Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Aqua-Hot Location on 1997 (or so) U320 Models (Read 648 times) previous topic - next topic

Aqua-Hot Location on 1997 (or so) U320 Models

The Aqua-Hot on our 1995 U320 (40 ft; 150 gal fuel; 64 gal LP) is in the first main underfloor bay (not the one with the batteries, fuel and LP tanks). I've looked at some listings for 1997 (or so) U320 models and both underfloor main storage bays seem to be empty, and I can't seem to figure out the Aqua-Hot location. I know in later models the fuel tank is larger and the LP tank is smaller than in mine, and so I don't know if that allows room in that area for the Aqua-Hot, or if it's "hidden" somewhere else. Therefore, where is it and how easily is it to access it in those models? Thanks!
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Aqua-Hot Location on 1997 (or so) U320 Models

Reply #1 –
You are correct that it is "hidden."  The aqua-hot on our 1997 U320 is in it's own little cave.  When looking at pictures of the bay storage, the smaller first bay/pass-through has an access panel on the front side that leads to the "dark aqua-hot cave."  In order for us to access it, we have to empty out that bay, take off the access panel, and then lay on our side in the bay.  It usually takes two of us; me squatting over ScubaGuy with a flashlight.  It will be much easier when we add LED lighting to the "cave."
The selected media item is not currently available.Amanda and Douglas
Lily *meow* (RIP 7/19/23) and B.T. *meow* (RIP 9/12/18)
1997 U320 40' - "Brawley"
Motorcade #17266
Escapee #113692

Re: Aqua-Hot Location on 1997 (or so) U320 Models

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Siren –
The aqua-hot on our 1997 U320 is in it's own little cave.  When looking at pictures of the bay storage, the smaller first bay/pass-through has an access panel on the front side that leads to the "dark aqua-hot cave."

Thanks! It sounds as if it's located roughly in the middle of the coach (left-to-right_ and between the LP tank and the batteries. Is that correct?
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Aqua-Hot Location on 1997 (or so) U320 Models

Reply #3 –
BINGO! 
The selected media item is not currently available.Amanda and Douglas
Lily *meow* (RIP 7/19/23) and B.T. *meow* (RIP 9/12/18)
1997 U320 40' - "Brawley"
Motorcade #17266
Escapee #113692

Re: Aqua-Hot Location on 1997 (or so) U320 Models

Reply #4 –
David, in our 2001 36' U 320 the AH is in the center of the coach in the first bay between the batteries and the LP tank.  You get to crawl into the 2nd bay from the driver's side with the slide-out tray all the way out. Right in the middle of the front side of the bay there is a carpet covered panel that pops off to reveal the AH. 

Every time I crawl in there I wish I was 20 something.  After a few times you sort of get the hang of it.  I am too tall to sit up in the bay so it is sort of a contortionist thing.  Don't let anybody watch because they will soon be laughing.  Every time I go Bay diving i hit my head on something or scratch it on one of the 20 bazillion clipped off wire ties lying in wait.  Blood happens.  If I had hair maybe it would protect me.  Susan make me wear my welder's cap. You can't see anything with a ball cap on.  I usually have to wear my head lamp because you cant see anything anyway.  But that is never pointing where I am looking.  From the outside it has to be a bit comical.

Amanda and Doug are here at Xtreme with us. Her description of their AH dance makes me laugh.  Just picture it!

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

Re: Aqua-Hot Location on 1997 (or so) U320 Models

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Home2fromHastings –
David, in our 2001 36' U 320 the AH is in the center of the coach in the first bay between the batteries and the LP tank. 

Amanda and Doug are here at Xtreme with us. Her description of their AH dance makes me laugh.  Just picture it!

Thanks for the information! What all are you having done at Xtreme?
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Aqua-Hot Location on 1997 (or so) U320 Models

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Siren –
BINGO! 

Thanks! I'd like to have the extra space in the storage bay, but I really appreciate the easy access for the Aqua-Hot. Also, I'm not sure we need it, but it's really nice to have the 64 gallons of LP. OTOH, it would be nice to have another 50 gallons of diesel capacity!
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Aqua-Hot Location on 1997 (or so) U320 Models

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Home2fromHastings –
Amanda and Doug are here at Xtreme with us. Her description of their AH dance makes me laugh.  Just picture it!

Roger

Yeah, real stinkin' hilarious, Roger!  :P  It is so completely awkward, because to the viewer, it must look like I am spooning ScubaGuy in the bay compartment because we are both lying down, except my arm is up in the air pointing the flashlight aimlessly into the aquahot cave.  Occasionally, he will redirect the flashlight actually towards what he needs illuminated.  :giggle:  When we were taking out/putting back in the burner unit, I had to climb over him, straddle him, hold a mirror AND a flashlight up into the cave to reflect what he had trouble seeing. 

Imagine if we were camped alongside the Savournin's while Carol was crawling through the bedroom window to unlock her coach....we really should start charging for our campside entertainment.  ;) 
The selected media item is not currently available.Amanda and Douglas
Lily *meow* (RIP 7/19/23) and B.T. *meow* (RIP 9/12/18)
1997 U320 40' - "Brawley"
Motorcade #17266
Escapee #113692

Re: Aqua-Hot Location on 1997 (or so) U320 Models

Reply #8 –
Amanda,

Now you see why the factory moved the A/H to the outside and the batteries to the cave.  It makes it nice to be able to set on a 5 gal. bucket and do the annual service to the A/H.  The  downside is fighting with the batteries during replacement and heat in the cave. It is a give to get. I have been in your shoes more than once with other campers thinking we were doing the nasty right there, oh the thoughts that run a muck in a campground.

Pamela
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

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

Re: Aqua-Hot Location on 1997 (or so) U320 Models

Reply #9 –
About a year ago we had to replace our Aquahot. If I had been using my brain, I would have had it placed in the bay instead of in that pit. After you spend about 20 minutes in that pit, you wish it was on top of the coach.
The selected media item is not currently available.
Lynn & Marilyn Sickel
Tollville, AR
1997  U320  40'
2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup
Motorcader  17257

Re: Aqua-Hot Location on 1997 (or so) U320 Models

Reply #10 –
FOT just changed out my AH to the new 600D version  2 weeks ago, looked difficult for an old non flexable, but JJ & Aaron made it look easy, youth is good.  4 days worth, big surprise was all the extra wire needed to rewire everything.

Re: Aqua-Hot Location on 1997 (or so) U320 Models

Reply #11 –
Same place, but I have Joey bed. Open door, pull out Joey, climb in, remove Velcro'ed panel and start working on AHot in 30 seconds or so
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)