ATV Florida Forum

We just drilled a well out at our property in River Ranch, where we go riding.  Any suggestions on the best setup for hot water?  I hear they make hot water heaters that are run by propane, which is what we will need.  How many gallons would be appropriate?  Any suggestions on the best place to shop for this?  Any input would be appreciated.  Thanks!

Team_Leader posted this link on www.floridaatv.com


http://www.funinbc.com/camping/hottubs/hottub.htm

I plan on using a generator and a electric water heater. I have heard of some using the 40gal and smaller, depending on what the generator will handle. Another one is an in-line tank less heater, I might go that way, much smaller in size. You just have to keep an eye on the load on the generator. A heater that draws 30 amps uses 3600 watts, then you have to add the pump's use. If you have a generator that is 5000 or more, you should be OK.

One more is a shower head with a heater built in. Don't know anything about them, but sounds like the way to go if it heats up enough. I think I heard of them being used down on the islands.

Here's one gas heater I found on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/E-L-M-Whole-House-Instant-Hot-Water-Heater-Propane-Only_W0QQitemZ6031107147QQcategoryZ3191QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

An electric heated shower head.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-TANKLESS-ELECTRIC-SHOWER-WATER-HEATER-RV-CAMPER_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50073QQitemZ4607750450QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Here are a few small portables.

http://www.hotcampshowers.com/products51784.html

Some more.

http://www.zodi.com/web-content/Consumer/zodihottaptravelshower.html

One from Coleman


http://www.landbigfish.com/tacklestore/showcase.cfm?PID=2348

OR.......

For the do-it-yourselfer on a limited budget...

http://www.motherearthnews.com/library/1980_March_April/A_Portable_Solar_Water_Heater

Thats not a bad idea. I have a turkey fryer and pour water in the pot and heat it up with it and then I have a 12 volt pump that I plug into my quad and run the pump from there. Pump it straight from the pot. I have found that the turkey fryer has a lot of uses. I have an old weber grill that I took the parts off of it and set it on the cooker part and now I have the best gas grill ever for camping. I also take a pan and a small pot and now I can cook eggs or whatever and heat water for instant grits or to make hot tea.

FYI on the portable hot showers.  I was given a Zodi as a Christmas present.  I tried it and didn't like it for a multitude of reasons.  You have to use a match to light it and can see the visable flames.  In a real camping situation there isn't always level ground and this one requires it.  It is not stable enough at a double propane burner to stand on unlevel ground.  I had mine turned on high and it melted the outgoing water hose.  I thought it was going to explode because of the sounds it was making.  At the time there were several children around so I dove in to shut it off.  The outgoing water hose is a cheap grade.  The actual shower head is attached so you have a short reign to get it into a shower enclosure and if you pull on it you'll knock it over and start something on fire.  The shower head output has as weak of pressure as one of the hanging bags that you set in the sun.  The battery enclosure rusted very quickly and in order to turn it on and off I had to take the batteries out.  This all after two uses with the unit.

I returned it and got the coleman instant hot water heater instead.  I absolutely love it.  If you're looking for a portable you can ask Muddbuggy and CrazyCracker as well as a few others that have used it.  Works well and I love my camp shower set up.

Nice thing about this is hot water is instant for dishes or showers or hot coffee in the morning.  It also has an adapter for a large propane bottle like for the grill.  It also comes with an attachment for a hose so you can either bring your own water or instantly heat it up from the hose.  I can tell you it gets VERY hot immediately.

I suspect though that you are looking for something more like a house heater that will work in a motor home or hunting camp set up inside.

or you can do it the redneck way...
55 gallon drum on a stand-turkey fryer under it-warm 55 gal drum until water temp is to your liking.  Turn off and put away.  Water drum remains in the stand until next time and do it again.  Also, paint the drum black to absorb the sun rays and you will be surprised how warm it will get on its own.

fillt he drum with your home water.  The well water at RR stinks of sulfur

I have a old bathtub that I jacked up on bricks and I just build a fire under it.  ;)

You lie like a dog !!!! LOL LOL he actually pays one of us to sit under it with a lighter !! LOL LOL usually the scrub brothers do it !!!!

only cause we are scared of you cubans. you might take us out on your raft and throw us overboard.




back on subject, I like the instant coleman like QT has, those things are nice.

LOL LOL Tooooo funny !!!!  Good one !!!

Cant wait to go back to River Ranch !!!! Ill bring you some Empanadas !! & Home Made Cuban Croquets !!

MMMmmmmm

i want in on that ride ::)

dude, back off my food before I gotta get violent.  ;D

Thanks to everyone for your ideas.  I really liked the one with the bathtub, but I think I'll go a little more traditional.  I found a brand new 40-gallon gas hot water heater in the newspaper today for $100, so I'm going to give that a try.  My generator is a 7000 or 7200, so I think I'll be okay.  All I know is I get the first shower!!

I use an electric hot water heater at camp, just because the trailer came with one. But if I was going to replace it, it will be with a gas one. Are you going this weekend?   

i'll be at rr this weekend-staying motel down the street-camp site not ready yet-too cold for a tent

http://www.atvflorida.com/forum/index.php/topic,11325.0.html
 
I'm about 15mins from River Ranch off hwy 60

Hey, when you hook up an electric water heater to a generator, there are a few things to know. This goes for anything hooked up to a generator. I just retired after 32 years working for Florida Power Corp. at a power plant, so I know what I'm talking about here. This will help your generator and what is plugged into it last longer also.

1. Find the data plate that shows the amps it draws, we'll say 15 amps for example.
2. Multiply that times the voltage, we'll say 240v AC, for example.
    That gives you the watts usage.  240 x 15 = 3600 watts

Just add up the watts as you plug things in and you'll be OK.

We have a 40 gallon electric heater, a pressure tank and pump. The generator I believe is a 5000. Pressure is great,  the pump goes on only when the pressure tank drops below the set pressure. Works like a champ.

Hey big-daddy, I stumbled accross this picture and was wondering if it was you guys???



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