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Topic: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace? (Read 2384 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #25 –
The aqua hot adds 55 degrees to whatever temp the inlet water supply is at if you want continious hot water.

Hence the heated tank Bay.  One to prevent freezing, the second is to raise the inlet water temp for the owners who want resulting hotter tap or shower water.

Later aqua hot or Oasis units seem to have double or more  the 110 volt heating power than our early 1500 watt 15 amp draw units. 5,000 Btus

Much below 50 degrees or so on ours I add the diesel burners 50,000 btu's

Obviously there is more noise and smells with the burner on. Hence the increased a/c power heating capacity to go with the bigger coaches needs

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
After reading through this whole thread, I'm thinking I would try to trade coaches and get a similar one with Aquahot.  KISS

I'll never give up my 34'er and they didn't come with Aquahot. 

@Roger
I appreciate all the info about locations and routing.  That is generally the layout I had expected from what I've read over the years on the forum but it is nice to know for sure how Foretravel set everything up.

Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #27 –
One BIG reason I have a 270, no Aquahot. Where's Rudy ?
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #28 –
Quote from: rsihnhold –
I'll never give up my 34'er and they didn't come with Aquahot.
Perhaps there was a good reason why Foretravel didn't put Aquahot on the short coaches?
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #29 –
Trade up structure comes to mind.  List of added features in the more expensive coaches. 

Lack of under coach area for boiler?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #30 –
Well, I agree with B&C.  This would be a major rework project with lots of pretty tough parts to get done and many opportunities for problems.

Visiting someone with a coach with an AquaHot when it is cool enough to use it will give you a better idea of how they work, what the heat feels like, noise level of heat exchangers and the diesel boiler, temperature distribution in the room and more. 

If an AquaHot or other hydronic heating system really seems right for you them it might be easier to find a different coach with one installed from the factory.

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

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #31 –
Anyone try a newer heated floor, like Warmup:

Electric Floor Heating Systems | Underfloor Insulation | Warmup

When using 15 amps of the 30 amp shore power, at 3.41 BTUs per watt, that's 5882 BTU. Anyone know how many BTUs our rigs need at 32 degrees F?
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #32 –
Our aquahot produces 5,000 btu's on 15 amps of  electricity being as its heating the tank Bay and a 40' and with some heat loss through the hoses and system the flooring probably should do pretty well.  Not sure about 32 degrees but may cut down the furnace run time by a lot. 

That's the way I probably would try myself. 

Below 50 I need to add the diesel burner for sure.  Close to 50 altering the thermostat settings can keep one area hotter.

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #33 –
Quote from: Tim –
Anyone try a newer heated floor, like Warmup:

Electric Floor Heating Systems | Underfloor Insulation | Warmup

When using 15 amps of the 30 amp shore power, at 3.41 BTUs per watt, that's 5882 BTU. Anyone know how many BTUs our rigs need at 32 degrees F?
Don't know what brand it was, but I had a SOB with granite floors with heat, It would keep the coach warm into the 50's. Do not know how much current it drew, but it was on a 15 amp breaker. If I ever redo my floors, I will install one.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #34 –
Quote from: Tim –
Anyone try a newer heated floor, like Warmup:

Electric Floor Heating Systems | Underfloor Insulation | Warmup

When using 15 amps of the 30 amp shore power, at 3.41 BTUs per watt, that's 5882 BTU. Anyone know how many BTUs our rigs need at 32 degrees F?


I've got an electric heated floor that I installed.  I can't remember for sure but I think I used this Thermosoft product.  It works as the primary heat source down to about 36-40 degrees.  After that, it needs help from another heat source. 

I've mentioned this before in other posts but the main issue with the floor heat is that it doesn't consistently heat the entire RV.  It works extremely well (probably down to the low 30s) in the area that has the basement under it but works less well in at the ends of the RV where the approx 2" thick insulated floor is exposed to outside ambient air temperatures.  It still functions at keeping the floor less cold but can't really overcome the cold enough to provide useable heat.  Electric floor heat would likely be much more effective if you enclosed it in a thin layer of mortar so that it can use it as a heatsink and also tighten up the spacing of the wiring to 2" to put more heat into the floor at the ends of the RV.

My floor heat uses about 1000 watts at full power.  Less when it has achieved the proper temperature and the thermostat instructs it to turn down the power to just enough to keep the floor warm.
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #35 –
The 1500 watt electric heating element in the AquaHot in our coach would produce 5100 BTU if it was on full time which it rarely is.  Some of the newer AH have 2000 watt heater elements or more. 

Rudy put in a heated film under vinyl plank flooring. It hasn't been cool enough yet (in Houston) to put it to the test. 

A warm floor is very nice.  I am pretty sure there isn't enough floor space in a coach to be effective with respect to the heat loss from thinner insulation and windows.  But as a supplement the advantage of warm floors would be nice. 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #36 –
I have two 1500 watt heat elements in my aquahot, it will interesting to see if they can keep the coach warm without using the diesel part. I do know they supply enough heat for several showers. [but it is summer time in houston so water is already at 90 F.]
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #37 –
Our single 1500 watt element is good for us down to upper 30's.  Maybe low 40's if that is the average temp.  We might be more comfortable at a lower temp than many.  Two elements will be great.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #38 –
Can elements be added or what they come with is it? or can a larger one be put in as a replacement or no?

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #39 –
Quote from: DavidS –
Can elements be added or what they come with is it? or can a larger one be put in as a replacement or no?

Newells have two elements, 1 is 110v the other 220v and unit looks like the same one as Foretravel  uses. Mine came with two and wiring and switch for the extra element. So I think so. Need Rudy to give ua a definitive answer.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #40 –
Quote from: DavidS –
Can elements be added or what they come with is it?

Yes it can be done but it is a lot of work. 
The short version: (think Cliffs Notes)
drain unit
remove unit
take outside covers off
locate proper place for new boss
wash sludge out of bottom
weld in boss
put in 2 new elements
reverse the disassembly
install new breaker
run new wire from said breaker to heater through a closing relay
run new closing relay control wire in parallel with current one that feeds OEM element
If I haven't forgot anything I think that is all that was to it. It has been a while sense I did this though.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #41 –
Appears you could order one that had 2 110  volt  elements already installed.
 http://www.aquahot.com/files/owners_manual/AHE-100-04S130-04XAqua-HotOwnersManual09-29-04_002.pdf
Guess it depends on year and model. Mine is not shown on the options sheet, so must have been standard equipment.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #42 –
Quote from: jcus –
Appears you could order one that had 2 110  volt  elements already installed.
 http://www.aquahot.com/files/owners_manual/AHE-100-04S130-04XAqua-HotOwnersManual09-29-04_002.pdf
Guess it depends on year and model. Mine is not shown on the options sheet, so must have been standard equipment.


How do we get one in Florida that COOLS the floors and coach.  I can't remember a series of summers with more heat and humidity than the last decade or so.

Can't wait to travel and complain about being cold!
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #43 –
There may be another way to have hydronic heating.

Search for espar hydronic d5

Small self contained diesel unit that would output hot antifreeze to a exchanger/fan unit. 

Thinking of under the couch?

Maybe a second one in the rear?  5200/17000  btu's low/high

Built in water pump. 

At the area hot water.  Versus a central boiler.



My guru buddy likes and uses them.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #44 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Robert, Something to think about:  Hydronic heating has some advantages, but there are many who make a living servicing Aquahot, but there is no one making a living servicing propane furnaces.
I spent considerable time learning how to work on our furnaces in our old 280 and couple that bought it from us had to replace parts on the brand new rear furnace.. one of the deciding factors in upgrading to our 320 was the aqua hot. Oh yeah filling propane every couple weeks in dead of winter BLOWS.
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #45 –
Quote from: jcus –
Newells have two elements, 1 is 110v the other 220v and unit looks like the same one as Foretravel  uses. Mine came with two and wiring and switch for the extra element. So I think so. Need Rudy to give ua a definitive answer.
My Newell had a 1500 watt element and a 4500 watt element and would heat water as fast as it would on diesel.  Cut it on diesel and electric at the same time and would heat the water to 200 degrees in about 15 minutes.  If you was using the A/Cs you could only use the diesel. 
Chappell & Mary
36' 2004 Foretravel U270 build #6273

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #46 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
There may be another way to have hydronic heating.

Search for espar hydronic d5

Small self contained diesel unit that would output hot antifreeze to a exchanger/fan unit. 

Thinking of under the couch?

Maybe a second one in the rear?  5200/17000  btu's low/high

Built in water pump. 

At the area hot water.  Versus a central boiler.

My guru buddy likes and uses them.

I'm increasingly looking at one of the Espar hydronic systems.  The hydronic heater appears to be located wherever you want, including in the engine compartment of the RV rather than being inside the the basement.  Here is a retrofit install in place of a propane furnace.  This would solve the issue of having to drill a hole in the bottom of the RV and having a low hanging exhaust pipe that seems likely to be ripped off.  The parts appear to be much easier to obtain and widely available.
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: Anyone converted to hydronic/Aquahot heating from original furnace?

Reply #47 –
I believe you will still need an exhaust outside the coach if you are going with the diesel unit. If you look at the picture of the boiler unit, you will see an insulated pipe at the bottom going down.  On my bus conversion had a small webasto boiler in rear compartment, but still needed an insulated exhaust pipe running under and outside of coach. Diesel exhaust is a lot hotter and smellier than a propane furnace.
Or you could do it like Newell, run pipe out of top of coach.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.