Aqua Hot Questions...

sloman2001 wrote:
for a MH "wanna be".

We are considering a coach with the Aqua Hot system (I have read the operating manual) and are trying to find out a little more about it, so thank you in advance for any responses. Without laying out a litany of questions, here are 5 questions about the Aqua Hot system I’m seeking clarification on.

Can you use the AH hot water system when camping in sub 32 degree conditions (maybe 25 degrees), or must you always winterize if it is going to get below freezing? We often camp in colder weather, so I just want to know if I need to winterize at the slightest chance of 32 and below. (not asking about the coach heating, but the water heating system)

You never need to winterize if you are going to leave the system hot.

Generally, what constitutes the bay heating system (maybe coach specific)? Do I need to ask the particular dealer?

Every coach I've had with hydronic heat has had a heat exchanger in the water bay. You should ask the seller.

To winterize, I have read you cannot merely blow out the lines, but you must use anti-freeze. I am just curious as to why?

Because the domestic hot water is produced via a coil in the AH. Coils of copper tubing don't blow out well and are destroyed by freezing water.

If you are going to be driving through conditions below 32 degree’s and are using the engine to heat the rig, do you still need to winterize your lines?

No

For heating only (not for the continuous water supply) to what general outside temperature will Aqua Hot’s use of the 120 VAC burner be sufficient before the diesel burner kicks in or will electric alone provide enough heat? In reading the operating instructions, it sounds like the electric element alone will heat the anti-freeze solution for heating. But it also sounds like you need the diesel burner, so I am just a little confused. Any clarification here would be helpful.

The answer is dependent on the size and insulation quality of the coach. Remember, the heating coil is only 12.6 amps. The same size as a small space heater. You wouldn't expect to heat a large, four slide coach with one space heater on low. So, maybe down to 45 degrees or so but you won't get much domestic hot water without the diesel burner.

Maybe these sound a little dumb, so thanks for your patience. Thanks again for your time!
Tom