Van Go RV conversion experts use clever Duoetto water heater for creature comforts after a long day adventuring
A compact and cost-effective 10L water heater is providing much needed hot water for van and motorhome enthusiasts who have converted their vehicles through specialist local company Van Go.
Van Go has chosen Aus J Hot Water Solutions’ latest Duoetto MK2 10L dual 12V/ 240V water heater to integrate into vans and motorhomes of all shapes and sizes.
Van Go Founder and Director Mark Atkins says “you can’t put a price on comfort, but when you do, Aus J’s Duoetto is fantastic value, and we wouldn’t look past it to provide hot water to our customers after their long days adventuring.”
Mr Atkins is an avid surfie and adventurer-turned-businessman with more than a decade in building renovations on high profile building jobs and custom home fit-outs around Sydney. His love for adventure led him to build himself the perfect van with custom features. It got so much attention while travelling, with people wanting similar fit-outs, that he founded an entire business on it. And with the popularity of domestic travel booming post-Covid, the business is flourishing.
“We can barely keep up with the demand. Every week we send more converted vans and RVs back out on to the road,” said Mr Atkins.
“I’m glad we have Aus J as our water heater supplier because Jay and the team always deliver promptly, so we can have out builds completed and delivered swiftly to happy customers,” he said.
Local Australian innovator Aus J Hot Water Solutions, led by Managing Director Jay King, has already sold tens of thousands of its home and portable water heaters in Australia, NZ and globally. Aus J has just introduced its latest 12v/240v Duoetto MK2 water heater with digital readout, as demand steps up for domestic holidays with Covid restrictions easing, but international borders mostly remaining closed.
“The Duoetto’s compact size makes it a dream to fit to our vans – either under the vehicle or inside our cabinets – leaving enough space inside for all your motorhome needs,” said Mr Atkins, whose company converts a broad range of vehicles including Toyota HiAce, Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Renault Master, Hyundai iLoad, right through to full size trucks and buses.
“The technical support is outstanding. If I’m trying a new build and need some engineering advice, I just get on the phone to Jay and he takes the time to recommend the best solution.”
Duoetto MK2 product background and features
The latest Duoettos – which typically retail for around $A420 – feature a digital temperature control on the side for local and export markets that like their controls clear and simple, including the Middle East and Asia, North America, Africa and Europe, including the UK.
“Automatic sensors allow switching to 12V when mains power is not available, enabling the Duoetto to deliver ample hot water in remote areas such as campsites or on boats where mains power is unavailable, which it often is in large areas of major RV, marine and work vehicle markets,” says Mr King, who designs the water heaters himself and ensures production to Australian standards of toughness and quality .
The MK2 has a number of upgrades on the previous version, designed to give the new water heater even greater longevity than the original, which has become OEM equipment on major campers in Australia and in export markets because of its functionality and reliability in service over a wide range of use and climatic conditions. Upgrades include:
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An Incoloy 840 heating element, which gives superior corrosion resistance and is designed for optimum use in extreme environments and temperatures.
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A single weld line tank for a sturdier construction, reduced water leakage and extended product life.
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Polyurethane insulation to maintain temperatures and reduce energy consumption. This is an environmentally harmonious CFC-free material.
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SPCC steel and enamel tank for improved corrosion resistance
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Digital temperature control for ease of control and readability, fully adjustable from 30-70 deg C
The Duoetto MK2 comes with internationally recognised Australian WaterMark accreditation, which means that it passed tests and requirements regarding its suitability for supplying water for human consumption. These tests encompass taste, smell, toxins and corrosive effects on plumbing and pipework.
Drawing a miniscule 4.2 amps at 240V (1000w) and 25 amps at 12v (300w), the 409 x 262 x 267mm Duoetto MK2 retains the strengths of its predecessor, including:
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Manufactured to Australian Standard AS/NZS 3350.1.1:2002 and with WaterMark certification to Australian Standard AS/NZS 3498:2009
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Adjustable thermostat on 240V up to 75 o
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Durable outer case with service and inspection points
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The water heater connects to 12V DC power supply meaning there is no need for a generator, inverter or 240V power supply.
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Integrated magnesium sacrificial anode protects against galvanic corrosion and extends the life of the water heater.
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Thermal cutout
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Over-heat protection
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Combination brass pressure relief valve
Aus J Hot Water Solutions ( www.ausj.com.au ) offers a range of innovative gas and electric water heaters with models for domestic, commercial and recreational applications, including a 240v 10-litre Aqueous water heater designed to provide homes with near-instant hot water and reduce the wastage by having the heater located under the sink.