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Topic: Water Bay Heat Exchanger (aquahot) (Read 476 times) previous topic - next topic

Water Bay Heat Exchanger (aquahot)

I will post this as a heads up for the few that are parked in below zero temps, I think most are smarter then myself this winter as I do not make it a habit to stay where it is this cold but have some health stuff I am dealing with so am staying in Colorado Springs for the winter. Ok back on subject, about 10 days ago we had temps that went below zero, I woke up at 3 am and used bathroom and was surprised that I had no water, switched on the pump and still no water, now I am rather upset as the water bays have heat exchangers in them, I went outside and felt the hose and it was warm (heated elec hose) checked the water bay and it was nice and warm went to the other side to pump bay and it was cold, (bummer) felt the heat exchanger and it was warm but fan was not blowing so decided that it was already froze and would deal with it at daylight, ( it was -11) so when it was light out I removed the cloth covered wood shelf and back panel, again the heat exchanger was warm but fan was not running, the thermo coupler was coiled up FROM FACTORY next to the heat exchanger, I uncoiled the thermo coupler and moved the end (bulb) to the outside, the fan started blowing hot air immediately, So if you are planning on parking in very cold temps you might want to check and see where they placed your thermocouple when coach was built, in most situations it would be fine oiled up behind the exchanger but in my situation the cold points were low and froze on me, I did not have any damage as it did not have enough time to freeze hard enough to burst but did require so Renovation as I moved the Thermocoupler to a low area that would be the coldest point, In ending I will say that the way the coaches are build is better then any I have seen.
Adam Byler
1999 U320 M4200 DGFE Build #5389
2014 Sundowner 26 ft Enclosed
2015 Ford F150 King Ranch crew cab

Re: Water Bay Heat Exchanger (aquahot)

Reply #1 –
Do you happen to have any pictures of the location of the heat exchanger.  I am a relatively new owner of a 1993 Grand Villa - and 'camped' in below freezing temperatures. We have had some water issues in the past few weeks and I don't even know if our unit has a heat exchanger.
Woody & Sandy Lloyd
1993 Grand Villa
Unihome U280
Cummins / Allison
Build # 4379

Re: Water Bay Heat Exchanger (aquahot)

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Mike_Sandra_Lloyd –
Do you happen to have any pictures of the location of the heat exchanger.  I am a relatively new owner of a 1993 Grand Villa - and 'camped' in below freezing temperatures. We have had some water issues in the past few weeks and I don't even know if our unit has a heat exchanger.
Mike,

The Aquahot heater/ heat exhchanger would not be fit in your coach-- unless some subsequent owner installed it (very unlikely).

What you should have is propane furnaces that have outlets in the basement.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Water Bay Heat Exchanger (aquahot)

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Mike_Sandra_Lloyd –
We have had some water issues in the past few weeks...
Mike,

See the current discussion on "Furnace Operation" and the use of supplemental electric heaters.  A few dollars spent for some small heaters can make a BIG difference in your Winter comfort and help prevent cold-induced water system woes.

Furnace Operation
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: Water Bay Heat Exchanger (aquahot)

Reply #4 –
Mike,

Don't know what kind of "water issues" you are having, but if there is ever water in any of the basement compartments, dry it immediately to keep it from getting into the basement floor structure and rear bulkhead.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Water Bay Heat Exchanger (aquahot)

Reply #5 –
Mike, I have aquahot, agree what brett and Chuck said use ceramic heaters,
Adam Byler
1999 U320 M4200 DGFE Build #5389
2014 Sundowner 26 ft Enclosed
2015 Ford F150 King Ranch crew cab