Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: How much maintenance does an AquaHot require? (Read 1509 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]

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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!!!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.
 

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.