110 Volt water heater

[Gents]

Can anyone tell me what I would need to do to run a 110Volt water heater in my van.

 

[wigster]

Good question is it a usa water heater being 110 volt ?

 

[Gents]

Hi Wigster , no it’s not , it’s a portable shower water heater

 

[Pausim]

Why is it 110V if it is not designed for the USA? Everything this side of the Atlantic is 230V as far as I know, I guess you can get step down transformers but a different water heater might be as cheap.

 

[Two on Tour]

Depending on what wattage your shower is, did you want to run your shower just from EHU or from EHU and your leisure battery ?
Depending on how your shower is marked up, how many watts or amps does your shower draw ?

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[funflair]

The voltage 110 is very common on building sites as its safer, you can buy 240v to 110v step down transformers or it may be easy to change the element in yours for a 240v one. Another alternative might be 12v to 110v inverter if you have a decent battery bank and solar or B2B then you could also heat water as you drive, when you are on hook up you simply recharge your batteries from the mains charger after heating water via the inverter, this would give the advantage that you don't need big amp hook up to heat the water.

 

[Lenny HB]

What power is the heater?
Dependent on size step down transformers can be very heavy and shower water heaters tend to be high power maybe to much for a site outlet.

Also they are designed to be left turned on or they won't maintain a temperature so you will need a hell of a big water tank.

 

[Gents]

Why is it 110V if it is not designed for the USA? Everything this side of the Atlantic is 230V as far as I know, I guess you can get step down transformers but a different water heater might be as cheap.

Pausim: Yes it is American.
I have a medium length Hi top Transit in Silver.Ugh! you may gasp, but i love it, mainly because,I can still use it to run around in. it is 07, but I bought it in 2011 from an engineer mate, who bought it new for his business, and turned the back in to a mobile workshop.
It has done 100 k genuine miles, and pre smart altenater.
I’ve striped the workshop, insulated added windows and a roof vent. Because we have both looked after it, it is in fantastic condition, including underneath.
I tried owning a MH, for a couple years but, I kept going back to the Trany.
I don’t want a home from home. I have retired, and just want to look out the window and say, to the boss, come on let’s go for a few days, generally mid week and back for Wk ends, and want to have the electrical independence that Solar and Lithium promise.
We have enjoyed it partially converted, but with big 70 coming up Feb, & now I think we know the layout that suits us & the Jack Russell, or maybe The Jack Russell & us! I am just taking delivery of 360 watts of solar, & 300 watts of Lithium batteries, plus all the trimmings. We manage the water with a manual foot pump, & happy with that, Don’t want to carry 100s of Ltrs of water. I have just worked in enough space for a tiny shower, & Small porta potty. I am looking at an American “Big Kahuna shower unit, the pump works off 12v, but the portable heater is 110v. I have 110 transformer for work tools, but weighs a ton, hence the Post about any other way of doing it.
I have booked for New Forrest April, so I am trying to get all this done for then, & whilst I am from the building fraternity, I only know what I have learned in trial & error, when it comes to van conversion. I’ve installed. diesel heater , so that side is sorted. kitchen I am in the middle of.
Hey, sorry, i’m sure you didn’t want my life story.

 

[Gents]

What power is the heater?
Dependent on size step down transformers can be very heavy and shower water heaters tend to be high power maybe to much for a site outlet.

Also they are designed to be left turned on or they won't maintain a temperature so you will need a hell of a big water tank.

Len, I am not sure of the power, will hopefully know later today. If you read my reply to Pausim, below you too will need a sit down afterwards

 

[Gents]

Good question is it a usa water heater being 110 volt ?

Yes tis.

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[Gents]

Depending on what wattage your shower is, did you want to run your shower just from EHU or from EHU and your leisure battery ?
Depending on how your shower is marked up, how many watts or amps does your shower draw ?

Two on tour, read my reply to Pausim.

The voltage 110 is very common on building sites as its safer, you can buy 240v to 110v step down transformers or it may be easy to change the element in yours for a 240v one. Another alternative might be 12v to 110v inverter if you have a decent battery bank and solar or B2B then you could also heat water as you drive, when you are on hook up you simply recharge your batteries from the mains charger after heating water via the inverter, this would give the advantage that you don't need big amp hook up to heat the water.

Hi Funflair. please read my other reply to Pausim

 

[Pausim]

Just had a look at Big Kahuna‘s web site. They seem to give no technical details of their shower heater other than saying 110V and not to be plugged into a 12V socket, which is stating the obvious. Looks like a small immersion heater on a wire.

 

[Gents]

What power is the heater?
Dependent on size step down transformers can be very heavy and shower water heaters tend to be high power maybe to much for a site outlet.

Also they are designed to be left turned on or they won't maintain a temperature so you will need a hell of a big water tank.

Thanks Lenny, I’m out of my comfort zone with this sort of stuff, I saw the shower unit on U Tube. Big Kahuna, the small one that they do has a provision for 4.7 galls, which I thought would suit us, and I am happy to site it in the van, and fill with a hose. As for the power draw I dont know as yet but they sell it to the camper van market, so shouldn’t be un manageable.

 

[Raul]

My choice would be to swap the element for 230v one. Reason being is: I eliminate a 110v transformer and a inverter that would only be used for said shower. With the 230v element I have the choice of using it of hook up as well as of a 230v inverter. This will allow to run any other 230v devices not only the shower. The element exchange, can be reduced to 750-800w if is any bigger will be hard on batteries even on lfp’s. We have a gas/ electric 13l boiler and heats up via inverter in about 25-30 mins. It has a 750w element and draws about 820-840w from inverter. The battery is 400ah lfp and without any sun contribution is almost borderline on discharge rate. Short burst no problem even with 2kw load but long discharge is best to keep up to 20% of battery capacity. Unless you have high power EV cells that can do 25C all day long.

 

[Gents]

Just had a look at Big Kahuna‘s web site. They seem to give no technical details of their shower heater other than saying 110V and not to be plugged into a 12V socket, which is stating the obvious. Looks like a small immersion heater on a wire.

Yes I would say that’s about right. I am not looking to plum the whole van so I thought this simple setup would work for us. It may only be for a season, and I may go mad and buy another van with a bit more legnth. To give us a bigger shower area, we do have a drive away awning, which is how we managed last season.

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[Gents]

My choice would be to swap the element for 230v one. Reason being is: I eliminate a 110v transformer and a inverter that would only be used for said shower. With the 230v element I have the choice of using it of hook up as well as of a 230v inverter. This will allow to run any other 230v devices not only the shower. The element exchange, can be reduced to 750-800w if is any bigger will be hard on batteries even on lfp’s. We have a gas/ electric 13l boiler and heats up via inverter in about 25-30 mins. It has a 750w element and draws about 820-840w from inverter. The battery is 400ah lfp and without any sun contribution is almost borderline on discharge rate. Short burst no problem even with 2kw load but long discharge is best to keep up to 20% of battery capacity. Unless you have high power EV cells that can do 25C all day long.

Thanks Raul, not being familiar with this, I will have to see where I can get a swap.
It sounds sensible, what you suggest.
I have gone for the semi flex Solar panels, 360W, and top of the range Lithium’s, with BMS and solar controller, which I am assured will , (a) recharge quick , & also accept the fast charge that I am looking for.
Hope this makes sense to you ! I’m only quoting what I am being told by suppliers.

 

[Lenny HB]

Just had a look at the Big Knhuna site, they look a bit naff to me, I wouldn't waste your money on one.

These look like a much more sensible option.

Elgena water heater

Buy a Elgena water heater

www.leisureshopdirect.com

I have gone for the semi flex Solar panels, 360W,

If you haven't already bought the panels you should seriously consider ridged panels. The semi-flexible ones are notoriously unreliable.

 

[Treeeev]

Hi Gents

As others have said they appear to be out of stock and also look expensive for what they are. I think you would find it difficult to find a 240v heating element to replace the 110v one safely. If you want a cheap and simple showering solution, what about one of these and a small coolbox? Boil a kettle and pour into the coolbox, add cool water to correct temerature, put pump into coolbox and enjoy your shower

Cheers

Trevor

 

[Tombola]

Hi Gents

As others have said they appear to be out of stock and also look expensive for what they are. I think you would find it difficult to find a 240v heating element to replace the 110v one safely. If you want a cheap and simple showering solution, what about one of these and a small coolbox? Boil a kettle and pour into the coolbox, add cool water to correct temerature, put pump into coolbox and enjoy your shower

Cheers

Trevor

I had one of these, worked treat and used it on the dogs aswell

 

[Gents]

Just had a look at the Big Knhuna site, they look a bit naff to me, I wouldn't waste your money on one.

These look like a much more sensible option.

Elgena water heater

Buy a Elgena water heater

www.leisureshopdirect.com

If you haven't already bought the panels you should seriously consider ridged panels. The semi-flexible ones are notoriously unreliable.

Thanks Lenny, will look at this water heater. As for the panels, I’m afraid they are due here on Tuesday. I thought I had done plenty of research, I went for semi flexible because of the weight and space available. I am very grateful for your advice, I know very little and travelling in uncharted waters, so I do respect your knowledge, and would be grateful for any evidence you have of the unreliable nature of semi flexible, so that at least I know what I am getting into.
Love this group, of Funsters, for all the help & advice.

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[Gents]

Just had a look at the Big Knhuna site, they look a bit naff to me, I wouldn't waste your money on one.

These look like a much more sensible option.

Elgena water heater

Buy a Elgena water heater

www.leisureshopdirect.com

If you haven't already bought the panels you should seriously consider ridged panels. The semi-flexible ones are notoriously unreliable.

Ive looked at those water heaters, look good, going to speak to supplier & find out more , on Monday.
Thanks for your input Lenny.

 

[pappajohn]

110v yellow builders boxes ARE NOT designed for constant use.
They are design to power such as an electric hammer breaker for a short while then nothing while Bob the builder has a fag break then another short period of use.

 

[Sundowners]

That "boiler " sounds like it would feed cold water in bottom and hot out the top???? If so you will need a supply of water to replace water as you use it ????
You could gravity feed from an overhead tank------- I would fit a water pump--- sorry just how I would do it for an easy life.
Depending on its power draw---- it is most likely a very small heater--- it would probably run very well of a 12v to 110 inverter??
We have had a few yank campers so are familiar with 110 v appliances-------- still got loads and 240v to 110v and 12v to 110v BUT I am keeping them for future projects!!!! Sorry!!
Have you considered a gas heater??we are using one--- I think it's called Kampa geyser orsomething like that--- it is about 1' cube and comes with the shower ----- it is instantaneous so only works when you use it----BUT---- you would need a pump----- it comes with a submersible 12v one
Just a thought!!!!

 

[jockaneezer]

would be grateful for any evidence you have of the unreliable nature of semi flexible, so that at least I know what I am getting into.
Love this group, of Funsters, for all the help & advice.

I had two separate 150 watt Biard flexible panels fail on me, both within 18 months of fitting.

 

[tacr2man]

You might try Star Spangled Spanner for a 240v element IIRC they do one for a Suburban heater , as used in US RV .

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[Gents]

I had two separate 150 watt Biard flexible panels fail on me, both within 18 months of fitting.

jockaneezer , thanks I appreciate your input. My trouble is, I want to get max solar, with least weight. I’m just going to have to bight the bullet , and hope that tech has moved on enough to make them more reliable, if not i’m just about to chuck away a chunk of money. It seems like it’s all a bit of a gamble, which ever way you jump.

 

[mitzimad]

my son has also had three semiflexible panels in under 4 years they dont last

 

[jockaneezer]

Gents, Another disadvantage for flexi panels is that when they fail, they are an absolute bugger to get off the roof, because of how you stick them on. If a rigid panel fails, you can usually just unbolt it from its mounting brackets and replace it with the same sized unit. My second failed one is still on the roof, I'm not looking forward to removing it again. I might buy a slightly larger solid unit and see if I can bridge over it instead.

 

[Gents]

Gents, Another disadvantage for flexi panels is that when they fail, they are an absolute bugger to get off the roof, because of how you stick them on. If a rigid panel fails, you can usually just unbolt it from its mounting brackets and replace it with the same sized unit. My second failed one is still on the roof, I'm not looking forward to removing it again. I might buy a slightly larger solid unit and see if I can bridge over it instead.

Thanks again, for your input, really appreciate the help and concern that all have shown, I asked the question, and have to accept the answer, good or bad.
I’m in a bit of a dilemma, don’t want to disregard the advice, but need to get the most out of what space I have, and weight issue. Perhaps I’ll skip the Van and take up knitting.

 

[Lenny HB]

Thanks again, for your input, really appreciate the help and concern that all have shown, I asked the question, and have to accept the answer, good or bad.
I’m in a bit of a dilemma, don’t want to disregard the advice, but need to get the most out of what space I have, and weight issue. Perhaps I’ll skip the Van and take up knitting.

If you are that tight on payload why not uprate the van.

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