ScottG wrote: I've heard such mixed reviews on these. Some love them and some demand the dealer remove them.
The ones that manufacturers have been installing are Girards. They regulate water temperature differently than the RV 500 and many people have problems adjusting to that.
Tankless water heaters work great if and only IF the ground water temperature is a reasonable amount. THey only heat 2 GPM so much, and if you live where it is 45F groundwater, then the water has to come out at a trickle to come out hot! Well maybe 1 GPM. I guess the way around that is to fill the fresh water tank with warm water, then use that to go into the tankless heater.
Fred.
Which tankless water heater are you basing your statement on? Of the five propane fired, tankless water heaters now approved for RV use, the one with the lowest heating capacity is the Girard and it puts out plenty of hot water for a shower (I've actually seen a Girard in operation).
Tankless water heaters work great if and only IF the ground water temperature is a reasonable amount. THey only heat 2 GPM so much, and if you live where it is 45F groundwater, then the water has to come out at a trickle to come out hot! Well maybe 1 GPM. I guess the way around that is to fill the fresh water tank with warm water, then use that to go into the tankless heater.
Fred.
Which tankless water heater are you basing your statement on? Of the five propane fired, tankless water heaters now approved for RV use, the one with the lowest heating capacity is the Girard and it puts out plenty of hot water for a shower (I've actually seen a Girard in operation).
Still waiting to hear which tankless water heater you are basing your statement on.
Don't get me wrong, not picking at all, but looking at the price, I have to ask, what is the difference between that $1200 unit, and the $118 outdoor water heater that hooks to a garden hose and a propane tank? Seems like the same thing, just a difference in mounting. Been considering the outdoor one for after float trips, to rinse off a bit before going inside, and at less than $120, I feel it's justifiable. At $1200, not so much. I have to believe there is a less expensive option that works as well.
mowermech wrote: "...,took a 20 minute shower, temp of water never changed..."
A 20 minute shower??
I never spend that long in a shower at home, much less in the RV!
What a waste, IMO, of both water and energy!
At 2 GPM that is 40 gallons of POTABLE water down the drain, basically for NOTHING!
I sure hope it didn't come out of the aquifer MY well is tapping!
Could say the same thing about your energy habits, judging by your signature. Hemi, diesel, V8s. A 20 minute shower sounds down right economical.
AV8R 130 wrote: Don't get me wrong, not picking at all, but looking at the price, I have to ask, what is the difference between that $1200 unit, and the $118 outdoor water heater that hooks to a garden hose and a propane tank? Seems like the same thing, just a difference in mounting. Been considering the outdoor one for after float trips, to rinse off a bit before going inside, and at less than $120, I feel it's justifiable. At $1200, not so much. I have to believe there is a less expensive option that works as well.
You are essentially comparing a Vespa to a Harley. Sure, the Vespa is cheaper to buy and use but it won't go as fast, last as long, carry as much, nor be as comfortable as the Harley. The "$118" model produces considerably less hot water. The $118 model is probably similar to the ones that Golden_HVAC probably was basing his erroneous comment about tankless water heaters putting out only a trickle of hot water. Unlike the more expensive models, the cheaper models can't be safely mounted permanently in the RV and permanently plumbed into the RV's water system. It won't be weatherproof or wind resistant. It probably wouldn't last long, either, especially if under the same use as a tank type water heater. With the exception of the Girard, the more expensive models have sophisticated control circuitry and valving that controls water temperature even better than a tank type water heater.
Tankless water heaters aren't for everyone. The Girard will probably use more water than a tank type heater, especially when boondocking, because of its bare bones valving. All tankless water heaters will use less propane that a tank type water heater when hot water consumption is the same. However, the main advantage of a tankless water heater is continuous hot water, no matter how long it runs, so boondockers who need to conserve water would not see enough advantage to justify the expense of upgrading to a tankless model unless replacing a failed tank model. Also, because of the temptation to take longer showers, etc. boondockers may find propane and water consumption would actually go up.
The ones who will benefit most will be the RVers who stay only in campgrounds or resorts with full hookups, especially snowbirds who stay at a site for extended periods and want the luxury of long showers, multiple showers one after the other without taking navy showers, running washing machines, etc.
If all you want to do is rinse off occasionally before going inside, the $118 will probably meet your needs. If you want a continuous supply of hot water plumbed into your RVs plumbing system that is as reliable as the original tank type water heater, then you will have to pony up for a unit that is designed for the job.
Btw, the Girard's can be had for around $800. The Atwoods run around $900-$1000 (depending on model). The Precision Temps will run $1100 up, depending on model and add ons. You do have to shop around to get the best price.
mowermech wrote: "...,took a 20 minute shower, temp of water never changed..."
A 20 minute shower??
I never spend that long in a shower at home, much less in the RV!
What a waste, IMO, of both water and energy!
At 2 GPM that is 40 gallons of POTABLE water down the drain, basically for NOTHING!
I sure hope it didn't come out of the aquifer MY well is tapping!
Could say the same thing about your energy habits, judging by your signature. Hemi, diesel, V8s. A 20 minute shower sounds down right economical.
i took a 20 min shower to test it out,,,,,im a full timmer and am happy with my choice
Quote: i took a 20 min shower to test it out,,,,,im a full timmer and am happy with my choice
I wish I could justify the cost. I like tankless designs since they are very efficient. We just don't RV enough days now. If i was fulltime I would consider it.
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