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1_old_ram's avatar
1_old_ram
Explorer
May 27, 2013

AquaHot conversion kit?

Not sure if this belongs in the "all" section or would be more viewed in another, so to any Mods out there feel free to move this...

After doing a search on "propane AquaHot" I read the thread "Propane fired Aqua-Hot ?" So now I know that a propane A-H is available, but does anyone know if there is a kit to convert from diesel to propane?
One of the rigs on our "considering" list is a Thor Tuscany 42WX which comes with a full size propane tank (81 lbs) to feed a three burner stove top. I would assume a full tank of propane would last about 20 years or so feeding just the stove... Also on the "considering" list is a Winnebago Tour 42QD which has the same basic floorplan without a propane tank as it is an "all electric" unit. Both the wife and I would prefer a gas stove; but that, by itself, is in no way is a deal breaker, just a "prefer".
I also know that Winnebago has a reputation for building outstanding rigs and providing excellent service after the sale. Can anyone offer any "real world" information on the Thor Tuscany line? Until I retire this RV will primarily be used about 5 to 7 weeks and a couple thousand miles a year, after that we will probably be "half-timing".
Thanks in advance, Dave
Class A
  • 1_old_ram's avatar
    1_old_ram
    Explorer
    May 31, 2013
    paulcardoza wrote:

    Be warned though.... Once you have a coach with an Aqua-Hot, you will NEVER want to be without one! ;-)

    First, thank you all for the advice.
    This brought a smile to my face on a day when I needed it, today is my first day back to that four letter "w" word after 2 weeks of vacation...
    I guess I didn't realize how fuel efficient these are and how little time they actually are burning diesel. My DD isn't in to dry camping for more than 1 night, so we are almost always plugged in which "should" result in little or no fuel being burned. The fridge is a residential model, so no propane usage there; just the stove top.
    So, all in all, it sounds like the folks that have this type of heating system really like it; and I should at least give it a try before I try to change it...
    Thanks again for the advice,
    Dave
  • paulcardoza's avatar
    paulcardoza
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    I cannot imagine why anyone with a diesel fired Aqua-Hot would ever want to convert to propane. The convenience of using diesel is just too great. And no, a properly maintained diesel burner does not smell or smoke at all when operating.

    When hooked up, we have both our diesel and electric switches on 24/7. When heating the interior of the coach, the diesel burner will run for 5min, 2-3 times per hour. When no coach heat is required, the electric element will maintain hot water except during a long shower, so our diesel burner runs maybe once or twice per day, for 5min or so. Like everything else in a coach, I believe using it regularly is beneficial, compared to letting things sit unused for months. At 1/3gal of diesel per hour of operation, I'll not worry about 10min of diesel burner run-time per day.

    Be warned though.... Once you have a coach with an Aqua-Hot, you will NEVER want to be without one! ;-)
  • bluwtr49's avatar
    bluwtr49
    Explorer II
    May 28, 2013
    While I don't have an Aqua-Hot my Hurricane works on the same principle and I did indeed think about a conversion to propane...it really shouldn't be that difficult to replace the burner, controls, add a regulator and safety circuits. Certainly nothing a few 1,000 bills couldn't take care of.

    However, if I only had an 81 lb tank I would be a bit reluctant...not a lot of propane. My 45,000 BTU burner would go thru ~1/2 gal of propane per hour compared to 1/3 gal per hour of diesel so the cost of operation would be close and I carry a lot of diesel. I figure the paypack would be less than 10 years.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    May 27, 2013
    I'm doubtful that a conversion kit is available but Google Roger Burke Aqua Hot and ask him.

    Right now I'm hard pressed to think of any reason to convert but I'll standby and learn.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 27, 2013
    Hi,

    The whole advantage of the aquahot is that it runs on diesel which is therm for therm much cheaper than propane.

    You don't mention if the fridge also runs from that propane tank. If so, you will use a bit more that way than from just cooking.

    My preference would be to go all electric, with massive solar. Without the solar I'd go for the diesel fired aquahot.

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