RV tankless water heater swap! (Complete install video)

Рет қаралды 79,478

Жыл бұрын

Though every RV is different, this install process is just about the same for most. You may have different wiring setups due to the type of water heater currently installed on the coach, but you will simply need a good source of 12 volts. The water supply is the same, you may have to move or modify plumbing. Most modern RV’s will have flexible hose or PEX plumbing, which is super easy to work with only requiring two tools, a pex crimper and pex cutter. The door kit will be different depending on what type of water heater you are replacing, you may also need a trim ring when replacing larger water heaters such as a suburban 12 gallon. Manufacturers like Girard, will have complete cross reference guides so get you everything you need. If you’re even a little handy, installing a tankless water heater in your RV can easily be a DIY project. Tankless, or sometimes referred to as “on demand” water heaters are a very worth while investment, especially if you’re full time, or off grid trying to conserve propane. Though I took the extra steps to locate the controller to the bathroom, it’s not 100% necessary and completely up to your preference.
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Пікірлер: 103

@josephmyers1492 Жыл бұрын

I usually don't like to sit more then 10 minutes to learn what i need. BUT, you covered some very important facts that helped me understand the answers to questions. Thanks for a great video.

@tyhoehle7294 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for a very thorough video because of your video. I'm gonna go ahead and install one on my trailer.

@stephanegalipeau3740 Жыл бұрын

Hello from Canada 🇨🇦. Just seen your video gotta say that’s the best installation and commentary. I’m definitely gonna follow you and see what other videos you have. Thank you.

@trailheadmedia5578 10 ай бұрын

Not sure if someone mentioned it or not, but you can use the other 2 wires in the 4 wire bundle (blue and white) to run the tankless controller. All I did was tie it in behind the campers control panel and mounted the water heater control panel nearby. Keeps you from having to run new wire for the tankless controller and gives you way more options for mounting locations for the controller. If anyone finds this useful, let me know and maybe I can make a quick video on my channel of how I did it. As is, I just flip the gas toggle on, and that sends 12v power to the tankless and powers up the controller.

@seymourscagnetti1413 7 ай бұрын

Excellent tip. My RV control panel is in the hallway mounted on the outside wall of the bathroom. I just remove the control panel and drill a hole in the luan behind the control panel and i'm in the bathroom. Thanks!

@ramirezjorge91 5 ай бұрын

Did you male a video?

@ashleykristine5926 5 ай бұрын

What did the other 2 wires run to behind the control panel?

@ebrad68 Ай бұрын

Was thinking the same thing.

@ttman5069 Жыл бұрын

Great video! Thank you for taking the time to put this together.

@Thatrvtech Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@mikedkc 3 ай бұрын

Great job. Thanks for your professional demonstration.

@buckfifty3470 5 ай бұрын

Outstanding tutorial. Good, clean job.

@MrMatthewgross 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for these informative videos. I'm a residential home builder who is new to the rv world and your content has taught me so much! My TT came with a rvmp flex temp with controller in the bathroom and I love it. I just always like to know that I can replace it if ever needed. Thanks again brother!

@facilitiesmaintenancebyarne 10 ай бұрын

THANK YOU(!) for mounting the control panel straight! lol

@janjohnson8174 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for the excellent detailed information 👏

@daviscrt Жыл бұрын

awesome, GREAT Video. Thanks Don

@LookitThisReview 5 ай бұрын

Great video, thanks for the help!

@JimLindsey-yq2wy 10 ай бұрын

This was an exact replacement for the old one that lasted about 10 years. kzfaq.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).

@garybrady2505 Жыл бұрын

Great video keep up good work!

@Thatrvtech Жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

@dennisrobbins657 Жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks!

@benfair3299 Ай бұрын

Excellent video! Thank you!

@lotuslodgespa3167 10 ай бұрын

I was just looking into installing a tankless water heater …. Thank you for your videos. Not sure where you’re located but I wish I could bring mine in so you could install mine. 😃

@brettk5bez754 Жыл бұрын

Great Video! thanks!

@patrickstiltner1207 Жыл бұрын

Great video!

@Thatrvtech Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@dalejrfan820002000 Жыл бұрын

Hello I just came across this video.Thanks so much for the awesome video. I have a question not about hot water heater. I need to replace the shower wall paper because it came loose. My question is what do they use for the wall paper?

@johnpereira822 8 ай бұрын

Great video considering doing this on my travel trailer but one question do you not have to install a relief valve

@harhar4life 2 ай бұрын

Wow, great video. Thank you so much. What water heater is that. I think I need one

@joesmith3899 10 ай бұрын

Great Video! Question on the rods you used to push/pull the line thru the underbelly and wall - is that actual fishing rods?

@joellintao9919 11 ай бұрын

Great Video. Lately I’m getting an E1 error code even after performing a soft reset. Any advice on how to fix or any experience you can share on this error code? Thank you!

@bobcloughjr Жыл бұрын

So is it no longer necessary to have a bypass setup for winterizing?

@McCuneWindandSolar 11 ай бұрын

were can I find a control panel like that at that's cool. Been Remodeling a old vintage camper. and would like a control panel like that instead of making my own control panel of just switches. IE 12 volt lights, water pump, and water Heater ect. Been thinking of a Gas/electric water Heater. but been looking heavy at the Tankless water Heaters as well, I like the looks of that control Panel. I don't have sensors for my Tanks. but I guess that is something I can retro fit into my tanks. So I know if they are full or not ect. I have a lot to think about and been looking at all kinds of different RV/camper stuff to upgrade this Vintage camper but keep the vintage look.

@gsuslives4ever 10 ай бұрын

I did the same replacement, thanks very helpful video. My water heater only works when plugged to electricity. I have solar flex 400i with a 2000 watt inverter. I guess is not enough power to make the water heater start when boon docking. Any ideas any one?

@GREENECAMARO Ай бұрын

I noticed you installed a Girard unit. Any preference on this brand over other mfg? I’m looking at a Rainen unit. Thanks for sharing this tutorial it has reinforced my ability to do this install. Very informative.

@austinroberson8 22 күн бұрын

If your already under there is it worth insulating the line with really good insulation to the shower?

@michaelnepean5969 11 ай бұрын

My tankless says I need a pressure relief valve and line off the water outlet valve is that necessary?

@marissalyn 4 ай бұрын

I’m able to find out what tankless water heater by looking at my current one either the specs? I have a terry 91 rv.

@timlyttle3898 Жыл бұрын

I did this. One for one swap. Hooked up exactly like last one. I get power to the control panel but not the water heater. Breaker is on. What am I missing?

@Jc-bo1uu Жыл бұрын

I’m going to get this unit for my toy hauler. But I would say have it next to the hot water heater and set it for 110° and forget it.

@user-gh6ij5yd8s 7 ай бұрын

Can you get the on-demand endless hot water system like this that will run on electric and lp gas

@theresarogerssimpson1280 3 ай бұрын

I am curious as well.

@jerrywrightii5449 2 ай бұрын

Not for a camper or RV. On demand Endless hit water from electric would pull more than a 50 amp camper can handle. Besides, it's cheaper to refill propane than pay the electric bill.

@cprpremiumhandymanservices3735 10 ай бұрын

Hi can I use the original egniter button already installed

@rodneypage7063 Ай бұрын

Do you not need a relief valve? And have a control box on the wall behind the tank how do I wire the new tankless heater? What is the box has a four wire plug into it from tank? And a single wire?

@jeffhammomd7395 Ай бұрын

I just installed a suburban st series tankless to replace my corroded suburban sw12del. My new access door is considerably smaller than my last one, how would I go about filing it in to fit the new one on my fiberglass fifth wheel?

@youtalkingtome2 Жыл бұрын

thinking of doing this on your camper we have a suburban 10 gal, what is your tankless of choice? I figure there has to be some better then others.

@lucysinker7100 Жыл бұрын

How do you descale, please make a video for us newbies 😊

@frankleonard6291 Жыл бұрын

I have a 2006 Skyline Rampage 240 toy hauler, are the opening the same for the water heater ????

@marycoss1060 Ай бұрын

What happens if you have an older rv and the water heater doesn’t have that label anymore how do you find out what tankless to get?

@PerpetualProfit1 Ай бұрын

I was told by another tech not to switch to tankless because they end up having way more issues and that usually people end up switching back ?

@livinglifemyway7349 3 ай бұрын

I have a new girard gswh-2 and it immediatly trips / blows fuse any thoughts? thanks

@jerrywrightii5449 2 ай бұрын

What im curious about is, does the green wire get grounded to the chassis of the camper? By the way, very informative video. Thank you.

@GM-xb6hy Жыл бұрын

Hello, I'll be modifying water line and fittings using my pinch clamp tool. My rv lines seem thinner walled than standard pex...when adding additional water line and fittings, are they just regular fittings and pex line? Thanks in advance...Greg

@pbest75 5 ай бұрын

HI, I have just put a brand new Gen 3 system in mine, it worked perfectly for a 3 weeks, not when I set a temp it rises and wont sit at the designated tempm for example, if I set the temp at 35 C, it will rise until it get to 43 degrees C (celsius). I have checked filter,s leaks etc and everything seems to be fine. Any ideas?

@shinigami117s8 10 ай бұрын

Is the propane regulator the same one?

@alexpoulin4595 3 ай бұрын

Do you know what the part number is for the door conversion kit you used on the this install?

@servingHim6936 6 ай бұрын

Hey, thank you for the helpful video...I have a 02 Georgie Boy Pursuit with Atwood 6 gal propane hot water heater that just started leaking and was just replaced 3yrs ago (new).😞 I don't know how to do that stuff, and think installing a a tankless water heater may be a great option. Do you know any techs you know of that are near Kerrville, Texas by chance you could recommend? I cannot move my RV currently and honest reliable techs are not really available at the moment... Just reaching out for some direction since you know your stuff. Thanks -sarah

@ernestopagan4195 Жыл бұрын

What's the rough cost for a unit like that without the labor?

@tattoedtravelingduoanddext7525 5 ай бұрын

I am a full timer in a Newmar class A. I have replaced all lights with LED, water pump and other items with wago connectors for years and have yet to have one fail on me if installed properly.

@seannic66 3 ай бұрын

Do you still use the propain or is it all electric? Thought is is a tank less heater so do you still use propain ?

@TheBrennification 11 ай бұрын

How did you secure the water heater inside there to keep it from moving around, aside from just the door frame? Unless I missed something along the way. And I'm replacing the exact same water heater you took out. Are all Dometics wired the same, so I can use the same colored wires you did in this video? (I'll be using the LP button, not the electric)

@ryannies3926 Ай бұрын

I connected the red + to the orange, and black to the green. I have blue and white left over. The controller i connected to the blues in the back of the unit. I turned it on and got nothing on the display of the controller. Checked i had a blown fuse? Replaced fuse and blew again. Any tips? Am i doing something wrong.

@Karenwhitepaints Жыл бұрын

Do you resell that old water heater? It looks brand new!

@trevorbrown9874 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this. We've been thinking about a tankless water heater for a little while. How long did this installation take?

@Thatrvtech Жыл бұрын

Depending on your setup and skill set, anywhere from 1.5-3 hours

@richoverton493 Жыл бұрын

What would you rate this install difficulty?

@mikewals Жыл бұрын

Great video! Please tell me what size butyl tape you used and where you bought it?

@sandybonfiglio7545 3 ай бұрын

I bought the butyl tape at Camping World waiting on back order for the door!

@GriffinMcQueen 6 ай бұрын

Can’t you get an on demand endless hot water heater that will run on gas and or electricity ?

@batukeskinbora7257 9 ай бұрын

Great video, can you share the purchase link or model of this product?

@natejohnson8809 14 күн бұрын

I have an Atwwod GC6AA-10E and I am replacing it with Ranein 65,000 Altitude black cover. Does anyone know where to get a door kit that fits Ranein that will cover up my gap? The Ranein isn't wide enough to cover the gap length ways. Fits up and down .

@billdempsey9704 5 ай бұрын

No pressure relief valve?

@annytho 6 ай бұрын

Is that a dometic wh-6gea?

@diplip2914 5 ай бұрын

I was told that I needed to fire proof my camper in Order to put a tankless water heater how true is that

@jerrykrobby Жыл бұрын

Good stuff! Seems like a wireless controller would be easier at least on the install.

@Thatrvtech Жыл бұрын

Definitely!

@timhicks9936 2 ай бұрын

Great video. How does one hire you to do this?

@hamad115 6 ай бұрын

Great Job, but what is the reason to do this swap ?!

@mattmoto441 22 күн бұрын

I just bought new toy hauler with the tankless and I hate it , you waste so much water to get kinda warm water . At least with a tank I had hot water from the get go

@seymourscagnetti1413 7 ай бұрын

Very nice install. What is the brand and model of that tankless?

@sarumes 7 ай бұрын

Looks like the one I have, Girard GSWH-2

@dtrust68 5 күн бұрын

Unsure if you will respond but....Im going to be installing a New Fogatti instashower 6 tankless waterheater to replace my old Atwood 6 gal. trailer is a 2018 jayco jayflight slx 174bh. Anywho, the old tank was a manual gas and had no wires to it and the new tankless needs 12V. do i just find any 12V to connect it too? i do have the thermostat near and also the fuse panel is under the bench next to the bunk where the water heater will be. any help would be appreciated.

@Thatrvtech 4 күн бұрын

Yes you will need a simple 12v source. You can likely find an unused circuit at the fuse panel or you can tap off of something else if it has the rated capacity. A lighting circuit will usually have plenty of left over amperage as they are usually a 15a circuit and the lights don’t typically draw anywhere near that

@bounderchris 6 ай бұрын

Would want to keep my original door as it’s painted to match my rig

@hectorperez7655 7 ай бұрын

swap? why not add to the system, like having a backup plan?

@robertboyd4656 Жыл бұрын

The best thing was to get rid of the rv water tank that's electric propane run buy an electric 40 gallon water tank that you can put under shelf or in a closet etc or in you're hauler then you can go bigger like me with a 60 gallon electric water tank great for those that stay in 1 spot in their rv and the rest speaks for itself coils dont have a draw like other things so you can power up you're tank on 15 amps just put a remote on it so you can turn it off when you have other things to use like cooking etc especially if you are in a 30amp spot but 60 gallons of hot water does my laundry and shower and cleaning my dishes only takes 4 hrs to heat up a 60 gallon tank on a 15 amp power supply then I turn it off if not needed for laundry on average the water lasts 3 to 4 days summer before turning power back on winter in canada the tank stays hot for 2-3 days of use 1 day longer if you buy a cover for it :) have fun 2 small tanks 40 gallon electric are easier to hide in an rv then a 60 gallon have fun

@josealvarez7861 Жыл бұрын

Where can I get that test light??

@mikewals Жыл бұрын

Harbor Freight sells 12V test light. They are often used to diagnose issues in cars.

@bounderchris 6 ай бұрын

The one thing I think is a downfall is having to have it on propane… what if you run out of propane camping? At least you have the electric side on a regular unit

@gtcam723 3 ай бұрын

And this is when I realize mine is MUCH lower tech 😆

@kennethmccabe3278 6 ай бұрын

Watched this in reverse because I absolutely hate the tankless system I have now.

@jduke3584 5 ай бұрын

Which unit did you have and what issues did you experience so I know to steer clear?

@nikkolespencer8006 9 ай бұрын

I bought a fogatti tankless gas water heater. Had to replace the controller. Know it throws out a Ec code. When searching it says low gas pressure. My gas pressure is were its supposed to be. I cannot find anything else on this issue. Getting ahold of this company is a joke. And apparently i have a rare model. No one has heard of it. Thats funny. Anyone have any knowledge about this would be greatly appreciated.

@mxslick50 8 ай бұрын

Fogatti is junk. Mine NEVER worked right, and after 8 months it got so bad the water temp would rollercoaster from 98 to 120 (set at 105) and finally it started randomly rebooting and throwing error codes. I replaced it with a Takagi Condensing unit that I mounted in my bathroom above the toilet. I will be doing a video on my channel about it in the near future. If you want to stick with an RV type tankless, as of the time of this comment, I have not heard of ANY that are reliable. (Most are direct copies of Fogatti, they are all most likely made in the same craphole just rebranded.)