Tankless water heater for RV's

[Free Bird1954]

Does anyone have any thoughts on tankless water heaters for RV's? I can conserve hot water pretty well, however, the wife, kids & grand kids, sure don't get the concept. Pro's and cons would be appreciated.

[lgray]

We have one in our Class C and love it. Convenient temperature dial is in bathroom. Besides never running out of hot water, nothing to do to winterize and no anode to replace or tank to rust. Water gets hot very fast which is a plus for dry camping.

[Mrs Evans]

Originally Posted by lgray

We have one in our Class C and love it. Convenient temperature dial is in bathroom. Besides never running out of hot water, nothing to do to winterize and no anode to replace or tank to rust. Water gets hot very fast which is a plus for dry camping.

What brand/model is it?

[lgray]

Originally Posted by Mrs Evans

What brand/model is it?

I will have to get that for you this evening, never had a reason to go in an look at it, following my PDI.

[lgray]

Originally Posted by Mrs Evans

What brand/model is it?

Girard

Model: GSWH-1M

[Free Bird1954]

Thanks, will check things out. I know it would make my wife very happy.

[lgray]

I would do a little research as I don’t think that Forest River offers them on any of their products. If they do, I would still do research as most of the FR lines buy their components on price and not necessarily quality. My class C is a 2014 Winnebago Aspect. There are several RV tank-less manufacturers. I would think type of RV and tank size that it is replacing will be important. I will say that the cutout space my tank-less is similar to a normal tank door.
From their supplier list:
Water Heater
Atwood www.atwoodmobile.com
Aqua-Hot www.aquahot.com
Girard www.greenrvproducts.com
Suburban www.suburbanmanufacturing.com

[Crockett]

ok, well I am a self proclaimed consumer advocate. So here are my thoughts. This is a drop in for a suburban 6 gallon almost. there will be some drainage mods. you will need to winterize OR have water pressure, 12 volt power, and lp gas at all times during freezing weather. otherwise she'll freeze. the bottom of the cabinet should be sealed better, unless they fixed it recently...that said, folks love em'

[AlexG]

All FR diesel models come with tankless water heaters. My 2014 Berkshire also has Girard GSWH-1M. While great in warm weather and on a hookup it was a pain in cold temperatures, especially while not connected to water supply on parking lot in Vail in December. Although it was our first trip and I may need to learn how to use it right before making judgements

[Crockett]

the purge function can be routed back to fresh water tank to minimize water loss. not sure if your install routed to the tank or to ground

[lgray]

I should have said nothing special to winterize. The unit is winterized when running antifreeze through it, just like everything else. No anode to pull and drain...
We camped this past weekend in below freezing, dry the first night and day. Other than a lot of air, probably from the pump, the heater function worked just as well as when connected to city water.

[jonrjen]

We had the tankless in our Wildcat 5th wheel when we purchased it new. We now have a standard gas/electric water heater in it's place.


One negative is that the tankless water heater is gas only with no option for heating on electric power.

[Docgeo]

Originally Posted by Free Bird1954

Does anyone have any thoughts on tankless water heaters for RV's? I can conserve hot water pretty well, however, the wife, kids & grand kids, sure don't get the concept. Pro's and cons would be appreciated.

I have a Precision Temp tankless water heater in my 39 foot Americana. We've had it for 7 years and really, really love it!
Here's their phone number:
1 (513) 641-4446

[AlexG]

My issue when not connected and in cold weather was with wasting a lot of water until you dial in water temps

[Mrs Evans]

Originally Posted by Docgeo

I have a Precision Temp tankless water heater in my 39 foot Americana. We've had it for 7 years and really, really love it!
Here's their phone number:
1 (513) 641-4446

Very interesting product. Their RV550 model seems to address/resolve problems with water waste and cold weather handling

RV-550 – Tankless Water Heater for RVs and Trailers - PrecisionTemp

[Crockett]

I read where the precision utilizes 12 volts for heat elements to prevent freezing but could not get the amp draw.

[Mrs Evans]

Originally Posted by Crockett

I read where the precision utilizes 12 volts for heat elements to prevent freezing but could not get the amp draw.

I don't know much about volts/amps and such so not sure what you mean by 'could not get the amp draw'? Also, which PrecisionTemp product are you referring to, the 500 or 550?

Inquiring minds want to know

[Crockett]

I was looking at the spec sheet for the 550 and could not find how much amperage the heaters draw. I was concerned that prolonged use in freezing temps would necessitate 110 hookup.

[Mrs Evans]

Originally Posted by Crockett

I was looking at the spec sheet for the 550 and could not find how much amperage the heaters draw. I was concerned that prolonged use in freezing temps would necessitate 110 hookup.

Ok, I just found in their 'FAQS' section, it says that it uses less than 2 amps of power Not sure why they don't say so in their specs section

[Crockett]

hmmmm...less draw than a 1156 backup lamp bulb. that and the previous posters 7 year no issues post and prospects look good.