1. Product Overview
This manual provides instructions for the forimo 12L 3.18GPM Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater. This unit is designed for outdoor use, providing on-demand hot water for various applications such as camping, RV travel, and pet bathing. It features a compact design, digital temperature display, and multiple safety protections.
Image 1.1: Overview of the portable tankless water heater highlighting features like rapid heating, overheating protection, powerful motors, subcooling protection, water pressure protection, and thermostatic control.
2. Important Safety Information
Read all instructions before using this appliance. Failure to follow these instructions may result in fire, explosion, property damage, personal injury, or death.
- Outdoor Use Only: This water heater is designed exclusively for outdoor use. Do not operate indoors or in enclosed spaces.
- Propane Gas (LPG) Only: Use only with propane gas. Ensure proper ventilation.
- Leak Checks: Always check for gas leaks before each operation. Use a soapy water solution on all gas connections. Do not use an open flame to check for leaks.
- CSA Approved Regulator: Use only the provided CSA-approved gas regulator and hose. Do not use Teflon tape on gas regulator connections.
- Water Flow: Ensure adequate water flow before igniting the unit. Operating without water flow can cause damage.
- Temperature Control: Monitor water temperature to prevent scalding. The maximum temperature rise is 167°F.
- Anti-Freeze Protection: Drain the unit completely after use in freezing temperatures to prevent damage.
- Battery Installation: Ensure correct polarity when installing D-cell batteries for ignition.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all components are present before beginning installation.
- Tankless Water Heater Unit
- CSA-approved 5FT Gas Regulator and Hose
- High-Pressure Shower Head (5 spray modes)
- Pet Shower Head (8 spray modes)
- 2 GPM Water Pump
- 9.8 ft. Alligator Clip Cable (for water pump)
- 23 ft. Cigarette Lighter Cable (for water pump)
- Pump Hose (2 pieces)
- Plumbing Adapters (4 pieces)
- Product Manual
Image 3.1: Visual representation of all included accessories: shower kits, pet shower kit, pump hoses, CSA gas regulator, water pump, alligator clip cable, cigarette lighter cable, product manual, and plumbing adapters.
4. Product Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | forimo |
| Model Number | RSQ-2.1-1 |
| Power Source | Liquid Propane (LPG) |
| Hot Water Output | 3.18 Gallons Per Minute (GPM) / 12 Liters |
| Maximum Power Output | 68,000 BTU/hour |
| Maximum Temperature | 167°F (75°C) |
| Product Dimensions (W x H x D) | 13.8" x 26.8" x 5.7" |
| Item Weight | 11.05 Kilograms |
| Ignition Type | Auto Ignition Device (powered by 2 'D' cell batteries) |
| Mount Type | Portable |
| Water Pump | 12V 2 GPM with dual power options |
Image 4.1: Detailed product specifications including dimensions, hot water output, ignition type, and maximum temperature setting.
5. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps for safe and correct installation of your portable tankless water heater.
5.1 Battery Installation
- Locate the battery compartment on the side of the water heater unit.
- Open the battery compartment cover.
- Insert two (2) 'D' size batteries (not included), ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
Image 5.1: Step-by-step guide for installing two 'D' size batteries into the designated battery box, emphasizing correct direction.
5.2 Gas Connection
- Connect the CSA-approved gas regulator hose to the gas inlet on the water heater unit. Ensure a secure, hand-tight connection.
- Connect the other end of the gas regulator to your propane tank.
- Perform a leak test on all gas connections using a soapy water solution. Bubbles indicate a leak. Tighten connections and retest if leaks are found.
Image 5.2: Illustration of connecting the liquid propane gas regulator to the gas inlet pipe of the water heater.
5.3 Water Connections
- Connect the water pump to a water source (e.g., bucket, tank) using the provided pump hose.
- Connect the water pump's outlet to the water inlet on the water heater unit. Use appropriate plumbing adapters if necessary.
- Connect the desired shower head (standard or pet) to the hot water outlet on the water heater unit.
- Power the water pump using either the 9.8 ft. alligator clip cable (for battery connection) or the 23 ft. cigarette lighter cable (for vehicle connection).
Image 5.3: Detailed view of the gas inlet, hot water outlet, water inlet, and battery box, along with quick connect instructions for gas, shower heads, and water pump.
Image 5.4: Illustration of the two power cable options for the water pump: a 9.8 ft. alligator clip cable for mobile power and a 23 ft. cigarette lighter cable for vehicle connection.
6. Operating Instructions
Once the unit is properly set up and all connections are secure, follow these steps to operate the water heater.
6.1 Initial Start-up
- Ensure the propane tank valve is open.
- Turn on the water pump to establish water flow through the unit.
- Turn the water heater's ON/OFF switch to the 'ON' position.
- The unit will automatically ignite once water flow is detected. The digital display will show the current water temperature.
6.2 Temperature Adjustment
The water heater features two control knobs for adjusting temperature:
- Gas Control Center: Adjusts the flame intensity. Turning towards 'MAX' increases heat, 'MIN' decreases heat.
- Water Control Center: Adjusts the water flow rate. Turning towards 'MAX' increases flow, 'MIN' decreases flow. Lower flow rates generally result in higher temperatures.
Adjust both knobs to achieve your desired water temperature. The digital display provides real-time temperature feedback.
Image 6.1: Close-up of the control panel showing the gas control knob, water control knob, ON/OFF switch, and digital temperature display for precise temperature management.
6.3 Shower Head Operation
The included shower heads offer multiple spray modes. Press the button on the shower head once to stop water flow and conserve water, then press again to resume.
Image 6.2: Illustration of the shower head's one-button control for stopping water flow and the five available spray modes: Fog, Blend, Rain, and Pulse.
Image 6.3: The pet shower head, demonstrating various spray patterns such as Shower, Centre, Cone, Flat, Mist, Full, Jet, and Flood, with a rotating nozzle for mode selection.
7. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your water heater.
- Draining: After each use, especially in cold weather, completely drain all water from the unit to prevent freezing and damage. Disconnect water lines and open the hot water faucet to allow water to escape.
- Cleaning: Periodically clean the exterior of the unit with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
- Gas Connections: Regularly inspect gas hoses and connections for wear, damage, or leaks. Replace any damaged components immediately.
- Battery Replacement: Replace 'D' cell batteries when the ignition becomes weak or fails to operate.
8. Troubleshooting
Refer to this section for common issues and their solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No hot water / Unit does not ignite |
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| Water is not hot enough |
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| Water is too hot |
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| Gas smell detected | Gas leak | Immediately turn off propane supply. Ventilate the area. Perform a leak test with soapy water on all gas connections. Do not operate until the leak is resolved. If unable to resolve, contact a qualified technician. |
9. Warranty and Customer Support
For warranty information or technical assistance, please contact forimo customer support through the retailer where the product was purchased or visit the official forimo website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
Manufacturer: forimo
Model: RSQ-2.1-1