Adding a Hot Water Heater

[NSmom]

Hi, I have a 1991 Dodge Pleasureway and it does not have a hot water heater, appears never to have had one. It does have a sink and toilet. Has anyone added a hot water heater and if so I would love the details about how, what type and where you put it?
Thanks!

[GeorgeRa]

If you are space constrained you could consider:

1. LPG/120AC powered - Malaga water heater, it is a little smaller than NA brands and it doesn’t require cutting large hole on the side of the van, still hole but smaller.

2. Engine coolant/120AC powered – use marine water heater, popular for DIY folks is Isotemp. I have Isotemp heated by independent diesel furnace. Heated by engine coolant but keeps high temperature for at least ½ day. Or use hot plate heat exchanger, it extracts heat from the running engine coolant.

https://www.indelwebastomarine.com/u...water-heaters/

[Peder_y2k]

For 110vac ONLY, check out the 4gal. Bosh compact water heater. It takes 35 minutes to heat the tank from cold using 14amps or about 1000watts consumption. Around here, that costs $0.08 per cycle cold to hot. Adjustable water temperature also.

[Hatteras Jim]

I also have a Bosch 4 gallon 110v heater in my all electric van. Heats fast and retains most of the heat during the day when traveling between campgrounds. Got it from Lowes in 2013 and it is still working well after 50k miles and visiting 48 states. If you are doing a lot of boondocking, it probably won't work in your case. The only problem that I have with it - is that it is a pain to winterize. Forcing air through it does not empty the tank. I remove the top mounted temperature relief valve, insert a plastic hose with a primer bulb attached (Harbor Freight), empty out most of the water and then add a few ounces of antifreeze and reinstall the valve. There may be an easier way; but, I haven't found it. Be sure to add water before re-energizing. Good luck in your quest.