Onboard shower install question...

[CaliCruiser]

I am planning on starting my install tomorrow and looking for some tips and tricks on these systems. My first question is what kind of hose should I use on the 'hot' side of the exchanger? Would the white rv/marine hose pictured work on that side as well? As far as mounting the exchanger, I was thinking of putting it inline after the the heater core to obtain a bit of control but would it limit flow? How about switches for the pump, Should I mount it under the hood or run it into the cab? This is all going into my 60 series Toyota Landcruiser. . .

Thanks,

Dylan

Here is a shot of the materias I have now

The pump

The exchanger

 

[overlander]

what model/brand exchanger is that?

 

[CaliCruiser]

Custom built, no brand.

 

[BogusBlake]

I'd use automotive heater hose for plumbing in that exchanger.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Your pick up hose will work fine. Mount pump low if possible because flow will be loss if you need to drop your pick up down in a creek etc. Not sure about the pump you are using but there are limitations on water lift. Switch should be mounted where you hook up your hoses at IMO. Unless your exchanger is super efficient (most are not)use the flow of water to control temp unless you are limited by water supply.

If its not a secret I would be interested on what you using for heat transfer inside the exchanger.

 

[CaliCruiser]

Cool guys that is what I am after. Regarding the pump, it is rated at 2.8 meters of vertical lift, to self prime. Here is a shot of of the inside,when we design/built I basically did what another guy did on Pirate 4x4.

Do you think the heater hose, would make the water smelly or 'rubbery' for lack of a better word? I was thinking about using the nylon reinforced hose like desertdude did on his rig, any trouble with heat on that stuff?

Thanks,

Dylan

 

[DaktariEd]

Here's a link that might be helpful: Hot water install

Also the shower head you have pictured doesn't seem to have an on-off button. I found that to be a pretty handy addition. I got a hand held shower head for $10 at Lowe's that works great.

HTH,
Ed

 

[BogusBlake]

I guess I should have elaborated- I meant use the automotive heater hose for the engine side of the plumbing- where the engine coolant flows to and from the heat exchanger. That dishwasher hose will probably work great for the clean water side of the system.

 

[CaliCruiser]

Cool guys! I should have some progress pictures up soon with some hard numbers of temperature increase.

Dylan

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I used heater hose on everything and after 6 years no funny smell.

Cool guys that is what I am after. Regarding the pump, it is rated at 2.8 meters of vertical lift, to self prime. Here is a shot of of the inside,when we design/built I basically did what another guy did on Pirate 4x4.

Do you think the heater hose, would make the water smelly or 'rubbery' for lack of a better word? I was thinking about using the nylon reinforced hose like desertdude did on his rig, any trouble with heat on that stuff?

Thanks,

Dylan

 

[CaliCruiser]

Based on this picture, I want to run the cold water through the ends of the xchanger through the small tubes correct, and have the hot coolant come in throught the top ports and surround the small tubes? This was my plan but while I was working outside today, my neighbors and buddies that stopped by said I should have the hot coolant run through the small tubes. This doesn't seem like it would produce enough surface area to transfer heat. Now I am puzzled!


Lets here what the ExPo has to say.

Thanks guys,

Dylan

 

[burl40]

he broI think the small lines run hot coolent and the large lines fresh water thats how the heat exchanger principal works....Check out deckers hot shower that exchanger looks alot like his......I am also doing an onboard heat exchanger similar idea as yours cant wait to see how yors turns out...Scotty

 

[CaliCruiser]

Thanks Scott, that is a nice setup, just a bit pricey. I'm going to do do some testing later today if I get some time.

Dylan

 

[CaliCruiser]

Any other opinions?

 

[robert j. yates]

Check out this thread for my approach.....

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8398

Works fine although I can have a priming issue once in a while dpeending on my camp layout with the pump trying the lift the cold water up to the heat exchanger but realistically, I could not mount the exchanger anywhere else.