Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: A quick aqua-hot question: (Read 818 times) previous topic - next topic

A quick aqua-hot question:

For years I have always run the 110 electric along with the diesel.  The other day I had AH service done (authorized service at Branson Motor Coaches), and the guy said there was little difference with running only on diesel.  And the electric has got to be consuming some juice.  Just wondering what others may be doing?
 Thanks, Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: A quick aqua-hot question:

Reply #1 –
In temperate climates, if we didn't need to heat, we ran just the electric element for hot water.  One a month we ran the unit on diesel to exercise the unit and move fresh fuel through it.

In climates where we might need heat, we would leave both on.  Electric would work to a point and diesel would supplement if it couldn't keep up.

If your shore power is included in the campsite cost, this is the most cost-effective since cost of running the unit is "free".  If you pay separately for metered electric, it depends on the KWH charge.
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: A quick aqua-hot question:

Reply #2 –
Hi Mike,

If you are in an RV park then running on AH electric only will save consuming any diesel. You certainly may turn on both electric and diesel switches  - electric will be primary until it can not keep up with your heating demands. Be sure to run the diesel at least once per month to keep it happy.
Jim

2002U320
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: A quick aqua-hot question:

Reply #3 –
A winter consideration:  The diesel mode turns on the wet/bath circulation pump to stir the tank with the burner on.  The electric mode does not.  When in freezing weather, using the diesel mode, either solo or to augment the electric mode with keep the lower bays warmer.  The electric mode will not keep up with outside temperatures much below freezing anyway.  I have always considered it a summer mode when plugged in.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: A quick aqua-hot question:

Reply #4 –
Everyone is correct.  The electric element is in the bottom of the tank and no stirring needed to heat the entire tank.  The diesel burner is in the middle of the tank so stirring is needed to heat the entire tank.

There is a thermostat and fan coil in the utility bay.  When it calls for heat, either heat source can warm the bay.

The 5000 btu electric element has the capacity to heat the coach to 70 degrees F down to 50 or maybe 45 degrees F.  Below those outside temps, add the diesel burner.  And the electric element is challanged to keep up with taking a shower.  Again, add the diesel burner and turn off when not using lots of hot water.
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: A quick aqua-hot question:

Reply #5 –
Rudy

Is those ranges for one element or the two element Aquahot?
Future Foretravel Owners
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Retired USAF, Retired DOD Civ's
FAA A&P, Indust. Eng., Acft Depot Lvl. Maint.
Larry and Becky Rountree

Re: A quick aqua-hot question:

Reply #6 –
I think Rudy is talking the single 120 element that is what is in this era of FT coaches.  Everyone will have different results, how warm do you want it? LR, Bath and BR on all the time?  How long are your showers?  What is the outside temp?  Are you using water from the tank or from the city water hookup?  They all make a difference.  We are quite comfortable as we use our coach down to about 40°Outside.  67 daytime LR, 64 overnight LR, BR is 64 all the time.  Bath off unless we are going ro tke showers.  Short water conserving showers work for us.  Probably too cool for some.  Do what makes you feel good.

Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: A quick aqua-hot question:

Reply #7 –
The newer twin electric element heaters have twice the electric heating capacity, 10k+ btu.  Still not close to 50k btu of diesel burner
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: A quick aqua-hot question:

Reply #8 –
Are there any issues with running the diesel burner constantly? For example, if you're boondocking in cold temps for extended periods of time.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: A quick aqua-hot question:

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Elliott –
Are there any issues with running the diesel burner constantly? For example, if you're boondocking in cold temps for extended periods of time.

My opinion, you are more likely to damage the Aqua Hot by not using it.  Like other fueled appliances, lack of use contributes to fuel clogging.  Some people say to run it at least once a month, which I think is good advice.

We have used our Aqua Hot for several days at a time, and it seemed happy.  The burner should operate only when the fluid cools from demand or natural cooling off.  It does consume diesel fuel, so watch your gauge if you are parked for extended periods - the tube for the Aqua Hot is typically above the floor of the fuel tank, so the Aqua Hot will stop operating while there is still fuel to drive the coach.  On our coach, it is just over 1/4 tank.
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: A quick aqua-hot question:

Reply #10 –
I have my diesel on all the time.  Yesterday outside temps were around 30.  With diesel alone the AH was cycling about once an hour, with about 12 minute running time.  With both electric and diesel, the cycle time was around 1+ 20 hours, with the same amount of running time.  Inside temps set 70-70-69, along with a small electric space heater in salon.  Cycle shortens with a non-Hollywood shower.
Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: A quick aqua-hot question:

Reply #11 –
Well, if you don't mind a "smarty " answer. Yes..."running out of diesel fuel".
(Oh come on...I answered his question truefully.) Jim

2002U320
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'
 

Re: A quick aqua-hot question:

Reply #12 –
The thing to be careful of while boondocking is battery life.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins