TheSamba.com :: View topic - Propex water heater MALAGA 5e Anyone have any experience?

Fri Mar 07, 2014 1:05 pm

Im about to do a total custom interior job and really have my mind set on having hot water. Ive looked into a ton of RV solutions and to me this unit is the best fit.
Has anyone every used this unit or anything similar?
http://www.propexcanada.com/our-products/item/4

Fri Mar 07, 2014 1:52 pm

I would ask Karl. I have seen this unit on his website, maybe he has some feedaback.

See bottom of this page.

http://westyventures.com/propex.html

Fri Mar 07, 2014 7:32 pm

ill be installing one soon, its still in the box at this point

Sat Mar 08, 2014 2:04 pm

It's too bad it's not 12v unless I'm missing something.
Jeff

Sat Mar 08, 2014 3:42 pm

A 12v one would be murder on your battery.

I'd consider one of the on demand propane ones for your purpose. Smaller, not storing hot water in an additional tank, not wasting energy when not needed, zero wait time when you do need it.

There's a little coleman unit available in the US. Years ago I found an awesome unit from a company in New Zealand. About the size of a Propex, but sadly I can't remember where it was or what the name was. Hopefully someone here will know the one I'm talking about.

Sat Mar 08, 2014 3:56 pm

I would have thought the propane was going to do the hard work.
Jeff

Sat Mar 08, 2014 9:01 pm

How about something like this?

http://www.cruiseroutfitters.com/helton.html

Jim.

Thu Mar 13, 2014 7:12 pm

Quote: I would have thought the propane was going to do the hard work.
Jeff

Thats exactly what i had planned on. It has a switch allowing you to select how you want to power the unit. (LP, 230v, or a combination of both)

I've thought a lot about the propane on demand systems and heat exchangers.

But i just had an adventurewagen top installed and really want an interior shower. One you can get hot without having the engine running.

Thu Mar 13, 2014 7:14 pm

[/quote]I would ask Karl. I have seen this unit on his website, maybe he has some feedaback.

See bottom of this page.

http://westyventures.com/propex.html
_________________ Quote:

Thanks ill do that

Sat Mar 15, 2014 1:53 pm

Quote: mblotz
PostPosted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 7:32 pm Post subject:
ill be installing one soon, its still in the box at this point

Please keep me posted! id really like to see how it goes for you. Im hesitant to cut a whole into the side panel for the vent. Wonder if its possible to vent out the rear wheel well instead..

Sat Mar 15, 2014 1:53 pm

Quote: mblotz
PostPosted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 7:32 pm Post subject:
ill be installing one soon, its still in the box at this point

Please keep me posted! id really like to see how it goes for you. Im hesitant to cut a whole into the side panel for the vent. Wonder if its possible to vent out the rear wheel well instead..

Sat Mar 15, 2014 2:59 pm

I have this portable unit that cost about $120 and it works great! Can be coupled with a 12v pump if no pressured water is available. Very light weight, great hot water: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001J4AU2E/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1394920396&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40

Sat Mar 15, 2014 3:26 pm

Quote: ThankYouJerry
PostPosted: Today 2:59 pm Post subject:
I have this portable unit that cost about $120 and it works great! Can be coupled with a 12v pump if no pressured water is available. Very light weight, great hot water: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001J4AU2E/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1394920396&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40

I have thought about using one of these. Although i intend to have a fully indoor shower.
Correct me if I'm wrong but..running a propane shower unit that doesn't have venting could be pretty dangerous.

Sat Mar 15, 2014 4:34 pm

Not for indoor use! However, very light and could be hung from outside with shower head routed inside very easily.

Please, please, please tell me that this indoor shower you are planning will not be inside your Vanagon? Not a good idea for at least 10 obvious reasons.

Sat Mar 15, 2014 10:01 pm

I have not used the propex. However, a friend has a engine heated one in his sprinter. Basically a REALLY well insulated tank. Fill it up, go for a drive, and you have hot water for 2 days. And it's HOT. So even though it's only 8 gal or so, it's 3 plus showers.

Pretty sweet setup and uses no extra fuel. Obviously not for people who dont move, but it's a pretty slick setup.

Sun Mar 16, 2014 3:07 pm

Quote: lease, please, please tell me that this indoor shower you are planning will not be inside your Vanagon? Not a good idea for at least 10 obvious reasons.

Actually that is exactly what i plan on doing.
I do a ton of snow camping and having a indoor shower is a dream. I also have an adventurewagen with a high power vent.
I plan on using a shower pan/ shower curtain setup. Then crack the slider and drain out.
http://www.icondirect.com/categories/RV-Interior-Parts/Shower-Pans/

I understand the whole humidity issue and feel ill be able to control it well enough.
I plan on stripping and treating the interior with POR15, a few coats of quiet coat, and insulation.
Then laying hardwood throughout. There will not be any carpet other than perhaps throw rugs.

What am i missing?

Sun Mar 16, 2014 4:11 pm

Toss a few coats of Waxoyl and Fluid Film inside the panels top to bottom and floor seam as the last measure.

Sun Mar 16, 2014 6:10 pm

In the link in the original post there is a:

Malaga 5: propane for heat and 12VDC for control

Malaga E: adds a 230V electric heater for use on its own or to boost the gas heater.

RonC

Sun Mar 16, 2014 7:55 pm

syncro.sickness wrote: What am i missing?

A shower cap

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/shower-cap

Mon Mar 17, 2014 8:04 am

Quote: In the link in the original post there is a:

Malaga 5: propane for heat and 12VDC for control

Malaga E: adds a 230V electric heater for use on its own or to boost the gas heater.

RonC

Hey thanks, great catch. Glad they made a fully propane powered unit.