Northwest Nomads Jordan and Ashley with, from left, Chowder, Grizzley, and Luna, who are enthusiastic advocates of the Aus J 12V/120V hot water innovation for all their RV builds
A Northwest US adventure partnership fostering live music events for communities loving RV and nomadic lifestyles has become the latest enthusiastic advocate of a clean, green Australian electric water heating innovation that brings comfort, cleanliness, and convenience to their Outback enjoyment.
The Northwest Nomads partnership each September organises the community-focused Northwest Nomads Festival that brings together more than 400 musicians, vanlifers, overlanders, and adventurers drawn to Oregon’s diverse and dramatic landscapes, including dense evergreen and mixed forests, high desert areas, mountains and the deepest lake in the US, (Crater Lake, 1,943 feet 592 meters).
Northwest Nomads Founders Jordan and Ashley not only bring together the soloists, groups, workshops, and activities designed to foster connection and inspire creativity, but also will fit out RVs for the friends, couples, and families who value nature and preserving their pristine Outback heritage.
Jordan and Ashley have become enthusiastic adopters of the all-electric Aus J Duoetto Gen 3 12V/120V 2.65gal (10-litre) water heater in their fitouts. Aus J Managing Director Jay King says the switchable compact heater they use is drawing strong interest in the US both from professional RV OEMs, as well as smaller-scale and self-builders who understand that non-polluting non-inflammable electric is the way of the future. “US adopters like Jordan and Ashley also appreciate the bonus of eliminating fossil fuel smells and fossil fuel fire hazards, either on-site or on the road, he says.
The same advantages are offered by the 12V/240V Duoetto MK2, which is among more than 10,000 water heaters sold by Aus J in Australasia, Asia, Africa and Europe.
Jordan says the latest build in which Northwest Nomads have used the Gen 3 is a Ford Transit 350 extended. “We actually use the Duoetto in every build we do – we love that’s it’s got a reliable 12V capacity that is switchable so users can either plug into camp facilities or be fully independent.
“It has plenty of capacity for couples and families to shower, do the dishes, even wash the dogs if they roll in the mud. It is compact, easy to install, and you don’t have to plumb in another energy source, gas or LPG, because all the vehicles have good electrics already and they are getting better all the time.”
One of the Northwest Nomad’s previous builds, a Ford E350 Short Bus (pictured above) had a Duoetto compactly installed sub-floor (pictured below, left, beneath the upper area (below, right)
“It has performed really well for us and our clients. It is one of water heaters we trust in mobile and off-grid setups,” said Jordan, who with Ashley also recently fitted out a Ford E350 short bus popular with adventure travellers, particularly because of its space and 7.3 litre Power Stroke Diesel engine known for its reliability and longevity.
“This build, which was sold in January, really highlights how compact and efficient the Duoetto is in a small space.”
Jay King – who has manufactured both gas and electric water heaters – says he believes electric RVs are the way of the future, in the US, Australasia and worldwide.
“I believe we are tapping into a new wave of consumer-led sentiment with the Duoetto MK2 and Gen 3 that is helping the RV market save money while touching lightly on many nations’ pristine attractions worldwide, including Australasia.
“This is a strong message coming from women and family adventurers, younger people generally, and whole communities, such as the Northwest Nomads, who are joining the larger RV community,” said Jay, who engineered the Duoetto Gen 3 for the North American and broader 12V DC/120V AC RV, caravan, camping, and marine, yacht, and powered boat markets. Gen 3 is approved to UL 174, with Intertek ETL product testing and certification.
He said RV builders, including Jordan and Ashley, liked the fact that plumbing solely for electric – rather than the double job of electric and fossil fuel – simplified the construction and conversion process radically.
Compact, easily-mounted Gen 3 Duoetto
“This all-electric 12V/120V capability means also that OEM and DIY RV and boat constructors need only one power source in their vehicles or on power or sail vessels, using existing battery storage rather than having the expense of an entirely separate fossil fuel feed,” says Jay King.
The 12V/120V water heater – which its designer believes to be a world first – is also used where work vehicles, trucks and 4WDs operate in remote places in which crews want to maintain optimum comfort and personal and workplace cleanliness in isolated locations. It retails for $US490 delivered, distributor price inquiries welcome.
Duoetto Gen 3 Features
- Variable thermostat 86-140 F (30-60°C) on 120V
- Variable thermostat 86-140 F (30-60°C) on 12V
- Digital control of AC/DC on-off functions and full temperature range selection
- External reset button – reset red light indicates when reset is required
- Durable outer case with service and inspection points
- SPCC steel & enamel tank
- Single weld line
- Polyurethane insulation
- Automatic voltage detection switching from 12V to 120V and vice versa
- Over-temperature and run-dry protection
- Combination Pressure & Temperature Relief Valve (PTR)
- Incoloy 840 heating element
- Wall mount or floor mount
