Adding hot water to older caravans

We bought a secondhand older model caravan with no en-suite or hot water. After a few trips I decided to come up with a better solution to produce bulk hot water fast plumbed to our sink for washing up and a bucket of hot water for a shower in our external shower tent. This works great and makes a huge difference when we free camp which is whenever possible. I have been using this system for a few months now and it really is a great low cost and quick setup solution.
Seaflow Pump:
www.ebay.com.a...

[@toniswain1]

Excellent solution! Thanks.

[@timterry8714]

You're welcome!

[@sashanealand8315]

mine ignites and the pump goes but the heater wont stay lit for longer than a minute, the pump keeps going fine though

[@timterry8714]

The flow sensor is probably not working. They suffer from calcium build up and the impeller stops spinning and the unit thinks its run out water and stops working.

[@ecoinsectscreens5551]

Hi mate, how did you convert to 12v? and doesn't the 6v water pump burn working at 12 v? I have been struggling with those useless 6 v battery and thinking of a 12 v upgrade. thanks

[@timterry8714]

Sorry mate been away travelling for a month. For this I built up a voltage regulator or reducer which converts the incoming 12V to the required 6V to run everything including the existing Coleman 6V pump. I have since started using one of many readily available and cheaper 12V pumps which is controlled by the existing 6V supply going to the Coleman pump connection. The 6V pump is the only part which is still available for these units, so I am a little concerned that they will stop making them as the later model HWOD uses a 12V pump (these units were discontinued in about 2014-15). These earlier models appear to be a better product than the later model and are very reliable when maintained properly. Once its 12V operation you can use any readily available pump. I can do the 12V conversion for about $90 inc a general maintenance service. I have just finished a 4 week trip and used this unit everyday to make many litres of hot water for wash ups and showers they are a great little product. I hate the battery arrangement as it seems pretty much unnecessary given the way these things are typically used, the weight and since they sit unused and stored for long periods the batteries die every 2 years or there abouts.

[@jamesnapper2555]

Hey m8 iam looking at my unit right now and would love to do the 12v conversion U did can U do me a vid or something on how U did this please

[@premiumgifts]

Hello...is the Coleman on demand still working..... I am thinking about buying one I found or I may buy the Mr heater boss unit.... what are your thoughts.... thanks

[@timterry8714]

Premiumgifts - Yes it is and I repair these units now. These are a really good unit built with quality components and with the exception of the gas regulator which is a custom build specifically to suit this unit they are fully repairable. If you have a gas leak then its a write off but that is the exception in my experience but needs to be checked if you buy a secondhand unit - check it with a gas bottle attached and if you can smell gas beyond any initial small amount as its screwed on dont buy it!