After considerable discussion with a couple of my vary capable friends and relatives, I decided to discard the AquaHot unit and replace it with:
- a standard RV water heater with electric, gas and engine heat transfer for the coach heating
- a demand water heater for domestic hot water
- a vented blue flame heater/fireplace located behind the passenger seat. This was done at the expense of the existing small cabinet
I added a HotShot to the coach heater and use it basically to heat the bedroom/bathroom and basement. The front is heated with either the fireplace (blueflame heater) or 2 or 3 ceramic heaters running on 750 watts each.
Since it rains here a lot (understatement), we have purchased a residential size dehumidifier. This has proven very effective in terms of condensation inside the coach. Our windows are clear and moisture free all the time.
All in all, I am pleased with these modifications. I have moved from a heating system that would not have served me in this cold, wet environment. I have new equipment that I can maintain myself (have not needed any yet except replacement of a fuse and maintaining resevoir of heater antifreeze.)
Cost of the two heaters located in the back was ~750CDN each. The vented blueflame heater was $1100CDN. Additional propane lines and connections was ~$500CDN. Taxes added an additional 11%. The work was done by myself and my two very capable friends. One of these friends has gas papers and supervised the work done.
Not sure if anyone else would want to undertake such an upgrade, but it certainly has worked well for me.
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Leigh & Georgette Calnek
'97 Safari Continental/Sofa Slide
3126B Cat, MD3060 Allison
Toad: 2006 Chev Colorado 4X4