Awesome PU

[Dray]

I just bought a 2006 Fleetwood Timberlake 3 weeks ago.  Been lurking here for months.  Thanks for the valuable info.  Finally took it out this past weekend.  Had a great time and really enjoyed the PU.  Learned a lot and next time will be better. (Couple more weeks going to Half Moon Bay CA)  

Things learned:  Water management is important for dry camping.  Hot water tank is confusing.  Future mod will possibly be a tankless hot water heater, (uses less space/weight and hot water on demand).  Also learned to travel with water tank empty.  

Things I loved about the PU:  Sleeping in comfort.  Waking up and using the toilet without going outside in the cold.  Also enjoyed making breakfast and eating it at the table inside all comfortable like.

Anyways.  Just wanted to share and also thank everyone for the valuable advice on this site.  Take care and maybe I'll see ya out there.  

TV:  Honda Odyssey 2005
PU:  Fleetwood Timberlake 2006

[OC Campers]

Welcome Dray--

I am glad you are enjoying your new popup.  We have had ours for 6 years and still love camping in it.  If you ever have a question don't hesitate to ask.  You will have many answers in a short time.  
 
There are lots of beautiful places to see in California.  We are so fortunate to have so much a beuatiful state to camp in.  Where else can you see the ocean, the mountains and the desert in one place.
 
Jacqui

[brainpause]

Should you choose to do a tankless water heater, please post pictures of this project. I don't think I've seen it before in all of my RV board roaming.

Larry

[Dray]

Should you choose to do a tankless water heater, please post pictures of this project. I don't think I've seen it before in all of my RV board roaming.

Larry

Thanks.  And if I do that I will certainly post pics.  Might not be any time soon though.  I kind of want to get used to the way things are supposed to be before I start making changes.

[wavery]

There are some challenges to overcome with an "On-demand" hot water system in a PU camper.

I have seen electric on demand systems that would be very easy to install but you would need 110v shore power, generator or a fairly large inverter/battery system. They are fairly expensive. If my current water heater were to fail, I would definitely install an electric on-demand heater in my PU but I have a 2500W inverter and 2-29 series batteries. We also have a 2000w generator. The water heater would take no more power than our microwave and we use it at will with no consequences.

They make propane "On-demand" water heaters and I used one on my yacht for many years. They are very common in the boating world. However, they tend to be fairly bulky. I had a Bosch and it was about 24" tall not including the chimney.

I'm sure that they make smaller propane units now but I'm thinking that you don't see them in PUs because of the cost/vs benefit.