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.

Hydronic heating has three advantages over other types of heating systems. These advantages are comfort, efficiency, and versatile installation. Hydronic heating will heat more evenly, there is less heat loss as the heat is transferred, and the heated fluid is easier to distribute.

Diesel from the engine fuel tank allows for MANY more hours of heating than a typical on-board supply of propane. An RV fuel tank will typically hold 100 – 200 gallons of diesel, compared to 30-40 of propane. Diesel also provides more heat by volume, producing 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, while diesel is known for its relative stability.

ITR’s OASIS hydronic heating system is similar to a home boiler type of heating system. ITR’s diesel burner, however, uses the on-board fuel supply and operates on a 12 Volt-DC battery power supply. The boiler system then pumps 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. The OASIS is also equipped with one or two 120/240 VAC 1500 watt electric heating element(s) that can provide up to an additional 10,000 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.

The ITR OASIS diesel boiler differs from others diesel boilers 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. A low-pressure system means there is less pressure on the nozzle, and a cleaner burner means less maintenance is required as compared to high pressure burners. All ITR boilers are also built with stainless steel burners and water jackets for longevity. They are completely modular and field serviceable with easy diagnostics. OASIS burners are designed, manufactured, and tested in-house, and no part of the process is contracted out to third parties.

Yes, ITR has helped several OEMs with the design of custom systems for mobile trailers.

The natural internal pressure of the vehicle’s engine while in use will force 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.

Yes. All OASIS models can be retrofitted to existing motorhomes. The OASIS NE is specifically designed as a replacement for the AquaHot 450D and other similar heaters.

Yes. 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, though, or the warranty will be voided.

The most important thing you can do to prevent some 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 service. 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. In addition to this annual service, be sure to check water and antifreeze levels every couple of months and top off, if necessary.

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 Dealers and Service Locations section of the website.