| Author | Message | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks)
Rating: N/A |
There's 16.5" clearance between my tanks and bay wall in the rear bay. There's a 12g elec HWH at Lowes which measures 16" in dia. I would *really* like to put the HWH in the rear bay to save room. My elec. HWH at home measures 87 degrees on the outside with one of the handy-dandy laser guns being discussed in a current thread. I believe the mfg. recommends 3" clearance for the HWH, but sitting next to non-flammable matls am desirous to squeeze it in. What say you, most esteemed ones? | ||
| Marc Bourget Rating: N/A |
As long as you keep combustibles away from it, I don't think the Temp will increase enough to hurt the HWH. That criteria is believed to be for wood frame/drywall construction. Onward and Upward | ||
| CoryDaneRTS Rating: N/A |
These heaters don't lose a lot of heat. I would think that what little heat the water heater will give off would help keep the water tanks from freezing. Keeping any maintenance access that is needed available would be a big concern. If it is small enough for removal, you can use flex hose with quick connect fittings and any appropriate method to release the water heater. For the electric, might have a plug so no prob there. This would be a place for that "wonder" insulation, metallic on both sides with a 1/4" inside of poly or fiber. would reflect the warmth inside the WH and away from tanks if you are concerned. They sell it at Menards up here, I thought I saw it at Ace too. My thoughts... cd | ||
| Jim Bob Rating: N/A |
If the tank has water in it the heater will not be able to damage the tank. I have a household electric heater in my bay. It is rarely warm on the outside & won't keep 100 gallons of water from freezing. I put waterbed heaters under my tanks set on 50 degrees. Works great so far. Jim-Bob | ||
| Brian Brown (Fishbowlbrian)
Rating: N/A |
My Fishbowl had one of those little guys in it. To me, it makes more sense than the smaller RV units that need a giant hole in the side of the bus. Only downside is electric use, and usually lots of it. Is it 110v or 220v? You might also consider a propane model and/or tankless (though venting them can be a bee-otch). If you insulate it well enough (not that you have much clearance for that), it should keep water hot/warm for a long time unplugged. It could also work under a kitchen sink, avoiding wintertime freeze-ups (not a big deal in Big-D, tho). Elec. WH's wouldn't concern me much on clearances, even with combustibles nearby. Keep on bussin', dood! BB | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks)
Rating: N/A |
Good advice, gents - now let's see if I can really shoehorn it in there. Someday I may go propane, but I'm building the coach like software. This is release 1.0. I'll get the bugs out in beta!  |