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Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Yahoo Message Number: 159901
Hello forum members. This is my post here. Hope I am doing it correctly! We want to install a Wave 3 catalytic heater in our 1990 26 foot rear bath. Is there anyone out there that has done this on this model and can share how they did it and what parts they used? My husband is skilled in all trades but is hoping to not have to reinvent the wheel. We want to be able move the heater around a bit inside the motorhome (i.e. have it free standing) and to disconnect the heater for storage rather than permanently attach it to a wall. Thank you.
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159903
You might want to read the information and follow the links on this page, then assess whether your husband has the necessary knowledge, skills, tools, and experience for a DIY project involving propane.

http://lazydazearticles.blogspot.com/search/label/Radiant%20Heater

Propane is a volatile substance, and a poorly done installation is potentially lethal. Unless you know exactly what you're doing, I'd have the installation of the Wave 3 done by an experienced tech.

As ever, YMMV.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159904
Thank you, Joan. Your comments and concerns are much appreciated and we did check out your link. Fortunately, my husband spent his career in facilities ( engineering, building and maintenance) and has worked with natural gas, propane, boilers, etc. but we are new to Lazy Daze coaches and he is not familiar with what is behind/underneath what can be seen on the surface and is hoping to avoid unforeseen complications arising from behind the scenes "surprises" and find the "path of least resistence". The pictures you linked us to were helpful. Thank you so much. Janet
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159906
Joan's advice to check the Companion is a good one.

I use a dedicated Wave installation kit sold by RV Solar and Electric and then add a shut-off valve.
The kits included a 5' hose, a quick disconnect plug, several feet of pre-flared tubing and a handful of fittings, plus legs for the Wave 3 or 6.
Portable heater hook up kit

Many times I need to add fittings or longer tubing. Each installations different it seems.

On the RB models, mount the quick disconnect in the stove/refrigerator cabinet, near the floor, accessing the propane line behind the stove, where a tee is installed in the stove's propane supply line.
The shut-off valve is located inside the cabinet, under the refrigerator. There are variations in cabinet construction through the years that can totally interrupt or change your plans.

While the installation usually isn't exceptionally difficult, if the propane lines need cutting and flaring, i suggest having it done by an experience mechanic. The results of a failed installation can be deadly.

When finished, the propane lines should be checked for leaks using a commercial leak detector fluid.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/8-oz-All-Purpose-Leak-Detector-302092/100151681 This liquid can stay put for hours and can reveal the smallest of leaks...use it! Also, performing a check for proper operating pressure is suggested, set to 11"'of H2O, when an appliance is operating. I now use an electronic manometer to measure the pressure but for years used a home made manometer. The manometer can also be used to check for slow leaks.
http://www.rverscorner.com/manometer.html

Stay warm Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159907
Thank you, Larry. Very helpful. That should get us up and running.


Joan's advice to check the Companion is a good one.

I use a dedicated Wave installation kit sold by RV Solar and Electric and then add a shut-off valve.
The kits included a 5' hose, a quick disconnect plug, several feet of pre-flared tubing and a handful of fittings, plus legs for the Wave 3 or 6.
Portable heater hook up kit

image

Portable heater hook up kit Portable heater hook up kit for the Olympian Wave heaters includes gas rated quick disconnect and portable heater legs for portable installations.

View on www.rvsolarelectric.com

right

Many times I need to add fittings or longer tubing. Each installations different it seems.

On the RB models, mount the quick disconnect in the stove/refrigerator cabinet, near the floor, accessing the propane line behind the stove, where a tee is installed in the stove's propane supply line.
The shut-off valve is located inside the cabinet, under the refrigerator. There are variations in cabinet construction through the years that can totally interrupt or change your plans.

While the installation usually isn't exceptionally difficult, if the propane lines need cutting and flaring, i suggest having it done by an experience mechanic. The results of a failed installation can be deadly.

When finished, the propane lines should be checked for leaks using a commercial leak detector fluid.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/8-oz-All-Purpose-Leak-Detector-302092/100151681 This liquid can stay put for hours and can reveal the smallest of leaks...use it! Also, performing a check for proper operating pressure is suggested, set to 11"'of H2O, when an appliance is operating. I now use an electronic manometer to measure the pressure but for years used a home made manometer. The manometer can also be used to check for slow leaks.
http://www.rverscorner.com/manometer.html

Stay warm Larry
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159909
Janet, I didn't intend my reply post to you to appear rude or "short", so I hope it wasn't perceived that way. Many people ask "how to" and installation questions on the board and there's no way to know what their specific skill sets/experience levels are when offering advice.

Additional suggestions/comments: if your rig is a 26.5, you might consider a Wave 6 instead of a Wave 3. (I use a Wave 3 in my 23.5'.) Those who have the larger rigs might offer their experiences.

Buy or make a cover and keep the heater covered when it's not in use; the catalytic pad is very susceptible to contamination from dust. I made a cover from a very tightly-woven, lint-free fabric, but vinyl covers are available.

A good "leak check" fluid is Rector Seal's "Better Bubble"; it stays on the joint a lot longer than other solutions and reveals the tiniest leaks that may take time to show.

Good luck.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159910
"....and he is not familiar with what is behind/underneath what can be seen on the surface and is hoping to avoid unforeseen complications arising from behind the scenes "surprises" and find the "path of least resistence"."

A very wise choice. I freely admit that once when proceeding with a propane-unrelated project on our '83 I accidentally drilled through a propane line. It then became a propane-related project, belatedly! Luckily I was wise enough I had turned off the tank ahead of time. Another project on our '04, I drilled a hole into our fresh water tank. I had NOT emptied the tank first.

Careful observation, which I usually adhere to, would have avoided both incidents. As our rigs were the FL model, my mental lapses can only help your husband as a cautionary tale...

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159911
I'm pretty sure that most, if not all, of us have made some less than brilliant moves when working on our rigs; my criterion for "that was dumb" is how quickly the project progresses from, "Here, hold my beer!" to "Oh, ----!

As ever, YMMV!

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159912

On our RB, Larry installed a Wave 3 permanently on the wall to the right of the sink, and another on a quick connect system that can be moved around the front part of the coach. This separation allows for a nice, even warmth throughout the rig. If you dont mind that the bathroom is cold, you can easily shut the door and run only the front Wave 3.

Virtual hugs,

Judie http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159915
"Another project on our '04, I drilled a hole into our fresh water tank."

I once drilled a hole in a friend's water heater tank, while installing a Dinosaur controller board to replace the old Atwood board that had failed. An emergency water heater swap ensued, turning an easy hundred-dollar job into a not-so-easy four-hundred-dollar job. I now know how to replace a water heater while parked on a side street in a big city. Not a skill I had really planned to learn, but... ;-)

My thanks to David for posting his follow-up. It's helpful to all of us when we can learn from someone else's example, even if it's learning what not to do.

Andy Baird
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159916
Joan, absolutely no problem. We appreciated your cautions. Better a word to the wise than not. Thanks to all who took the time to respond. All of the comments were helpful to us. We got a good laugh out of the misplaced drillings!
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159918

"On our RB, Larry installed a Wave 3 permanently on the wall to the right of the sink, and another on a quick connect system that can be moved around the front part of the coach. This separation allows for a nice, even warmth throughout the rig. If you dont mind that the bathroom is cold, you can easily shut the door and run only the front Wave 3."

We run the same combination in our 23.5' FL and the two of them will keep the interior comfortable in zero degree weather. The bathroom heater is used much of the year to warm just the bath, allowing pleasant showers, even in mid-winter.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157602104740401/with/1415587543/ BTW- Installing a Wave 3, on the rear wall of a Front Lounge is easy, compared to a 26.5' Rear Bath.

Judie's RB is the only one I ever did, not ever wanting to repeat the torturous pathway the propane tubing required.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159929
Is there any danger in the heat transfer in a wall mount instal? My free standing wave 3 is hot to touch on top and back.

The only other place I can see to wall mount a wave heater in my RB other than the rear wall (where the garbage can is) would be in the under kitchen sink wall on the left side of the entrance steps. Has anyone done that?

Jay Carlson
Jay Carlson
2003  LD RB
2005 Bigfoot 40MH35LX
rvingjaygwynne.wordpress.com
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159937
In our RB, I mounted the Wave 3 at the end of the forward dinette bench on a hinged board that swings out to aim the heater forward when in use.

Here are some pictures.

WxToad http://www.wxtoad.com http://www.ultimatecampgrounds.com

Posted by:  ironduckme Date: Sat Apr 16, 2016 9:44 pm ((PDT))

Is there any danger in the heat transfer in a wall mount install? My free standing wave 3 is hot to touch on top and back.

The only other place I can see to wall mount a wave heater in my RB other than the rear wall (where the garbage can is) would be in the under kitchen sink wall on the left side of the entrance steps. Has anyone done that?

Jay Carlson
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159938
Ted,

I like what you did. I have the same heater but have yet to install it. I also bought the legs with the intent to have it as portable as possible. Can you share how and where you were able to get the gas line routed into the storage cabinet?

Thanks,

Fred

2003 RB
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159940
Fred, We tied into the propane line behind/under the stove. A bit of a pain to get to - the installer ended up pulling the stove out for better access. The line runs from there down to that storage area. When done, he conducted a thorough check of the lines and fittings using his manometer.
I had also bought the legs for the heater, but after some thought I came to the conclusion that we probably wouldn't use the heater as much if we left it free-standing and had to stow it somewhere when not in use.
Ted -- I like what you did. I have the same heater but have yet to install it. I also bought the legs with the intent to have it as portable as possible. Can you share how and where you were able to get the gas line routed into the storage cabinet? Thanks, Fred 2003 RB
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159942
Ted,

I carried the Wave 3 unit with during all my travels last year. Never really had a need for it. Did fire up my furnace only two times while at higher altitudes. Had an installation scheduled here in Lake Havasu City; however, the installer rescheduled for a time when I was gone.  If I use my furnace more frequently this year, I'll reschedule the installation for September when I return to AZ.

Appreciate your feedback.

Fred

2003 RB
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159957
"Is there any danger in the heat transfer in a wall mount install? My free standing wave 3 is hot to touch on top and back."

The Waves can be mounted right to the wall but do require several inches of clearance to the sides and front.
Most owners of RBs want the heater to be movable and op for a quick disconnect fitting below the stove, at floor level. This also allows using the bigger Wave 6 heater.
Used with a 5' hose, the heater can be used to warm the lounge or bath area, depending on your needs. In warm weather, disconnect the hose and stove the heater.
Which ever way you go, make sure to have a shut off valve, installed before the quick disconnect outlet.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159959
Jay,

The only thing across the floor is the flexible propane hose when the heater is in use. Everything else, including the shut-off and disconnect, is inside that storage area below the fridge.

Ted

Posted by:  ironduckme Date: Sun Apr 17, 2016 11:19 pm ((PDT))

So it looks like Ted's install requires a propane line across the floor to run. I T'd into propane by removing the panel on left in the storage area under the refrigerator. I added a T to an existing T (supply to refrigerator I think) and a shutoff valve which I made a small cut out in the paneling to operate. I mounted a connection to a single gang wall plate left of the door to the storage area. I put another shut off valve in the 9' hose to the heater. All done without flaring tools and gas plumbing knowledge, but it did take a lot of time to figure out all the parts needed and get them. Might save yourself a lot of time having a pro RV place to bang it out.

Jay Carlson
 
Need Help Installing Wave 3 Heater
Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159970
My "regret" regarding the Wave 3 heater is that I "should have" bought the Wave 6 for my rig. I had it installed with a quick disconnect underneath the pop up table in the kitchen with a hose that I can "push in" and store. It just doesn't generate enough heat in my opinion.

Cheryl 1998 Lazy Daze mid-bath 2002 Honda CR-V
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V