Hello,
I wanted to share my custom hot water system although I haven't invented anything new I think it could be interesting for someone.
I built a custom calorifier. Why custom if there many ones one the market? Basically because I could not fit the market ones where I wanted. My van is a L2H2 (130" MR) FWD wich means it has 10cm (4") more head space inside because floor is lower than RWD/AWD versions.
I started ordering a custom made SS tank with the fittings I needed. A big 1" thread for an electric resistor, two 1/2" more for the inlet/outlet and two small ones for drain/temp sensors.
Ordered with one of the ends unwelded.
Then had a pipe bending company build a coil made of 16mm SS. Welded some tabs to rest against tank walls.
With the idea of taking profit of my solar surplus I installed a 12V 200W resistance. It's slow but quite cheap so I can put a bigger one if I want.
Welded the cap and the coil pipes toghether
Installed some fittings on the coil's ends
As my van is still under warranty I prefer to avoid teeing the engine coolant's system (But it's the v2 idea) so i bought a flashed OEM BMW Webasto Thermotop from salvage yard and tried the system outside, redneck style
After the test which was good, I bought some chimney pipe and end caps to develop the tank outer cover
Cut it to size
Put the water tank inside and let's do a cake. Used insulation PU foam
After curing I cut the excess
Cut some holes on the caps
Finished product
(Continues)