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Topic: Aqua Hot system on electric only (Read 1032 times) previous topic - next topic

Aqua Hot system on electric only

I looking to purchase a FT with AH system was wondering if this system can heat the coach while on shore power, 50 amp and not using diesel.

I have a 5th wheel that I have installed a 240v hydronic baseboard heat that will provide heat while on 50 amp shore power.  I added a double pole breaker for the 240v. Works good.  I go to New Mexico and volunteer with habitat for humanity, they provide 50 amps while I'm there free.  I really don't like the propane furnace that's in my 5th wheel.  Too noisy and runs all the time.

Re: Aqua Hot system on electric only

Reply #1 –
Yes it has diesel and electric.. depending on the outside temps is how much hot water you get with electric only but ..

Short answer is yes.

Re: Aqua Hot system on electric only

Reply #2 –
Ours heats the coach well until the temperature gets down around 40 degrees and then we need to turn on the diesel burner. The electric provides plenty of hot water for showers until there is a lot of need to heat the coach as the outside temperature goes down.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Aqua Hot system on electric only

Reply #3 –
Yes but the electric element is IIRC 1500 watts so is somewhat limited.  I installed a temperature gauge to see the tank temperature to know when the electric is not enough.  If you're buying a U320 with Aquahot it may have heat pump air conditioners also.  These work well until ambient temps of about 40ºF.  If your coach has ducted A/C's you can run the other one to reduce noise.  Nice to have options.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Aqua Hot system on electric only

Reply #4 –
Just add a electric heater or two depending how cold it is.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Aqua Hot system on electric only

Reply #6 –
I also use the oil filled heats.  What model AH is used in the 1998 - 2001 U320.

Re: Aqua Hot system on electric only

Reply #7 –
Unless you are going to heat the entire coach to 75° you won't need to haul around extra heaters with an AH.  We are quite comfortable down to outside temps at 40°, sometimes a bit lower with the AH on electric only.  We turn the LR thermostat down at night, it will heat up quickly in the morning.  If you are expecting cold temps run the diesel one cycle before you go to bed and then go back to electric only.  That way you start at full temp in the AH.  A temperature display helps you understand what is going on with the AH and manage it better.

Add a switch to the dash blower to disable it when the front thermostat calls for heat.  The remaining heat exchangers will run longer and the heat in the LR will be much more uniform.  With the dash blower on the front thermostat thinks it is warm enough faster and turns the heat off before the rest of the LR gets warm.  And the heat will cycle on and off more frequently for shorter periods of time. It makes a big difference in comfort.

Aqua Hot Dash Blower Fan Override
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Aqua Hot system on electric only

Reply #8 –
Quote from: DaveL –
I also use the oil filled heats.  What model AH is used in the 1998 - 2001 U320.

Most if not all have the 431/12 Aqua Hot unit!
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus