Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 09-07-2009, 06:43 PM   #1
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 48
Flat Plate Water Heater

I am considering a SMB conversion and want to know experience with their Flat Plate Water Heater which heats the water when the engine has been running. When you stop after a drive, it there enough hot water for 1 or 2 showers? If you have stopped, how long do you have to run the engine to get enough hot water for a shower? Are you happy with the Flat Plate Water Heater doing what you expected?

Thanks,

Sinbad

__________________
Sinbad
sinbad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-08-2009, 08:27 PM   #2
Site Team
 
daveb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Turlock Ca
Posts: 10,407
Garage
Re: Flat Plate Water Heater

How long does it take to shower? You have limited water anyway. I have the Espar but have been able to get off a quick shower using the flat plate only when pulling into camp after a drive. If you want a shower on a cold engine start it would depend on how cold it is outside and what engine you have. My water started to cool a bit but I would think a restart would bring hot water very fast if the engine is still warm. You might get a little fluctuation
__________________
2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer

Sportsmobile 4X4 Adventures..........On and off road adventures
daveb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-08-2009, 08:55 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
zugg's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 168
Re: Flat Plate Water Heater

Hi sinbad,

I posted some questions about the flate plate heat exchanger.
I decided not to get it.
My solar showers work great!
When needed, I will use a marine water heater, and it has a holding tank.

Click this link below:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3350

Peace,

Zugg

__________________
Always do your best!
zugg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-08-2009, 11:28 PM   #4
Site Team
 
daveb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Turlock Ca
Posts: 10,407
Garage
Re: Flat Plate Water Heater

I'm also not too sure if I had it all over to do if i would go with the Espar (or even a single Flat Plate). I use it more to heat the engine. I can buy the stuff they use on the space shuttle to wash up with and rarely use my shower. But it is nice when I need it. Wife or girlfriend might make a difference but I backpacked for years using a solar shower and they work good. I guess if I frequented the beach that might be a different story. I stick to cooler temps. Try to take an outside shower when it's 40 degrees outside. I don't care how hot the water is...you freeze.
__________________
2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer

Sportsmobile 4X4 Adventures..........On and off road adventures
daveb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2009, 09:43 PM   #5
CJ
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SoCAL
Posts: 312
Send a message via Yahoo to CJ
Re: Flat Plate Water Heater

Whats the stuff they use on the Space Shuttle? where to get it?

Thanks Dave
__________________
CJ
CJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2009, 09:18 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
jage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 7,643
Re: Flat Plate Water Heater

It's called Astronaut Shampoo, or something along those lines. You basically lather it into dry hair then towel it off. It removes the grease and dirt to some extent... my wife was underwhelmed, but I'm pretty sure it's better than nothing.
__________________
it was good to be back
jage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2009, 07:07 PM   #7
CJ
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SoCAL
Posts: 312
Send a message via Yahoo to CJ
Re: Flat Plate Water Heater

Thanks Jage, I didn't know it was just a shampoo.
__________________
CJ
CJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2009, 09:30 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
jage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 7,643
Re: Flat Plate Water Heater

I think that might be a brand... hopefully it's the same stuff he was talking about.
__________________
it was good to be back
jage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2009, 11:51 AM   #9
Site Team
 
daveb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Turlock Ca
Posts: 10,407
Garage
Re: Flat Plate Water Heater

Quote:
Originally Posted by CJ
Whats the stuff they use on the Space Shuttle? where to get it?

Thanks Dave
CJ, It's called NO RINSE 800-223-9348
http://www.norinse.com/
Most of those folks up in space cut their hair short and it's not a solution for long hair but works OK. I've found it in drug stores where they sell stuff for bed ridden people.
__________________
2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer

Sportsmobile 4X4 Adventures..........On and off road adventures
daveb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2009, 09:14 PM   #10
CJ
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SoCAL
Posts: 312
Send a message via Yahoo to CJ
Re: Flat Plate Water Heater

Perfect, thanks Dave

I bet it would be the next best thing for a shower when backpacking and on extended fishing trips. Much better than a salt water bath.

Thanks again..
__________________
CJ
CJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sportsmobile SIP or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:28 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.