pros and cons of hydro heat

BigSkyBob wrote:
I'd never even look at a rig without hydronic heating.

We wouldn't either....Dennis

I have the Aqua-Hot DE450 unit in my Camelot and love the system. I do my own annual maintenance so that's not an issue with me. I've had to replace a few items that died but that holds true with most any system that's used a lot. I'd never even look at a rig without hydronic heating.

The pros are great - when it works, it is wonderful. The downside is when it doesn't work (and we have had numerous problems over the last 12 years) you don't have hot water! Also there is the problem with the diesel smoke/smell which should be minimal if the unit is properly and regularly serviced.

My favorite thing is virtually unlimited hot water when running on diesel. There is ample hot water on electric but two long showers back to back will tax the system. The unit works on engine heat, electric and/or diesel burner. So stopping for the night after driving there is plenty of hot water for a shower or to do dishes (if you do them fairly soon say within 30-60 minutes). With hookups or when running the generator, we generally have plenty of hot water without the diesel burner. Dry camping we have hot water without running the generator by using the diesel burner. I should mention, for those unfamiliar with this system, it has three separate heating areas - front, bathroom and bedroom. The priority is (1) hot water (2) bathroom heater (3) front and bedroom heaters. There is also an engine warming switch for cold mornings.

We have double-paned windows and have been toasty warm in 11 degree weather dry camping.

Having said all that, we have a relatively small coach 34' and ours, I believe, was the first and maybe only one, that Foretravel originally installed in their 34' units. It was HydroHot (small version)and placed in the middle of the basement compartments making it extremely difficult (understatement) to access and maintain. Furthermore, we had to have an entire new system custom built by Vehicle Systems (?) as they no longer make our unit). This was done a couple of years ago and, as my husband says, $$$$.

Bottom line, I would want this type of unit again; my husband is not so sure.

Diann

Hi,

I found some electrically heated rugs that have no wires. They do a marvelous job of keeping the floor warm.

My assumption is that the units your next to are diesel....Correct? They also make propane units, and for me I would go with this type of system just for the infloor heating.

-paul