Hot Water System Choices for 4WD and RV

Hot water is one of the greatest uses of energy for the traveller.

Gas hot water systems have several problems:

• Operate at around 40% efficiency and are relatively costly to run.
• Are vulnerable to dust ingress into burners rendering them unreliable.
• Are bulky & heavy when the weight of the gas bottle and mandatory tank is included.
• LPG is a highly flammable and dangerous energy source.
• Require venting as they consume oxygen and emit dangerous Carbon gasses.

Electric Hot Water system have several advantages:

• Electric power can be generated by solar or alternator or both and are inexpensive to run.
• Are sealed units unaffected by dust
• Are lightweight and compact in either tankless or tank versions
• Are protected by circuit protection creating a perfectly safe syste.
• Do not require venting.

Tank or Tankless Electric Hot Water

Tankless Hot Water

These are commonly called “Instant Hotwater” and are compact and most efficient. However, to heat water passing through at “speed” requires a lot of power. So they are high on power required but use the least amount of energy as they are only “on” for a short period of time.

With limited power, a smaller rise in temperature is achieved. For some travellers this may not be hot enough.

We characterize these hot water systems as suitable for:

Very limited space in 4WD canopy and a slightly cooler than home shower is acceptable. They will not provide water over 40 C so are unsuitable for washing dishes without additional heating.

Instant Hot Water (Tankless) Tested Results in Coomera on a cold winters day with water at 17C to start:

For a 5 minute shower, 10-12 L of water is used and at 3) 218Wh or 17Ah (12V)of energy.

Tank Hot Water

The Steibel 10L Open vented tank offers good value and performance

However, both electric hot water systems provide a larger inverter that can also be used for Induction cooking, espressor , air fryers etc.

Stiebel 10L Hot Water

Made in Germany this hot water system is well tested in RV's with a clever mixer and plumbing connections. it CANNOT be connected to mains pressure nor installed with any high pressure pump.

This hot water system incorporates a highly efficient insulation design which provides thermal insulation and minimal energy losses. The thermal cut-out provides a permanently safe maximum water temperature. In addition, it has a Thermo-Stop function that helps to save energy and prevents the mixer tap from being heated in stand-by mode.

• Made in Germany
• Together with the mixer system, it is designed for easy to plumb RV's.
• Save energy and water
• Low minimum standby power consumption
• To be fitted with specialised tapware