Hydro-Hot systems

[John Suter]

Hi Roger,

> As part of the refurb on my '84 PT40WL, I am
> considering removing
> all the propane heat, refrigerator, hot water heater
> and cooktop
> systems along with the electric heaters throughout
> the coach and
> installing the hydro-Hot system.

WOW that is a mouthful. In our (wife and I)
opinion, one of the best upgrades BB made in late 90's
was to Aqua-Hot system; however, it appears to require
regular annual attention to diesel burner section and
every 2-3 yr replacement of the mixing system "guts;"
shouldn't be a problem for you mechanically, but a
cost consideration.

How about considering the possibility of leaving the
refrig, cooktop, and elect heaters as is?
Understand the primary heating for the
Aqua-hot/Hydro-hot is electric and the diesel only
fires when the elect can't maintain the required
temps. Second, understand the diesel burner is only
50,000BTU so sufficient hot water (for showering) is
very dependent upon the incoming water temp and its
required temp rise; AND that same burner has to
generate the heat for coach heating. E.g. Even with
cool, not cold, outside temps, you will not get a long
hot shower without shutting down the coach heat
temporarily. Therefore, you will "want" to keep the
elect boost heaters; even the newer models with their
double insulated glass, have at least 2 to augment.

> This would free up some space, remove a lot of
> weight and electric
> circuits as well as provide updated heat for the
> coach.

Doubt you'll net any weight savings and don't recall
size of the propane tank in your model, but with
refrig backup and cooktop, would likely only need a
40gal or so.
We'd also have "to sit a spell and chat" before I'd
be convinced about "removing a lot of electric
circuits" - the numerous branches and loops for at
least 3 zones are likely to require more circuits, not
fewer.

> The deeper I get into this project the more I
> realize the massive
> nature of the Blue Bird coach. This baby is like a
> tank.
> Everything is super-duty in design and function.

That's one reason we fools keep on buyin' 'em.

> What are your opinions on this conversion. The
> Hydro-Hot is about
> $5,500.

Probably can't cost justify, but it would give you a
project to be proud of having added, and some
"bragging rights" among the rest of us.


> As a retired ATP and long time A&P and IA I
> have dertainly
> have the time, the tools, the shop and the ability
> to do the
> conversion. Just looking for wiser heads to input
> their thoughts on
> this. Thanks,

Boy, that's unfairly puttin' on the pressure.

John Suter, (ret: CFII etc.)
2000LXi and prior



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