Can I get some advice on my plumbing plans?

R

Rather Diesel

Observer
I set this up as three separate loops of liquid, coolant-coolant-freshwater.

I am wide-open to input on this. Please ask for clarification if needed.

Thanks for your help.

Roy
 
StumpXJ

StumpXJ

SE Expedition Society
Hi, I am currently setting up a freshwater ciculation/heat exchanger system also, for use with a shower. I am only using one heat exchanger that will circulate water (hot) back in the holding tank until needed for use. I am trying to figure out in your drawing why you are using two heat exchangers? Im sure I will set-up some sort of sink type fixture to use for dishes also, but will just have my valving setup to not go through the heat exchanger, but pump cold water directly out of the tank. (unless I need hot water, then it will be the same as if I were preparing a shower.) can you clarify you intents with this set-up?

~James
 
njtaco

njtaco

Explorer
You asked for advice...

Only one heat exchanger needed, unless you have a compelling reason to include a second.

You will need a small expansion tank on the demand side of the water pump, so the water expansion does not overpressurize the system. An RV water heater has a pocket of air in the top for this purpose, and a temp/pressure relief valve as a backup. I see neither in your plan above.

Actually, a small marine water heater (coolant-water) may be worth looking into, if you haven't. You would have hot water for a bit when the truck is not running, and an electric element to run on shore power when available. It also provides a few gallons of "emergency water" in a built-in tank. Just a thought...

Consider a small cabin heater in the system, since you already plan to run coolant to the rear of the truck. That way the back of the truck stays warm, without overheating the driver while underway. This could be valved in a seperate loop so it can be shut off in warm weather.

Last, I would consider using hot water to rinse the urinal...
 
R

Rather Diesel

Observer
Thanks for replying. I didn't add any valves, etc., because I wasn't sure where best to locate them. I did plan on a second heater core in the rear for just the reason you stated.

I'll investigate your other suggestions as well.

Roy
 
R

Rather Diesel

Observer
stumptaco said:
Hi, I am currently setting up a freshwater ciculation/heat exchanger system also, for use with a shower. I am only using one heat exchanger that will circulate water (hot) back in the holding tank until needed for use. I am trying to figure out in your drawing why you are using two heat exchangers? Im sure I will set-up some sort of sink type fixture to use for dishes also, but will just have my valving setup to not go through the heat exchanger, but pump cold water directly out of the tank. (unless I need hot water, then it will be the same as if I were preparing a shower.) can you clarify you intents with this set-up?

~James
Click to expand...

I'd like to clarify, but I would need to know what the heck I'm talking about in the first place. :D I am brand new to RV-type water systems, so I needed to start somewhere.

I guess a good question, after reading YOUR question, is "Will one pass thru the heat exchanger get it up to shower temp?" I like the idea of setting it up to recirculate until the temperature is hot enough, but I don't know if it's needed.

The reason I was considering two heat exchangers was because I thought it would give me more control over the hot water over all. And, subsequently more control of a rear heater, etc.

Roy
 
StumpXJ

StumpXJ

SE Expedition Society
No worry, im as new as you are! I wondered the same thing as to whether one pass through a heat exchanger would be enough to get it up to temp, and I have my doubts. (my Wife likes a HOT shower, warm probably wont cut it, and she is the main reason im doing this...besides the fact that its cool.) I have worked with heat exchangers in dialysis (medical) systems before, they work great but it was circulating type system. Thats the reason im going with circulation, and pump it back into the tank until it gets to the temp I want then I would use it. I plan on having a temp probe in the tank that will have a gauge in the cab or in the camper sheel area somewhere.

My set-up (in my head) will be pretty simple really, Ill draw it up like I "think" it should work and post on here. Im sure we can figure something out. My tank should be here any day, and I already have the shur-flo and most of the other items. (got my tank from here, very cheap and great people to deal with, its going where the spare tire used to be under the truck. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...RK:MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=250082002411&rd=1,1 )


~James
 
Last edited:
njtaco

njtaco

Explorer
:iagree:

The Isotherm is the type I was referring to above, but not one I have used myself. Looks good on paper though, and I like the mounting versatility. You would have to swap out the immersion heater for a 110V, 24V, or 12V, though.

I also agree with Joaquin Suave...keep the engine as isolated as possible/practical, and redundant systems are a good thing. Isolating valves in the coolant system would be a must, for both the rear heat and the hot water systems. Also, RV propane powered conventional water heaters can be trouble-prone, as noted by Joaquin.

JS, do you source tanks, or make them? Plastic or St. Steel? Inquiring minds want to know!
 
G

Grim Reaper

Expedition Leader
Rather Diesel said:
I'd like to clarify, but I would need to know what the heck I'm talking about in the first place. :D I am brand new to RV-type water systems, so I needed to start somewhere.

I guess a good question, after reading YOUR question, is "Will one pass thru the heat exchanger get it up to shower temp?" I like the idea of setting it up to recirculate until the temperature is hot enough, but I don't know if it's needed.

The reason I was considering two heat exchangers was because I thought it would give me more control over the hot water over all. And, subsequently more control of a rear heater, etc.

Roy
Click to expand...

I am trying to find a link but there is a double heat exchanger set up used often on UniCats and similar set ups. When the engine is running it provides the heat for the camper with a air to coolant and a Coolant to water exchanger. When the truck is not running it has a Diesel or other fuel powered heater. The set up allows you to preheat the engine coolant as well.

I know I bookmarked it but just can't seem to find it. I believe the heater was made by Espair (sp).
 
Desertdude

Desertdude

Expedition Leader
I am using that isotherm water heater in my 80 series it works quite well along with a xantrex 1800 watt invertor

--------------
Bought a few poly tanks from HERE

no smell, no fuss, inexpensive

------------------------
Jonathan Hanson had a SS tank made here
 
njtaco

njtaco

Explorer
Desertdude said:
I am using that isotherm water heater in my 80 series it works quite well along with a xantrex 1800 watt invertor
Click to expand...


DD, The link you posted above shows a 230V element...Did you order one with 110V element, or are you using 110V with the 230V element? Or can you get 230V from the Xantrex? (I haven't looked it up...)

I'm liking the isotherm more and more...
 
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