We are new members with our 2016 16 ft Deluxe on order for delivery in October. We were wondering about the the hot water heater. Is it recommenced that one get the gas/electric model vs just the propane? with electricity being available at most sites it would seem this "free" fuel could quickly make up the cost difference.
Thanks for any advice or comments.
Ken & Ellen Peterson
Welcome to the clubhouse! Really depends on how you camp. Boondockers would have no need for the dual. If you usually have utilities when camping then it could be a good choice. Really doesn't save much money since how little one fires up a propane water heater it doesn't really cost much on propane.
In addition I find a lot of people forget to turn off the electric element and plug the trailer in with a dry water heater, burning out the element.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Thanks so much for the info. Yes for me it would be a matter of when, not if, I forgot to turn off the electric switch. this is our firs time with a modern camper with al these comforts so have lots to learn. So does the hot water heater only heat when water is being used or is it like a home hot water heater constantly keeping the water hot? If only in use when using, I can see how the usage of propane would be minimal.
Ken & Ellen Peterson
2016 16 ft Deluxe "Take A Chance"
2017 Toyota Tacoma
Depends, on the water heater how they work. If it has an electric ignition with a switch inside the Scamp to turn on/off you just fire it up about 10 min before needed then turn it off. If it has a pilot light that has to be lit outside then you can just leave it on pilot and you'll have quite a bit of hot water, or turn it on and off outside. If it is a dual and you are switched on electric and plugged in, then it is always on. You may find all three types in Scamps, etc.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Thanks. So much to learn, but can't wait to take delivery and learn by doing.
Ken & Ellen Peterson
2016 16 ft Deluxe "Take A Chance"
2017 Toyota Tacoma
Hello again Ken and Ellen,
I discovered that Scamp does not offer the electronic ignitor/on off switch water heater model. There are two choices, the manual heater that you light the pilot outside and it stays lite, or the electric gas model that has the electronic ignitor on/off switch as well. I highly recommend the electric/gas model, you will be glad you did. Especially if you run out of propane and you have 120vac power hooked up.
Great food for thought. I'm leaning for spending the little extra to have the option. If you amortize it over the years it's not much. Of course that is how we are justifying the whole thing. (smile)
Ken & Ellen Peterson
2016 16 ft Deluxe "Take A Chance"
2017 Toyota Tacoma
I just went through this same decision. My water heater needs to be repaired or replaced due to a faulty gas valve.
I have a Propane/Electric model (with DSI). The cost of the part is $100 (to repair a 12 year old water heater). The cost to replace the existing Gas/Electric unit is $500, the cost to replace it with a Propane Only model is $350 (this is with the Electronic Ignition [DSI]).
Personally, the Direct Spark Ignition is the ONLY way to go, NO Messing Around with Lighting a Pilot Light, simply flick a switch inside the coach when you want hot water and turn it off after you are done with the dishes or your shower.
Having the Electronic Igniter also saves propane because you only heat the water just before you use it, you don't waste propane keeping the water hot for standby use.
I don't need an Electric backup just in case I run out of Propane. If I don't have Propane, I'm NOT Camping !! Simple as that !
With two tanks and an auto-switching regulator I should be able to keep Propane on-board, If I run out during a trip I can take a tank into town and get a refill (or a tank swap).
So, for me, I will be replacing the existing Water Heater with a Propane Only DSI unit.
By-the-way, you should be able to talk Scamp into installing a Water Heater with the Electronic Ignition. That is what I would do.
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
Thanks ManwithaVan. I guess I shoulo know this, but does the gas heater come with this electronic Ignition or do I need to add it as an option? dDd not see that on the option lists>=.
Ken & Ellen Peterson
2016 16 ft Deluxe "Take A Chance"
2017 Toyota Tacoma
We just did the water heater decision on our new trailer. Propane use on the water heater is so minimal that with the inside on-demand switch decided the cost difference for the dual water heater could be spent on other options and went with the propane only.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
So is this switch standard or is it another option I need to get?
Ken & Ellen Peterson
2016 16 ft Deluxe "Take A Chance"
2017 Toyota Tacoma
Pages