Fresh Water Tanks

[Michael]

Hello All.. just picked up a 78FC35 and found the fresh water tank bad
and water heater shot. I'm thinking about replacing the small water
heater under the bed with an electric tankless type, has anyone tried
this? If this would work I could replace the original fresh water tank
with a larger one as I haven't found a stock replacement anywhere.

Michael

[Curt Sprenger]

Michael,
Welcome the 'Bird Owners Club. Where are you located? When you have time please setup an auto signature so we know about you and your coach.

Your tankless water heater question should generate a few responses. There are a few folks on this site that can help you. And do not forget to keep us in the loop about your project.

On Sat, Jun 21, 2008 at 9:30 PM, Michael <"mike.putz@cox.net"> wrote:

Hello All.. just picked up a 78FC35 and found the fresh water tank bad

and water heater shot. I'm thinking about replacing the small water

heater under the bed with an electric tankless type, has anyone tried

this? If this would work I could replace the original fresh water tank

with a larger one as I haven't found a stock replacement anywhere.



Michael

--
Curt Sprenger
1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
Anaheim Hills, CA

[Stephen Birtles]

we have replacement hot water tanks

stephen http://www.dupreeproducts.com


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Michael" <mike.putz@...> wrote:
>
> Hello All.. just picked up a 78FC35 and found the fresh water tank bad
> and water heater shot. I'm thinking about replacing the small water
> heater under the bed with an electric tankless type, has anyone tried
> this? If this would work I could replace the original fresh water tank
> with a larger one as I haven't found a stock replacement anywhere.
>
> Michael
>

[Pete Masterson]

The only problem with an electric tankless water heater is that the current draw exceeds the current available from most campgrounds and your generator. It has often been discussed, but none with the capacity to actually provide the hot water you expect will work with the electrical limits involved.

Better you simply replace the existing water heater with an RV-type LP gas model.

Note. The AquaHot system in later 'birds is a tankless water heater. It has a 2000 watt heating element that gives you a 'shot' of hot water while the burner kicks on. The electrically heated water only lasts a short time and it can't adequately heat a significant flow of water. 

As for replacing the fresh tank with a larger one, be careful to calculate the impact on the weight of the vehicle. It's not that hard to overload the coach and water adds about 7# per gallon.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Jun 21, 2008, at 9:30 PM, Michael wrote:

Hello All.. just picked up a 78FC35 and found the fresh water tank bad 

and water heater shot. I'm thinking about replacing the small water 

heater under the bed with an electric tankless type, has anyone tried 

this? If this would work I could replace the original fresh water tank 

with a larger one as I haven't found a stock replacement anywhere.

[Bob Lawrence]

I mounted a propane Precision Temp tankless hot water heater in the
side of our coach. Its use of propane equates to 12,000btu per hour.
Since there are 92,000btus in a gallon on propane, we only fill our 5
(4)gallon external propane tank about every 6 weeks.
This gives us unlimited hot water. Limited only by your holding tanks.
My 15 minute showers (continuous)are great!!
It fits in the size of the 10 gallon Atwood tank.
I cut out the side of the bus and mounted it. See pics under photos.
This is our second one. The previous one was mounted in our 26ft GMC.
We now only use the electric as a backup. Haven't used it in 5 years,
tho.
Bob Lawrence
84 PT36
Workcamping in Branson, Mo.
>
> The only problem with an electric tankless water heater is that
the
> current draw exceeds the current available from most campgrounds
and
> your generator. It has often been discussed, but none with the
> capacity to actually provide the hot water you expect will work
with
> the electrical limits involved.
>
> Better you simply replace the existing water heater with an RV-
type
> LP gas model.
>
> Note. The AquaHot system in later 'birds is a tankless water
heater.
> It has a 2000 watt heating element that gives you a 'shot' of hot
> water while the burner kicks on. The electrically heated water
only
> lasts a short time and it can't adequately heat a significant flow
of
> water.
>
> As for replacing the fresh tank with a larger one, be careful to
> calculate the impact on the weight of the vehicle. It's not that
hard
> to overload the coach and water adds about 7# per gallon.
>
> Pete Masterson
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> El Sobrante CA
> aeonix1@...
>
>
>
> On Jun 21, 2008, at 9:30 PM, Michael wrote:
>
> > Hello All.. just picked up a 78FC35 and found the fresh water
tank bad
> > and water heater shot. I'm thinking about replacing the small
water
> > heater under the bed with an electric tankless type, has anyone
tried
> > this? If this would work I could replace the original fresh water
tank
> > with a larger one as I haven't found a stock replacement anywhere.
> >
>

[Wilhelmus Schreurs]

Bob:

You got pics of it installed. In your coach is it located in one of the bins?

Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge"
Terrace, B.C. Canada

----- Original Message ----
From: Bob Lawrence
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 9:21:50 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Fresh Water Tanks

I mounted a propane Precision Temp tankless hot water heater in the
side of our coach. Its use of propane equates to 12,000btu per hour.
Since there are 92,000btus in a gallon on propane, we only fill our 5
(4)gallon external propane tank about every 6 weeks.
This gives us unlimited hot water. Limited only by your holding tanks.
My 15 minute showers (continuous) are great!!
It fits in the size of the 10 gallon Atwood tank.
I cut out the side of the bus and mounted it. See pics under photos.
This is our second one. The previous one was mounted in our 26ft GMC.
We now only use the electric as a backup. Haven't used it in 5 years,
tho.
Bob Lawrence
84 PT36
Workcamping in Branson, Mo.
>
> The only problem with an electric tankless water heater is that
the
> current draw exceeds the current available from most campgrounds
and
> your generator. It has often been discussed, but none
with the
> capacity to actually provide the hot water you expect will work
with
> the electrical limits involved.
>
> Better you simply replace the existing water heater with an RV-
type
> LP gas model.
>
> Note. The AquaHot system in later 'birds is a tankless water
heater.
> It has a 2000 watt heating element that gives you a 'shot' of hot
> water while the burner kicks on. The electrically heated water
only
> lasts a short time and it can't adequately heat a significant flow
of
> water.
>
> As for replacing the fresh tank with a larger one, be careful to
> calculate the impact on the weight of the vehicle. It's not that
hard
> to overload the coach and water adds about 7# per gallon.
>
> Pete Masterson
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> El Sobrante CA
> aeonix1@...
>
>
>

> On Jun 21, 2008, at 9:30 PM, Michael wrote:
>
> > Hello All.. just picked up a 78FC35 and found the fresh water
tank bad
> > and water heater shot. I'm thinking about replacing the small
water
> > heater under the bed with an electric tankless type, has anyone
tried
> > this? If this would work I could replace the original fresh water
tank
> > with a larger one as I haven't found a stock replacement anywhere.
> >
>

---

Now with a new friend-happy design! Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger

[Michael]

Thanx Curt. Where do I setup the auto signature? I'll manually add
one to this post. I did order a replacement Hot Water Heater through
Dupree. Although I do like the tankless systems (use them at home) I
thought a small single faucet heater would be ok here, but still the
requirements are 23a @ 230v so I'll drop that for now. I'm not ready
to go gas on that yet, although that is an attactive solution.

Now I just need to replace the water tank. On the Wanderlodge page
it states the 78FC35 has a 98 gal fresh water tank, but it does not.
By my measurements it cannot be over 65 gal due to its dimensions
alone? So now I'm thinking about turning the tank 90 degrees and
loosing the under bed storage drawer to try and get a larger tank in
there. I'm assuming the black (42gal) & gray (60gal) numbers are
correct? If so I'd like to get closer to 100 gallons.

The current tank measures about 29"w x 38"l x 14"h. If I turn 90
degrees I could go with 32" x 48" x 16 if I move the heater vent or
14 if I leave it there. At any rate that would give me 106 gals or
93 gals and will leave more room for plumbing than exists now.

Michael Putz
1963 FC35 Bluebird "Freedom Bus"
1978 FC35 Wanderlodge "Putz'n Around"
1982 FC35 School Bus "Parts"
1982 GMC 40' RTS
Mesa, Az

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Curt Sprenger"
wrote:
>
> Michael,
> Welcome the 'Bird Owners Club. Where are you located? When you have
time
> please setup an auto signature so we know about you and your coach.
>
> Your tankless water heater question should generate a few
responses. There
> are a few folks on this site that can help you. And do not forget
to keep us
> in the loop about your project.
>
> On Sat, Jun 21, 2008 at 9:30 PM, Michael <mike.putz@...> wrote:
>
> > Hello All.. just picked up a 78FC35 and found the fresh water
tank bad
> > and water heater shot. I'm thinking about replacing the small
water
> > heater under the bed with an electric tankless type, has anyone
tried
> > this? If this would work I could replace the original fresh water
tank
> > with a larger one as I haven't found a stock replacement anywhere.
> >
> > Michael
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Curt Sprenger
> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
> Anaheim Hills, CA
>

[Dan Carr]

Mike,

If you can't find the a tank to fit, you might consider two tanks with
overflow from tank 1 to tank 2 for filling and both feeding into the
water system. That is what is under the bed in our 82 PT40. Don't
know if it is original or a creative replacement.

Dan Carr
82PT40 6V
Columbiana, OH
Waiting on parts to fix my sporlan fill valve and dump valves.
Luckily one stop shopping compliments of Dupree Products.

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Michael" <mike.putz@...> wrote:
>
> Hello All.. just picked up a 78FC35 and found the fresh water tank bad
> and water heater shot. I'm thinking about replacing the small water
> heater under the bed with an electric tankless type, has anyone tried
> this? If this would work I could replace the original fresh water tank
> with a larger one as I haven't found a stock replacement anywhere.
>
> Michael
>

[michaelhohnstein]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan Carr"


The archives detail the marine types of direct replacement water
heaters on the market. We have found that the engine heated feature
takes care of ALL hot water needs when traveling and the electric
function is equally good when parked. Replacement water containers
can be located by Googeling the subject.
We have found that less trouble will be encountered by using the on
board water tank and water pump system exclusively and using city
water sources to fill the tank. Greatly reduces the stress
on 'vintage' plumbing. Once you take a good look at the 'as designed'
water system, it's hard to improve on. On the other hand, there is
much that can be done to improve the DC electrical service. Adding
battery capacity and a inverter charger are top of the list
improvements.
MH



wrote:
>
> Mike,
>
> If you can't find the a tank to fit, you might consider two tanks
with
> overflow from tank 1 to tank 2 for filling and both feeding into
the
> water system. That is what is under the bed in our 82 PT40. Don't
> know if it is original or a creative replacement.
>
> Dan Carr
> 82PT40 6V
> Columbiana, OH
> Waiting on parts to fix my sporlan fill valve and dump valves.
> Luckily one stop shopping compliments of Dupree Products.
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Michael" <mike.putz@>
wrote:
> >
> > Hello All.. just picked up a 78FC35 and found the fresh water
tank bad
> > and water heater shot. I'm thinking about replacing the small
water
> > heater under the bed with an electric tankless type, has anyone
tried
> > this? If this would work I could replace the original fresh
water tank
> > with a larger one as I haven't found a stock replacement
anywhere.
> >
> > Michael
> >
>

[Michael]

I did end up getting a replacement water heater from Dupree Products
that very much resembles the original one. And I found a tank from
Plastic-Mart that will fit in the original location without
modifications for a very decent price. Ocean Link had tanks for over
$400 while this one was only $121, both are spun tanks. I dropped
the modification idea due to time (trip coming up)and not really
gaining a lot using the existing tanks found. This one is 55 gal so
it is just a few gallons smaller. However, it does have a cut-out
that will allow for better room while plumbing. The original was so
tight I had problems getting it apart much less putting it back to
gether.

Michael


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "michaelhohnstein"
<MHOHNSTEIN@...> wrote:
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan Carr"
>
>
> The archives detail the marine types of direct replacement water
> heaters on the market. We have found that the engine heated
feature
> takes care of ALL hot water needs when traveling and the electric
> function is equally good when parked. Replacement water containers
> can be located by Googeling the subject.
> We have found that less trouble will be encountered by using the on
> board water tank and water pump system exclusively and using city
> water sources to fill the tank. Greatly reduces the stress
> on 'vintage' plumbing. Once you take a good look at the 'as
designed'
> water system, it's hard to improve on. On the other hand, there is
> much that can be done to improve the DC electrical service. Adding
> battery capacity and a inverter charger are top of the list
> improvements.
> MH
>
>
>
> wrote:
> >
> > Mike,
> >
> > If you can't find the a tank to fit, you might consider two tanks
> with
> > overflow from tank 1 to tank 2 for filling and both feeding into
> the
> > water system. That is what is under the bed in our 82 PT40.
Don't
> > know if it is original or a creative replacement.
> >
> > Dan Carr
> > 82PT40 6V
> > Columbiana, OH
> > Waiting on parts to fix my sporlan fill valve and dump valves.
> > Luckily one stop shopping compliments of Dupree Products.
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Michael" <mike.putz@>
> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hello All.. just picked up a 78FC35 and found the fresh water
> tank bad
> > > and water heater shot. I'm thinking about replacing the small
> water
> > > heater under the bed with an electric tankless type, has anyone
> tried
> > > this? If this would work I could replace the original fresh
> water tank
> > > with a larger one as I haven't found a stock replacement
> anywhere.
> > >
> > > Michael
> > >
> >
>