Flat Plate Water Heater

sinbad · 09-07-2009, 06:43 PM

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

**daveb** · 09-08-2009, 08:27 PM

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

zugg · 09-08-2009, 08:55 PM

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

**daveb** · 09-08-2009, 11:28 PM

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.

CJ · 09-09-2009, 09:43 PM

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

Thanks Dave

jage · 09-10-2009, 09:18 AM

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.

CJ · 09-10-2009, 07:07 PM

Thanks Jage, I didn't know it was just a shampoo.

jage · 09-10-2009, 09:30 PM

I think that might be a brand... hopefully it's the same stuff he was talking about.

**daveb** · 09-13-2009, 11:51 AM

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.

CJ · 09-13-2009, 09:14 PM

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..