Hot water heater

[gordon gibson]

First of all - please excuse what will probably be the first of many ignorant posts/questions from a complete GMC "newb"

I've been trolling the web to find the right replacement for my 28" Triple E Empress Class C coach, and the GMC really seems to fit the bill. But I do a lot of boondocking - or dry camping, and have many questions about the GMC's capabilities in this area.

First of all - an electric water heater? Obviously this is a non starter for those of us who shun the KOAs. I have read a few very interesting posts about propane-powered "on demand" water heaters, and this looks like the way to go for many reasons - but I am a bit worried about low water pressure failing to trigger the heater.

What I haven't seen is posts from people who have fitted a conventional 6 gallon propane water heater (Atwood, or whatever).
Anyone done this? The space allocated for the water heater in a stock GMC may be too small for a "drop in". And I guess you would also have to put some kind of vent in the roof.

Any comments would be apopreciated. Thanks

Gordon in Montreal West, Quebec

 

[jack christensen1]

I've got an on-demand water heater and have never noticed the problem you're worried about. The heater seems to trigger on any water usage I've used. As far as the Atwood (or Suburban), all the units I've seen exhaust through the side of the coach, not the roof, so you'd have to check to see if there is adequate space for the heater through the side of the GMC and into the space where the OEM unit fits.
--
Jack Christensen - K6ROW,
'76 Glenbrook/Clasco - "The Silver Bullet",
'65 Clark Cortez,
Sebastopol, CA

 

[Glenn Giere]

I'm extremely happy with my demand heater. It triggers reliably with the normal coach pressure. Here are several pix of my install. Notice that I put mine on the sidewall of the refrig compartment and used a double wall "B" vent to the refrig opening in the roof. The "traditional" motorhome heaters require a very large hole in the side of the coach and, as far as I know, none have a curved door that would match the curve of the coach.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/tankles-water-heater/p42439-img-00056.html

Glenn

 

[jerry work]

First of all - please excuse what will probably be the first of many ignorant posts/questions from a complete GMC "newb"

I've been trolling the web to find the right replacement for my 28" Triple E Empress Class C coach, and the GMC really seems to fit the bill. But I do a lot of boondocking - or dry camping, and have many questions about the GMC's capabilities in this area.

First of all - an electric water heater? Obviously this is a non starter for those of us who shun the KOAs. I have read a few very interesting posts about propane-powered "on demand" water heaters, and this looks like the way to go for many reasons - but I am a bit worried about low water pressure failing to trigger the heater.

What I haven't seen is posts from people who have fitted a conventional 6 gallon propane water heater (Atwood, or whatever).
Anyone done this? The space allocated for the water heater in a stock GMC may be too small for a "drop in". And I guess you would also have to put some kind of vent in the roof.

Any comments would be apopreciated. Thanks

Gordon in Montreal West, Quebec
==================

 

[emerystora]

Gordon

I like the electric water heater, especially with the heat loop from the engine. If we are camping we can start up th Onan for 10 or 15 minutes to make our coffe and toast or bagle and during that time the water will get hot. We don't need hot water until the evening and then another 10 minute run will heat up the water. At the same time it will add charge to our batteries. Something that a propane heater wouldn't do.

Emery Stora

Emery
>
> Date: Wed, 03 Oct 2012 22:34:13 -0500
> From: Gordon Gibson
> Subject: [GMCnet] Hot water heater
> To: gmclist
> Message-ID:
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-15"
>
>
>
> First of all - please excuse what will probably be the first of many ignorant posts/questions from a complete GMC "newb"
>
> I've been trolling the web to find the right replacement for my 28" Triple E Empress Class C coach, and the GMC really seems to fit the bill. But I do a lot of boondocking - or dry camping, and have many questions about the GMC's capabilities in this area.
>
> First of all - an electric water heater? Obviously this is a non starter for those of us who shun the KOAs. I have read a few very interesting posts about propane-powered "on demand" water heaters, and this looks like the way to go for many reasons - but I am a bit worried about low water pressure failing to trigger the heater.
>
> What I haven't seen is posts from people who have fitted a conventional 6 gallon propane water heater (Atwood, or whatever).
> Anyone done this? The space allocated for the water heater in a stock GMC may be too small for a "drop in". And I guess you would also have to put some kind of vent in the roof.
>
> Any comments would be apopreciated. Thanks
>
> Gordon in Montreal West, Quebec
> ==================
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

 

[Adam Raeburn]

Gordon when I first got the rig I thought the same thing but having been able to use the rig all this past summer I don't feel that the electric is a short coming at all.
GMC was kind enough to include 6 thousands watts of power to run the hot water (and fridge). they also included the engine heat loop to preheat the water while you drive. I have found that the water in the tank will stay hot even over night, well warm enough to wash your hands not hot enough to shower. if you are in a campground (not the koa parking lots) with power it only takes a few min to bring the water up to temp.
Now we don't use the shower in the GMC the wife,kids and I don't mind the camp showers and we don't boondock very often (maybe once a year for a weekend) so can't say what the holding power of the hot water is. I do know that I only turn it on for about a half an hour while the dishes are being done then shut it off even if we are plugged in.
GMC sort of designed the rig to be touring machine and not a park model so and if you are only staying a night or two in any one spot then you may never need anything more then the engine heat anyway.

--
Adam Raeburn
Rothesay, NB
1976 Austin Mini
1977 GMC Palm Beach
---------------------------------------------------
Once you replace everything that is attached to something else. It will all be fixed.

 

[johnny]

I find, even in the summer, when I first get up, I can stop the A/C and turn the hot water heater on.  By the time my coffe brews and I walk the dog, the water is scalding and I can switch back to the A/C.  (For those who aren't familiar, most 23 footers make you choose between water heeater and A/C).  Once hot, whether via engine or electricity, it stays hot for 12 hours or so.
 
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach

From: "1275gtsport"
To: gmclist
Sent: Thursday, October 4, 2012 6:25 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hot water heater

Gordon when I first got the rig I thought the same thing but having been able to use the rig all this past summer I don't feel that the electric is a short coming at all.
GMC was kind enough to include 6 thousands watts of power to run the hot water (and fridge). they also included the engine heat loop to preheat the water while you drive. I have found that the water in the tank will stay hot even over night, well warm enough to wash your hands not hot enough to shower. if you are in a campground (not the koa parking lots) with power it only takes a few min to bring the water up to temp.
Now we don't use the shower in the GMC the wife,kids and I don't mind the camp showers and we don't boondock very often (maybe once a year for a weekend) so can't say what the holding power of the hot water is. I do know that I only turn it on for about a half an hour while the dishes are being done then shut it off even if we are plugged in.
GMC sort of designed the rig to be touring machine and not a park model so and if you are only staying a night or two in any one spot then you may never need anything more then the engine heat anyway.

--
Adam Raeburn
Rothesay, NB
1976 Austin Mini
1977 GMC Palm Beach
---------------------------------------------------
Once you replace everything that is attached to something else. It will all be fixed.

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[Matt Colie]

> I find, even in the summer, when I first get up, I can stop the A/C and turn the hot water heater on.  By the time my coffe brews and I walk the dog, the water is scalding and I can switch back to the A/C.  (For those who aren't familiar, most 23 footers make you choose between water heeater and A/C).  Once hot, whether via engine or electricity, it stays hot for 12 hours or so.
>  
> --johnny
> '76 23' transmode norris
> '76 palm beach

Johnny,

Is the Norris a 30amp coach?

Many of the non-GMC (Gemini) fit coaches are.....

The GMC fit coaches were all built as 50 amp (240V) and if on the APU or shore power I can run everything I've got - even the microwave (not factory) - at once. When we do that on the APU, you can tell it is working, but it doesn't mind. We do coffee on the stove, but it wouldn't matter.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie
'73 Glacier 23 Chaumière (say show-me-air) Just about as stock as you will find
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit

 

[byron songer]

I've never understood the need to heat hot water. Cold water, yes.

I don't know if the Royale kept water hot for 12 hours but I know it did
for 11. After driving for a day and pulling into a campground about supper
time I didn't bother to power up (gas) the water heater until the next
morning just before I stepped into the shower. The water was always hot
enough to cook Ball Park Franks. I just never had them for breakfast.

Our Airstream's water heater is gas or electric with engine assist. Gas
always gets it hotter than electric. It's also always hot the next morning.

I don't know of any home system that works as well. Of course, I have the
water heater at home turned down to somewhere below hog-scalding hot
(unlike the no-set variety of an RV).

Byron Songer
Louisville, KY
News and Web Editor, GMC Eastern States
http://www.gmceast.com

 

[kingsley coach]

Gordon

I think Adam mentioned that all GMCs come with a generator and engine water
heater. If you didn't get the answer you were looking for, hang on, there
will be more..We never stay in campgrounds and after 16 years are still
very pleased with our GMC...
The guys in Manitoba did a good job on the triple E, but the GMC is where
it at!

Mike in NS

On Thu, Oct 4, 2012 at 9:39 PM, Byron Songer
wrote:

> I've never understood the need to heat hot water. Cold water, yes.
>
> I don't know if the Royale kept water hot for 12 hours but I know it did
> for 11. After driving for a day and pulling into a campground about supper
> time I didn't bother to power up (gas) the water heater until the next
> morning just before I stepped into the shower. The water was always hot
> enough to cook Ball Park Franks. I just never had them for breakfast.
>
> Our Airstream's water heater is gas or electric with engine assist. Gas
> always gets it hotter than electric. It's also always hot the next morning.
>
> I don't know of any home system that works as well. Of course, I have the
> water heater at home turned down to somewhere below hog-scalding hot
> (unlike the no-set variety of an RV).
>
> Byron Songer
> Louisville, KY
> News and Web Editor, GMC Eastern States
> http://www.gmceast.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>

--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS

 

[dan gregg]

Welcome to our group.
We set our coach up for drycamping, on demand and solar power. Don't know why anyone would want anything differnt, unless they were running on old logging roads and needed mudder tires and a lifted rig.
Set it up right and you can dry camp all you want, in luxury.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg


http://danandteri.blogspot.com/

 

[Gene Fisher]

80 percent of the days in Portland, Or. are overcast

gene

>
>
> Welcome to our group.
> We set our coach up for drycamping, on demand and solar power. Don't know
> why anyone would want anything differnt, unless they were running on old
> logging roads and needed mudder tires and a lifted rig.
> Set it up right and you can dry camp all you want, in luxury.
> Dan
> --
> Dan & Teri Gregg
>
>
> http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>

--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html

 

[mickey's space ship shuttle]

wind mill as well would do it. it either winds or shines or both.

west marine sells a good one for boats. Make is much like the tv mast raise and lower from the back.

you can make one out of a alternator and fan. Thinking out of the box, off the top of my head, out of my head,

like way out, to far out, meaninglessly out, for get. it.

mickey

77 palm beach

anaheim ca.

> 80 percent of the days in Portland, Or. are overcast
>
> gene
>
>

>
>>
>>
>> Welcome to our group.
>> We set our coach up for drycamping, on demand and solar power. Don't know
>> why anyone would want anything differnt, unless they were running on old
>> logging roads and needed mudder tires and a lifted rig.
>> Set it up right and you can dry camp all you want, in luxury.
>> Dan
>> --
>> Dan & Teri Gregg
>>
>>
>> http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
> -------
> http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
> Alternator Protection Cable
> http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

 

[adrien genesoto]

Gordon asks,


> First of all - please excuse what will probably be the first of many ignorant posts/questions from a complete GMC "newb"
>
> I've been trolling the web to find the right replacement for my 28" Triple E Empress Class C coach, and the GMC really seems to fit the bill. But I do a lot of boondocking - or dry camping, and have many questions about the GMC's capabilities in this area.
>
> First of all - an electric water heater? Obviously this is a non starter for those of us who shun the KOAs. I have read a few very interesting posts about propane-powered "on demand" water heaters, and this looks like the way to go for many reasons - but I am a bit worried about low water pressure failing to trigger the heater.
>
> What I haven't seen is posts from people who have fitted a conventional 6 gallon propane water heater (Atwood, or whatever).
> Anyone done this? The space allocated for the water heater in a stock GMC may be too small for a "drop in". And I guess you would also have to put some kind of vent in the roof.
>
> Any comments would be apopreciated. Thanks
>
> Gordon in Montreal West, Quebec

---------------------------------------


Gordon,

Welcome, and no question is dumb.

IMO, When I needed to replace my water heater, I purchased an Atwood unit and the I realized that I would have had to cut out a section of the belt line structure.
I think that structure is not one to cut into, it's like a strong back on the side wall, and especially over the wheel well.
I'd advise against it. Either go with an upgraded OEM model, or demand unit.

So, thanks to Dan Gregg idea, I went with the on-demand unit in the back of the refer.

FWIW

--
?When we avoid the mistakes we might have made, we sometimes make the mistakes that we might have avoided.?

Adrien & Jenny
75 Glenbrook
Yuba City,Ca.

 

[Larry Davick]

Perfect for moistcamping.

Larry Davick

> 80 percent of the days in Portland, Or. are overcast
>
> gene

 

[johnny]

Yeh it is.  And the retrofit is a Junkerac 3.6KW so I'm not going to change it.  My PB has a 6KW and 40--50 amop cabling.  Which - the 6KW anyhow - won't fit the 23' bay.  I just welded the starrter bracket back together on the Junkerac, I'll reinstall it this weekend.  Against my better judgement.  When it croaks again, I'll prolly do the Ken Henderson Thang.  I think my 5500 Yamahaha will fit, and if it does, I'll dispense with the water - A/c 'pick one' switch.
 
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach

From: Matt Colie
To: gmclist
Sent: Thursday, October 4, 2012 8:28 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hot water heater

> I find, even in the summer, when I first get up, I can stop the A/C and turn the hot water heater on.  By the time my coffe brews and I walk the dog, the water is scalding and I can switch back to the A/C.  (For those who aren't familiar, most 23 footers make you choose between water heeater and A/C).  Once hot, whether via engine or electricity, it stays hot for 12 hours or so.
>  
> --johnny
> '76 23' transmode norris
> '76 palm beach

Johnny,

Is the Norris a 30amp coach?

Many of the non-GMC (Gemini) fit coaches are.....

The GMC fit coaches were all built as 50 amp (240V) and if on the APU or shore power I can run everything I've got - even the microwave (not factory) - at once.  When we do that on the APU, you can tell it is working, but it doesn't mind.  We do coffee on the stove, but it wouldn't matter. 

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie
'73 Glacier 23 Chaumière (say show-me-air) Just about as stock as you will find
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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[jay rabe]

Don't mean to get all defensive and such, but I live in Portland, I love Portland, and in fact according to weather sites, we have 144 sunny days a year, about 60% sunny. OK, so it's also true that it's a common weather pattern for it to be overcast all morning and then finally around 1pm the sun finally breaks out, so depending on who is compiling the statistics you could read it either way, but in the end around here we just say it makes us appreciate the nice days more when they do come around.

Jay Rabe 76 PB Portland, OR

> Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2012 21:08:13 -0700
> From: mr.erfisher
> To: gmclist
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hot water heater
>
> 80 percent of the days in Portland, Or. are overcast
>
> gene
>
>

>
> >
> >
> > Welcome to our group.
> > We set our coach up for drycamping, on demand and solar power. Don't know
> > why anyone would want anything differnt, unless they were running on old
> > logging roads and needed mudder tires and a lifted rig.
> > Set it up right and you can dry camp all you want, in luxury.
> > Dan
> > --
> > Dan & Teri Gregg
> >
> >
> > http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
> -------
> http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
> Alternator Protection Cable
> http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

 

[Gene Fisher]

and those of us who live in Florence,OR., get even less :>)

but it is not hot ---- ever :>)

gene

>
> Don't mean to get all defensive and such, but I live in Portland, I love
> Portland, and in fact according to weather sites, we have 144 sunny days a
> year, about 60% sunny. OK, so it's also true that it's a common weather
> pattern for it to be overcast all morning and then finally around 1pm the
> sun finally breaks out, so depending on who is compiling the statistics you
> could read it either way, but in the end around here we just say it makes
> us appreciate the nice days more when they do come around.
>
> Jay Rabe 76 PB Portland, OR
>
>
> > Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2012 21:08:13 -0700
> > From: mr.erfisher
> > To: gmclist
> > Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hot water heater
> >
> > 80 percent of the days in Portland, Or. are overcast
> >
> > gene
> >
> >

> >
> > >
> > >
> > > Welcome to our group.
> > > We set our coach up for drycamping, on demand and solar power. Don't
> know
> > > why anyone would want anything differnt, unless they were running on
> old
> > > logging roads and needed mudder tires and a lifted rig.
> > > Set it up right and you can dry camp all you want, in luxury.
> > > Dan
> > > --
> > > Dan & Teri Gregg
> > >
> > >
> > > http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> > “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
> > -------
> > http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
> > Alternator Protection Cable
> > http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>

--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html

 

[dan gregg]

> 80 percent of the days in Portland, Or. are overcast
>
> gene
>
>
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
> -------
> http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
> Alternator Protection Cable
> http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Move then if you don't like it. I enjoy my time in Oregon and the solar does just fine.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg


http://danandteri.blogspot.com/

 

[dan gregg]

> > 80 percent of the days in Portland, Or. are overcast
> >
> > gene
> >
> >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> > “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
> > -------
> > http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
> > Alternator Protection Cable
> > http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> Move then if you don't like it. I enjoy my time in Oregon and the solar does just fine.
> Dan


I did not word that like I should have. Was in a car wreck yesterday and was a bit grouchy earlier in the day from back pain. Looks like the Vibe may no loner be towed.
Anyway, what I should have said: When the GMC is set up properly, it does not matter, too much, about the overcast days in Oregon. We have spent two Julys in a dry camping park in Tillamook with no problems. On demand water heater is a big plus for those of us who feel we must shower everyday, most of us I hope. Proper lighting is a must for the nights and a low drain tv if you are like us, we watch two. Also we charge our laptops during the day light. Even with overcast skies 300 watts on the roof will give us a pretty decent charge. Many days in Tillamook the fog hangs on til after lunch, 2 pm sometimes. We can still live comfortably with no generator. An on demand water heater will use so little propane that you will not miss it. We have a small propane tank in our 74. It will run us a minimum of 6 weeks running the refer on it.
All said, folks can live really good without electric hookups if you dont need the roof air. If you do, it is time to move to some cooler place. Dry camping is not for most of us older folks but I see a new, younger, crop of couples coming into our ranks. Many plan to dry camp and enjoy the GMC without paying the high RV Park fees. It can be done as long as the GMC is set up for just that.
Life is good. I survived what could have been a deadly car crash. My baby granddaughter is improving with the chemo.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg


http://danandteri.blogspot.com/