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Topic: Water heater heat exchanger (Read 689 times) previous topic - next topic

Water heater heat exchanger

We've got to replace our water heater and we haven't found a new one that has the heat exchanger feature in stock anywhere.  Can we get a model without the exchanger and just loop the coolant line?  We've never used the exchanger feature and don't care to have it.

Thanks
Hannah and Tyler Phillips
1993 U280 Grand Villa AKA Pearl
Basement Air
Cummins 6CT8.3
Build Number 4196

Re: Water heater heat exchanger

Reply #1 –
No reason that you couldn't do that. I found both 10 gal and 6 gal with heat exchangers online if you are interested.

Atwood 10 Gallon RV Water Heater XT GasElectric w/Heat Exchange
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Water heater heat exchanger

Reply #2 –
Thanks for taking the time to look that up, unfortunately both of those models are propane/110v electric and we do not need an 110v electric heating element.  PPL has the updated version of our basic water heater for $564 and the version with the heat exchanger for $50 more dollars.  When I called they said that they didn't have the one with the heat exchanger in stock and that's as far as I looked for one.  I was fine spending an extra $50 bucks to keep the system in place since it came that way from the factory, but If it's not going to cause any problems with the engine coolant system then I'd just as soon do away with the heat exchange feature. 
Hannah and Tyler Phillips
1993 U280 Grand Villa AKA Pearl
Basement Air
Cummins 6CT8.3
Build Number 4196

Re: Water heater heat exchanger

Reply #3 –
It looks like this place has them is stock.  Not 100% sure if size is correct for you.

Suburban Rv Water Heater, w/Motor Aid, 6 gal.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Water heater heat exchanger

Reply #4 –
The motor aid part of the heater gives you hot water anytime you are underway or have recently parked. We also have a "hot rod" in our heater so it can operate on 110V if you are staying in a place with shore power. An inexpensive option you may add after purchase.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Water heater heat exchanger

Reply #5 –
I replaced mine with the same and love it. I wouldn't remove it
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Water heater heat exchanger

Reply #6 –
Is it possible to replace a 6 gallon water heater with at 10 gallon?  Would it require significant modification or were the coaches built to accept either in case the customer wanted to switch?
Hannah and Tyler Phillips
1993 U280 Grand Villa AKA Pearl
Basement Air
Cummins 6CT8.3
Build Number 4196

Re: Water heater heat exchanger

Reply #7 –
Quote from: The Soft Boulders –
Is it possible to replace a 6 gallon water heater with at 10 gallon?  Would it require significant modification or were the coaches built to accept either in case the customer wanted to switch?

Dimensions are the same except for depth.  If Foretravel did not orig install 10 Gal, or offer it as an option, that may be the reason.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Water heater heat exchanger

Reply #8 –
Quote from: The Soft Boulders –
Is it possible to replace a 6 gallon water heater with at 10 gallon?  Would it require significant modification or were the coaches built to accept either in case the customer wanted to switch?
I believe the 10 gallon is taller by 3" and deeper.
The following is based on my '91 so there could have been changes I don't know about for a '93.
I believe it's possible on a widebody coach like yours.  You will need to check the depth dimension in particular.  I looked into it on my narrow body '91 and it would just barely not fit.  I don't think Foretravel changed the water tank size so there should be about 3" more of depth (assuming the tank was kept centered) - but again you need to verify.
It's really difficult to get a good depth dimension from info on the web because they just list "depth" with no definition for what that includes (does it include the cover?, or from mounting flange?)

There is a frame that is screwed to the ceiling and bulkhead wall (with the storage compartment).  That frame is just welded tubing and will need to modified to be taller.  Since it's screwed in you could take it out and drop it off in any weld shop to be modified.  See attached photos of where the screws are.

You also might need to modify the bay door.  The inside surface of mine is has the inner skin and rigid foam removed for clearance with the heater.  FT just used silicone to seal the exposed foam edge.

P.S.  Due to how hard it is to reach behind the heater when it's installed, I suggest you use extension hoses for the water connections on the back of the heater (found at Home Depot, etc.) - you will need a short nipple too.  This will allow you to connect them before you install it.  You can set the face of the water heater on a stool in front of the compartment so the hoses reach.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Water heater heat exchanger

Reply #9 –
Another thing I forgot to mention was the J section aluminum extrusion trim that goes around the heater and holds the bulb seal.  Due to the height change of a 10 gallon, one piece will need to be shorted and another lengthen by 3".  I would check with FT to see if you can buy a piece of that extrusion.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Water heater heat exchanger

Reply #10 –
Tyler: Know that I am getting in this late but you might want to connect with Chuck ( Balcanthez is sign on name here). He installed a tankless water heater in his Grand Villa. Very slick install and if I remember fit great. No more running out of hot water. Saw it last year in Quartzite. Believe he will be there as well this year
The Starship- 1990 Grandvilla Unihome U300 40ft
6V92 Detroit Diesel w/ 4 spd Allison w/ retarder. Build# 3575 , Foretravel# 17895
The Shuttlecraft- 2015 Ford Explorer
Steve ( N6EKV ) & Lori ( N6JTD ) Faries  w/ Marlee our precious pup.
Patterson CA.

Re: Water heater heat exchanger

Reply #11 –
Quote from: steve31 –
Tyler: Know that I am getting in this late but you might want to connect with Chuck ( Balcanthez is sign on name here). He installed a tankless water heater in his Grand Villa. Very slick install and if I remember fit great. No more running out of hot water. Saw it last year in Quartzite. Believe he will be there as well this year

Steve,
That was not included in the tours??  Y'all were holding out on me!

2000 GV320 4010 build #5712  2019-?
1999 Bounder 2000-2008
Bardstown, KY
🥃The Bourbon Capital of the World🥃

Re: Water heater heat exchanger

Reply #12 –
We've never run out of hot water with our 10 gallon 3-way heater.

 I wouldn't be without the engine heating option,  don't always want the propane w/heater going while underway.

 When occasionally plugged in to shore power it's a bonus to use their electric for w/heat.

    Just sayin.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR