Can I instal a water heater? What Kind is best? - Page 2

John Kalmbach · 05-18-2008, 04:07 PM

Having SMB assemble a kit for you is probably the next best thing to having them install it for you. Contact Peter, he should be able to help get you taken care of.

Thanks,
John K.

deminimis · 04-22-2009, 02:03 PM

Bringing this back from the dead with a couple of questions.

1st, I would like to buy a flat plate and install it myself. Has anyone found a decent dealer for the double-wall heat exchanger?

2nd, I assume you plumb a "T" fitting in the van's upper and lower heater hoses or there a better place to grab the criculating hot coolant?

Thanks!

LanduytG · 04-22-2009, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deminimis

Bringing this back from the dead with a couple of questions.

1st, I would like to buy a flat plate and install it myself. Has anyone found a decent dealer for the double-wall heat exchanger?

2nd, I assume you plumb a "T" fitting in the van's upper and lower heater hoses or there a better place to grab the criculating hot coolant?

Thanks!

We have a couple in stock that SMB uses. They are $200.

Greg

deminimis · 04-22-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LanduytG

Quote:

Originally Posted by deminimis

Bringing this back from the dead with a couple of questions.

1st, I would like to buy a flat plate and install it myself. Has anyone found a decent dealer for the double-wall heat exchanger?

2nd, I assume you plumb a "T" fitting in the van's upper and lower heater hoses or there a better place to grab the criculating hot coolant?

Thanks!

We have a couple in stock that SMB uses. They are $200.

Greg

Cool. Thanks. How many plates, stainless, 1" inlets (threaded or??) and double walled?

**daveb** · 04-22-2009, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christensen

John K
I would like to put one of these in. Is the best way to go about it to talk to SMB. Can you buy kits for it or do you have to have somone to it for you?

Thanks

I'm not degrading the Flat plate but there are some issues that shoud be researched before you jump, mainly the Flat Plate and cold temps. Mine was installed by SMB and although I've yet to have a problem I worry about freezing. Many people have moved the unit into the cab rather than having it mounted where SMB puts it. John K could explain why they have always mounted it outside; safety I think. Here is one of the links but there is an older one on the site if I remember correctly.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=841&hilit=flat+plate+heat+exch anger

DaveB

deminimis · 04-23-2009, 08:25 AM

Ok Dave, I must say that old link has given me pause. Folks, I have a 16 gallon water tank and I have propane, solar and a Prosine inverter. I'm starting from scratch, so please chime in with what you think is the best solution for hot water in a SMB. I have a Zodi and its ok in a pinch, but would rather have a more permenant solution for supplying hot water. Perhaps one of those pricey 120 volt marine jobbies with a heat exchanger like this?

I'd rather not sawzall the body for your usual propane water heater (Suburban, Atwater, etc), but I can if I must. Thanks.

jage · 04-23-2009, 08:31 AM

If I were going from scratch I'd do an Espar inside-the-van install.

**daveb** · 04-23-2009, 09:44 AM

Myself as well, plus I would find some solution to help eliminate the water lines from freezing.

deminimis · 04-23-2009, 09:46 AM

Thanks Jage. I've tried reading up on them, but I'm a little confused. Does the Espar system use a flat plate and a "coolant heater" that runs on diesel?

**daveb** · 04-23-2009, 09:50 AM

You can use just a flat plate but the engine has to run to get hot water. The Espar Hydronic will warm the rad water via a diesel heater but is very expensive. Great to pre-warm the engine.