mexbird
edmonton
New Member
Joined: 11/30/2005
View Profile
 Offline
|
We are looking to purchase a Class A and it has Aqua Hot Water System in it and we were wondering if anyone has had any problems with it. Is it noisy to when working? Are you happy with it? Thanks in advance!
|
big jimbo
Carson City, NV/Surprise, AZ.
Senior Member
Joined: 11/14/2000
View Profile
Offline
|
I am not happy with my Aqua Hot. I don't like the fact that in very cold weather it will not keep the coach warm on the electric setting. If it is very cold you have to use diesel to stay warm.
The water heater function is the same as the heater, works fine on electric if the ambient temp. is not too cold. In cold weather, we turn on the diesel burner about 15 minutes before we take our showers.
Both of the preceeding scenarios are when you are in a park and plugged in.
I have not had any technical problems, YET, but I understand they are very expensive to repair.
If I were buying another coach, I would try to find one that had a propane water heater and the old type of furnace, even though they are very noisy.
If you have more questions and would like to talk, send me a private message and I will give you my phone number.
Jim and Sally and a Lakeland Terrier named Rufus
Carson City, NV/Surprise,AZ
2006 Alpine Coach Apex 40'
Towing a 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac with a Blue Ox tow bar and using a Brake Buddy.
|
Rich D.
New England
Senior Member
Joined: 03/10/2003
View Profile
|
I have an AquaHot system in our Wanderlodge and have been very happy with it. It does require an annual maintenance which consists of changing the burner nozzle and the filter and doing a cleaning while you have the burner out. This maintenance is something that most any DIY'er can handle by themselves. Vehicle Systems has detailed instructions and service manuals.
The noise is less than that of a LP gas water heater. I can't really hear mine running from inside and have never had anyone outside complain. There is an air shutter that may be the cause of excessive noise on some that need adjustment.
We have used the AquaHot for unlimited hot water and for heat which varies by coach builder. Mine has 3 individually adjustable interior zones plus a bay zone. There are six interior registers with super quiet fans and two more in the bays.
We have used the unit all winter several years so it has had plenty of use. I had a couple of minor repairs (stuck water temperature equalization/mixer valve and a bad electric thermostat) that were easily fixed.
When connected to 50 amp service the diesel burner rarely comes on when the coach is used in warm weather and two people doing dishes and showers etc. The electric element in the boiler (which is much larger than a HydroHot) keeps the temperature up higher than the call point for the diesel burner.
Hope this info helps.
Rich D. Wanderlodge LXi 43'
.jpg)
|
fourfurz
Memphis
Senior Member
Joined: 03/23/2008
View Profile
|
We have it in our unit and I'll agree with the first posted about the way it works with the electrical element. I've read that there is an option for a second electrical element, which may make the problem of heating by diesel moot. As far as the way the system works, I've been quite pleased. The heat is effective and even, we've camped in very cold weather (around 15f) with the coach staying nice and toasty. The hot water never runs out, as long as you have the diesel turned on and if the engine is running, the heat and hot water are free.
I guess the bottom line is that the system works as advertised, but if you're sensitive about cost to operate, this system may be more expensive than an all electric alternative, if there is one.
We don't in any way regret having this feature.
2007 Mountain Aire 4528
2006 CRV SE
Based in Memphis area
|
2Divers
Lakeland, Florida
Senior Member
Joined: 03/18/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
I would not have a coach without it.
Bill
Bill (Driver) 
BUCS (SCW) USNR Ret. 
Helen (Navigator) 
Furry Kitty Kids
Linus 
Lucy 
Peaches 
2000 Country Coach Magna 40
2000 Grand Cherokee, Aventa II and Toad-Stop
|
|
|
Chief45
Porterville, Calif.
Senior Member
Joined: 03/25/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
We are very happy with ours. We bought a new rig and were not sure we needed it or the Washer and Dryer. We are very happy with both.
The biggest issue is the coach itself. If your happy with it and it has an aquahot system or not -- buy it, and enjoy the lifestyle.
|
Lug_Nut
Newmarket , Ontario, Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 06/13/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
I have HydroHot and, providing it is serviced properly, yearly, it is no problem and provides great heat. I've been in zero degree weather and felt comfortable throughout the coach. I would not buy another without.
'07 Newmar Essex 45' ISM 500 4 slides
|
JohnnyT
Goshen New York
Moderator
Joined: 07/15/2003
View Profile
|
Would not own another coach without one. The coach is easily maintained at 70 degrees inside and 60 in the basement even into single digit weather.
The routine annual maintenance is simple and takes less than 30 minutes.
Our unit is very quite... Unless you are sitting at the booth in the kitchen area you cannot hear it.. You can hear it outside if you are close to the exhaust.
You can download all the manuals for the unit...Including the service and installation manual as well as the parts and operators manual.
JohnnyT
|
UltimaRV
USA & Europe
Senior Member
Joined: 04/13/2006
View Profile
|
Another vote for "would not own another coach without one." Especially, if you are from Edmondton! The system works well, both in the cold while on the diesel burner and on Spring mornings while on electric, but I too wish it had more "umph" while on shore power in cold weather.
Dian, Robert & Precious - Presently RV'ing in Europe!
2000 45' Featherlite Vogue 5000, tag, slide, Detroit Series 60
2006 19' Towcorp enclosed trailer w/60" tongue
2004 13' Ultima GTR (9.9 seconds standing quarter mile)
|
Locomotiveman
Willmar, MN
Senior Member
Joined: 03/07/2005
View Profile
|
My Aqua-Hot is finicky. Older...non-computerized units...have no diagnostic readout. They require $$ attention/service. Wonderful to NOT need propane refills, as it uses diesel from the main tank. Wife LOVES it. I wish it would be less expensivc to maintain, they are NOT a 'set-it-and-forget-it' item. TOM
Locomotiveman..Yes I am a career cross-country Locomotive Engineer. Wife is an RN. We are CLOSE to retiring and 'downsized' to a Monaco Executive w/450hp Cummins and nice drapes. Locomotiveman
|
|
|
