2-way hot water tank option

[gharper]

I don't think any of the options are essential except for perhaps solar panel for what we do. At a campsite with power leave the hot water electric switch on an enjoy hot water anytime. When boondocking use propane when needed.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Aha, but if you don't camp where there are power-bushes, then two-way is a waste of money, or will take forever to recoup the upfront cost.
I turn the propane heater on for twenty minutes to half an hour before needing hot water and then I turn it off. Stays hot enough to do dishes for most of the day.

We use paper plates and bowls . Saves on water , propane and our gray tank doesn't need to be emptied as often . Plus I don"t like washing dishes .

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by gharper

At a campsite with power leave the hot water electric switch on an enjoy hot water anytime. When boondocking use propane when needed.

Pretty much the same as us. If we are paying the price of a full service site, the water heater full time is a nice luxury. Boondocking it is on for after breakfast and supper for a short time only.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by jwscarab

So traveling down US56 today between Lawrenceburg and Madison Indiana - along the Ohio river, I noticed all the power plants billowing out the smoke from the coal.

In this era it's unlikely that a generating station - even one burning coal - produces visible smoke. What is often visible, depending on temperature and humidity, is a water fog or "steam"... but you still wouldn't want to vent it into your trailer!

[NW Cat Owner]

Well, as usual it didn't take long for this thread to go off topic, which can be rather frustrating for the OP. To bring it back on topic, a short while ago I started a thread on the hot water heater as we were unable to find the switch. We've since found it, so thanks to those that stayed on that topic and were able to help me.

Donna and Kent both posted photos which circled the area where the switch is. Kent also included a nifty text enhanced photo of the water heater panel/control/whatever on the side of the trailer. I'm printing it out - very helpful.

Here's that thread in case it helps you as well:

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...ting-9221.html

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

Well, as usual it didn't take long for this thread to go off topic, which can be rather frustrating for the OP.

While off-topic excursions can be frustrating, the question was answered by the end of post #3, as the original poster acknowledged in post #13, so I don't have an issue with it.

But the link to the other thread with information about using the 2-way water heater could be useful.

[Iowa Dave]

We have the propane only water heater. Works well. We use it like Glenn Baglo. Limited on and most of the time off. As long as I have Hot water for a shower I am good to go. I keep mental track of the amount of resources I'm using. We don't seem to run out and fortunately have enough money to fill the propane tanks when they run low. If you never had it, it's hard to miss it. We installed geo thermal at the house, propane use for hot water went way down. Electric went up. I just call up to Palo to the nuke plant and tell them to push the rods in a little bit. That's my dual heat at home.
Dave

[Viajante]

Chinaski,
The two way heater is a good option. And thanks for posting your question.

[richardr]

We currently have the 2 way hot water heater in our Casita, but we will not be purchasing the option in our Escape. Here is our reasoning: Switching on the propane before we need hot water and off after we are finished works fine, no worries about burning out the heating electrode and the extra cost of the 2 way heater will buy a lot of propane.

[float5]

People who are in campgrounds with hook-ups most or all of the time may want to use the electric all of the time. They may never need to fill a propane tank and they have paid for the electric anyway.