Tankless Hot Water System, New RV... Still on lot

[wmtire]

I'm concerned that this unit has too much demand placed on it with 2 AC units, as well, only being a 30-amp rig. We were told it's not a problem because the AC's are set up to "sft start" whatever that means. Anyone have any input on this? I

Yeah, the brochure/website says there is an option for two soft start 13.5K air conditioners instead of one 15K. Soft start kits are better explained here:

successstory-jerrysuccess - SoftStartRV

Solving RV Power Surges with Soft Start RV: A Step-by-Step Experience “That cold air is coming right off of air and blowing on my back right now and I am a happy camper.” -Jerry, Happy Place Diaries. https://youtu.be/TC7W39EMA9Q The Problem: High Power Surge When Running RV Air ConditionersOne...

www.softstartrv.com

Here is Flagstaff brochure:

https://forestriverinc.com/brochures/2025/2025MicroLiteSuperbrochure.pdf

 

[Dwilcox]

I do not think you will be happy with a 30 AMP unit. with 2 AC, even with soft starts it is unlikely you will be able to use anything else if both are running, Microwave, electric fireplace if it has one, coffee maker, toaster, etc. will most likely be out of the question.
I would suggest you make them run everything you would plan to use at the same time.
Good luck and I hope you make it work out in your favor.

 

[tomkatb]

The tankless water heaters are an advantage for you as they are gas only usually! The electric option would not work for you with 30 amp service.

It would be good if they installed soft starts on the ac units. The soft starts separate the motors in the unit so they come on separately drawing less power. Otherwise you might not be able to run two units.

You are on the edge though on power. Set the two ac units a degree apart. Helps some.

If it become an issue there is a sort of an option. Wire a new box for one ac circuit to a separate cord. Then 50 amp service plug and adapter.

 

[cpl1992]

Same here, never again. Our Rockwood (same as Flagstaff) has been great.

That's so good to hear. Still waiting on someone to call back and our first payment is already due, and we still don't have our rig or any answers.

 

[cpl1992]

I do not think you will be happy with a 30 AMP unit. with 2 AC, even with soft starts it is unlikely you will be able to use anything else if both are running, Microwave, electric fireplace if it has one, coffee maker, toaster, etc. will most likely be out of the question.
I would suggest you make them run everything you would plan to use at the same time.
Good luck and I hope you make it work out in your favor.

Thanks, yes... we'll won't leave until we know all is good. My husband thought about asking them to convert to a 5o amp (not sure how or if that's something that could be done) but, at this point, I'd just assume NOT and only run one AC at a time. Alternate and save the life on them.

 

[cpl1992]

The tankless water heaters are an advantage for you as they are gas only usually! The electric option would not work for you with 30 amp service.

It would be good if they installed soft starts on the ac units. The soft starts separate the motors in the unit so they come on separately drawing less power. Otherwise you might not be able to run two units.

You are on the edge though on power. Set the two ac units a degree apart. Helps some.

If it become an issue there is a sort of an option. Wire a new box for one ac circuit to a separate cord. Then 50 amp service plug and adapter.

Hmmmmm... I wonder if THAT's the problem? I bet you're right... maybe they've been trying to install an electric tankless. They had mentioned something about the "board" being faulty? So they ordered a new tankless heater. I just assumed they were all gas as that's all we ever had.

 

[pra12456]

Super frustrated. We bought a 2024 Flagstaff 25BRDS over a month ago, requested to have a tankless water heater installed. It's STILL in their shop. When we call for updates, we are repeatedly told there was a problem with the "panel" and they are waiting on "warranty work" approval. This is a BRAND NEW rig...warranty work??? Shaking my faith in the brand, for sure and we are about to retire and go full time RVing. I'm concerned that this unit has too much demand placed on it with 2 AC units, as well, only being a 30-amp rig. We were told it's not a problem because the AC's are set up to "sft start" whatever that means. Anyone have any input on this? I'm calling the general manager TODAY. We are putting our home on the market May 1st and this rig was to be our home for the foreseeable future. Did we make a mistake?!

Our FR3, has been amazing hanger Queen since we purchased it back in August. Dealer would not call back, parts never got ordered. To the point we asked Forest River to let another dealer do the work. They did but still waiting on approvals.

 

[Joe M.]

Super frustrated. We bought a 2024 Flagstaff 25BRDS over a month ago, requested to have a tankless water heater installed. It's STILL in their shop. When we call for updates, we are repeatedly told there was a problem with the "panel" and they are waiting on "warranty work" approval. This is a BRAND NEW rig...warranty work??? Shaking my faith in the brand, for sure and we are about to retire and go full time RVing. I'm concerned that this unit has too much demand placed on it with 2 AC units, as well, only being a 30-amp rig. We were told it's not a problem because the AC's are set up to "sft start" whatever that means. Anyone have any input on this? I'm calling the general manager TODAY. We are putting our home on the market May 1st and this rig was to be our home for the foreseeable future. Did we make a mistake?!

Try reaching out to Forestriver. They have treated us very well in the past when we had some issues with our new TT. Call or email them and explain you situation it's a pretty good chance they will find a solution for you. Even if you have to take it to another dealer for repairs.

 

[KenEtch]

Thanks, yes... we'll won't leave until we know all is good. My husband thought about asking them to convert to a 5o amp (not sure how or if that's something that could be done) but, at this point, I'd just assume NOT and only run one AC at a time. Alternate and save the life on them.

Our 2024 Forest River Forester model 2861, 30A service, has two A/c from factory, both with softstart. Additionally, it has shed circuit technology built in. Basically if you have both A/c running simultaneously, for example, then forget and turn on a Microwave or other high wattage device, power shedding instantly begins to prevent 30 Amp overload. As soon as your toaster, hair dryer, microwave shutoff, the circuit that was shed will resume normal operation. 30 Amp Units equipped with two softstart A/c AND power shedding technology do fine on 30A service. 50A service is definitely better, but 30A service is very doable.