Which is better - Aquahot, Proheat or Wesbasto's Water Heating Systems??

[lovemynewell]

I just found out from a service center in Texas that my Aqua-hot water heater is toast or not worth repairing. So that being said, a complete new unit is in order. I've been quoted $10,695.00 installed for a new replacement. Another shop I spoke with suggested going with the Wesbasto's unit for better savings and performance. While doing a small amount of research I find out there is a third option by ProHeat. I'm really kind of leaning away from the Aquahot system, it has not been ultra friendly to us since we have owned our Newell. Prefer some unbiased opinions here if possible.

[Newell Attack]

WOW! $10K aqua hot replacement cost? For a heater????? That's gotta hurt! Try and find a used aquahot.

[MrE]

I just found out from a service center in Texas that my Aqua-hot water heater is toast or not worth repairing. So that being said, a complete new unit is in order. I've been quoted $10,695.00 installed for a new replacement. Another shop I spoke with suggested going with the Wesbasto's unit for better savings and performance. While doing a small amount of research I find out there is a third option by ProHeat. I'm really kind of leaning away from the Aquahot system, it has not been ultra friendly to us since we have owned our Newell. Prefer some unbiased opinions here if possible.

You should probably add some information to your signature line letting us know what year your Newell is to enable more knowledgeable responses. That said, I have a ProHeat installed in my '86, but all it does is heat and circulate my antifreeze. Granted it is circulated to warm the engine, heat the water in my hot water heater and provide heat to the coach. I'm not familiar with all the functions of the Aqua-hot in your unit but if mine does everything that yours does...it does it a lot less expensive that your quote.

[lovemynewell]

I think I've updated it . It's an '04.

[Novice Traveler]

that's a lot of cash most definitely, may i ask what failed on your aqua hot ???

[Neweller]

They sure don't give those systems away do they. Most people around here have the Aqua-Hot's, I personally am not all that knowledgeable on them but am willing to delve in on the subject to help you out. I know many owners who do have the Aqua-hot and I know others who have the Wabastos unit's, which I believe are much more common place on Wanderlodges and Bus Conversions. The Proheat is a good quality unit and used a bunch by trucking fleets do to being much more conservative on fuel consumption. I have a hunch the Proheat uses less fuel to accomplish the same good, but I will have to do some research and talk to some friends in the industry.

I would think putting an aquahot back in would be the easiest. Doesn't your system actually use some Wabastos components, I'm thinking the system I looked at in NewellCrazy's coach was a marriage of the two. I'll call my friend tomorrow and see what maybe I can find out. I'm also thinking maybe we can get a second opinion from another Aqua-Hot expert. I'm sending you a PM.

[Frenchy]

I'm familiar with aqua hot but whats a proheat?

[MrE]

I'm familiar with aqua hot but whats a proheat? Proheat ? X45 Coach (http://www.proheat.com/buses/x45Coach/index.html)

[folivier]

If you're near Houston give Rudy Leggett a call. He is an Aquahot service guy. 713-818-3234

[MrE]

I was doing a little surfing trying to gain knowledge on the Aqua-hots and ran across a post that was recommending ESPAR units. Here is a link to their product that I think would be most appropriate for our luxury coaches. Espar Heater Systems | A World of Comfort | School Bus (http://www.espar.com/html/applications/esparwebbus/schoolbus.html)

[Chester B. Stone, Jr.]

Lovemynewell, your 04 is a reasonable new coach for the Aqua-Hot to not be repairable. Please let us know what caused the unit to fail and if there is anything we can do to keep from loosing ours.

[Neweller]

I'm realizing there are a lot more options coming onto the scene with regards to these mobile based hydronic heating systems. With several different btu heating ranges. I see the Espar system MrE posted about has an RV or coach system that goes up to 55k btu's which I think would be good enough for any Newell owner. I also see a fair share of the ITR Oasis and Hurricane units out there, prices are probably comparable to the Aqua-Hot units. Would have to do some checking on the brands to see what the different pros and cons may be?

I don't even know the real life expectancy of the Aqua-Hots, yours being 9-10 years old maybe, depending on when the coach was originally sold. Is it rotted out, or mainly major component issues? Sounds like maybe it has had some serious use?

I sent you a PM, just give me a call I'd like to get some other particulars if it's too much to write.

[86loco]

My brother's company has installed and worked on the Oasis and prefers them over the Aquahot due to simplicity and cost of maintainence. He really raves about the product and says when he gets my coach he will upgrade it with one.

Here is some information I just received from him.



Patented no smoke no smell 50K BTU burner
Modular design for easier installation and access
Two 1500W electric elements for supplemental heating
Continuous on demand hot water
Automatic winter/summer control
Optional engine heat/waste heat interface
Domestic water temperature control
14 x 14 x 30″ HWD, 81 lbs.
DM12 11 x 14 x 6.5″ HWD 29 lbs.





My photo diagram is not the size I want. Its to small.

3789

[MrE]

I have to thank the forum, this is some great information! I wasn't able to find any pricing on the Oasis CH50V, does anybody on the forum have access to that information?

[Neweller]

Here is a video from back in 2000 on the ITR Hurricane, which I believe has been superseded by the later model Oasis like the CH50V Jon noted above for the luxury coach market etc... This video is a really impressive description of the product. It sounds amazingly easy to install and do service on the product. And they have a patent like Brady showed above for no smoke no smell. This will make any of your rving neighbors happy. I've heard when the aqua-hots getting to need service you can smoke or stink out your neighbors or soon to be complaining enemies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSukFPC6JK8

[NewellCrazy]

Get another opinion on your aqua-hot. I have been told on 2 separate occasions my Aqua Hot was toast. Both times it turned out to be a water line going into the aqua hot and another time in my Newell. Always seems repair shops want to replace something instead of fixing first. When I was searching for a rebuilt aqua-hot cheapest I located was Apx. $5,500 + 10 hours labor at $65/hr. I would get a second opinion for sure.

Sean

[Newellin Thunder]

You can always elect instead to go with a brand new AquaHot 600D model ($13K!). :thumbup:

[Gone Busing]

We currently have the Webastos and it has pretty much been trouble free for us. We would gladly take either another just like it or the Oasis or Aquahot in our next coach.

[77newell]

Another option is getting a replacement Aqua-hot from Visone motorhome recyclers. They buy wrecks and motorhomes that have had fires.

[Will Procter]

Myself, before I spent that kind of money I'd open that puppy up and see if I could repair it.

IMO anything is repairable,

Will

[MrE]

Myself, before I spent that kind of money I'd open that puppy up and see if I could repair it.

IMO anything is repairable,

Will
:dito: When I first got married my wife was really worried about me tearing things apart. We had a range hood over our island range that obstructed her view of the TV when she was cooking (and I banged my head on it a time or two :thumbdn:). I took it out to the garage, drilled all the rivets out, cut the pieces to achieve a lower profile, re-riveted it back together. Now she doesn't flinch when I start tearing something apart. On occasion I fail but who's counting? lol!