Convert water heater to On-demand

[mrcerretti]

I have an 11' 390BH. Has anyone converted their water heater to an insta-hot, on demand type?

Looking for how-to or advice.

Thanks,
Matt

[Phil57]

My 2011 had on demand. Why are you wanting to switch it. There are several products out there none are perfect.

[mrcerretti]

Our water heater quit working. And we like to take showers for longer than four minutes

[Phil57]

A couple of thoughts. The Garrard is what most of the Berkshires come with. They are coming out with a Gen 3 that promises temperature control. Atwood also makes one and I know Mike and Sylvia put one in their MH maybe they will chime in. I saw a new product at the Tampa RV show but I can't find the literature I picked up. It looked very promising and offered full temp control. The problem with that system is the covers don't match. And they are white plastic. At any rate if you change the WH to a inline system you will have the added expense of a new cover and getting it painted. I wonder if you have room for a ten gallon system. I have heard that if you run them with both heat sources running it works almost like an in line system. If I find the name of the new system I will get it to you.

[mrcerretti]

Thanks for the info!! Maybe we will try for a 10 gallon system, or a second 5 gallon holding tank. We dont want to have the grill painting, match problems.

Thank you.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by mrcerretti

Thanks for the info!! Maybe we will try for a 10 gallon system, or a second 5 gallon holding tank. We dont want to have the grill painting, match problems.

Thank you.

I would just add a pressure holding tank like you use for wells. It would also cut down on either the electrical used which really doesn't matter but propane would.

[caper]

They make on tank-less heaters that are the same size as the tanked heaters and the existing panel will fit.

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by caper

They make on tank-less heaters that are the same size as the tanked heaters and the existing panel will fit.

You will at least need to cut a hole in the existing panel.

[caper]

Suburban make a 16 gal water heater that used the same door and the 10 gal. it is 6.5" deeper.

[billg]

Precision Temp makes one that fits in the same space as a 10 gal. Had it for 3 years without a bit of trouble. I little expensive but quality and easy to install.

[Mojojojo]

To get a matching paint job find a hot rod shop, they do the best work ,just my $0.02

[uralman]

My new Berkshire has instant hot water heater. Problem is that the hot water is not so instant. I prefer a tank heater now that I have had both. Plus it is very noisy.

[outloud]

If you are boondocking and on house water with pump running a on demand hot water or tank heated doesn't work. The best way to have it work is city water with good pressures. As for tank heaters you are at there terms.

[uralman]

I agree. The instant hot water maker would not be good for internal tank water. It saves gas but wastes water.

[Phil57]

It heats as fast as a tank does. Remember all the lines are separate on the Berks. The water is instantly hot but to go through the water manifold takes time.

[I-RV]

Originally Posted by billg

Precision Temp makes one that fits in the same space as a 10 gal. Had it for 3 years without a bit of trouble. I little expensive but quality and easy to install.

Bill, I have a Gen 1 Girard and very unhappy with it. Spec-wise, the Precision Temp RV-550 with automatic temperature regulation is much superior to the Girard. I have been asking this forum for feedback on the Precision Temp for a long time. You appear to be the first FR person to have one. Even at the additional cost, I would jump at it, but it is a little larger then my Girard. Not sure if it would fit.

Anything additional that you could say about it, would be highly appreciated.
Hank

[mrcerretti]

Originally Posted by Phil57

You will at least need to cut a hole in the existing panel. Attachment 69728Attachment 69729

Phil, which model number did you use?

[dan-nickie]

Originally Posted by mrcerretti

Phil, which model number did you use?

I believe Phil has the Girard Gen 2.

[Mojojojo]

Gen 2 has a dial mounted in the rig that can turn up or down the burner. We love our ten two had to buy one the day we picked up this trailer. Gerard gen 1 no dial.

[Phil57]

Thanks Dan I do have the gen two. For those that have the gen one make a call to Randy and de if they will give any help on replacing the gen one. It's worth it. Also according to the manufacturer rep I talked to at the Tampa show they have a gen three that will have in line temperature control. He wasn't sure if the release date.