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bkenobi's avatar
bkenobi
Explorer
Jun 15, 2019

Has anyone replaced a hot water tank with an instant hot?

I have a 2007 NL TC with a 6 gal hot water tank. I've thought about installing an instant hot in my shop to replace a similar sized tank since I almost never use hot water out there. Same logic says an instant hot in the TC would be ideal. I see there at least a couple options that look like they may be about the right size (haven't measured yet).

Has anyone actually done this and if so was it worth it? Would you do it again? Is it more convenient? Easier to winterize? Etc...

13 Replies

  • I'm in the same boat regarding not using the water heater much at all. I do test it each year to make sure it's functioning, but don't really use it. Never really thought of going the instant hot water route as I agree that the current water heater does a fine job when needed. Most trips i run with it empty so not carrying the weight. The only need I have for hot water is doing the dishes so I just heat up some water in a pot on the stove and dump it in the sink. Heats up quick and only the amount I need, not six gallons.
    I have heard of others changing to instant hot water so I would assume size wise it should fit just fine in the same spot your current heater is.
  • I installed the "Hot Rod" electric conversion in my 6 gallon tank. I like it. When the RV is plugged in, my water is hot without firing the LP! Most of the on demand heaters have a large electric or gas pull to heat the water on demand.
    Brian
  • What do you seek to improve? The current water heater is there and works just fine as-is, right? At no extra cost.

    Instantaneous heaters usually need a short time to reach the desired output heat - some extra water is probably wasted that way.

    Usually, fresh water is a more limited resource when traveling than LPG.

    You would also reduce your fresh water reserve by the 6 gal. in the boiler tank.

    In winterizing it might save a few minutes.