What is hydronic heating?
Hydronic central heating is the use of a heat generator commonly called a boiler (or furnace) to raise the temperature of a heating medium, generally water or water and glycol mixture. The heated fluid is then circulated from the boiler through pipes to heat emitters such as passive radiators, convectors and underfloor heating coils, through the interior of the motorhome, and domestic hot water heat exchanger. The fluid loses its heat through this circulation and the cooler fluid then returns to the boiler for reheating.
What are the advantages of Hydronic heating versus hot air?
Hydronic heating has three advantages over other types of heating systems. These advantages are comfort, efficiency, and versatile installation. Hydronic heating will heat the space more evenly, there is less heat loss as the heat is transferred with a fluid and the heated fluid is easier to move around.
What are the advantages of using diesel versus propane?
Diesel from the engine fuel tank allows for MANY more hours than a typical on-board supply of propane. Ease of refueling, as there are 100 – 200 gallons of diesel, compared to 30-40 of propane. Diesel provides more heat by volume, 140,000 BTU per gallon, compared to 91,000 BTU for propane. Propane systems can create dangerous situations, and are prohibited in some driving and storage circumstances.
How does the Oasis Hydronic heating system work?
Our Oasis is similar to a home boiler type of heating system. Our diesel burner however uses the on board fuel supply and operates on a 12 Volt-DC battery power supply. The boiler system then pumps the hot fluid throughout the interior of the motorhome. The domestic hot water is heated “On-Demand” as it is being used. No separate storage of hot water is needed. The main heat source is the diesel-burner. However the Oasis is equipped with one or two 120/240 VAC 1500 watt electric heating element(s) that can provide up to an additional 10000 BTU as well as recover waste engine heat to use in the system. These three sources of heat can all be used at the same time as well.
What are the advantages of using an Oasis diesel boiler versus other brands?
The ITR, Oasis diesel boiler differs from others by providing heat through a patented low pressure burner that provides high BTU output but without the smell and smoke that is normally associated with diesel burners. Less pressure on the nozzle and a cleaner burner means less maintenance versus high pressure burners. Also all ITR boilers are built with stainless steel burners and water jackets for longevity. They are completely modular and field serviceable with easy diagnostics.
Which Oasis model is best suited for my use?
The Combi will be sufficient for most class A motor homes and trailers. However for larger Class A’s with multiple slide outs and large 40 foot plus Trailers the CH50 model is best fit and provides more features.
Can I use the Oasis CH50 without the distribution module?
Yes of course. The Oasis CH50 is the heat source and circulation pumps and heat exchangers can be used to suit specific heating requirements. The DM12 offers 2 heating loops, on demand hot water, and engine heat all in box.
Can I purchase direct from ITR?
If there is not an authorized dealer in your area to certify the installation we will sell direct to you. We will need to be more involved with the installation process. However the manuals and the installation check sheets provide all the information required for someone to install a system properly and receive the full warranty.
Can you help with the design of a custom heating system for unique applications?
Yes, ITR has helped several OEMs with the design of custom systems for mobile trailers that require heating and multiple shower units for example.
What is the fuel consumption of the Oasis?
Our Oasis CH50 consumes .44 gal/hr or 1.68 ltr/hr while running and the Combi .33 gal/hr or 1.26 ltr/hr. The heater should however very rarely operate continuously. Typically 1 – 3 gallons of diesel fuel per day will be used for most heating requirements. The use of the electric immersion element(s) also affects this fuel consumption.
How do you use the engine waste heat and preheat function in the heating system?
The natural internal pressure of the vehicle’s engine while in use will force its hot coolant through the engine preheat loop inside your Distribution module or external heat exchanger. If you have an engine preheat switch this does not need to be turned on. However, you should leave the diesel-burner switch on while traveling as this will allow the pump(s) in the heating loop(s) to circulate and disperse the heat from the engine. For preheating the engine an external pump in the engine loop and power switch is needed so the coolant in the engine block circulates through the heat exchanger heated by the Oasis.
Can an Oasis be retrofitted to an existing motorhome?
Yes, the Oasis CH50 and Combi can be retrofitted into any Class-A motorhome. Please remember that either system is a complete replacement of your coach’s existing heating and domestic hot water system. These systems may increase your storage space as well as the Oasis supplies hot water on demand and no hot water storage is necessary.
Can I install an Oasis system on my own?
Yes, our Installation Manuals will guide you through the entire heating system installation including mounting location, plumbing, wiring and switching the heater on for the first time. It is important to follow proper installation instructions or the warranty will be voided.
How often should I service my heater?
The most important thing you can do to prevent some of the common problems is to run your heater periodically like you would do with an engine or generator. A good practice is to operate the heater every 4 to 6 weeks let it cycle off and then switch it off. You should also perform an annual or 750 hour maintenance. This service would consist of a new nozzle filter and O’ring, igniter, air and fuel filter replacement, as well as a thorough cleaning of the combustion chamber, if necessary. In addition to this annual service, be sure to check the level of water and antifreeze solution every couple of months and top off, if necessary.
Where can I get my heater serviced?
Please contact our Service Department at 1-800-993-4402 in the USA or 1-800-755-1272 in Canada to find a service location nearest to you, or check the website www.oasisheater.com under dealer locations.
What if the heater produces smoke or a smelly exhaust?
Our patented diesel burner should not produce any visible smoke or diesel smell whenever the diesel-burner comes on. If there is smoke present then that is a sign that the heater requires some service or a low DC voltage situation. Please refer to the manual’s troubleshooting section or call our service numbers above.
Do your heaters electric immersion element(s) operate off of the inverter?
No, the load of the 120/240 VAC heating element is too large and will draw your batteries down very fast. Do not wire the electric elements this way but to shore power when available.
How do I winterize my Oasis system?
The heating system must be completely drained of domestic water whenever the coach is stored in freezing temperatures and the heating system is not in use. Even if plugged on shore power the BTU output of the element(s) may not be enough. Be sure to follow the step-by-step instructions in your heater’s Owner’s Manual. Either drain the domestic water lines or fill them with an antifreeze mixture.
Can I flush and disinfect my domestic water plumbing system with the Oasis?
Yes, flushing the domestic water plumbing system with pure water is no problem. However, if you are disinfecting the domestic water plumbing system, just be sure to follow proper instructions as this will protect the entire domestic water heating system from serious damage.
If you have any other questions that were not answered please contact us.