Hot Water on the Road: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Warm
When it comes to van life, hot water is one of those simple luxuries you don’t fully appreciate until it’s gone. Imagine finishing a day of rugged hiking, only to be greeted by a freezing cold rinse. Or picture trying to tackle the dish duty with icy water—definitely not ideal. Having a reliable hot water system in your van can turn these challenges into a distant memory and make your travels a whole lot more comfortable.
So, how do you navigate the myriad options available for van hot water systems? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s explore the best ways to keep your van warm and toasty, no matter where your adventures take you.
Electric Hot Water Heaters
120V Electric (Isotemp / Bosch):
Your classic option—tried and true, like a cup of instant coffee.
Your classic option—tried and true, like a cup of instant coffee.
Pros:
- Reliable and Consistent: Delivers a steady stream of hot water with the flick of a switch.
- Easy to Install: Cold water in -> Hot water out. No complicated plumbing.
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No Fuel Required: Just plug it in, and you’re good to go—no need for propane or gas.
Cons:
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Power-Hungry: These can drain your batteries faster than a Netflix binge drains your data so you will need a decent sized battery bank to handle it (min 300Ah).
12V Electric (EXUP):
Perfect for a simple hot water system and lower power consumption.
Perfect for a simple hot water system and lower power consumption.
Pros:
- Energy Efficient: Great for conserving power when you’re off the beaten path. (Uses only 17 amps at 12v).
- Compact: Easy to fit, even the tightest corners of your van.
Cons:
- Limited Hot Water Supply: Don’t expect marathon showers with this one. 6L (1.6G) water capacity
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Slow Heating: You’ll need to channel your inner Zen—this heater takes its time - around 30-40 minutes.
Coolant-Based Heaters
Coolant (Isotemp):
Why let your engine’s heat go to waste? With a coolant-based heater, you can use that heat for your hot water needs.
Why let your engine’s heat go to waste? With a coolant-based heater, you can use that heat for your hot water needs.
Pros:
- Utilizes Engine Heat: Efficiently uses heat from your engine’s cooling system.
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Consistent Supply: Hot water after 20 minutes of driving, and can stay hot for a couple days after.
Cons:
- Complex Installation: You’ll need to get up close and personal with your van’s cooling system including cutting into the lines.
Propane Heaters
Propane heaters are all about efficiency and quick heating.
Pros:
- Highly Efficient: Provides hot water quickly and efficiently.
- Independent of Electrical Systems: No need to worry about draining your batteries.
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Widely Available and Affordable: Propane is easy to find, making this a reliable option for extended trips.
Cons:
- Storing Propane: Storing propane in a van is a PITA and often requires complex certifications.
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Safety Concerns: Proper ventilation is crucial to avoid carbon monoxide risks.
Hydronic Heaters
Hydronic (Webasto, Espar):
If you want a multi-tasking machine, look no further than a hydronic heater. These systems heat both your living space and your water, all while sipping fuel from your vehicle’s main tank.
If you want a multi-tasking machine, look no further than a hydronic heater. These systems heat both your living space and your water, all while sipping fuel from your vehicle’s main tank.
Pros:
- Dual-Purpose: Heats both your living space and water.
- Fuel Efficient: Runs on diesel or gas, using minimal fuel.
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On-Demand Hot Water: Provides hot water as needed, without the need for a separate tank.
Cons:
- Complex Installation: This is not a weekend DIY project—installation is intricate and time-consuming (see image below).
- Costly: Compared to the options listed above - the most $$$.
Which One’s Right for You?
So, how do you choose the best hot water system for your van? It all depends on your vanlife style. Are you mostly hooked up to shore power? Living off the grid? Do you want something simple or are you up for a more complex installation? Each option has its own perks, so pick the one that fits your needs—and enjoy the luxury of hot water on the road!