How much would it cost to install a hot water system in a caravan?

[ValA.]

We have the opportunity to site a caravan on a private pitch near us, and also the opportunity to buy a very cheap van to put there - but the van only has cold water. Because the site has limited facilities and no hook-ups we'd need to have hot water heated by gas. Any 'off the top of your head' views on
1. How difficult would it be to do everthing else except the gas installation itself (which would obviously have to be done professionally.
OH is a competent DIYer who could fix in the pipework, taps, etc., and the water heater and then a qualified gas fitter could be called in to connect up to the gas supply.
2. We'd obviously need a heater, bathroom and sink taps, shower head, pipework, outside vent and cover, and 'sundries' (connectors, supports, etc). Anything else?
3. Anyone done it already?
4. How much might it cost.
Obviously if it costs more than buying a better van with hot water then it's not worth it, but I don't fancy a cold shower, on a cold night in April!

 

[Damian]

A gas water heater will cost around £300 + (NOT an Ebay one,,cannot guarantee its safety)
Taps £60 each
Pipes £1.50 mtr
Gas pipe, isolation valve connections £30 - £40
Sundries,,,depends on whats needed..allow £30
Gas fitters charge including safety check

A gas fitter should refuse to fit any second hand items as their insurance would be invalid.

 

[ValA.]

Thanks Damien! Perhaps not an option then - it would cost as much as the caravan!

Anyone want to sell a good condition, cheap as chips, two double dinette, caravan, with hot water??????

 

[Parksy]

There are one or two out there Val, I'm off in the morning but I'll have a good look for you next week

 

[ValA.]

Have a nice break Parksy - wish we could join you! Shame about the caravan we'd seen - which would have been great, but we've now decided against doing that amount of work anyway. We'd rather just find one that we can enjoy right from the start! Thanks for keeping an eye out though - and anyone else out there, if you see a cheap little bargain let me know. We live in North Yorkshire (just over the boundary from West Yorkshire) - but would travel to get the right van.

 

[Surfer]

Have a nice break Parksy - wish we could join you! Shame about the caravan we'd seen - which would have been great, but we've now decided against doing that amount of work anyway. We'd rather just find one that we can enjoy right from the start! Thanks for keeping an eye out though - and anyone else out there, if you see a cheap little bargain let me know. We live in North Yorkshire (just over the boundary from West Yorkshire) - but would travel to get the right van.

There is a mobile caravan tech at the storage depot near us in Worcestershire that sells second hand caravans with a bit of a warranty and damp free. Some are under £2000 depending on year and model. If you can give us a rough idea of your budget and number of berths or layout maybe I can have a word with him. If you would rather do it off forum, ask Parksy for my personal email address and I can give you his contact number. I only know Lee, the mobile tech, through work he has done for us.

 

[ValA.]

Thanks for your kind offer surfer - we've actually just got back from seeing a little cracker! Just the layout and the price we want, in absolutely tip-top condition (service history), and even in the colours I like. Deposit paid, and we'll pick it up asap!!

Thanks again though, much appreciated.

 

[Surfer]

Thanks for your kind offer surfer - we've actually just got back from seeing a little cracker! Just the layout and the price we want, in absolutely tip-top condition (service history), and even in the colours I like. Deposit paid, and we'll pick it up asap!!

Thanks again though, much appreciated.

Brilliant, but don't keep it a big secret. What did you get?

 

[ValA.]

An Abbey Piper, Executive, 1994 5 berth - from someone nearby, who had a full service history - last serviced in December. The upholstery is like new, and the curtains and carpets a soft green (my favourite colour). Unfortunately they're continuing to caravan, so it came without any bits and pieces except a spare wheel on an underslung carrier, and we've all those to find somewhere! We've just sold a waterhog, and given away other bits on Freecycle, and now wish we'd kept them all! Fortunately our full awning will fit, so will come out of the loft!
We're hoping to tow it to the pitch we've found next weekend! Wish us luck! We could be enjoying some leisure time over Easter after the very hard last few months that we've had.

 

[Surfer]

Hmmm! Pity you aren't nearer to Worcestershire as we have quite a few bits and bobs including water carriers, wastemasters, steps wheel clamp etc. Have a look on www.preloved.co.uk for accessories in yoru area.

 

[ValA.]

Thanks Surfer! We've just managed to get a table and chairs from Freecycle, so we're on our way! We do have a water container and will just keep a look at locally for odds and ends - but if anyone in the Yorkshire area has anything.............................!