Are Tankless water heaters water proof?

[Nick3]

Im wanting to mount a tankless water heater on an outside wall of my cargo trailer... Do I need to build an enclosure for it? Or will it handle rain and the elements ok?

Thanks,
nick

 

[dales133]

Pretty certain you can get outdoor instantaneous water heaters

 

[Nick3]

Looking at something like this Eccotemp L5 Portable Tankless Water Heater and Outdoor Shower https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TXOJQ4/re ... hwb0R26FTG

 

[dales133]

I read through all the info on amazon and it dosnt say one way or another but when you look at the description youd asume its ok mounted outside .
If it was me id maybe get a canvas cover made for it just to keep the worst of the weather out

 

[Nick3]

Good idea dale. Thabks

 

[Padilen]

Please post when you get yours working your likes and dislikes.
This pic is similar to what my plan is, but I have an old pressure washer frame I hope to use.

I believe it's a form member's.

 

[lrrowe]

My neighbor's heater is mounted outside his house.

 

[daveesl77]

My Triton 5L was mounted on the outside of my truck camper for a couple of years. Rain, snow, ice, sun, no problem. As far as I know, it is still working for the people that bought the camper. It can rust at the screws and such. Another hassle is that wind is the real enemy, blowing out the burner, so I built an aluminum surround for it that slipped on over bolts if needed. The top was not covered.

The 5L I have now rides inside the camper, but then attaches to the galley when I stop and pull out the galley boxes.

dave

 

[Padilen]

My Triton 5L was mounted on the outside of my truck camper for a couple of years. Rain, snow, ice, sun, no problem. As far as I know, it is still working for the people that bought the camper. It can rust at the screws and such. Another hassle is that wind is the real enemy, blowing out the burner, so I built an aluminum surround for it that slipped on over bolts if needed. The top was not covered.

The 5L I have now rides inside the camper, but then attaches to the galley when I stop and pull out the galley boxes.

dave

Just ordered one!

 

[Socal Tom]

I have mine in a box that opens up. You should know that it can not be allowed to freeze with water in it. It will destroy the heat exchanger. They have a drain valve, but I've heard rumors of people that drained them but freezing still go them.

 

[PCO6]

I store my Eccotemp L5 inside my trailer when travelling and mount it on the side when camping. It has seen some rain without any problems. Being portable I just drain it and take it indoors in the winter.

 

[dbhost]

Youtuber Jax Austin had a failure that he attributed to it being mounted outdoors on his Skoolie.

But if you look at time index :50 you can clearly see he allowed the batteries to fail and leak in the battery compartment. FWIW that fault is likely recoverable.

My plan is even though they are likely water resistant / proof enough... why take undue chances with it? Not to mention reduce the risk of theft, and store it / mount it inside a plastic weatherproof gear box like a Pelican box, or for a MUCH lower cost a Monoprice box... Or just go cheaper and do what my cheap tail plans on doing. Haul it IN the rig, and then in camp hang it from the campers side and quick connect the fittings for gas and water and have at it...