TT HWS diesel consumption

[Colin Wendy]

Hi Tvaner's We expect our new Mk5 in the next couple of week so are looking at some extras. One being a jerry can for diesel for the HWS.
As we are trying to keep the weight as down, will we get away with a 10L or will we need a 20L Jerry can for a couple of weeks use?
Any help will be greatly appricated.

[Wetjala]

Depends on how much hot water you expect to use so there is no clear cut answer to suit your situation. My suggestion would be to get a 20l jerry can and if you find you don't use much then get a 10l later. Prior to any trip I always fill the Wabasto at home and then top it up every few days from the jerry can (20l). I like carrying a 20l as it allows for extra fuel for the 'cruiser in an emergency (and if I'm going really remote then I'll have either one or two more 20l jerry cans onboard the tug). Apply the tried and true engineering practice: "Suck it and see!"

[Phil G]

The diesel consumption is very low.  We run a diesel heater in our caravan and have used no more than 5 litres a year over the past few years,  but that does not include hot water.

[TimH]

I think the heater uses between a third and a half a litre per hour however it does cycle on and off a bit when it gets to full temperature so may be a bit less than that.
We don't really use the hot water for the kitchen unless the heater is on for another reason (shower or heating the van).
So the main consumption is keeping warm.

The Tvan tank holds around 5 litres.
We probably used 3-4 litres during the week of the Big Red Bash since the night temperatures were down to -3C at times. Usually just ran it for an hour before bed, plus had a couple of showers.
It all depend on your likely usage pattern.

We keep a 1 litre bottle of extra diesel in the gas bottle area just in case but haven't needed to use it yet.
If your car is diesel I can see the benefit of having a 20L jerry if you intend going somewhere remote.
I would have appreciated having it when we went from Birdsville to Winton via Diamantina and arrived in town with only 2L left in the (car's) tank.
We wont be doing that again 
Tim