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 Hot Water
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Hot Water Comparisons |
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Truma Rapid Gas |
Safiery Tank-Less |
Stiebel 10L Tank |
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Approximate Retail Price |
$ 1,280 |
450 |
450 |
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Install Labour |
200 |
50 |
50 |
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GAS Approval |
80 |
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Gas Bottles and frame |
120 |
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Inverter 1000W |
800 |
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Inverter 2000W |
1,400 |
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Inverter 3000W |
$ 1,900 |
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Total |
2,480 |
2,400 |
1,900 |
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$500 Less |
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Weight |
8.7 |
3 |
5 |
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Plus Water (Dead Weight) |
14 |
10 |
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Plus Weight LPG Bottle |
27 |
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Plus Inverter/Charger |
6 |
18 |
12 |
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55.7 |
21 |
27 |
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Weight Saving |
34kgs |
29 kgs |
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Dimensions |
.4 x .36 x .33 |
.32 x .22 x .07 |
.503 x .295 x .275 |
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Littres |
47.52 |
4.928 |
39.15 |
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Space Saving |
42 L |
8 L |
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Times to heat Mins |
45 |
<1 |
10 |
However, both electric hot water systems provide a larger inverter that can also be used for Induction cooking, espresso , 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
