Any feedback on the Eccotemp L10?

Standard RV water heaters mount to the outside wall so the combustion air and exhaust go to the outside, not the inside. The tank sits on the inside. They are either pilot or DSI ignition (the latter being much more common these days, though both are available), so use either no or very, very little propane when not heating water. They're basically miniature versions of standard gas residential hot water heaters.

I don't know how the overall efficiency would compare with the L10, but I would not expect it to be too different overall. It would mainly depend on the efficiency of the heat transfer in the two heaters, not on some magic improvement for one or the other. There is a little more heat loss over time for a water heater with a tank (through the tank), but that should be pretty much irrelevant for a food truck where you'd turn it on at the start of business and could turn it off at the end. It would not be sitting unused for long periods of time.

What kind of food are you serving? Assuming it's hot food, how are you cooking it? A stove or oven or grill will use a lot more propane than any water heater (if gas fired), or a lot more electricity than a small electric water heater (if electrically powered), so fuel for the water heater seems to me to be a moot point in most cases. I suppose if you're not selling hot foods or have something like a wood fired pizza oven or charcoal barbecue then other energy needs might be rather minimal.

I was not aware some devices use propane in its liquid form. But the L10 uses the gas form not sure why they specify liquid propane.
I agree on the permanence issue but im hoping that wont be an problem for the first couple of months. Then I can upgrade the unit. I was aware of the outdoor problem. Ive seen videos where they extend the flue to the outside through a hole, or I was thinking I could stretch a flue near the extractor although im more partial to it leading directly outside. Or setting the L10 directly outside and running the water pipes though the walls.

How does the suburban or atwood units handle carbon monoxide? Do they have to be outside mounted too? Or can I make an opening for it to fit flush with my wall and the rest resting inside the truck?

I know they fit in a dedicated opening on an rv but since Ill have to create the opening on the food truck can It rest on the inside space where we will be working?

One of the reasons the L10 appeals to me is the propane usage. It is electronically ignited and only draws propane when required. This can make a 20lb tank last quite a while. Any comments on the rv heating systems lp usage? Is it comparable?

wanderingbob wrote:
LIQUID PROPANE is a gas when released . It is stored as a liquid . LPG, liquid propane gas .

Sort of, but not really.

There IS two distinct types of propane "delivery".

The STANDARD propane delivery to RV APPLIANCES IS PROPANE GAS VAPOR.

Propane cylinder has a dip tube that PREVENTS ANY LIQUID PROPANE from being delivered to your devices. The liquid propane sits on the bottom of the cylinder. When pressure in the cylinder drops A GAS VAPOR IS CREATED in the top of the tank. That gas vapor is drawn off by the valve/dip tube.

The SECOND type of propane delivery is DIRECT LIQUID withdrawal..

Valve has a dip tube that goes to the lower part of the tank and you get LIQUID PROPANE..

Propane generators on say motorhomes often use the LIQUID withdrawal.

The two delivery methods cannot be interchanged..

Supplying propane liquid to appliances designed for GAS vapor or the other way around can result in a disaster..

LIQUID PROPANE is a gas when released . It is stored as a liquid . LPG, liquid propane gas .

Mr.Wuzoo wrote:
Truth be told im not preparing a mobile home. I am preparing a food truck. Ive been doing my research all this week and I've been researching into the water system. Ive found what looks like a decent set up with a shurflo 3gpm pump and heating the water with the Eccotemp L10. Cant find too much information online. Reviews seem to be balanced in the middle with it working out for some and being terrible for others. Just wondering if anyone has any comments on this water heater.
Ive beeing eyeing the atwood and suburban models. They look more reliable but installation seems to be a tiny tad more complicated. I dont mind opting for those but if the L10 is a good choice its just less startup money for me and doesnt require too much LP.

Considering my hot water usage I would hardly even use it but I need hot water as per city regulations.
I would greatly appreciate any comments! :)

Description..

Product description

The Eccotemp L10 Portable Tankless Water Heater is one of the hottest tankless water heaters on the market! The Eccotemp L10 Tankless Water Heater gives you endless hot water at your cabin, summer cottage, lake home, potting shed, RV, camper, horse washing stall or wherever else you need hot water. The Eccotemp L10 Portable Tankless Water Heater delivers up to 2.6 Gallons Per Minute of hot water ranging from 80-145 degrees F, plenty for 1-2 hot water applications running at the same time. The 2 "D" cell battery ignition starts the flame only when water is running, so there's no chance of overheating. It is perfect for off grid or areas where you have limited electricity. The L10 comes with standard 1/2" NPT fittings. The ideal operating range is 20-80 PSI. The system also works great on modified water systems with items such as a 12 volt pump. Product Features: Outdoor use only 1 year manufacturer warranty Includes stainless steel rain cap Includes 3.5' hose and CSA regulator for use with standard 20lb grill propane tank Battery igniter means no electricity needed Garden hose adapter included 20 Minute automatic safety shutoff timer Manual water temperature controls Specifications: 2.6 GPM flow capacity Rated voltage: 3V (D Cell Batteries) Water Pressure: 20-80PSI 74,000 BTU Rated heat input: 20kw Rated gas pressure: 11" of water column Weighs 27lbs Unit dimensions: 28" x 17" x 6.5" Gas type: Liquid propane Please note: This is a portable, recreational water heater and should not be permanently installed. When not in use, this water heater should be drained and stored away.
From the Manufacturer

The Eccotemp L10 tankless water heater is one of the hottest tankless water heaters on the market. Designed for a more permanent, outdoor installation, the Eccotemp L10 tankless water heater gives you endless hot water at your cabin, summer cottage, lake homes, potting sheds, RV's, campers, horse washing stalls or wherever else you need hot water. The Eccotemp L10 delivers up to 2.65 Gallons Per Minute of hot water ranging from 80-165 degrees F - plenty for 1-2 hot water applications running at the same time. The 2 "D" cell battery ignition starts only when water is running, so there's no chance of overheating and makes it perfect for off grid or areas where you have limited electricity. The L10 comes with standard 1/2" NPT fittings, making it easily plumbed in with standard fixtures. The ideal operating range is 25~80 PSI. The system also works great on modified water systems such as a 12 volt pump. Available in liquid propane only. Eccotemp has become the brand people trust with 24/7 technical support available toll free at 866-356-1992.

Two major points in bold above.

#1 Specifically states it should not be permanently mounted.

The manufacturers description clearly does not make any sense, the pix I found looks like a wall mount but yet the manufacturer says it is portable.

The 1/2" pipe thread would be typical for say a permanent fixed pipe connection, for portable I would have expected say a bib hose fitting instead.

#2 Available for use with LIQUID PROPANE ONLY!

This one really is a problem, standard portable propane cylinders output is propane GAS, not LIQUID!

To get liquid propane you would need something like a forklift cylinder or a permanent under the vehicle propane TANK ($$$$) a very expensive option which has liquid outlet.

Personally I think you will be much better off using a standard off the shelf built in RV water heater.

They cost not much more than the $219 Eccotemp.

You can get a Atwood 6 gallon pilot light tank HERE for $275.

If you dig around a bit, you most likely will find a bit lower price on a Atwood, just be aware, the pilot version is the cheapest.. Fancier electronic ignition will cost more but in reality, pilot version is rather trouble free and does not require 12V or batteries for operation.

Then you can use a 20 lb propane cylinder to operate the water heater..

That unit looks like it is not meant to be permanently mounted, as it says for outdoor use only. I doubt it would pass inspection.
If you have a generator, cheapest would be a small electric. Most practical would be a Suburban (or Atwood) with the motor aid coil, which would heat the water using engine heat. Also the most expensive :(