How Does a Caravan’s Hot Water System Work?

Driving around in a caravan can get tiresome and hot. There is nothing quite as refreshing as being able to enjoy a nice hot shower when you need it. Given this necessity, it is vital to consider what kind of hot water system you should have installed in your vehicle. The choice of different options depends on what kind of energy source will be used to power the system. So let us look at the four basic options available.

Gas water heaters

Gas water heaters run on gas from gas cylinders. They are a good option for those with limited access to electricity. There are two variations to these heaters.

The first is gas water heaters with a tank. This hot water system has a burner located at the bottom of the tank that when turned on, takes about 30 minutes to heat the water. Once heated it should be left on until everyone has showered. It is ideal for individuals or small families who do not need to make frequent use of the heater.

The second option is the instant gas water heater. It works by heating water that is channelled through the heater before coming out of the shower head. It heats the water instantly it comes in contact with the burner and turns off automatically when the flow of water stops. There is usually a burner control that allows the user to adjust the temperature level as desired. This is a more convenient option where the travellers in the caravan may prefer to shower at different times. It is also cost-efficient as gas is only used when the shower is in use.

The main downside to gas water heaters is that their initial cost can be expensive when compared to electric options, but the running costs are lower, making them highly popular.

Electric hot water systems

These water heaters rely on electric-powered high-voltage heating rods to heat water in a tank. They tend to take longer than gas-powered water heaters to heat water and thus can consume a considerable amount of electricity in the process.

Like the gas-powered options, there are also instant electric hot water systems that allow for water to flow through the heater and come out the shower heat hot. These options are more energy efficient and allow for instantly heated water to be accessed just when you need it.

The electricity that is used to power these hot water systems can come from either battery setups or solar panels. Solar-powered systems are however less common as it is a recent innovation that caravan manufacturers are struggling to integrate due to the typically heavy solar panels that would need to be added to the roof. For those fixated on using solar energy, there is the option of solar shower bags that however do have limited capacity.

Gas and electric-powered hot water systems

It is possible to have a combination water system installed that can be powered by a combination of gas and electricity. Though more expensive than having just one power source, it does ensure you have more options in ensuring a reliable hot water supply when you need it. This kind of combination water system is also a good option if you are considering undertaking upgrades to your caravan in future. You can start by relying on one energy source and later add on the equipment and connections for the other.

Diesel hot water systems

As the name suggests, these hot water systems rely on diesel fuel to power their water heaters. They are a good option if you have equipment running on diesel, like a space heater. Some designs can help in drawing water directly from separate sources like creeks, which can come in handy when in the outback and off-roading. The main downside to these heaters is that they typically produce a loud sound when running which some people find bothersome. They can be cheap to run when diesel fuel prices are low, but initial installation costs can be high.

Tips on how to use a caravan hot water system

• Frequency of use

When choosing which water heater to have installed, you need to factor in your shower schedule, more so if it is more than just one traveller in the caravan. The most efficient option when not using an instant heater is for everyone to shower around the same time. That way you do not need to use up much energy in keeping the water in the tank heated for everyone. Showering at different times of day will mean having to heat the water from room temperature several times, which will consume more energy.

• Recovery time

This refers to how quickly the hot water system reheats the water when you need it. Systems that quickly recover are especially useful when you have several travellers in the caravan. Instant water heaters offer the best recovery time as they work instantly to heat water when needed. They automatically turn on when the water flows and switch off when the water stops flowing. This also tends to make them more energy efficient as energy is only consumed when water is flowing.

• Other water use

Here we have primarily focused on shower time. You may however want hot water available for other purposes like cooking and washing up. Again, if you are not using an instant water heater system, consider performing all these tasks around the same time so you do not expend as much energy repeatedly heating a tank of water on the same day. If you think you will need hot water several times a day, opt for instant hot water systems.

• Budget

This is a key consideration when you want to install a hot water system. Try to get the best value for money. This means choosing from reputable brands, even if it means having to make do with fewer bells and whistles. Keep in mind that often the cheapest energy source, in the long run, tends to have more expensive initial costs. Factor in both initial and running costs to figure out what works best for you. If you have money to spare, consider a combination gas and electric hot water system that gives you the most benefits.

• Existing energy source

It is often simpler and cheaper to make use of whatever energy source you currently rely on in your caravan. Choosing to install a second energy source will not only be more expensive, but the components will also take up more room in a vehicle that typically has limited space available. So, if you already have a diesel-powered space heater, consider a diesel-powered hot water system.

• Professional installation

Always have the hot water system in your caravan installed by a licensed and certified professional. It is a safety issue so also ensure that you have the equipment serviced as regularly as the manufacturer recommends. When choosing a new hot water system, visit the caravan shop with your vehicle so you can get expert advice on what choices would be best suited to your situation.

Conclusion

It is difficult to determine which choice of a hot water system would be best to install in your caravan. Your choice should ideally be guided by the budget you are working with and personal preference. For instance, if you prefer to have hot water available at any time you want, then instant options would be best. If you however do not have good access to electricity due to outback travel, you may prefer diesel or gas-powered options. Those that can afford it can also opt for the combination gas and electric-powered hot water systems that offer maximum convenience. Note that many hot water systems come with extra features and gadgetry that you may not make much use of. Stick to simpler designs that are typically cheaper and easy to use.