we have this system, installed at the time of building a new van in 2012. It has never been 100% satisfactory. It has been recommended to us by the distributor that improvements have been made and that we should be happy with the new digital model. Does anyone have any experience with this upgrade? Look forward to any advice. Thank you in advance, Wendy
I had a Girrard endless hot water system in my aluminium teepee from build. Worst thing I had done to the teepee, it had no idea what hot or even warm water was.
I re-plumed by avoiding Temperate valve and going straight from service to shower and not bothering about basin or sink, it still had no idea. I checked out the newer model and a different brand one but couldn't find anything positive about any of them so bit the bullet and ditched it. I replaced it with a Suburban Hot Water Service and have enjoyed nice hot water in shower, basin and sink whenever I want it. Well worth the effort and cost.
I went with the endless due to having it at the then base camp and loved it but they are way different to the ones they use in vans etc.
Base camp is now history for many moons and so is the Girrard history.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Thanks Doug, yes ,pretty much agree with your comments, very temperamental.Do not come across many vans with one, we just thought it sounded wonderful when we had it installed. There must be some reason that they have not really taken on,eh?
The problem with these "water pressure" run heaters is the differing pressures in towns or trying to keep a constant pressure with a decent pump. If in a van park and living in the one spot and on mains they will do ok.
The slightest tun on, of another tap say at the sink, will get a scream from the showeree.
Thank you for replies. The tank type of heater will not fit in the existing hole. My question being, has anyone experience with the UPGRADED model of the Girard system, which SHOULD be good in the way of instant hot water and not having to keep a tank of water hot when not needed. Thanks all.
"Compact Design. Fits in any tank water heater cut out opening"..... So if a suburban don't fit neither will it.
It is not unusual when fitting in a strange appliances to have to make changes to the van. I have no experience with your intended choice, except after plumbing for over 60 years I have never met an instant water heater that I would install in my caravan or home.
That includes the big names like Bosch etc. whose basic design is coppied and moderated to the detriment of the purchaser.
Tankless simply means you draw from your own tanks and is of no initial benefit at all.
-- Edited by dieseltojo on Tuesday 21st of May 2019 08:44:36 AM
Look at most new caravans today they have swift hot water systems fitted, we have one in our vanl, absolute perfection,suburban have a good rep and are reliable,swift has Proven itself now to be an even better option thats why there being fitted to most new vans,stainless tank ,no anode problems there a modern desig and are steadily replacing the old suburban type, a good heater in its day...
We have a swift hws in our 4 yo rig and the gas has only worked a handful of times, had it looked at/repaired again 6 weeks ago in Melbourne and the pilot light still will not ignite. They can't figure out what is wrong with it and are posting wires out to us in Qld so we can TRY to fix ourselves, we are really fed up with having had no hot water for so long.
