Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Propane / Electric Water Heater Install (How to address outside door on curved panel)
| Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #189878] |
Sun, 11 November 2012 13:20  |
mojoe
Messages: 319
Registered: November 2012
Location: Monroe, NC
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First off just wanted everyone to know how glad I am to be part of this group.
Brief History:
Purchased a 1975 Eleganza ll year ago this month. Was sitting 10 years prior to that. Was upgraded on the inside prior to sitting.
Brought home on a roll back, Was all that roll back wanted.! Got it home thinking I could rebuild the carb and brakes clean it up a bit inside and head off to see the world.. Funny did not work out that way. Inside head liner was falling out due to PO installing a sky light and doing a poor job. Mega mice families, yes brought them on the trip home. Last count 27 but nothing in the last few months so think I got holes closed up.
all electrical wiring, 12 volt and 110 chewed up. water lines burst and chewed. water tank 10 holes. water pump leaking.
So gutted it to the aluminum frame in the walls. What I did not sell trashed.
Only thing I did not take out was the bath.
Insulated the walls and ceiling with 1/2" foam board. new 12 volt and 110 volt wiring. new 50 amp panel, new 12 volt panel, new 50 amp transfer switch, new 60 amp converter, New 1/2" pex water lines, New water tank, New propane lines.. etc etc etc.
Now to my question.. Not using the electric water heater that came with it. Installing a Suburban 6 gal direct spark electric water heater. Going to install it beside the furnance out the drivers side through the fiberglass bottom panel.
The part I am unsure of and after calling Suburban with no help. How do I address the inward curve of the fiberglass panel with the water tank and the outside door. Almost a inch curve in.
Can I install it out of level with the floor and follow the angle of the panel?
Any help would be great! In Monroe NC so anyone close by wants to come help come on ! lol
I did a search looking for this topic but never found one. So sorry if this is a repeat topic.
Thanks !
Joe Kemenczky..
1975 Eleganza ll " Odie " 75,000 miles..
"When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not." - Mark Twain.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #189882 is a reply to message #189878] |
Sun, 11 November 2012 13:49  |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Joe,
Take a look at my X-Birchaven here:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/our-x-birchaven/p438.html
It should be obvious that the Atwood 6 g. water heater is mounted on an
inclined base to align it with the lower curvature of the body. All
Birchavens and Royales were that way from the Coachmen factory. I can't
imagine that your Suburban would mind being out of level, but if I did, I'd
set it up that way in the yard and run it a few days to see if it survives.
JWID,
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sun, Nov 11, 2012 at 2:20 PM, Joe Kemenczky wrote:
> ...
> Now to my question.. Not using the electric water heater that came with
> it. Installing a Suburban 6 gal direct spark electric water heater. Going
> to install it beside the furnance out the drivers side through the
> fiberglass bottom panel.
> The part I am unsure of and after calling Suburban with no help. How do I
> address the inward curve of the fiberglass panel with the water tank and
> the outside door. Almost a inch curve in.
>
> Can I install it out of level with the floor and follow the angle of the
> panel?...
>
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www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #189885 is a reply to message #189878] |
Sun, 11 November 2012 14:40 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| toyomojoe wrote on Sun, 11 November 2012 11:20 |
First off just wanted everyone to know how glad I am to be part of this group.
Brief History:
Purchased a 1975 Eleganza ll year ago this month. Was sitting 10 years prior to that. Was upgraded on the inside prior to sitting.
Brought home on a roll back, Was all that roll back wanted.! Got it home thinking I could rebuild the carb and brakes clean it up a bit inside and head off to see the world.. Funny did not work out that way. Inside head liner was falling out due to PO installing a sky light and doing a poor job. Mega mice families, yes brought them on the trip home. Last count 27 but nothing in the last few months so think I got holes closed up.
all electrical wiring, 12 volt and 110 chewed up. water lines burst and chewed. water tank 10 holes. water pump leaking.
So gutted it to the aluminum frame in the walls. What I did not sell trashed.
Only thing I did not take out was the bath.
Insulated the walls and ceiling with 1/2" foam board. new 12 volt and 110 volt wiring. new 50 amp panel, new 12 volt panel, new 50 amp transfer switch, new 60 amp converter, New 1/2" pex water lines, New water tank, New propane lines.. etc etc etc.
Now to my question.. Not using the electric water heater that came with it. Installing a Suburban 6 gal direct spark electric water heater. Going to install it beside the furnance out the drivers side through the fiberglass bottom panel.
The part I am unsure of and after calling Suburban with no help. How do I address the inward curve of the fiberglass panel with the water tank and the outside door. Almost a inch curve in.
Can I install it out of level with the floor and follow the angle of the panel?
Any help would be great! In Monroe NC so anyone close by wants to come help come on ! lol
I did a search looking for this topic but never found one. So sorry if this is a repeat topic.
Thanks !
|
I thought I had seen a water heater install that had an angled extension to the angled wall. I looked on the photo site and did not find any water heaters. Searched on furnace and didn't find the pictures of a furnace project that was similar... no joy.
BUT I did find pictures of body work on the furnace door on the same project. From what I remember he fabricated an angled enclosure extension between the wall and the furnace.
<http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/body-work/p25190-furnace-door.html>
Another option that seems to be catching on with GMC'ers is a propane fired On-Demand water heater.
<http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/modifications/p45799-on-demand-propane-water-heater.html>
You might not need to cut a hole in the side of your coach.
OBTW: Welcome to the group/asylum.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #189889 is a reply to message #189878] |
Sun, 11 November 2012 15:38 |
mojoe
Messages: 319
Registered: November 2012
Location: Monroe, NC
Karma: 0
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Thanks Ken and Mike..
I've look at many many many pictures of the GMC and noticed on some there was a water heater mounted on the angle like yours Ken. I really don't see any reason it won't work at an angle but what do I know.. ha. Wish my GMC looked like yours Ken, If it did I would be gone today!
Mike if you open your outside door on the water heater does it look like it runs with the wall or some kind of helper flange to help straighten it out?
Also gave great thought to the on demand Water heater. Mike.. But the only place I could see it going was behind the fridge and really was not comfortable with it there. I think the elctric part will save me some propane while hooked up.
I also looked all over the net for some kind of angle flange but nothing.
Welp whatever happens got a 12 3/4" x 12 3/4" hole in the side of my RV now. So guess its gonna be out of level.
Joe Kemenczky..
1975 Eleganza ll " Odie " 75,000 miles..
"When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not." - Mark Twain.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #189896 is a reply to message #189882] |
Sun, 11 November 2012 16:25 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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G'day,
Don't know if it's relevant or not but the furnace in Double Trouble is mounted on an angle too.
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Henderson
Joe,
Take a look at my X-Birchaven here:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/our-x-birchaven/p438.html
It should be obvious that the Atwood 6 g. water heater is mounted on an
inclined base to align it with the lower curvature of the body. All
Birchavens and Royales were that way from the Coachmen factory. I can't
imagine that your Suburban would mind being out of level, but if I did, I'd
set it up that way in the yard and run it a few days to see if it survives.
JWID,
Ken
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #189899 is a reply to message #189882] |
Sun, 11 November 2012 16:42 |
mickeysss
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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real design innovations, clever storage, looks great, massive good feelings looking at this rig,
home away from home away from home, 007 home. looks great with black stripe along width of windows too.
i want a pantry slide out like that. thank you for the pictures.
mickey
77 palm beach
anaheim ca.
On Nov 11, 2012, at 11:49 AM, Ken Henderson wrote:
> Joe,
>
> Take a look at my X-Birchaven here:
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/our-x-birchaven/p438.html
>
> It should be obvious that the Atwood 6 g. water heater is mounted on an
> inclined base to align it with the lower curvature of the body. All
> Birchavens and Royales were that way from the Coachmen factory. I can't
> imagine that your Suburban would mind being out of level, but if I did, I'd
> set it up that way in the yard and run it a few days to see if it survives.
>
> JWID,
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
>
> On Sun, Nov 11, 2012 at 2:20 PM, Joe Kemenczky wrote:
>
>> ...
>> Now to my question.. Not using the electric water heater that came with
>> it. Installing a Suburban 6 gal direct spark electric water heater. Going
>> to install it beside the furnance out the drivers side through the
>> fiberglass bottom panel.
>> The part I am unsure of and after calling Suburban with no help. How do I
>> address the inward curve of the fiberglass panel with the water tank and
>> the outside door. Almost a inch curve in.
>>
>> Can I install it out of level with the floor and follow the angle of the
>> panel?...
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #189928 is a reply to message #189889] |
Sun, 11 November 2012 22:40 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| toyomojoe wrote on Sun, 11 November 2012 13:38 |
...
Mike if you open your outside door on the water heater does it look like it runs with the wall or some kind of helper flange to help straighten it out? ...
|
toyomojoe, (aka Joe Kemenczky)
The pictures I linked to are not of my coach. I thought the pictures might help you with your questions.
I have two Birchavens (kind of like Ken's... ya right) that have Coachman installed water heaters. They both mate up with the sides of the coach so they should have slanted bases. (Never noticed.) The furnace that is mounted next to the water heater IS on a slanted base. I noticed THAT when I could not get the furnace out to work on it!
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #190011 is a reply to message #189975] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 15:14 |
mojoe
Messages: 319
Registered: November 2012
Location: Monroe, NC
Karma: 0
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Gave alot of thought to an on demand water heater.. Heck I've given alot of thought to everything I have done to this RV restoration. While doing it I always come up with "What if" Trying to make it a user frindly unit.
After weighing all the water heaters I ended up with a propane direct spark / electric mainly because I camped with a friend that had one. Seemed to work great. and used the campgrounds electric to heat water most of the time.
Oh and another reason is I found a deal on it..lol Got to watch the pennies.. They soon turn to dollars.
But all in all.. most fun I have had restoring something.
Have restored cars trucks jeeps houses.. etc. First RV I have done.
But always wanted a GMC Motorhome since my teens when they where at the carlot up the road from my home. Always said I would have one one day. Sure did take alot of years to get one!
J
Joe Kemenczky..
1975 Eleganza ll " Odie " 75,000 miles..
"When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not." - Mark Twain.
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| Re: Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #190023 is a reply to message #190016] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 16:31 |
mojoe
Messages: 319
Registered: November 2012
Location: Monroe, NC
Karma: 0
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Pretty much John what I am going to do. Cut the hole Sunday so got to go forward now.
FYI Did get off the phone this morning with a tech at Camping World. Told me they install it on a slant platform and will not hurt heater and it works fine that way.
Also told me that it had to follow outside wall to vent properly. If not installed this way exaust could build up and get inside coach.. Thats never a good thing.
Joe Kemenczky..
1975 Eleganza ll " Odie " 75,000 miles..
"When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not." - Mark Twain.
.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #190064 is a reply to message #190016] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 18:53 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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I'm partial to the engine heater. I normally get to a show site the night before the first day of show, and mine is still hot enough to do dishes and shave tomorrow morning. Which is worthwhile because ibn the summer, I don't wanna turn the A/C off to heat water if I can help it.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
From: John Gates <jgates@tx3.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 4:42 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Propane / Electric Water Heater Install
I installed a gas/electric/engine water heater on the driver side of the '73 Sequoia. Made a wood base to match the slant of the sidewall under the sink. Works fine. Never got around to hooking up the engine water part and don't miss it.
John Gates
Enumclaw, WA
A town so small the New Year baby was born in March.
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #190072 is a reply to message #190064] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 19:34 |
mojoe
Messages: 319
Registered: November 2012
Location: Monroe, NC
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Do dishes? Shave? I still have to do that camping in this super RV?
Joe Kemenczky..
1975 Eleganza ll " Odie " 75,000 miles..
"When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not." - Mark Twain.
.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #190090 is a reply to message #190072] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 21:32 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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| toyomojoe wrote on Mon, 12 November 2012 18:34 |
Do dishes? Shave? I still have to do that camping in this super RV?
|
 I think it's optional. I usually shave every three or four days whether I need it or not.
It's usually a good idea to keep up with the dishes though. There's not enough counter space to let them pile up for too long.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #190095 is a reply to message #190090] |
Mon, 12 November 2012 22:11 |
Ronald Pottol
Messages: 505
Registered: September 2012
Location: Redwood City, California
Karma: -2
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Disposable, or there are places that not only will they do the dishes, but
they cook and everything, for a very reasonable fee.
Me, I'm wondering how to minimize how much water I use doing dishes (and
not by outsourcing), a dishwasher that would do a place setting for 4 would
probably be a win.
Ron
On Nov 12, 2012 7:32 PM, "Carl Stouffer" <carljr3b@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> toyomojoe wrote on Mon, 12 November 2012 18:34
> > Do dishes? Shave? I still have to do that camping in this super RV?
>
>
>
> :lol: I think it's optional. I usually shave every three or four days
> whether I need it or not. :lol:
>
> It's usually a good idea to keep up with the dishes though. There's not
> enough counter space to let them pile up for too long.
> --
> Carl S.
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> _______________________________________________
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1973 26' GM outfitted
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| Re: Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #190126 is a reply to message #190096] |
Tue, 13 November 2012 08:43 |
mojoe
Messages: 319
Registered: November 2012
Location: Monroe, NC
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Steve
Thats what I thought I had to do with mine at first. But after looking a many many many pictures of GMcs I saw all where flat.
And thanks to all the guys on here and tech a camping world, eased my mind that the water heater will work just fine out of level and run it with the outside wall.
I am building a angled platform to fasten to the floor that will keep it in place.
Now on to the next part. !
Joe Kemenczky..
1975 Eleganza ll " Odie " 75,000 miles..
"When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not." - Mark Twain.
.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane / Electric Water Heater Install [message #190129 is a reply to message #190095] |
Tue, 13 November 2012 08:49 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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| Ronald Pottol wrote on Mon, 12 November 2012 21:11 |
Disposable, or there are places that not only will they do the dishes, but
they cook and everything, for a very reasonable fee.
Me, I'm wondering how to minimize how much water I use doing dishes (and
not by outsourcing), a dishwasher that would do a place setting for 4 would
probably be a win.
Ron
On Nov 12, 2012 7:32 PM, "Carl Stouffer" <carljr3b@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> toyomojoe wrote on Mon, 12 November 2012 18:34
> > Do dishes? Shave? I still have to do that camping in this super RV?
>
>
>
> I think it's optional. I usually shave every three or four days
> whether I need it or not.
>
> It's usually a good idea to keep up with the dishes though. There's not
> enough counter space to let them pile up for too long.
> --
> Carl S.
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
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Ron,
We DO use mostly paper plates etc, but we still have to wash pans, serving bowls, and silverware. We have a plastic tub that fits nicely inside our sink that we use for dish washing. Then we can pour it into the campground grey water dump or on the ground, depending on the circumstances. We like to do our own cooking while out in the GMC. Much better control of our diets that way.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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