Just talked with my Dad and he's finally settled on a motorhome, it a 2015 Tuscany. It's a gigantic 42 footer too. Sounds like it's going to be 2 weeks before he can pick it up though. This new coach will have Aqua-Hot, I don't know anything about these systems. It sounds like they run off of diesel to make hot water and heat for all of the motorhome. Can they run off just AC if you're at a campsite or your generator is running? It would suck if they didn't I would think.So Aqua-hot sounds like a good thing if it can run off diesel or AC, but no LP, he said the coach doesn't even have an LP tank.So what type of maintenance is required owning this type of heating system? Is there anything special you have to do when winterizing?I'd appreciate any tips you all have, I know my Dad will be calling me daily with all his questions. He traded in his old Safari, that was relatively low-tech compared to today's new motorhomes... :-|Here's the link he sent me, looks too fancy for me and my kids: Video Review of 2015 Thor TuscanyThanks, any insight is much appriciated.

Once he has it, he'll never buy another coach without it. Endless hot water. It will heat your coach also. Maintenance is recommended once a year. I do mine every other year. Maintenance consists of replacing the nozzle assembly, checking the fuel pressure and general clean up. The diesel burner can get dirty. Easiest way to check if it needs maintenance is by smell. If there's smoke or a strong diesel smell while it's running, it needs attention. Most units have an electric switch. While on electric, you won't get anywhere near the recovery time as you do with the diesel burner. I leave my electric on so I have hot water for dishes etc. We turn the diesel on when showering or doing the laundry.....Dennis

Thor gives you a great deal...Aqua hot is supposed to be great...although I don't have it my next coach will....just make sure he does a thorough PDI and goes thru all the systems...my friend leaves his on electric and only uses the diesel setting if it drops below 40 out or if more than two people are take showers one after another..He says it handles two just fine on electric...he has the 40 X which is the full wall right curb side slide...

You are equating diesel operation with an engine. The Aqua-Hot is much much quieter. Some people think there is an objectionable odor when they run. If they are set right I don't think they have an objectionable odor. They really get a coach warm in the morning.You typically use just AC for just hot water. The diesel is typically only needed when you need coach heat or you are dry camping and do not want to run the generator to heat the water.

Thor Tuscany Motorhome's Aqua-hot,do you want that in an RV?

IndianaBoy
Explorer
Oct 26, 2014
Thanks everyone for all this input. He was very excited about this new system... Sounds like for good reason.

timmac wrote:
But what about the slide out system, Thor's low priced diesels have a down side when it comes to quality..

I think Thor's slid-eout problems are past them. I was talking to a Camping World salesmen about a Challenger and they replaced them all with a new system the has 6 tracks over 4 and they are now one of the best... according to his experience.
Oilman
Explorer
Oct 26, 2014
I Had one, glad its gone. If you need a repair beyond the basic maintenance of the nozzle/filter good luck finding a COMPETENT repair person.

They ALL stink when running on diesel. Diesel exhaust smells no where its coming from. There is no such thing as NO SMELL as some say. I felt sorry for my neighbors and would turn mine off as soon as possible.

Unlimited hot water seems to be mentioned as a great benefit by some owners. I have had three propane water heaters and every one gave me all the hot water I ever needed. I guess with the "unlimited" hot water feature you could let your hot water keep running just because you can.

On the Plus side one of my favorite features was the ability to draw fuel directly out of the diesel tank. Also the multiple heat exchangers spread the heat quietly and efficiently.

If I full-timed I would consider another. It seems alot of newer mid-level coaches and up use this system so you really do not have much choice .
okgc
Explorer
Oct 26, 2014
Ivylog wrote:
okgc wrote:
Do Aqua-Hot systems get drained when they are winterized?

Might want to read my first post on page one.

Thanks......sorry skimmed right past your post.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Oct 26, 2014
okgc wrote:
Do Aqua-Hot systems get drained when they are winterized?

Might want to read my first post on page one.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Oct 26, 2014
"I don't have one BUT" I'll bash it any way. I had a full service done this summer for less than $200. I did the previous service my self five years ago for less than$50. Four years previous to that there was a recall on the burner so I had the nozzle I had put in for free. 12 years and $250 is NOT expensive to me.
With only one electric element I rarely have to run the the boiler during the winter in Fla. since we only boondock in the summer boiler run time is less than 30 minutes/day on days that we do not travel as that's all it takes for doing the dishes and two showers. It takes well over 150 hours of boiler use before the nozzle needs changing. And YES I do not change my engine oil every year too as it's good for 15K+ miles based on oil samples.
mci7
Explorer
Oct 26, 2014
Have a Foretravel 2001, the Aqua Hot requires attention by the owner, routine cycling with the diesel burner, my unit had an issue when it was purchased, had the correct shop totally fix/ update, instruct me on my responsibilities and no more problems.
Not cheap but oh so nice. Yes runs on electric down to about 30f, then you need the boiler. The Foretravel has two heat pumps on roof, they do better than the heat strips by far, lots of heat, always surprise me the amount of hot air from them.
Staying warm/comfy in a Foretravel is easy, also use in below zero is not an issue. button up basement, it is heated by the Aqua Hot with a adjustable thermostat.
Had other coaches, but none like this one so am stuck with this one for life, am 73 do no big claims, just happiness.
Dave M
timmac
Explorer
Oct 26, 2014
MeanderMan wrote:
I don't have one, and based on my experience with fellow full timers that do, glad I don't. Every one I know has at one time had major maintenance issues and most have had problems finding qualified maintenance shops. I realize they're great while they're working, but they require a high degree of maintenance and as much as they cost, I'll stick with with my 10 gallon quick recovery WHheat pump, and furnaces.

Yea I always thought my 10 gal fast recovery was good enough, not sure why I would need endless hot water in a rv, when dry camping where would all that water come from.
MeanderMan
Explorer
Oct 26, 2014
I don't have one, and based on my experience with fellow full timers that do, glad I don't. Every one I know has at one time had major maintenance issues and most have had problems finding qualified maintenance shops. I realize they're great while they're working, but they require a high degree of maintenance and as much as they cost, I'll stick with with my 10 gallon quick recovery WH, heat pump, and furnaces.
timmac
Explorer
Oct 26, 2014
But what about the slide out system, Thor's low priced diesels have a down side when it comes to quality..
Mike_and_Trish
Explorer
Oct 26, 2014
Bob&AnnaMarie wrote:
You may also want to check if this Aqua Hot includes a basement heater.

Yes, it has at least one (maybe two, I don't recall) Aqua-Hot heat exchanger in the basement, more than sufficient to keep the tanks from freezing.