We have just purchased an old caravan, 2 berth 1981. It is our first caravan, and we hope to try it out for a year or so before hopefully upgrading! Is it possible/ advisable to fit a water heater, as at present there is only cold water. If so, any recommendations on type, cost, etc. Also, I have seen some second hand ones advertised on ebay etc. would you advise fitting a second hand one? Thanks.
Water Heater
- Thread starter Louise_374247664
- Start date
Louise, I can only speak personally but I would not fit a water heater. My reason is that the van is 26 years old and has been bought as a first van, you also say you will upgrade in a year or so. I feel that you would be better saving the cost of the heater and put it towards your replacement van. Those of us who started caravanning in the 70's were used to their being no hot water, or showers, and we managed to keep clean. P would not spend anything on the van that I did not need to as youi willl, not recoup your outlay when you upgrade.
Hello Louise,
Hot water in a caravan used to be a luxury, but now it has become a standard feature.
I take Rays point, but if you do not fit it, them the experience may put you off caravanning, so the choice is yours.
With regard to the purchase of a second hand water heater, you must be very careful. One of the issues with caravans is the fact that for most of their life they are standing unused, often for months at a time. It is during these periods of inactivity when some parts of appliances start to corrode, and insects can find their way into the small crevasses, and can block gas burners etc. In the case of water heaters, they are very susceptible to frost damage, and the damage is not always immediately visible, and can be expensive to repair.
Unless you are fully familiar with these appliances (i.e. technically competent to service/repair) then it would be wise to only consider a second hand unit supplied with a proper guarantee by a dealer, or bite the bullet and purchase new or delay the purchase as suggested by Ray.
It is always the case that the fitting, removal, service or repair of any gas appliance must be carried out by a competent person. Incorrect fitting could endanger your life.
Hot water in a caravan used to be a luxury, but now it has become a standard feature.
I take Rays point, but if you do not fit it, them the experience may put you off caravanning, so the choice is yours.
With regard to the purchase of a second hand water heater, you must be very careful. One of the issues with caravans is the fact that for most of their life they are standing unused, often for months at a time. It is during these periods of inactivity when some parts of appliances start to corrode, and insects can find their way into the small crevasses, and can block gas burners etc. In the case of water heaters, they are very susceptible to frost damage, and the damage is not always immediately visible, and can be expensive to repair.
Unless you are fully familiar with these appliances (i.e. technically competent to service/repair) then it would be wise to only consider a second hand unit supplied with a proper guarantee by a dealer, or bite the bullet and purchase new or delay the purchase as suggested by Ray.
It is always the case that the fitting, removal, service or repair of any gas appliance must be carried out by a competent person. Incorrect fitting could endanger your life.
Hi Louise, I my opinion it would'nt be viable to fit a hot water system in a caravan of that age,with the cost of a new water heater ,new taps, pipework and the labour to fit would be around
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