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Hi,

I have a 1989 swift corvette which has given us much pleasure over the last year or so, only downside is that it does not have a hot water system. I am looking for some advice on how i can simply and cheaply add hotwater. Water is drawn from outside using a submersible pump with microswitched taps. We only require hot water when on site connected to electric hook-up. Most of the water heaters I have seen are gas and quite expensive, also I don't really want to start cutting holes in the van for fules etc... So what type of electric heat do I need, could i use an instantanious water heater like those used over sinks, also what is the difference between vented and un-vented and which should be used in my situation, if any...?

Hi tentmad, not sure about the current, will have to try and workout how much one would draw. How much is supplied to a hookup typically...?

I would opt for the 3 way water heater but simply use the Electric option (you don't have to connect gas), I am not sure but as you will not be using gas you might not need a vent, unless there is a huge heat build up?

I think it would be safe, but please do not take my word for it, I would ask a professional.

As Tentmad suggested you might have problems on sites where the ampage is low and especially if you use it when you have other appliances on (TV etc) they will use quite a high level and this will probably trip your fuse!

I cannot remember the name but if you do a search for Carver Wat4er heaters there is a bloke called Gary and I am sure he sells re-conditioned (guaranteed) he is def an expert try it here!

http://www.preloved.co.uk/fuseaction-forums.showdiscussion/thread_id-8909/startrow-161/maxrows-20/021e8bc6.html

Quote: Originally posted by chrischunsi on 04/07/2005

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Hi Sprouty, that's OK, but these types of heaters are expensive and I am looking for a cheap!!! method of adding hot water. The instantanious types I mentioned above can be from as little as £30-50, but are they OK to fit....?

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No they are not allowed in caravans anymore is the simple answer but if it is already fitted then it is OK to keep it. Some older models are very hard to find spares for so buying cheap might be a total waste of money if it needs unobtainable ones

On the original question, Truma do the 'Truma-Therme' which is a 5 litre mains electric water heater with a 500w element, costs about £150 and is very simple to fit. Reich do a similar but 10 litre capacity model with 800w element at about £300

Thanks for the last couple of posts. I have looked on Ebay and they have a couple of heaters at the moment ending within the next couple of days.

Also thanks to arc systems, I have taken a look at hte heater mentioned and it looks ideal. I think I may have to just put my hand deeper in to my pockets :-((( if I can't get a used one.

Cheers

Chris