Quick Highlights

• Type: Storage hot water system (heats a tank, then supplies hot water on demand)
• Heat sources: Gas and/or 240V electric element (model dependent)
• Typical use: showers, sinks, washing up — once hot, you’ll get a run of hot water until the tank needs reheating
• Important: Never operate the heater without water in the tank

Safety Notes (Worth the 30 seconds)

• Scald risk: Water can get very hot. Always test temperature at the tap and supervise children.
• Don’t run it dry: Make sure the tank is full of water before turning heating on (especially for 240V electric).
• Gas safety: If you smell gas, turn gas off immediately, ventilate the van, and don’t operate switches or flames.
• Relief valve: It’s normal for a pressure/temperature relief valve to drip a small amount while heating.
• Frost/storage: Drain the system if the van is stored in freezing conditions (or if you’re not using the van for a while).

Step 1: Fill the Water Tank (First use / After draining)

1. Connect water (town water or turn your pump on if using the van’s tank).
2. Open a hot tap inside the van.
3. Let the water run until it flows smoothly (no spluttering). This means the hot water tank is full and air has purged.
4. Check for leaks around the heater area and fittings (a quick look is enough).

Tip: If you only get spurts of air and no steady flow, your pump may be off, your water supply may be empty, or a valve may be closed.

Step 2: Heat the Water

Option A — Heat using GAS

1. Turn your gas bottle ON and open the isolation tap to the hot water system (if fitted).
2. At the UltraRapid control (or your van’s hot water switch panel), select GAS ON.
3. Wait for the system to ignite and begin heating.
4. Allow time to heat, then test hot water at the tap.

Option B — Heat using 240V ELECTRIC (if fitted)

1. Confirm you have 240V power (mains power at a site, or a suitable power setup).
2. Select ELECTRIC ON at the control/switch panel.
3. Allow time to heat, then test hot water at the tap.

Option C — Faster heat (GAS + ELECTRIC together)

If your model supports it and you have both gas and 240V available, you can run Gas + Electric to heat faster. Turn both selections on and monitor power usage if you’re on a limited campsite supply.

Using Hot Water (Best Practice)

• Start with the hot tap slightly open and mix with cold to find a safe temperature.
• For showers, use a steady flow rather than blasting full hot — it helps keep temperature stable.
• If the water cools down mid-use, the tank may be depleted and needs time to reheat.

Turning the System Off

1. Switch GAS OFF and/or ELECTRIC OFF at the control/switch panel.
2. If you’re packing up or storing the van, turn the gas bottle OFF.
3. If you’re not using the van for a while, drain the system (see next section).

Draining the UltraRapid (Storage / Frost Protection)

Draining is recommended if the van will be exposed to freezing temperatures or is being stored for an extended time. The exact valve location varies by install, but it’s usually near the heater and may be labelled as a drain / safety valve.

Drain steps

1. Switch the heater OFF (Gas/Electric) and allow water to cool if it’s hot.
2. Turn the water supply OFF (town water disconnected and/or pump off).
3. Open a hot tap inside the van (this relieves pressure and helps it drain faster).
4. Open the heater’s drain/safety valve to empty the tank.
5. Leave taps open briefly until the flow stops, then close everything once drained.

Tip: If you have a one-way/check valve or a tight system, opening the hot tap is the key to getting it to drain properly.

Cleaning & Care

• Flush occasionally: If water has sat for a long time, run fresh water through the system before use.
• Relief valve drips: A small drip during heating can be normal due to expansion. If it runs constantly, it may need inspection.
• Keep vents clear (gas models): Ensure external vents/flue areas are unobstructed.
• Scale/hard water: If you’re in a hard-water area and notice reduced performance, arrange a service check rather than using harsh chemicals.

Troubleshooting (Common Issues)

No hot water at all

• Confirm the tank is actually full (open a hot tap until it runs smoothly).
• Confirm the correct mode is on (Gas and/or Electric).
• For electric heating: confirm you have 240V power at the van.
• For gas heating: confirm the gas bottle and isolation tap are on.

Gas won’t ignite / keeps failing

• Make sure you have gas and the bottle valve is fully open.
• Try again after a short wait (air in the gas line can cause a first-start fail, especially after bottle changes).
• If it keeps failing, stop and arrange service.

Water goes hot then quickly cold

• The storage tank may be depleted — allow time to reheat.
• Reduce shower flow slightly and mix more consistently to improve stability.

Water dripping outside

• A small drip during heating can be normal (pressure relief from expansion).
• If it’s excessive or constant, arrange an inspection of the relief valve.