The best hot water system for your van!

[@zachkiesel3329]

For those wondering his heater is a Waga Parts Type 20 Eme Propane/Butane Heater.

[@johnvancamper9581]

Nice van. Nice presenting. In the UK we call those Instantaneous Water Heaters . We don't really say Geyser. I have used these and I've 'popped' the heat exchanger by leaving just a tiny amount of water in over winter. You can often get them cheaply re-soldered by a vehicle radiator repairer but it depends on the accessibility of the split in the pipes. They heaters are brilliant. The person who said it's not really living van life if you have hot water should try living both ways. Or just try living at home for a month just using cold water. To me the closer you can get your van's small space to feeling like home and like you're not depriving yourself the better. A word of caution tho. ....I used to fit my own as I've done plumbing work for many years. Now it's illegal to work on gas in the UK unless you are GasSafe qualified ( used to be called Corgi .) That's for good reason. The gas connections done even slightly wrong are an explosion hazard and can suffocate you. Fire is really not your biggest concern here. 2ndly these heaters have a lot of flame inside then so produce a large amount of Carbon Monoxide in a VERY short time. Proper big bore venting, fitted to stringent standards is absolutely necessary. They are a brilliant piece of kit and we'll worth the cost. Just get it refitted by a qualified gas engineer and remove it to indoors during the cold winter months, if not using the van (and keeping a reasonable frost free interior temp.) Alternatively use an air line to blow it clear of any water hen resting it for winter and wrap it with insulation like you would a household water tank. Just subbed. Happy travels everyone. John

[@RobertCranmer-up2fm]

This was an exact replacement for the old one that lasted about 10 years. kzbin.infoUgkx7yWIKcrbA9KMHkGSfcgxW2lsjHT6B8Sh The top of my mitigation tube by my roofline was just a 90 elbow which allowed too much debris to fall down into the fan, eventually ruining it. Without this issue, I bet it would have kept running another 10 years. When I replaced this fan, I added an extra elbow joint so the top tube now it does a 180, which should solve that problem. The radon guys around here wanted to charge me a $300 diagnostic fee, then parts/labor (probably close to $600 total). I installed this all by myself in about an hour for the cost of the fan; it would probably be even easier/faster with two people. FYI the manufacturer's warranty greatly differs depending on whether you install it yourself (1 yr warranty) or have a licensed installer do it (10 yrs).

[@garcher2]

Great humor.. liked the Dave2D sequel, the nod to Dave. Your assured, uncertain stumblings made it real and entertaining. your #1 fan.

[@derickderidder8837]

If the water heater breaks out in flames you won't be able to reach the fire extinguisher. I recommend one fire extinguisher in the front of the van and one fire extinguisher in the rear. I may take some of those color ideas in your van nice job.

[@juanybravo9049]

You should make a list of all things used and link to the heater.

[@goody4487]

great video! to the point! I don't know if anyone else pointed it out... Your fire extinguisher shouldn't be next to your heater which combusts! happy trails mate

[@bobhope5773]

A Geyser is what the Victorians used and called them, I think we have moved on a bit since then lol! We now call them a "Hot Water Heater" because they heat water until it is hot. Actually you are kind of correct :P, technically you could call it a geyser but I have never heard one of my countrymen call it a "Geyser" it is just too old fashioned. In the UK they are also called "Instant hot water heaters" tankless water heaters-also called instantaneous, continuous flow, inline, flash, on-demand, or instant-on water heaters. In "Geysers" the temperature varies with the consumption rate, becoming cooler as flow increases. Appliances that provide a continual supply of hot water are also called "water heaters, hot water heaters, hot water tanks, boilers, heat exchangers, on demand hot water heaters or calorifiers" . A heater is something which warms the air in a space ie a Propex or Espar D2 etc.

[@koningbolo4700]

the best water heater is based on an existing heat source... In case of a van the most obvious source would be engine heat or in any case cooling system based heat. In your case the heat source could also be the wood stove. Granted, you may need hot water when the engine is off and the boiler is cooled down, in which case you can employ an auxiliary heater like an Eberspacher or a Webasto. Many people go the easy route and install the cheaper (chinese) option based on hot air. All fine but you then limit yourself what you can do with the cabin heating system. If you install a water (coolant/water/antifreeze) based heating system and combine it with a selection of central heating boiler parts (like an internal boiler - about 2.5 gallons in some cases - and a 3 way valve) you can have hot water for the sink, hot air from the heater core, either produced by the engine or the auxiliary heater. Also you can use the auxiliary heater to pre heat your engine in case the engine is extremely cold in winter (better for the engine and it starts much more easily) True, there is a safety issue in the fact that the 2.5 gallon boiler stores near boiling water (the temperature of coolant water in the engine while in use) but by using a mixer valve next to it (also not very uncommon in central heater boiler systems) you can automatically (thermostatically) mix your scolding hot water from your boiler and your normal fresh water tank to a more manageable and safe level and diliver it to the sink or shower tap. In any case the best ANYTHING is definitely not a device which does one thing (though very well) and nothing else...like an on demand water heater... But you could have done much worse like using an electric boiler (and a ton of solar on the roof) or a even more dangerous gas boiler... Any ways: gas is nice but very expensive, extremely unsafe but granted, if enough systems (more devices) are installed could become relatively safe but then very hard to keep safe (rubber hoses, clamps, 80% fill protection, carbon monoxide detectors, copious vents, LPG tanks and that jazz) I don't use any gas in the van but instead use liquid fuel to cook with (using a marine style ethanol dual hobb thingy by Origo) no trouble at any borders, not trouble at any ferry cue, no trouble at campings with safety conscience gas regulations (not that I ever go to campings for gas safety reasons - too many people take gas dangers and safety waaaaaaaaaay too lightly) and more importantly: no gas checks or mandatory technical approvals. Waakvlam=pilotlight...

[@foodparadise5792]

How about leave the propane tank outside all the time on the rear hitch? Turn it on only when you need or and shut the valve off at night before bed?I think a tankless propane option is the best for me.

[@blindhowlingdrunk]

Great comment. I’m going to check out the hob you mentioned

[@DaydreamAboutNiceThings]

Just found your channel ! I love you are being honest about being scared ! I love real tv !

[@deanedwards5851]

Thank you so much for the video, because I was so scared of when I would be handling gas so I can understand your concerns. Bye for now

[@growsomeplace9987]

All the answer I need, you did not know LOL

[@SvenImholz]

Leuke stijl Jonathan! En je engels is ook on point

[@ssavage5212]

Haha! Dave2D is how I found your channel! I like your style!

[@Snarge22]

I'm thinking the design to go with is an electric-only hot water heater. Requires a more substantial electrical system, but think how one can take advantage; shore power connections if/when available, alternator charging while traveling, and finally battery power when parked. I'd also go as far as installing a larger 6gal or 10 gallon heater. That's likely enough hot water to last a night and a morning once already heated. So no battery until the tank's hot water temperature drops enough to warrant more heat.

[@AussieBushrangers]

Mate be careful operating that inside your van, according to HASCHEM regulations, they are for outdoor use only for two reasons, 1 when in use it is eating up the oxygen in the van and 2 due to the Carbon Monoxide gas that is created via the exhaust. As I'm sure you know this is very toxic. I see you have a bit of foil ducting (typically used in indoor hydroponic setups to move hot air out, although not rated to remove toxic gas) but you have this just stuck out the window and the reason your other one broke was due to cold temperatures at which time you will want to have the windows closed. You really should have a CO detector installed as Carbon Monoxide will kill you quicker than an Aussie who's beer and pie you knocked over at the footy. Typically you should use an instant hot water system that is installed in the side of your van so it is sealed from the inside air and the exhaust and fresh air intake are totally external to the vehicle. They are though, about 4 times the price, depends on your priorities I guess. Happy travels.

[@Dave2DVlogs]

bahaha , cheers buddy

[@JB91710]

If there is a fire in your van no matter how small, Get OUT! The smoke will knock you out long before the flames will get to you. Keep a fire extinguisher at every EXIT, preferably a Halon or C02 extinguisher as they won't make a huge mess with powder everywhere. With the door open you can fill the van with Halon or C02 and suffocate the fire. A switch for an exhaust fan at each exit is a good idea also. Get Safe and Then Brave.

[@Soxandnicole]

Mistake = Experience. I bet you'll never do that again. An other very good episode. I think you handled Dave with a lot of maturity. I wish I'd been as mature as you when I was 22y/o.

[@RuffEdgesBakery]

We call it a tankless water heater. Good job :)

[@EDDIE21863]

you are AWESOME- thanks

[@NicoJona]

Thank you! You are awesome!

[@eliagottardi5321]

Yes economic,I have this type of heater...not this in particilar but instant boiling water heater,but we must pat attention of the exaust,that is dangerous for wood and flamable Times near the exaust...I did some update for this problem...it is only for the users here this information,you sud a Great work in this video,useful informations for cheapest heaters !

[@Grandmapaws]

I'm in an RV. The gas scares me too. I live in Florida. So I've been hesitating in watching videos.

[@dougboczulak5896]

Excel has a "tankless water heater" that requires NO venting. If O2 levels are to low, it will not turn on. Also Excel has a low pressure requirment that is great for a van application. I am trying to see where to mount in Promaster/Ducato van build. I have emailed then to get the safety clearances of their heater, 1.6g 6l water heater. For vans the smaller the better

[@austinadams8779]

what did they say? i plan on doing the exact same thing to my van

[@elsebebe6161]

Can you drop a link to the heater

[@cyberfuker85]

any news on this ?

[@sinapsivideomappinglab5402]

@@cyberfuker85 even if the O level is checked by the OSD system , you always need to be sure to CO is fine for you life our you can even die in your van , the EXcel ventless water heater is not intended to be installed indoor in a van, if u find any EXCEL description in which they say that you can install it in a 6m square room without any ventilation conduct , please LINK IT . I SUGGEST NOT TO PLAY WITH CO LEVEL IN YOUR VAN

[@earthwormjj]

This is just what I was looking for. Cheers mate

[@Energy_69]

From all the vans what i have seen ,..you dit explain how the water heater works better than any one You don’t need to explain installation in this video,..you were very straight forward regarding how water heater works,..which helps to understand

[@yourboytimmyishere]

We using water heater build in pump inside bathroom. It connects to electric. . So easy .. it's good when staying in high apartment bcus water low pressure. It's safe too

[@463759]

How did you end up venting the propane? I don’t want to cut a hole in my van....?

[@judichristopher4604]

That is a great question!!! Did you ever get an answer? It NEEDS a VENT!!!

[@cyberfuker85]

@@judichristopher4604 i believe there are ventless alternatives. not sure if its that kind tho

[@lauriestlyon8773]

You MUST have proper venting! We are required by our safety cert on boats to have a certain amount of ventilation top and bottom. But we still lose people to carbon monoxide poisoning every so often. Less so from gas water heaters than multi fuel stoves. Never block the vents!!! Also this is an "Open Flu" type. That means the flame is not enclosed, it draws air from the room it is in and burnt gasses can reach the surrounding space. New Combi boilers for houses these days MUST be "Balanced Flu" whereby the flame is SEALED drawing fresh air down the outer chamber of a triple walled flue and allowing gases to escape up it. As long as you have them properly vented you are good to go. I would NOT use the flexi vent stuff. It is not heat resistant!

[@CalebImmel]

The word heater is what we would call it in the states. It's a water heater. In the states, a geyser would be something like Old Faithful. A natural occurrence of water spewing from the ground.

[@electrohacker]

you should NEVER use teflon tape on a compression fitting. they are for threaded fittings

[@MrGenedancingmachine]

nah teflon tape is fine

[@MrGenedancingmachine]

MrSpart55 no, it’s fine

[@kbud3442]

MrGenedancingmachine totally unnecessary, but fine

[@Charmony0815]

alternative ??? -.-

[@electrohacker]

@@Charmony0815 you dont need an alternative, they're meant to run without sealant

[@Dazzletoad]

You turn your warm knob until your heart's content, Mr Doorbell 🤣

[@TheRealKalEll]

LMAO...Jonathan YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!! Too funny bro. Great helpful videos, thanx.

[@markmv19]

You don’t need Teflon tape on a compression fitting . It is not the threads that is holding the water back. Is the compression mating surfaces 👍🏼

[@drewlongest]

Really looking forward to the tutorials! I need some guidance for when I build my van in a couple years when I get done with my job. And I don’t have the first clue of what to do besides buy the van lol.

[@phililpb]

this guy has no clue ether. Please don't use this guys videos as reference this guys van is potentially dangerous

[@OscarLagerstrom]

Nice going man. Love the van.

[@eyeswideshut2800]

You can boil water for shower too, a tank is a tank even if you fill it yourself, just add a pump. Boil a kettle, make your coffee and add remaining into whatever reservoir, should be just about right. Don't pour boiling water alone of course but temper the water already in container.

[@jogz123]

Brilliant entertaining video. Keep'em coming

[@electrohacker]

also dave's video sent me here, so take his criticism with some good humor. I'm glad to see your arent as miserable as the video he was reviewing

[@karwanhassan8425]

Well done my friend

[@yakmeoff]

Awesome vid! Shout out to Dave2Dvlogs yes that's Dave2Dvlogs for bringing me here😂👍

[@travellingthesandmanway.4603]

Hi Jonathan, hope your keeping safe/ Can I ask how this heater system connects to a shower? We have to have an outside shower head hanging off the back door.

[@fantasticnemo6375]

Can i use a showerhead with a stop start switch to turn the shower on/off in between washing and lathering

[@daftpuddin7034]

Hey love it. Goed gedaan. Why not just have an electric hot water tap that heats the water?

[@iamgratidude]

Just yesterday evening got insight to make water heating in van with this heater and boom- your video, heh I’m not original😂😂

[@jacobdexter6594]

In NZ these are called califonts and they draw air from the side, i.e. from inside the cabin. Unfortunately here in nz theyre unable to be certified (illegal) as typically there insufficient fresh air ventilation and rotation. My gas stove alone needs a 70mm dia ventilation hole in the floor to draw from .. I'd hate to think how much draw a califont would need.

[@CormacOSheehan]

Hey! Has this exploded yet or had any issues? Haha, I've been deep in research the last few days of how I'm going to get hot water in my van, and from all the complicated and expensive systems I've seen, this is the most simple, least expensive, and seems to be the most efficient, best for space saving and gives you water when you need it without waiting for a full tank to heat and then wasting the rest of what you didn't use. What made you go with this model of heater? The fact it has a circular exhaust where ducting can be attached to is a big plus, I've seen more open top heaters which would be far harder to catch the exhaust from. But with something like what you have, I think the safety issues of using this inside a van are greatly reduced (Also with having a maxxfan installed, windows open, CO2 alarms etc) I'm very tempted to go with this setup!

[@growsomeplace9987]

Your competed project needs a link

[@HylkjenArt]

Your awesome!

[@GezeNKasK]

Very nice bro 😀👍

[@sjuultjefromthelake4264]

nice video again

I like it! Tutorial from start till the finished van sounds like something I really wanna see! Jonathan, you could also share what you learned during the creation of these videos. Many creative people are interested in film and video as well. Arent we? Thanks!

[@inventor1v]

I'm with Dave!

[@bmxtwins5685]

waakflam ;) dutchy's rule. Love it man !!

[@brianleach9634]

h Hi there what did you end up using for the flue thanks Brian

[@mp180170]

Geeeezzeerrrrr!,,,

[@Japhill75]

Dave sent me over.. subbed. 👍

[@cybeer67]

How did you vent it out ?? (The exaust / hot air) ??

[@englishkernigit8294]

How do you vent it off?

[@youtubecommentpolice2043]

They are called tankless water heater

[@longhairmullet]

Love the idea of viewing zero to in-depth finish product. Love clip of “Dave” Love warm water, subbed. ;)

[@peggyprose]

You're very real. 👏👏👍

[@mattclark1234]

Do you have the name and model of the heater please

[@NicoJona]

The bus is sold now, but it is a second hand score ;)

[@2low2rl]

Could you please tell us what hot water heater you used here.

[@garyleadbetter]

does it need a gas vent for fumes to go out. if so where and how

[@judichristopher4604]

YES it needs a VENT!!!

[@mp180170]

Did you not watch till the end? He’s shows the vent to outside

[@judichristopher4604]

@@mp180170 I didn't SEE it either... at what point (time/minutes) did he show it?

[@judichristopher4604]

@@mp180170 5:26 he uses a Dryer Vent hose out the window and says it's TEMPORARILY fixed... Is that what you're talking about?

[@judichristopher4604]

That is better than nothing I guess... (SMILE)

[@DeVineVault]

Great video!!! But I need more info lol.What was that silver tube for? Thanks for sharing 👍😌

[@kfotoprm]

It's for the exhaust gases. But, he used the wrong type, it should be of flexible, stainless steel.

[@jimmymcdaniel979]

I’m building the eco temp l5 into my bus build. I’m making it vented

[@zennseven]

Jimmy M would appreciate some detail as to how you’re doing that Sounds really weird to mount these things outside in the snow, wind and rain ??

[@TheGoldenFridge]

I second this, would be great to know!

[@centexn]

You are a rock head.

[@him3293]

Hello! you have this installed under the cupboards, has this created any issues with the exhaust gases of the water heater? either condensation or poor ventilation etc?

[@jerismorgan]

what kind of pump do you use with your portable water heater,

[@marilynnarnold811]

If the water only goes to the shower head, how do you get the hot water to the sink?

[@kensmapleleafretirement]

Dave pointed me over here to look at your videos although, I am turned off by you thinking with your limited experience that you know what is the BEST hot water system for your van, I will watch your other videos and see what you have to say, Thanks to Dave2D for giving you a boost....

[@chuckykbkb3603]

nice im going to get one of those

[@nessymilo]

hey , IK heb een vraagje. Miss kan jij mij helpen. Enig idee hoe ik 20/40 liter water in jerrycan kan opwarmen door elektriciteit van een dubbele batterij in een jeep wrangler om te douchen. Bestaat er iets wat ik in die jerrycan kan stoppen zoals vb bij een waterkoker ofzo? zeg zomaar iets...

[@davidmackintosh3291]

Probably been asked before but what heater is it and where did you buy from

[@harrrytoool1391]

Turn a warm nob?😂 Use an 8 cell pack of 18650 batteries instead of the two battery for the boiler ignition set up.

[@karidjaegbertskaleidoscope7833]

Hi! I was wondering if you were in the Netherlands at the moment? And where are you? I love your videos : simple and natural...

[@theoborgsteede1727]

Hey heb een vraagje, bij ons campertje ontplofte de heet water slang , mag ik vragen waar of wat voor heet water slang jij hebt gebruikt . Groetjes Carola en Theo

[@sandraadams7913]

What brand? Jesse!

[@DinoPasic]

Is it reliable and how much is consumption of gas? Thanks

[@solsprinter5999]

I just got this same one!!!

[@seanphillips1282]

How did you end up venting this ? Watched a few vids of yours and cant seem to see

[@Charmony0815]

Hey Jonathan why not an electric direct heater instead of gas? I plan my Van nowadays too. ;)

[@torevalberg3510]

Hey man, didn't you insulate the roof? I see the roof ribs.... don't you get allot of cold, heat, condensation and outside noise? I'm planning a van myself, also in NL. So I'm curious, the wood you used for the interior, doesn't it make you can very heavy and increase the camper road tax?

[@sillychilly4308]

What model is this heater please

[@1110karin]

Geyser in the states means water that shots out of the ground but the Europeans use the term for hot water heaters that work with a pilot light.

[@phililpb]

in the uk that type of water heater is called a boiler. A geezer is a street male

[@paganmoon8540]

We call it a califont

[@winningfamily7527]

What brand is it how did you do exhaust? ?? Wtf

[@ahmeddagher]

what is the type of water pump that you are using with it ?

[@serenafanlife4226]

New Subscriber. Great video

[@jedics1]

How much water does it waste before it gets to temp?

[@GypsyBrokenwings]

We call it tank-less on demand, or tank (it'll hold some water in the tank).

[@isaacdelgado38]

Is that good enough to take a good shower?

[@watfordman]

Damn dude you seem to have a lot of money! I'm getting into vanlife to save money!

[@juliejules7780]

I think Dave lives with his mom lol. Your van is huge! You're not in the USA, are you?

[@aidanwalsh2324]

Anyone have a link to buy this water heater

[@off-gridhillbillystyle3735]

Think I missed it. Is that heater 12v?

[@HoneyBerighthere-Saysarath]

A glow plug does the same.

[@misdesixtysix8255]

Hi Jonathan, nice job on explaining the parts that you need to connect the water heater and gas. Does this also hookup in your bathroom for a shower? I noticed that you had a good bump up in your subs. Dave2D Vlogs 👍💛

[@cryptoisaac]

Thanks for the video dude! I’m remodeling a motorhome to travel full time in. Needed to get a water heater for it. Almost done but I just started making vids of the build. If you ever have some free time please check it out I’m winging it and would love your thoughts on. Thanks again bud 🙏🏽

[@grzegorzradecki7500]

Great!!!