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Topic: Aqua Hot Question (Read 932 times) previous topic - next topic

Aqua Hot Question

I'm in the process of inspecting a 99 320 that I may buy. It has Aqua Hot and I'm not familiar with that system. Two questions:
1. When you select Diesel, how long should it take to get hot water at the kitchen sink?
2. How about when you select 115v?
Thanks.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Aqua Hot Question

Reply #1 –
Jor,
If the system has been out of service you will have hot water within 20-30 minutes on diesel. On 115V the wait will be considerably longer,  2-3 hours. How quick you will get hot water in either case will depend on the current coolant temperature.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bob & Faith Rozek
1997 U320 40'
Xtreme Remodel
2010 Scion XD

Re: Aqua Hot Question

Reply #2 –
Oh, I get it. Similar to the wait with a propane system. Let me make sure I understand the system. You spend a few hours on the road. If you then plug in you have hot water immediately from the heatwhileyoudrive gizmo and the electric element continues to provide hot water and heat. if you don't have AC available, you select diesel and it does the same thing? Would you ever use both diesel and AC simultaneously? Thanks. I should have read up on the AH!
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Aqua Hot Question

Reply #3 –
Jor,
You can run the diesel and 115v simultaneously. I do that when at a campground that provides power at no additional cost and need more heat and/or instantaneous hot water.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bob & Faith Rozek
1997 U320 40'
Xtreme Remodel
2010 Scion XD

Re: Aqua Hot Question

Reply #4 –
You will need the diesel option also when the outside temp gets below like 40 degrees and the furnace zones are running and you call for hotwater (Shower etc).  The Electric cannot keep up with the demand below 40 degrees.  We always run both (Diesel/Electric) in cooler outside temps.

Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Aqua Hot Question

Reply #5 –
Quote from: flite2010 –
Jor,
You can run the diesel and 115v simultaneously. I do that when at a campground that provides power at no additional cost and need more heat and/or instantaneous hot water.

The good part of using both is the diesel will only come on if the electric is not keeping up. So there is no reason not to use both.  8)
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Aqua Hot Question

Reply #6 –
Since I have the Aqua Hot system, I would not be with out it.  get it serviced and use it, you most likely will agree it is up there with the cheese slicer is something you want and need.
I find from cold water to hot water in the summer, using just the diesel burner is fairly quick, maybe five minutes to shave, and sure is ready for a shower after shaving.  In the winter and using  the heat, the water is hot all the time.
I only use the electric when parked and hooked up to electric box.
When using the diesel, you do not need the electric for recovery, the diesel keeps up real good and plenty.
It will spoil you, never run out of hot water. ;D ;D

Re: Aqua Hot Question

Reply #7 –
Thanks to all for your comments. We bought it and your info will sure help us get started.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Aqua Hot Question

Reply #8 –
There are a number of things that you need to check on the Aqua-Hot.

First of all, when you turn on the diesel portion, the burner should fire (you will feel heat coming out the exhaust).  It will take around 20-30 minutes for the diesel burner to bring the unit to operating temperature.  You should turn on each of the heating zones in the coach to make sure that they produce heat.  Most coaches have 3 heating zones (front, middle and rear).  The exhaust should be clear and after diesel has run a minute or two, be almost odorless.  If the exhaust is a little smoky or stinky that is not a big problem (usually a new filter and nozzle will clear it up).  When the Aqua-Hot either comes to tempature, or you turn off the switch, the Aqua-Hot should run for 2-3 minutes (cool down cycle).  At the end of that the motor should stop cleanly.  If it tries to shut down, or just keeps running, you will need a control box.  List price on control box is around $775.

There should be no diesel, water or coolant leaks.  This is important and can be very expensive to fix.

The electric heating portion is usually pretty trouble free and not expensive to repair if there are problems.  You can do a quick check to see if the electric element is working by checking the power draw (connected to electric meter?).

Coach probably has a Aqua-Hot model 431/12 in it.

- Roger Berke -
2000 Foretavel U320
Moderator - RV Hydronic Heater Repair Forums



 

Re: Aqua Hot Question

Reply #9 –
We love our Aqua Hot. . .and the fact that Roger Berke is our resident AH expert!
;D :D :P