http://www.rvcruzer.com/aquahot.phpI'm just starting to dig into the world of diesel pushers with the anticipation of buying one at some point in the future (probably years from now).I got off on a bit of tangent and found this article on DIY servicing of an Aqua-Hot system. The system has a lot of similarities to a residential oil burning furnace but has a few more moving parts. Anyhow, I figured I'd share it here since it's very detailed and could be useful to someone searching for info.When I initially read about the systems I thought it would be a great feature to look for in a coach someday. After reading this I'm not so sure I'd want all the complexity and potential for problems. I know in houses oil burning furnaces are much less forgiving to being neglected in terms of maintenance compared to natural gas or electric units. I'd also be curious to hear if anyone has the systems and if they're reliable and if the added service cost/effort is worth the benefit.

Having an Aqua-Hot system is a "must have" on many peoples list for purchasing a motorhome.

I've owned 4 coaches with standard LP heater…..3 coaches with aqua hot…..I never, never, never will go back to LP. As far as maintenance, once a year done at the service about $275 and that's it…very easy to do yourself if you want to learn. Forever hot water, no filling LP tanks, no danger of explosion, warm floors, even heat……one of the best additions to any motorhome!

It may depend on use but we found servicing the Aqua-Hot every other year works just fine. At first, I was having it done every year for the first couple of years. Then, when I saw the nozzle that the tech removed from the unit I thought it was the new one.So now, we have moved to a two year cycle and all has worked well. The tech will clean out the burner, check the boiler fluid, change out the nozzle, blow out the exhaust system and replace the fuel filter. Ours virtually has no smoke when operating, just a slight hum.I was able to give it a good test recently since we went through Colorado and the lows dipped into the 40's. The system worked perfectly. All the heat registers were blowing hot air which was telling me that the boiler fluid was being pumped to the right areas and all the pumps and fans were working, etc. Our unit is 7 yrs. old and been 99% trouble free.The only problem we have had was not the fault of the Aqua-Hot. I had a kitchen hose split which caused water to run down the hose and drip water onto the Aqua-Hot electronic board shorting it out. So, the board had to be replaced.Smooth sailing every since.MM.

JTHarley wrote:I've owned 4 coaches with standard LP heater…..3 coaches with aqua hot…..I never, never, never will go back to LP. As far as maintenance, once a year done at the service about $275 and that's it…very easy to do yourself if you want to learn. Forever hot water, no filling LP tanks, no danger of explosion, warm floors, even heat……one of the best additions to any motorhome!Agree, this is a must have for us. Also, AHs are necessary with more coaches being all electric (no propane).

Aqua Hot systems rarely fail. The only problem and this is from lack of yearly maintenance is usually for people that rarely use the RV. The Fuel Nozzle gets gummed up from lack of use. THAT is the main thing the yearly maintenance prevents. Most fulltimers, rarely have problems with the fuel nozzles as they are constantly in use. The ONLY drawback IMO is you jet the exhaust to your neighbors campsite. Doug

Servicing an Aqua-Hot System | Good Sam Community

Blaster_Man
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
JTHarley wrote:
I've owned 4 coaches with standard LP heater…..3 coaches with aqua hot…..I never, never, never will go back to LP. As far as maintenance, once a year done at the service about $275 and that's it…very easy to do yourself if you want to learn.

Forever hot water, no filling LP tanks, no danger of explosion, warm floors, even heat……one of the best additions to any motorhome!

Agree, this is a must have for us. Also, AHs are necessary with more coaches being all electric (no propane).
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
It may depend on use but we found servicing the Aqua-Hot every other year works just fine. At first, I was having it done every year for the first couple of years. Then, when I saw the nozzle that the tech removed from the unit I thought it was the new one.

So now, we have moved to a two year cycle and all has worked well. The tech will clean out the burner, check the boiler fluid, change out the nozzle, blow out the exhaust system and replace the fuel filter. Ours virtually has no smoke when operating, just a slight hum.

I was able to give it a good test recently since we went through Colorado and the lows dipped into the 40's. The system worked perfectly. All the heat registers were blowing hot air which was telling me that the boiler fluid was being pumped to the right areas and all the pumps and fans were working, etc. Our unit is 7 yrs. old and been 99% trouble free.

The only problem we have had was not the fault of the Aqua-Hot. I had a kitchen hose split which caused water to run down the hose and drip water onto the Aqua-Hot electronic board shorting it out. So, the board had to be replaced.

Smooth sailing every since.

MM.
JTHarley
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
I've owned 4 coaches with standard LP heater…..3 coaches with aqua hot…..I never, never, never will go back to LP. As far as maintenance, once a year done at the service about $275 and that's it…very easy to do yourself if you want to learn.

Forever hot water, no filling LP tanks, no danger of explosion, warm floors, even heat……one of the best additions to any motorhome!
Flyawes
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
Having an Aqua-Hot system is a "must have" on many peoples list for purchasing a motorhome.

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