The offset (unless you do most of the work yourself, which many on the Forum undertake) are significant opportunities for non trivial maintenance events.

Total Cost of ownership? A used virtually fully depreciated Foretravel likely can't be beat b y any other Class A diesel pusher.

But expect a significant part of your cost of ownership to be ongoing preventive and remedial maintenance.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #4 –
Having lived here and abroad with oil fired furnaces, I can say that they require many times the maintenance of propane fired units. With so many other items as Tim lists above, to go wear out or fail, the last thing I would ever consider would be a diesel fired Aquahot. Aside from the cost, where are you going to get service in the middle of the winter and or out of the country? I can see a diesel fired water or parking air heater from Asia as the attractive pricing makes it possible to carry a spare unit with you with an easy and fast R&R.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #5 –
Quote
No disrespect to pierce, but even with the noted maintenance issues - I would not trade my Aquahot back to Propane like I had in my U-270  ever,  Ditto with muy slide out.

DWMYH
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #6 –
I rarely have to service my Aqua Hot.  But then, I use the burner everyday for showers.  I think if one banked $300 per year, most issues would be funded.

Do not let the Aqua Hot sit unused for more than a month.  AND, do not let it sit in freezing conditions turned off and not winterized.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #7 –
AquaHot have their place and following. I am aware of many who make a living repair/servicing AquaHot, and not aware of any making a living servicing propane furnace & hot water tanks.

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #8 –
I couldn't imagine always having to take a Navy shower because of the size of an RV propane water heater. Or the super drying effect and noise of a forced air propane furnace.
And I say that with the past experience of our Aqua Hot being the most expensive thing we have had to deal with on our coach.  My first winterizing of the AH shortly after buying it was by a small RV shop that said they were versed in winterizing an Aqua Hot. The next spring is when I had the copper coils fail around the tank.  I can't prove that they screwed up. But I suspect it was not done correctly. That cost me nearly $10K and 8 weeks to have Aqua Hot in Colorado rebuild it. I have bought a rebuilt silver box and a new AH brain box from Rudy.

 I have the AH serviced every year while wintering in Az.

But I still like having all that hot water, Engine preheating & non-drying quiet interior and storage bay heat. As they say. It's just the cost of doing business.

The power-train has been trouble free. Just lube, oil and filters.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #9 –
Quote
I couldn't imagine always having to take a Navy shower because of the size of an RV propane water heater. Or the super drying effect and noise of a forced air propane furnace.

I've had both. Never had the 10 gallon water heater run out of hot.
Can't argue about the furnace roar! Also, the Aqua Hot is much better at heat distribution and I do miss that dedicated thermostat in the bathroom.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #10 –
I had propane furnace and HW heater in 2 previous coaches.  Aquahot in current coach is SO much nicer!!!
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #11 –
Having had 2 coaches with LP bookending our FT with Aquahot, the next coach will have diesel-fired hydronic heating again.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #12 –
DW would kick me to the curb if I got rid of the Aqua hot for a propane.  Had propane in last coach don't plan to go back,  In summer I run my aqua hot at least 2 times per month --Just to be safe
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #13 –
I haven't had a aquahot, but here is how I see the pros and cons of both systems.  The aquahot is quieter, more consistent heat, more hot water and it is easier to refill fuel.  However it is more expensive to maintain and requires specialized knowledge to work on.  If AH goes down you lose both heat and hot water.  It also uses fuel from tank, so throws off MPG estimates, and if fuel gauge isn't always accurate, it may leave you wondering how much fuel you have if sitting for a while using AH.  Propane is easier to work on and just about any rv place can work on it if you aren't a DIY person. It also requires a lot less maintenance. The parts are much cheaper, you can rebuild furnace for just a couple hundred dollars, and if you add an electric heating element to furnace you can have a super cheap way to heat RV while parked at park or home (see Buy Online — RV Comfort Systems ) Downsides are propane furnace is louder than AH and not as consistent with heat.  Getting fuel is more of a hassle and you need another appliance to heat water.  I would not base my decision on what to buy based on having or not having a AH.  Buy the coach you like that is at a price you want to pay and whatever system it has so be it.
2002 36' U270 Foretravel

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Bcalmrichard –
      Looking hard at a 1997 U320.  So, how much maintenance is required on the Auqua hot System?  Went to Auqua hot forum and it's scary!
Don't let the Aqua Hot forum make a decision for you. Forums are where members start looking for help with a problem. The ones having no problem aren't there for the most part.  Reply # 6 by Rudy more than takes care of mine.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #15 –
Quote from: jbeem –
However it is more expensive to maintain and requires specialized knowledge to work on.

It's basically no different than an oil burner furnace.  We did our own servicing.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #16 –
I have had numerous folks call me from all over to ask questions about servicing their Aqua Hot.  Many times, burner service solves the issue.  Most other times, having suggestions from me on where to check for proper operation, finds a failed part.  Replacing the part is just a mechanical operation.

If you want to really reduce your RV maintenance, buy a travel trailer.  But one equipped with a propane fueled Aqua Hot.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas
 

Re: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require?

Reply #17 –
I have had both. No problems with propane and lots of problems with the Aqua-hot and I will stay with the Aqua-hot. Quieter,
way nicer heat, 3 zones and to have a nice warm bathroom when I get up in the night is awesome.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport