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Topic: What is the difference between Hydrohot and Aquahot systems? (Read 1753 times) previous topic - next topic

What is the difference between Hydrohot and Aquahot systems?

Since we are looking at different coaches and possibly upgrading, please help me understand the difference between these 2 systems.  Is one easier to take care of?
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: What is the difference between Hydrohot and Aquahot systems?

Reply #1 –
Quote
please help me understand the difference between these 2 systems
It is the capacity. AquaHot is the larger of the two.
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: What is the difference between Hydrohot and Aquahot systems?

Reply #2 –
I think it is 5 or 6 gallons of antifreeze difference and a bigger system to accommodate it. I know I can heat water and run the heater with my aquahot but the hydro hot might be limited to only one of those functions at a time. It  is a cheaper unit but many brands use them with great success.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: What is the difference between Hydrohot and Aquahot systems?

Reply #3 –
Excellent!  Thank you!
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: What is the difference between Hydrohot and Aquahot systems?

Reply #4 –
John is correct . C.C. used the Hydrahot system in their coachs.You could have heat in the coach or take a shower but not both.
Ron In ICT
I.CW.
99 U320-40

Re: What is the difference between Hydrohot and Aquahot systems?

Reply #5 –
My 08 Nimbus has the Oasis (Hydro Hot) model CH50B. My wife enjoys takeing long showers and runs the heating system concurrently.  The bathroom has a seperate thermostate which controls two register fans located in the potty room and shower area. We had a chance last year in Canada to give it a good workout and was very satisfied with it.

Pat David Silva

Re: What is the difference between Hydrohot and Aquahot systems?

Reply #6 –
The oasis system is different than the Aquahot hydro hot. They are the same in principal but the oasis matches the aquhot closer than the hydrohot. It has a spiral heating element that is suppose to transfer more heat. Interestingly, FT has gone back to Aquahot again.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: What is the difference between Hydrohot and Aquahot systems?

Reply #7 –
Actually that's not quite true, the newest Nimbus has the Oasis.  They  both heat and have unlimited hot water.  One is smaller than the other (oasis) and has a stainless construction.  The Aquahot now comes with a white painted body and is very large.  The Aquahot is an option I am told.  I have had four Foretravel's and three have had the Aquahot. My current Phenix has the Oasis.  The Oasis has much less diesel smell when running but  has less capacity with electric only.  The Aquahot worked fine as does the Oasis.  In my opinion I would be happy with either.

Re: What is the difference between Hydrohot and Aquahot systems?

Reply #8 –
I would describe the similarities and differences between the Aqua-Hot and Hydro-Hot units as follows:
 
The same.....
- Same 50,000 btu diesel burner.
 
- Same 1450 watt electric heating element.
 
 
Different....
- Aqua-Hot contains about 18 gallons of coolant vs. about 3 gallons of coolant in Hydro-Hot.  The Aqua-Hot would store more heat energy for transfer to hot water when there is demand .
 
- Aqua-Hot will allow you to heat hot water @ 1.5 gallons per minute AND Heat coach AND preheat engine (if equipped with pre-heat loop).
 
- Hydro-Hot will allow you to heat hot water @ 1.5 gallons per minute OR heat coach OR preheat engine (if equipped with pre-heat loop).  Hydro-Hot will stop heating coach (turns off pump and fans) and switch to making hot water as soon as there is a demand for hot water.
 
- Aqua-Hot is larger (18.5" H x 18.5" W x 36.75" L) (about 200 pounds dry)  vs. Hydro-Hot (12"H x 18.5"W x 30"L) (105 pounds dry).

The Oasis is also a very fine system.  It is not more efficient or more reliable, just different.

The Aqua-Hot uses the Webasto diesel burner.  It uses a high pressure pump to spray diesel fuel into the combustion chamber.  The Oasis uses a compressor to create a vacuum to draw the diesel fuel into the combustion chamber.  Both systems use multiple thermostats, float switches, coolant pumps, fuel pumps and control boards making them complicated systems. 

If I were to purchase a brand new coach, I would select the Aqua-Hot model 675-D.  It has two electric elements, which allows most hot water / coach heating needs to be furnished by the electric elements. 

If I were to purchase an older coach, I would prefer the Aqua-Hot 941 / AHE-100 / 600-D series of full size Aqua-Hot heaters.