The purpose of this guide is to go into a bit more detail on the use, functions and reliability of the L5 manufactured by Eccotemp. This unit has been on the market for over two years and has made over 10,000 people enjoy the convenience of portable hot water.

History
The L5 was introduced over two years ago by one of the leading manufacturing companies of gas tankless water heaters, Eccotemp.  Eccotemp started carrying the unit thinking that it might be something good to wash the dogs with hot water in the winter time with.  Well, after several back orders and more than 10,000 units sold, we found quite a myriad more uses for it including; camp showers, sinks, cabins, pets, equestrian, concession, farm, washing cars/boats, etc - and the uses keep on coming. 

What it is, what it comes with, and what you will need
The L5 is a top vented, 5 liter (roughly 1.4 gallon) portable tankless water heater that operates off of liquid propane.  It is capable of delivering between 80 and 150 degrees F, from 1.4 - 0.7 gallons per minute.  The operation and design is fairly simple really and comes with almost everything you need for instant hot water, any where you are.   The unit comes with a CSA approved propane regulator, a shower head and hose (to be honest, it's not a great hose, then again it's free.  But, you may want to consider looking for one of the stainless steel 5' hoses if you are going to use it on a regular basis), a heat shield and all of the necessary hardware for installation.  You will need a propane bottle (such as the ones you use for a standard grill tank - the small Coleman 1lb cylinders are not recommend - while they can work, they tend to freeze after about 10 minutes and you'll need to purchase an extra adapter), two fresh "D" cell batteries, a garden hose, and a pressurized water source.

Functions and hook up
The hook up is rather simple.  If you using a conventional system (such as municipal water) then you would simply put on the 1/2" NPT adapter to the water input side.  I would recommend using Teflon (or some other water sealing tape) to ensure a water tight fit.  You would then hook up the propane regulator to the unit and to the propane bottle (again, use Teflon tape around the end that fits to the unit).  Hook up your water output device - pop in the 2 batteries and you are good to go.   The L5 has standard 1/2" plumbing fittings so if you are going to be hooking this up to a sink or other water device, you should have no issues using another water apparatus.  Many individuals have also put in a "T" line if they are using it for more of a permanent installation.  In this case, you would run your cold water line right to your sink or other output device and then run the hot water line through the unit.  Once it is operating, you have a water regulator knob and a gas regulator knob.  If you wish to have higher water temperature, you turn the gas regulator up while taking down the water regulator until you find a comfortable setting.  BE CAREFUL!  The L5 is able to reach temperatures of 150 degrees F, which is pretty hot!

Reliability and Support
Eccotemp has a 1 year manufacturer warranty on the unit itself.  We have been carrying these for over two years now and the durability has never been questioned.  It is made for outdoor use (since the vent gases come right out of the top of the unit) and as such, is made to withstand most of the elements.   However, if you do leave it hooked up in more of a permanent installation, you will get some weathering.  You will also want to make sure that you pull out the water drain stem/valve each time you are finished using the unit if temperatures are or going to get to near freezing temperatures - otherwise you will risk water freezing in the regulator and cracking.   In terms of support, Eccotemp offers nearly a 24/7 toll free tech support line.  99% of the time they are able to troubleshoot the issue right over the phone.  If not, you get a new unit sent out to you the next business day.  The service is remarkable as everyone you talk to is educated on the units.  SUPER PLUS - You don't get routed to a call center or black whole on the phone - you get right to a tech that can help you troubleshoot the unit.  Something a rarity in today's world.

Actual and Realistic Expectations
In a practical application, figure that you will get about 1 gallon per minute of about 110 degree water if your incoming water is about 55 degrees F.  For a comparison, a standard shower in a home delivers between 1.7-2.0 gallons per minute of water, depending on how much cold water you are mixing in with it.  1 GPM is plenty to take a shower on and more than sufficient for sink applications.  For most animals, it is also enough to wash small livestock and most horses.  If you are operating the unit where water temperature is below 50 degrees, you are more than likely not going to get the water much above 100 degrees - and the flow will be brought down to about 0.75 GPM.  Also, the unit does not operate at altitudes above 7,500 feet.
The biggest issue that I have encountered has to deal with water pressure.  The unit operates between 20-80 PSI.  HOWEVER, the best operation occurs between a sustained 40-60 PSI.  This may be an issue if you are using it in an RV park, off of a deep well with a 12 volt pump or the like.  There is a simply modification that can be made that tech support shows you how to do that works the majority of the time.  The unit does not also like to operate in higher wind conditions - winds in excess of 20 MPH as it blows out the flame on the heat exchanger.  

Competition
The two other units that are closest on the market to the L5 are ones made by Zodi and Coleman.  I have become familiar with them only from other individuals that have purchased on of the latter and then the L5.  In their words, the Coleman is a toy and the Zodi is unpredictable with hot and cold bursts and expensive.

Summary
All in all this is a great unit for point of use applications, off grid cottages, and showers.  The low cost of the unit makes it an attractive buy, couple that with the durability and support you get from the manufacturer.  If you are in an area that has colder water temperatures, or in need of higher flow rates (such as 2-2.5 GPM), then you will probably want to look at the L10 - which will be available starting in August of 2008.  It will still operate off of propane and two "D" cell batteries - which makes it convenient where there is limited power and water flow. 

I hope you found this guide useful.  Please do not hesitate to visit our store or to contact me if you have any further questions, concerns, suggestions or comments.  You can also visit our user forum that will be found by linking off of our website.  Thanks for visiting! -Goenergysytems