Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Hott Rod vs. Camco (or other options)

July 03, 2023, 01:47:23 am

With pricing still being all over the place for a lot of things, I'm trying to understand if there are meaningful differences between some of the competing products out there.
We want to add the ability to heat the tank with electricity since we're currently full-time in an RV park that includes electricity, and don't want to have to drive off to fill our propane tank on a regular basis.

So far I'm seeing the "Hott Rod" (6-gallon, so DGR6VP, or possibly HR6, previously Diamond Group but looks like it's owned by Valterra now) and a Camco equivalent (11673)
I'd love to get the 10-gallon version since it would heat even faster, and I've seem some people say it'll fit in our 6-gallon tank, but let's say I'm just going to go for the 6-gallon one.
I know it'll draw 400W unpredictably, so at some point we'll probably put in a switch, which seems to be included in the Camco package,  Initially we might just run an extension from the 15A outlet on the park's power post, and bypass our internal electrical system entirely.

Are the two brands' products basically interchangeable?  Do people say "Hott Rod" like "Kleenex" at this point?  If not, what should I be considering?  Are there other alternatives?  Any reason not to shop purely based on price for something like this?

Re: Hott Rod vs. Camco (or other options)

Reply #2 – July 03, 2023, 01:43:18 pm

I've been happy with the Camco Hybrid heat system.  A bit of work to install, but works good.  On my mid-bath, I installed a electrical box in the wiring that runs to the external plug in.  That circuit is GFCI protected too.
Doesn't draw much power, 425 watts, so it's a bit slow to heat up and recover from a shower, etc.
It does make draining of the water heater a little more fussy, but worth it in my opinion.
Hot Water Hybrid Heat

Re: Hott Rod vs. Camco (or other options)

Reply #4 – July 05, 2023, 06:18:12 pm

For long term stays at an RV park,  a Hot Rod may be useful but don’t expect big savings. As  Lazy Bones pointed out, the water heater’s propane usage is minimal unless the heater is left on all the time.
For long term stays consider having a large external tank delivered from the local propane supplier.

  Larry