hot water system

Leave it on same as a house one and just remember to learn to have 2 -3 min showers as they only hold 23 ltr.

Is it gas only or gas & electric as most are these days

What make is it Usually a Suburban

Hi Glyn

We run ours for 15 - 20 minutes before showering, depending on the water temperature (weather related). This is enough for two quick showers when bush camping. We do not use it every night, as boiling a kettle to heat a tub of water gives and effective tub bathe (can rinse off under cold shower if desired) which we find easier. This occasional use of the HWS makes very little difference to our gas usage. It is far more economical with both gas and water to boil a kettle (or water in the saucepan used for cooking) when washing up.

We don't use ours when in a caravan park as we use their showers. Bear in mind that if parked close to another caravan such as in a caravan park, they will hear your gas HWS start up and run at intervals all night if left on.

Motherhen

Hi Glyn, I guess the answer to your question depends very much on the frequency you intend to use the hot water system. If it is a suburban unit, & there is a very good chance that it is, then you will find that 15/20 minutes on gas will give you plenty of hot water.

Ours runs on both 240V & Gas, so our practise, when on gas, is to turn it on half hour or so before we need to use it, whether it be for using the shower or simply washing up.

Incidentally, we purchased our 04 van second hand three years or so ago & only recently, thanks to a post on this Forum, discovered that it also runs on 240V. The switch to operate it on 240V is on the external side of the van, easily accessed, but pretty well hidden in my opinion.

You state your van is new, so maybe a check & question to your dealer might be timely as you probably do have the availability of 240V for you HWS. Good luck & safe travelling.