Have just come across a site that has a mini solar hot water system for vans and RV's - does anyone have this kind of system?
I ask because the price of LPG is getting exxy, and I have the little 4.5 kg bottles that cost as much as 9 kg bottles. I'm also considering getting someone to make the compartment bigger so I can fit two 9 kg bottles instead.
Any thoughts?
Jen
Dougwe said
09:07 AM May 12, 2017
Sounds good Jen. Don't forget 9kg is twice as much weight added to van.
villatranquilla said
11:07 AM May 12, 2017
How long will you be away from shops / services because a 9kg bottle running fridge full time but only turn the HWS on for a shower every second day should last about 3 weeks. Heat water for dishes on the stove. Then just use the 4.5 as the emergency backup.
Peter_n_Margaret said
11:37 AM May 12, 2017
Ours is diesel, engine heat or 240V from the solar panels and inverter.
A 4.5kg bottle of gas for cooking lasts us for a couple of months.
Cheers,
Peter
Wild1 said
11:42 AM May 12, 2017
Thank you for your replies. It would seem that it's the hot water system that uses most of the gas. I don't have enough batteries for 240V but Diesel or solar maybe a goer.
macka17 said
12:15 PM May 12, 2017
If you run vehicle daily.
And only basically want a shower and the dishes.
One thing to do.
is buy a small Transmission intercooler. like we have on yacht diesels
Large in\out to suit water hoses.
Be cheaper than the fancy ones they sell for motorhomers, but same thing.
Just tap it into cooling system.
and run water supply through it at speed to suit your req'd temps.
Nice shower when you stop at night.
I have a spare, never used one in garage.
but happy with current system.
Diesel heaters expensive
Plus with them and gas.
You have to carry fuel for too.
We use the HOTTAP "gas" Heater unit.
VERY happy. $350ish.
Water bags on roof Matt black, work. we used them for yrs.
Also.
I have an "Evacuated Tubes" HWS on roof of house.
VERY efficient.
Check on getting one made up with tube lengths to suit??.
Warren-Pat_01 said
10:29 PM May 12, 2017
Ah yes Macca - the "Solar" waterbag shower! For a number of years, I couldn't work out why they didn't heat the water when following the instructions they said "place in sun black side up".
Well I found out the truth on one of these forums - keep the clear side up! The sun then goes through the bag, water & then hits the black plastic. Result, HOT water after a short time in the sun. I still carry one.
Wild1 - a shower can be run, get wet, turn off. Then soap up, shower back on to wash off. Hair washing can be done in a bucket. As long as you don't smell too bad, no-one will say anything. We went for ten days across one of Len Beadell's roads only having a quick wash in a bowl each night (2 adults, two kids).
--------------------------------
sandman55 said
11:40 PM May 16, 2017
My brother has a length of thin 50mmx50mm galv steel tube I think about 1.2metres long blocked off at one end and painted black he stands it out in the sun filled with water. He must tie it to a stake I guess so it wont tip over and then he inserts his shower pump in it and showers in a shower tent. You would obviously have to be there long enough for it to heat up.
Alfromoz said
08:26 AM May 18, 2017
Awhile ago I did see a van with a heap of black pipes on his roof. I never got a chance to catchup with him but I guess if secured properly and a little circulating pump it would work a treat.
Al
G'day everyone,
Have just come across a site that has a mini solar hot water system for vans and RV's - does anyone have this kind of system?
I ask because the price of LPG is getting exxy, and I have the little 4.5 kg bottles that cost as much as 9 kg bottles. I'm also considering getting someone to make the compartment bigger so I can fit two 9 kg bottles instead.
Any thoughts?
Jen
A 4.5kg bottle of gas for cooking lasts us for a couple of months.
Cheers,
Peter
And only basically want a shower and the dishes.
One thing to do.
is buy a small Transmission intercooler. like we have on yacht diesels
Large in\out to suit water hoses.
Be cheaper than the fancy ones they sell for motorhomers, but same thing.
Just tap it into cooling system.
and run water supply through it at speed to suit your req'd temps.
Nice shower when you stop at night.
I have a spare, never used one in garage.
but happy with current system.
Diesel heaters expensive
Plus with them and gas.
You have to carry fuel for too.
We use the HOTTAP "gas" Heater unit.
VERY happy. $350ish.
Water bags on roof Matt black, work. we used them for yrs.
Also.
I have an "Evacuated Tubes" HWS on roof of house.
VERY efficient.
Check on getting one made up with tube lengths to suit??.
Well I found out the truth on one of these forums - keep the clear side up! The sun then goes through the bag, water & then hits the black plastic. Result, HOT water after a short time in the sun. I still carry one.
Wild1 - a shower can be run, get wet, turn off. Then soap up, shower back on to wash off. Hair washing can be done in a bucket. As long as you don't smell too bad, no-one will say anything. We went for ten days across one of Len Beadell's roads only having a quick wash in a bowl each night (2 adults, two kids).
--------------------------------
My brother has a length of thin 50mmx50mm galv steel tube I think about 1.2metres long blocked off at one end and painted black he stands it out in the sun filled with water. He must tie it to a stake I guess so it wont tip over and then he inserts his shower pump in it and showers in a shower tent. You would obviously have to be there long enough for it to heat up.
Al