The only heat exchanger units I've seen are the isothurm and made for
marine use. They take up more space then the Atwood.  I'd really need
to measure it out but I think the Atwood would fit just above the
heater and to the back side of the water tank. I don't use the van
much once the snow falls so winter use isn't to much of an issue. I'd
just like it for washing and showers. Yes I said showers. This is an
Adventurewagen.

JFF

On Oct 24, 2007, at 12:04 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:

Why would you want a "Hot" water heater? if the water is already hot,
why
heat it more?
I am extremely familiar with he Suburban and Atwood water heaters.
These are
the RV industry staple. The precision temp is rarely used by an OEM.
Price
and complexity. They are fairly large and you need a good propane
supply,
especially for winter use. They use ~.5 gallon propane per hour and will
~15-20 minutes to go from cold to full hot. The tank part goes inside
and
you get a big ugly door on the outside. Isn't your water tank behind the
drivers seat?  You may want to find something smaller or consider a heat
exchanger type using engine coolant as the heat source.

Dennis

> From: Joe Federici <joefederici@EARTHLINK.NET>
> Reply-To: Joe Federici <joefederici@EARTHLINK.NET>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: hot water heater
> Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:07:32 -0400
>
> As the subject says. Has anyone installed one in there van? The two
> that look the best for the job would be the Atwood or precision temp.
> For me the best spot would be Drivers side behind the driver seat.
>
> thanks
>
> JFF