Coleman Hot Water on Demand

[bonscott]

Hey all,

So we got a fantastic deal on the Coleman Hot Water on Demand at the Coleman outlet and are pretty excited.  Our PUP doesn't have a water heater on board and now we have access to hot water to wash dishes and such.  I'm actually thinking about not even putting water in our PUP tank at all and just use the Coleman for even cold water.

Couple questions:
1) Should I disconnect the 1 lb propane bottle when not in use or can I leave the bottle connected for the weekend or the duration of our trip?  Disconnect when packing up of course.
2) The manual warns to not use indoors.  But I want to put it in the PUP, partially for convenience but also so it's not sitting outside where it's easy to see and "walk away".  Since it's ok to use my propane Mr. Buddy heater in the PUP, I would assume it's ok to use the Coleman water heater in the PUP as well (just not in a house)?

Any other tips and tricks feel free to post.

Thanks!

[waterdoctor]

Hey all,
 
So we got a fantastic deal on the Coleman Hot Water on Demand at the Coleman outlet and are pretty excited. Our PUP doesn't have a water heater on board and now we have access to hot water to wash dishes and such. I'm actually thinking about not even putting water in our PUP tank at all and just use the Coleman for even cold water.
 
Couple questions:
1) Should I disconnect the 1 lb propane bottle when not in use or can I leave the bottle connected for the weekend or the duration of our trip? Disconnect when packing up of course.
2) The manual warns to not use indoors. But I want to put it in the PUP, partially for convenience but also so it's not sitting outside where it's easy to see and "walk away". Since it's ok to use my propane Mr. Buddy heater in the PUP, I would assume it's ok to use the Coleman water heater in the PUP as well (just not in a house)?
 
Any other tips and tricks feel free to post.
 
Thanks!

Scott
 
I would recommend disconnecting the gas bottle when not in use, unless you're firing up fairly frequently. I've found there can be a little bleed-off (as in leakage) that can empty one of those 1# bottles overnight. So I just got in the habit of disconnecting my gas bottles from my camp stove and BBQ after I'm done cooking and the thing has cooled down. Not recommended to disconnect when stove or BBQ is still hot, as there is always a little bit of gas that escapes as the bottle is unhooked. Don't want any unexpected hot flashes :banghead:  
 
Also, I wouldn't recommend using the hot water heater IN the pup, since the exhaust does not go through a catalytic converter like the area heaters do.  That's a different deal altogether. That is, unless you really like carbon monoxide (CO).  It's just way too dangerous to use inside unless you have all the windows opened up and, just my opinion, a fan going to help exhaust the fumes to the outside.
 
Just my 2 cents worth, but a somewhat professional opinion as I'm a volunteer EMT/search and rescue guy that helps out at the Glamis Dunes during the big winter weekends down here.
 
Anyway, maybe somebody with a bit more hands-on use can give you some more helpful hints.  Happy camping!!! :#

[flyfisherman]

I'm not at all familar with the Coleman hot water system you have, my "hot water" system consist of a large pot of water heated on the outdoor Coleman camp stove. And I use one of those 7/gal blue potable water totes, with a spigot, that I acquired from Wally-Mart and keep it right at the picnic table where the dishes are usually washed (except in inclement weather).

As for your two questions: (1) no reason to disconnect the disposable L/P tank while your at campsite. Of course, traveling down the road with it attached is a different matter, and like you say, then removed and packed away. (2) the Mr.BuddyHeater burns the fuel in a much different method then a regular propane stove or other radiant heaters for that matter ... the BuddyHeater has a cermamic cube that the propane is burned over and that cube gets extremely hot with the fuel getting 99.999% consumed. Not so with a propane stove with just an open flame, and I'm sure your hot water system no doubt falls under that catagory.



Fly

[dthurk]

Just for arguments sake: Would there be any difference between using the Coleman hot water heater indoors and heating up a pot of water on your propane stove inside the camper?

I'm thinking open up a window or two to vent and go at it.

[treephiz]

Just for arguments sake: Would there be any difference between using the Coleman hot water heater indoors and heating up a pot of water on your propane stove inside the camper?

I'm thinking open up a window or two to vent and go at it.

I agree,  I don't think there would be an issue with a window or two open to get some cross flow as you would with the stove.  I would however disconnect the one pound bottle after use just for safety.  

You would want to check and see where the heated exhaust comes out at to make sure the area around doesn't get heat affected (melted, dried out, or burnt).  That would surely put a damper on the trip!

[CajunCamper]

I'm not at all familar with the Coleman hot water system you have, my "hot water" system consist of a large pot of water heated on the outdoor Coleman camp stove. And I use one of those 7/gal blue potable water totes, with a spigot, that I acquired from Wally-Mart and keep it right at the picnic table where the dishes are usually washed (except in inclement weather).

Wow Fly you and I have the same configuration. Which by the way, it hasn't failed me yet. When I'm dry camping I bring a 5 gallon bucket fill it 3/4 full with water and then boil a big pot of water and add it to the bucket. I have a little battery operated shower that I use to take a shower. It does a great job.