Forum Discussion

bobman's avatar
bobman
Explorer
Oct 31, 2013

Class B water heater question

I am going boon docking in either South Dakota or Kansas pheasant hunting for the next two to three weeks in my coachman class B.

Temps will range from low 30s to high 20's at night to 40-60's in the daytime.

It doesn't have a inside shower and thus I will not really need to use the water heater. I will however be using the cold water supply for watering my dogs washing my hands and taking "navy baths" LOL.

I purchased a Camco water heater bypass kit but after looking over everything I am reluctant to tamper with my tank connections with only a couple days left prior to leaving for my trip. There's very little room to work with and I don't want to be fighting with this project until I get back.

So here's my question.... can I just stuff some fiberglass insulation between the external water heater surface and the external door and not worry about the tank freezing?

I heat my camper with a wave 3 heater so the inside will be well above freezing at night.

Opinions welcome

thanks

Bob
Class B
  • Chirpnchicks's avatar
    Chirpnchicks
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2013
    We have kept our water system operating down to 20F overnight numerous times over the past seven years. I don't feel the propane consumption to maintain hot water is noticeable compared to running the heater to keep the rig warm at night. We like to maintain about 60-62F overnight and use a small battery powered fan to help equalize the temp.
    Jay
  • bobman's avatar
    bobman
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2013
    DO the water heaters use a lot of propane in a situation like this?

    I am not going to install the bypass because its going to require a lot of piping mods due to the space I have to work with. Its very doable but I don't have the time prior to this trip.

    I will be boon docking for 2-3 weeks

    thanks for the answers so far
  • Fastpaddler's avatar
    Fastpaddler
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2013
    Old-biscuit and others have it right. For me, I see no problem, Those expected temperatures are not bad.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 31, 2013
    Bypass it so no water goes in WH tank (and drain it)

    OR

    Use it like it was designed to be used.........making hot water.
    The hot water won't freeze and you won't go burrrrrrrr when washing your face and privates :B

    Save some tail feathers......stuff an empty shotgun shell full of them.
    Now you have your own colorful lawn dart :C
  • hotbyte's avatar
    hotbyte
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2013
    Why not just turn it on (if propane) and enjoy hot water for your hand washing and navy baths?
  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2013
    I'd see about styrofoam insulation over fiberglass if possible, perhaps some Reflectix on the inside.

    If the water heater has a vent or access from the inside, I'd see if that can be opened. That way, if the cab compartment is above freezing, the water heater should be as well, and one can always buy a wireless thermometer to mount between the tank and the outside panel to ensure that is the case.

    I'd also second to pull the fuse or disable the igniter as well. Better safe than sorry.
  • wsfurrie's avatar
    wsfurrie
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2013
    If you stuff it with insulation be sure to disable the igniter so you don't accidentally try to light it. Just pull a wire off.
    Good luck with the hunting.
    Wayne, 05 PW Excel
  • bobojay5's avatar
    bobojay5
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2013
    If it only gets down to the mid 20's at night and upper 30 to low 40's during the day, you won't have any problems.
    It's when it gets down to the mid to low 20's and stays there you get the problems.
    We've had our ERA in mid 20's overnight before, with no issues at all. The water pump was a little sluggish when it first started, but that's about it

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