Power, Batteries & Off-Grid Water Heating
However you heat your water, it eventually comes down to a power budget question, and this is the topic for builders who want to think that through carefully before they buy anything.
Pundmann Therm 6L Tower: dual 12V/110V configuration.
Solar and Lithium Change the Math
A 200W 12V element is a very different ask of a 400Ah lithium bank with 600W of solar than it is of a smaller AGM system with limited panel space. Know your actual daily generation and consumption before assuming any water heater "just works" off-grid.
Diesel Heaters Aren't Just for Cabin Warmth
If you're already carrying one, a combo system that shares heat with your water heater is often a better use of fuel and space than running two separate systems that don't talk to each other.
"Free" Heat Sources Aren't Actually Free of Tradeoffs
Engine coolant heat only works while you're driving (or idling, which isn't great for the engine or your neighbors at a campsite). Diesel heater heat only exists when that heater is running, which usually means cold weather. Neither replaces having some electric backup for the days neither condition is true.
See the water heater lineup for the actual wattage specs on each size.
Keep Reading
- The Complete Guide to Hot Water for Van Life
- Running a Water Heater on Lithium and Solar: What's Actually Possible
- Diesel Air Heater + Hot Water Combos: How They Work Together
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