Agree, I have a pop up and wanted to know how to fill the tank without having to pop up the camper and turning on the faucet to fill up my hot water tank. Well done sir
maybe youll answer me again,...tried to replace heat element today,...still no ele side hot water,...placed volt meter on and it shoots up then goes to zero,..so I'm thinking its not the element,...any thoughts on what to try next? Gonna try to get propane side working tomorrow...,thx alot...only a two year old coachmen Cat legacy ed.
@@5664788 There are some electronic components to the heater. I'd suspect it may be in that area. If you are good with propane, then look at the wiring and electronic components. If possible, call for Tech Support. Sounds like it would be worth it. If the electric side has never worked, I'm wondering if it is wired incorrectly? Let me know what you find out. ok? Michael
thank you so much for the reply,..your great! the propane side works,...seems to be good so far as long as it keeps coming on,...id like for the ele side to work and will look into it more,....really nice of you to give the advice.
@@5664788 I know it's a dumb question, but did you check the manual? I hate looking at manuals, but sometimes, sometimes, they have an answer. :) Good luck!
OMG THANK YOU!!! This was exactly what I needed!! Just got my camper delivered and have been playing with all the systems trying to make sense out of everything!! (Out of state delivery so no orientation!!) I was pretty much getting it but even after reading my owner's manual from cover to cover, there was mention of making sure the heater had water in it but no instructions whatsoever on how to make that happen. I was soooo scared I was gonna burn something out!! I feel much better now!!
Awesome. Yes, it can be overwhelming and no sense learning the hard way. LOL Look up my Electricity 101 too. That may help some. That's why I make these simple videos, to help others. Happy camping! :) Michael
Oh my god, I have been living in my rv for 3 years and nobody ever told me the hot water heater could run on electric or that there was an anode to change!! 😬😬 thank you!!
That Shasta is a newer year. the camper center showed us one that was a 2015. But I wanted more modern looking. So we got the rockwood. I am so glad you helped me with this our last camping trip we had a hard time getting electric water heater. ended up using our propane only. So much to learn with our campers.
Dear Garland Style, Thank you for the insight on the Suburban water heater. Today was the first time using the heater while connected to electirc power and knowing when and how to use the rear electric switch was much of help. Your niece (Kari) was very impressed at how quick the water heated, compared to the gas. Hope you and the wife are well!!!
Hey! How cool! Glad it helped out. For FAST reheating, turn both on at the same time! Then turn off the propane switch when it is up to HOT. You'll hear the hot water heater propane FLAME shut off when it is fully heated. Hope I mentioned that. Michael
2 1/2 years ago, we bought a new Heartland Bighorn. It sat in the driveway behind our house, never used, until we sold our house and moved to a property where we poured a concrete pad for the RV, and had 50 amp service installed so we could hook up and live in RV part time. When we hooked up a hose to the city water connection, and opened the valves in the RV, and waited a few minutes, nothing happened. (No water in kitchen or bath). Then water started running out the overflow tubes under the RV. Had a RV tech come out, he told us we needed a new water heater. What did we do to cause the heater to go bad? BTW, your video was the best I’ve watched on this topic - Thank you!
Hi Lois. More than likely the insides rusted or corroded up so bad it was unusable. especially if it sat for long time unused with water in the hw tank. There is a hot water heater element that could go bad as well but that is a $20 fixit yourself. I drain my hotwater heater and replace the anode rod when we go months without using it. And again? He could have done an unnecessary change out. Thanks and good luck. :)
good info. I bought an RV and didnt know what that switch was for. never flipped it. I has a safety pin so I left it alone. I have my RV in a stationary place.
Cool. Just a few times at it and it will be second nature. Oh, can't remember if I said this in the video. Most all campers come with a 6 gallon hot water tank. I always turn OFF the hot water switches, gas or electric when we don't need hot water. Whether plugged into Shore Power or running off LP. Why heat the tank and waste power? We turn the appropriate switch on 15 to 20 minutes before doing dishes or taking a shower. If you turn on the Gas switch, depending on your rig, you can hear the burner kick in. When it stops, you know you have a full tank of hot water. Just like your hot water heater at home, it has a built in thermostat. Michael
For Jon Snow.. The 4th switch on the inside control panel labeled "Tank Heater". That switch is to turn on the electricity going to Heater Pads placed on the Fresh/Gray/Black water tanks. It may be an option on your camper. Used only, of course, in very cold weather. :)
After fucking up everything in my 2018 rockwood signature i watch your video and help me more than you can imagine to fix my mistakes!( after replacing the elements)
In 3 years I've yet to never turn off the outside electric switch. Best way to water pressure up your trailer, is just to open the hot faucets in the sinks till they have blow out all the air and just water is running out. Once water is running out the faucet on the hot side you know your water heater is full. Then I do the same thing on the cold side.
Thank you so much. Turns out that my valve was not open but I also did have air in the tank. The strange thing is I still get a flow of water out of the Fossett when the water is turned on to hot only.
Hey John. The water heater will always have some air trapped inside to allow for expansion during heating. Glad it all worked out for you. :) Rather than opening the relief valve on top, another way to allow the water to fill the tank is simply to connect to city water, turn the water on, go inside and turn on a hot water faucet and leave open until that cold water comes out. Then you know that water has reached the top of the tank and the lines are full. :) happy camping
I think you covered everything great but it would be helpful if you can. Voom in on the switches and buttons please on the panels and such. Other then that you did alsome thank you for taking the time to help everyone.
Hi Garland, Thanks for the video, i have been searching on the you tube on how to use the heater switch and finally found it. Question: Can i turn the bypass (cold pipe) valve located inside my trailer to fill water into my heater tank instead of using the city water outside. BTW where is the inlet of the city water anyway.
If you have water in your fresh water tank, and the winterize bypass valve is turned off, you can use the pump to fill the hot water heater. Water will flow into the HW heater to fill the void. Same principle. Don't turn on the Elec HW switch inside until the HW heater is full of water. Inlet for the City water is located on the side of the camper. It should be marked. Not sure what model of camper you have.
That was a very informative video. Thank you for posting. QUESTION: Is the element and the anode rod two different things? And if I've burned out my element, do you have a video on replacing that as well?
Thank you. Yes, two different things. The element is the actual heater rod if you will. It is easy to replace Lynne. I'm sure you can find a video about changing it out on YT. I haven't needed to change the element, so, no I haven't made a video on that. Sorry.
My god!!! Thank you so much explaining this!!! We took our KZ camper out last weekend. Couldn’t figure out how it worked. I thought a fried heater too. I think I’m good. Come to find out that my heater is gas only. No element to burn out. Auto spark to fire up gas. That what the switch does. Every few seconds it tries to light gas. The element option made me nervous.
Thank you for the explanation. I understand how the water is heated, but where does the water pressure come from? The tank underneath your trailer....how does the water get pressure to be used? How would this differ from a tankless water heater system?
Pressure comes from HEATING the water. Just like boiling water in a pot, the lid will blow off or burp when heated. Same principle. So the pressure to your faucets are provided by hookup to city water or from the Water Pump built into the camper. I find what I have more water pressure using the Water Pump than most "city" water connections. A Tankless water system is using PURE electricity to heat the water as it passes over internal pipes. So there is no comparison really. But you'll always need electrical hookups for Tankless hot water systems.
I'm hooked up to city water. I made sure there was water in the hot water tank. I then turned on the water heater outside. I then turned the middle valve on the hot water tank off to make sure the hot and cold water don't mix. I also made sure the outside shower faucet was turned off. Despite all this, the water is still lukewarm at best. What do you recommend? Update: My bathroom faucet handle was broken and the water just ran out preventing the tank to heat up the hot water. I changed the faucet and now I have hot water. I'm stoked.
Try using just the propane to heat the water. You can hear the flame burning. If it doesn't burn long, should take 10 to 15 minutes, the temperature regulator is not set right. That may take a technician to replace the faulty element. Good luck.
Garland... I drained my hot water heater on my Rockwood Mini Lite. I replaced the anoid element, opened the relief valve and put city water in until I saw water coming out of the relief valve and inside water hot and cold and opened the propane valve. My question is once I push the HOT WATER toggle inside will the propane ignition automatically ignite or is there pilot lighting procedure I need to know. Thank you for all the good, clear advice. Dennis California
Hi Dennis. Once you turn on the hot water GAS switch inside, you should hear the heater flame up. If you know what I mean. Not sure what rig you have, but even outside you can hear the burner running. If you aren't hooked up to shore power, running on a battery only, the igniter is automatic and runs with or without being hooked to shore power, it will also run off your battery to spark a flame. Glad it helped you. Michael
I guess I should add.. If you have a Suburban Hot water heater in your Mini, it will always ignite the propane whether you are hooked to shore power or have a live battery. :) No problemo.
Hi can your heating element burn out if it's left on but not hooked up to electrical? We just purchased a new TT and after reading and viewing your video we checked the switch and it was left in the on position. Since we are only connected to 12 volt and have not connected to power since leaving dealership is there a chance our heating element burned out? Thank You for taking the time to make this video!
Yes, there is a chance you can burn out the element if there is NO water inside the hot water tank and you are connected to shore power. If there is water in there, doesn't matter if the switch is on or not really. If you aren't connected to shore power and the switch is ON, 12v won't heat the water anyway, not enough juice. kwim? :) Happy travels.
@@roninphotographer TH-cam is a GREAT reference to so many things Anthony. :) Not sure what rig you have, but they are mostly all built similarly, with similar parts too. From Class A motorhomes to popups. :) It is amazing really.
thank you for letting us know how to fill the hot water tank when hooked up to city water. how do I fill it when I am working off of my fresh water tank?
Make sure the bypass valve isn't on, just like running normally. Do NOT turn on the Electric or Gas option for the water heater EVER until you know it is filled with water!!! Just open a hot water spigot inside with the pump on. It should sputter or do nothing until water is transferred from the tank and fills the water heater. When the water heater is filled, water will come out of the spigot. NOW you can turn on the heater. :)
Shawn. If you aren't getting a warm/hot shower longer than 3 minutes do 1 of 3 things. 1. Turn on the Gas button even though you have the Electric water switch on as well. This will reheat water faster in dual mode and will extend your session a bit longer. 2. Turn off the water when soaping up. Sailors Shower is the name for that. No need to just run hot water when not wetting down or rinsing. 3. Get a "low flow" shower head. You use less water but get HOT water. Hope that helps you out. I hate having to shower, so for me? Its in and out. Women tend to disagree with that. LOL Happy camping buddy.
Oh no.. you can fill your fresh water tank, go in and open a hot water faucet and turn on the water pump. Water will flow from the fresh water tank to the HW tank, and when the HW tank fills, it will flow to the faucet. :) Michael
nice video, but pardon my confusion. it sounded like you were saying that if you fill your tank only through the fresh water fill inlet you wouldn’t be able to use the water heater. Or, did you mean that wouldn’t fill the water heater until you turn on the water pump? thanks!
Sorry for the confusion. If you use the city water connection and the hot water tank is empty, you'll hear the water go into the heater first to fill that void. If the heater is empty and you turn on your water pump to use water from your Fresh Water tank, it will fill the hot water heater as well. Using the water pump only, just go into the camper and turn on the hot water tap, it will fill the heater tank. Thanks
Water will flow from the fresh water tank to the Hot water heater as well when you are using the water pump and turning on a hot water tap. The pump supplies water to all the lines in the camper. No fear of running dry in the hot water heater. :) Good question. Thanks
Great video! I’ve replaced my thermostat anode, and element. Had great hot water for 3 months but have noticed the time it lasts has gone down. Since my water is still hot, I’m thinking my element may already giving up. I’ll flush the tank.
Great explanation! My question is when you said filling the fresh water tank wont fill the water heater. How does the water heater fill, when you're running off the tank? By way of the water pump? Any tips to that?
Good question. If your Hot Water tank is empty, say you de-winterized, put the anode rod back in the HW tank, and turned the valves so water will now flow though the HW tank... The EASIEST WAY by far to get water into the HW tank is connect to a city water connection, flip up the relief valve on the HW tank, and turn on the water hose. That pressure will fill the HW tank first. When water comes out the relief valve, flip down the valve and you are good to go. Next, disconnect the hose from the City Water inlet and fill your fresh water tank. In other words, fill the HW tank first if you are coming out of hibernation. Until you drain your HW tank, some water will always be in there. You cannot "suck" all the water out of that HW tank, air will begin to fill the tank using the water pump and some water will always remain in there until you drain it. That is why it is important to drain your HW tank before winterizing. Thanks for watching. Michael
I've been thinking about your question. Say you are ready to go camping. You filled your FW tank but FORGOT to turn the valves on the HW tank bypass ON for summer use. Dang, I forgot! You can still use the city water connection like I said above to fill the HW tank. But if you aren't near a hose to fill like I said and have a full FW tank, do this. Turn the valves on the HW tank to USE mode, or opposite of the winterize bypass mode. DO NOT turn on the HW switch to gas or electric INSIDE the camper on the panel! Turn on the water pump, open a hot water spigot inside the camper and the water pump will fill the HW tank. It will take a while, with lots of spewing and sputtering, until you get a flow of water from the spigot. :)
@@mrtosh You can just turn on your water pump if you've filled the water tank. Flip the pressure relief valve, and turn on the water pump. I usually get the fresh water tank filling for a couple of minutes, turn on the pump until water comes out of the pressure relief valve then shut the valve, turn off the pump and fill the water tank the rest of the way.
Thanks for your helpful video. Do you leave anode rod in the tank for winter months? or better leave it out? Other question I have is even after drain water from hot water tank, there is about an inch of water still remain on the bottom of the tank. Will it be ok over winter months?
Hey there. After draining for winter, I keep an old anode rod on hand to put back in the HW tank to keep the threads from rusting. Use Teflon tape too please. I don't worry about a little bit of water left in the tank over winter. It will freeze up but obviously not do any expanding to damage a thing. We live in Colorado, going on my 4th winter and never had an issue.
Yes, you can turn both switches on at the same time. The Propane heat will come on until the water comes to it's peak heat, then it will shut off. At that time, turn the propane or gas switch off. Your Electric switch can stay on as well, but as long as the water has reached max temperature, it won't actually turn ON to try to heat the water any further. You now have 6 gallons of HOT water. So in short, you can heat up the water faster with both switches on. It's just to heat water faster is all. :)
Good question. Since we are in Aurora Colorado ( Denver area ) and it gets well below freezing for weeks at a time, yes, I remove the filter. Shut off all water, drain as much of the water from all points as possible. Put a bucket under the filter housing as it WILL leak some water. Then unscrew the canister and remove the filter. Screw back on the housing and winterize, you want antifreeze in that housing, not water. You'll see it turn pink with the antifreeze. :) Michael
I love this, thank you. I was recently involved in a conversation regarding the switches. I said that just because the outside switch was on....that if the inside switch was Not on, the heater would not work. So switch out side on....switch inside off.....no hot water inside. Don't they both have to be on in order to work?
@@thomascrosson7148 I keep my fresh water tank about 1/4th full all the time. So? If we pull over while traveling we can wash our hands, use the toilet, or get a drink. I will use all of it about once a month until the fresh water tank is empty, then fill it 1/4th again before leaving so the water isn't stagnant of course. IF by any chance we get to a campground where the water is not working, I have some ready. Yes, the kitchen and bathroom sinks and the shower is the grey water. Only the toilet is considered Black and it has it's own dedicated tank.
Hello and thanks for your video. I just purchased a 2017 Coachmen Clipper 17BH. The water heater looks the same as the one in your video (Suburban SW6D), except it does not have a switch for determining lp vs electricity. Therefor, I assume that the heater I've got will only run on lp. I have not idea how to light the pilot on this puppy. Thx for any help, Matt.
Hey Matt. If your heater has an ON OFF switch, looking like mine with the gas nozzle and burner assembly, then you have to have a LP or Electric hot water switch somewhere inside your camper. OR? It could be on the outside perhaps behind a keyed panel for easy access. Sorry I don't know what your unit looks like. :(
Hey Garland I have the 10 gallon and have the switch at the heater but no switch inside does that mean it's not hooked up to electrical or can it switch automatic. Great video also.
Whoa. 10 gallon is awesome. Just guessing but if you don't have a switch for gas/electric, then check in the tank compartment for a gas burner fixture. If there isn't one, then you are purely electric. If you have a burner, then it must be automatic and no switch it needed. But I've not heard of a Suburban HW heater that isn't bi-energized. :) Maybe you have heater that is not a Suburban. Thanks.
@@garlandstyle5797 Thanks for your help. I'm going to see if I can pull the panel and see if it's hooked up to the electrical if not I will just continue running it on propane.
Thank you for the video! I've been using only electric. I stopped everything today to understand more and also since I'm hearing what seems like propane sound shooting through there. I closed everything and I turned on both, when I noticed the huge flame that was going on and on for what seemed like excessive amount of propane and flames, I stopped it!. The water should have already been hot. But I'm wondering if that 'wind' sound at the tank is normal. Seems weird to have if I'm not using propane for it. I'll check out what other possible helpful videos you have. ☺️
It sounds particularly loud at first when you fire it up, yes. A "Whooshing" sound is normal during operation. Some models of campers are very noisy in our experience. We've heard neighbors gas water heaters blasting while we were inside our camper. But it should shut off after 5 to 10 minutes if you also have the electric option on. Propane is useful to bring the water heat up more rapidly than just using electric. If you are connected to electric only, no sense using the propane unless you need a rapid recharge of hot water. Propane is more expensive than 110v electricity.
Yes, you could leave it on permanently, but if you've drained the hot water tank and turn on the Elec Hot water switch in the camper when connected to 30 amp service, ZAP! There goes the heating element. Without water in the tank, running the electric mode will kill the heating element, potentially within seconds. I only turn on the outside switch when I'm at a campground with 30 amp service or if I absolutely know I have a full tank of water in the heater tank. Even if I have water in the tank, I only turn on the switch when I am hooked up to water, the tank is full, and I'm at a CG with 30 amp service. It's how I operate. :) Good question. Thanks Warren. Michael
Oh sure. You can use propane at any time. Or electric when connected to shore power to save propane. If you are connected to shore power using electric and you've just taken a shower, turn on the Gas Heater switch on the control panel and it will reheat the tank faster. :) Then turn off the propane switch when you hear the propane burner turn OFF on the water heater. You will be at max heat at that point. Happy camping. :)
Hi. I have this system in my RV ..... but it does not heat much .......... in other models I see that the temperature can be increased ..... in this model as it is done .... thanks.
I believe that the temperature is set permanently from the manufacturer. If you are only getting luke warm water, check the recent video I put up about not having Hot water. th-cam.com/video/dnvLo7KRoiM/w-d-xo.html If that isn't the issue, try using just the Gas option to heat the tank. You should hear a good 10-15 minute burn to heat the water. The gas will shut off when it reaches a HOT but safe temperature. If you aren't getting it hot using the gas only option, and it is shutting off too soon, your sensor is not working properly. Good luck. :)
I think the reset button applies to the electrical side of use. If you have blown a fuse or something like that. I have to say I'm not completely sure. I would need to check the manual to be sure. I hope you aren't having issues. Frankly, since 2016, I've never had to use that. Good point though. :)
You may have an Atwood RV Water heater. Those do not require an anode rod. However, you still need to flush the sediment out of the tank periodically. Do a search for Atwood RV Water Heater maintenance. :)
Mine works fine on gas but will kick the main breaker when i try to run on electric without the gas . Especially if i run he over head ac. Breaker will kick then for sure Sometimes fast sometime little later but will kick if i run both. All help appreciated...
Sounds like the AC and water heater elec are on the same circuit, so too many amps of course. We have learned to manage how many things we can run on Electricity at the same time. If you can do without the AC for 15 or 20 minutes, turn it off and heat the water on elec. You'll be good for a couple of showers. Or just use the Gas option for the water heater of course. If you can find an electrician he may be able rewire it so both are not on the same circuit?
@@garlandstyle5797Thats what im doing. Use the gas only for the water heater for now but id like to figure out the prob because the propane i have to buy and the electric is included in the rent. Live on very small income and the furnace eats up the propane enough by itself. Just trying to figure it out and get it back to the electric side. Not useing ac now its cold weather here in Ky now...
When you connect to City Water, valves all turned the right way for camping use, you will hear the water filling the hot water tank first if it is empty. To be sure, open the pressure relief valve on the tank until water comes out. It is filled at that point. If your HW tank is empty and you fill your fresh water tank, turn on a hot water spigot inside the camper and you can hear water filling the HW tank (if you are standing outside by the tank). It will use about 6 gallons of water to fill. Good question happy camping.
I try to always remember when leaving a full hookup site to turn OFF that outside switch when breaking down. I only use the electric heating method 20 minutes before we need hot water and turn on the inside switch. After use, I turn OFF the inside switch but leave the outside switch ON until we are ready to leave. Part of our routine. In other words, I never heat the water until we need it. That water will remain quite warm overnight without turning on any heating source. :)
I have an inline filter for the camper. It connects between the hose and camper. It is an exterior one my son gave me while in Destin. Haven't used Texas water yet.. Guess I'll find out some time. :)
Great video thank you. So now I know how to turn electric off, but how would you suggest to turn the propane off to the water heater? I know just close the propane tanks, but I need to use the central heat while in winterize mode.
If you have two switches on the control panel for Gas and one for Elec, leaving both off will NOT heat the water at all. That gives you two options to heat the water using either or both. That way, you can leave the propane tank open for stove and furnace use. :)
We can only seem to get about 5 minutes of hot water from this water heater mounted in our Keystone 26rbs. We had one in our jayco 265rlsw that seemed to have an endless supply of hot water. We purchased this camper in Feb 2019. Any suggestions?
Sounds like you have the Hot Water heater bypass valve still turned on. When you winterize your camper, there is a bypass valve that stops flow of water into your hot water heater. You'll have to look at your piping to see where it is located. Here is my video on De-winterizing my rig. In the first couple of minutes I show how the bypass valve works to shut off water to the heater. If you turned on the hot and cold water lines to the tank but forgot to turn OFF the bypass valve, the result is only luke warm water or very short periods of hot water. Turn OFF the bypass valve. :) Here is my video showing how the bypass is set up for me. th-cam.com/video/pDvVnsrAFe8/w-d-xo.html Good luck. Michael
Thanks for the reminder about NO hot water. I made a video this morning, short and sweet to hopefully address your issue. Been meaning to do this for a while anyway but keep forgetting. Hope this will help. :) th-cam.com/video/dnvLo7KRoiM/w-d-xo.html
Garland Style -thank you for your response and for the video. I have what it appears to be is a 3 way valve on the cold water supply to the tank. In one position it supplies water to the hearer, the other position it routes the water to the bypass. The circuit does “not” appear to have an isolation valve o the second tank connection. And, I am not sure the flame is very strong, but it is blue.
If it is the outside "on off" switch on the bottom part of the water heater outside.. It is a simple Toggle or Rocker switch. There may be some build up of dirt inside the unit that is preventing it from staying in the ON position if when you press it down for ON, it just flips back up to the OFF position. That is the only thing I can think of at the moment. You can't just remove the switch easily, a dealer is going to have to tackle that, it is part of the unit. A quick TRY at least to solve it, is to get a can of compressed air. You can find them in the computer section like Walmart to clean out keyboards. Myself, I'd give it a try for no money than it costs. Just direct the spray into the switch and that may blow out any dirt etc. Be sure you turn OFF any power.. unplug from shore power and turn off the house battery shut off switch. There is some moisture in those cans. If it is the inside panel Electric switch, you can turn off all electrical once again. The panel can be unscrewed from the wall and carefully pulled out a bit. There could be some debris on the inside switch as well. If it doesn't look easy to remove, search for "RV toggle rocker switch repair" on TH-cam. There are videos out there. Good luck.
Richard. The anode rod interacts with minerals in the water to prevent rusting of the hot water tank metal. Very important. :) I use about 1 rod a year. Depends on how much you travel, and mineral content in the water you get at various places. I order them online and keep a new one on hand. Just google Suburban Anode Rod Replacement. :)
Hi Richard.. so sorry about the late reply. Don't know why I didn't get a notification. I hope you got your rod ok. The 1 1/16th wrench size is all that is important. The rods are the same overall length as far as I know.
So I am curious. I am new to campers but looks like I have just about the same heater setup as you with the suburban. I filled the reservoir tank only but it also filled my hot water tank. Why if you are saying it does not why did it fill in mine. It was winterized from the person I bought it from with no water in system... ?
Hmm. All I can think of is if you ran the water pump during or after filling the tank. Filling the reservoir and turning on an inside faucet would fill the hot water tank. Using the City Water connection will definitely fill the HW tank. I'm wondering if you have a Y connector somewhere in the line that provides water to the reservoir and HW tank. :)
@@garlandstyle5797 Ya not sure I am pretty green on this topic. Never had a camper before and checked out videos to learn how to do things. I was concerned I would burn up the element with no water but it seemed to work out after filling I checked the over flow at the top and it spewed water. Maybe I used the pump and don't remember.
My water heater switch inside the camper sometimes doesn't engage sometimes. It's a circuit board that will click on but doesn't light the gas water heater. I replaced circuit board recently
It could just be the rocker switch. But I hope you got it going. I did have a problem with the Gas side working. See this video I did, maybe it will help. th-cam.com/video/a8ESMnoUUmE/w-d-xo.html
No. Hot water will flow from the city water connection or Fresh Water tank as soon as there is a demand for hot water when in use. When your hot water tank is empty.. if you connect the city water line and turn on the water, you should hear water running into the camper. What it is doing is filling the hot water tank. In a case like that, I will open the pressure relief at the top of the hot water tank and turn on the city water. When water starts pulsing out the top of the relief, I know the HW tank is full. Flip off the relief and that's it. Of course, you'll get sputtering inside when you turn on the cold/hot water faucets until the air is displaced by water. :) If you fill your fresh water tank first, I don't believe it fills the HW heater, good question. But? Turn on the water pump inside and just turn on a hot water faucet until water comes out. Then you know the HW tank is full. Remember to never turn on the inside HW Electric switch until you know the HW Tank has water. Happy camping. Michael
Tyler. In reference to filling the HW tank with the Fresh Water Tank and pump. I did that today for you. To fill from the Fresh Water tank.. Inside, turn on the water pump and open a hot water faucet inside the camper. Go outside, open the relief valve at the top of the HW tank and you will hear water running inside. When water starts pulsing out the top relief valve, flip it down to the closed position. Go back inside and shut off the faucet. You need to have a Faucet open inside the camper for water to run inside the HW tank. Happy camping. :) Michael
I tried to get the water to come out the relief valve . There is a little pressure at first and no water coming out. I had the hot water running Inside but it was draining all my water, do I just have to wait longer?. I basically the same water heater system but different pannel, one switch on water heater and one in bathroom pannel for propane. I filled my fresh tanks then turned the pump on to kick out all the antifreeze and get fresh water. Can I just turn on the electric now since I'm plugged in to 110? Or do I have to make sure water is coming out the relief first?
Great video since my gas is not working, I got it working on electric. would love to see a video troubleshooting why the gas is not working. Gas tanks are full and the stove is working inside the RV.
I'm going to suggest first that you check the flue from the jet where I was pointing my finger by the outside on/off switch, it's the brass tube that leads into the burner. It could be blocked and gas is not getting into the chamber. Could be that there is an obstruction leading into the chamber. There is an ignitor in the chamber as well. Be sure all the electrical connectors are plugged securely as well, that no wires have come loose. When UNHOOKED from electricity, on propane only, it will try to use the ignitor switch to ignite the propane. Have someone inside turn on the switch, not connected to elec, while you are out by the heater, and listen for the ignitor to start clicking. If you don't smell gas, then something very wrong is in the line coming into the hot water system. If you smell gas, the line may be plugged like I said. If that line is clean, the ignitor may be at fault.
In my Lakota horse trailer I have a Suburban SW6D with no switch on the outside panel (only the switch inside). Am I right that it is a gas only water heater? Bought used with no manual included.
On the heater, maybe 2" above where I pointed out the switch, is a black area where there are two reset buttons. They only appear as rounded black rubber areas. They are reset buttons for the Gas and Electric operation. If you don't have those, then I'd say yours is Gas only. Given you have no toggle switch to turn on the electric mode, it must be an early model SW6D Liz. Sounds like it is gas only to me.
Excellent video! We have an older camper and could not figure out what that black switch was for. Just one question, when we turn on the black switch, it makes a hissing noise (sounds like gas and scared us), can you give us your opinion what that noise is?
If you are connected to shore power and have the hot water tank full of water, it could be some air escaping the overflow valve. Be sure that valve is closed (that is, the toggle lever is down). Give it a try and you'll see what I mean but NOT if you have hot water in the tank, it will explode outwards! watch how I did it. That's all I can think of. Check to see if you can find out where the hissing is coming from. That doesn't sound right to me.. Like I said in the video, never turn on the switch when connected to shore power if the hot water tank is not full. You may short the hot water heating element right away. To see if there is hot water in the tank, shut off the switch outside on the heater, turn on a hot water faucet inside and see if you get a flow of hot water. You can use the water pump or city water connection. Glad it helped you some. :) Michael
That switch is for your electric, make sure your tank is full B4 you turn the switch on, it probably not full and the element is gonna burn up, if you dont get hot water now get a new element, you may have burned it up, its easy to do
@@craigamills8492 Check this video I did on de-winterizing my camper. At about 1:10 it shows what my valves look like. I think you'll get the idea. :) th-cam.com/video/pDvVnsrAFe8/w-d-xo.html
Hi Garland, we just bought a trailer with the same water heater configuration yours has. If you are connected to city water, how long would we have hot water before it would need to heat up more water? Just wondering for things like showering...how long can you shower with constant hot water before you run out? Great video
Hey. It takes about 30 minutes on Electric to heat enough water for 2 showers. Don't take too long, use the shut off on the sprayer between lathering up and rinsing off. That is, don't leave the water running. If you also turn on the gas switch, it will heat up faster. It's called recovery time. You can easily take 2 showers after it is fully heated. A trick I found was to turn on the Electric switch and the Gas switch at the same time. If you listen carefully, you can hear the gas firing in the heater. When that propane burner shuts off, you are at peak heat. Take your shower, it is as hot as it will get. Leave both switches on and it will heat "as you go". Easily enough hot water for 2 in a row. Good luck and have a great time out there. Garland Style of course. LOL Thank you.
Shower lever? Hmmm. What model camper do you have Allen? I don't have a lever on mine, just a hot and cold knob. Blue hoses in campers delineate the COLD water line. Red will be hot water lines.
Ok.. NOW I see what you mean. LOL I looked it up in TH-cam. Here is a video that shows the installation, you can skip forward until it is installed and they show how to use it. YOU LUCKY DUCK! :) th-cam.com/video/rRCuBPG5aEU/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for the good video. I have the electric switch by the W/H but my control panel inside the coach just has a switch that reads water heater and a toggle switch that reads ON and a little light next to the toggle that looks like it illuminates. This says reset. But the light hasn't illuminated. I'm confused 😕 does this mean its on electric and propane shuts off? thank you
My control panel inside the camper has two water switches.. Gas and Electric. Gas means it will heat using propane. Electric means it will use electricity to heat when turned on. It sounds like you have an older coach or camper? I would search for your specific "coach" model on TH-cam and see if you find information on your model. But it could be an older model that will use Elec only if you are connected to shore power and by passes the propane. A reset switch, if inside the "coach" seems to apply only to the propane side of things. I'll search for you if you can send me the name, make, model, and year of your "coach". I am presuming you have a Suburban water heater.
You had me at hello, i felt like you were speaking directly to me . I got to see it then i got it 👍💯🇺🇲
finally someone who explained everything so well! im new to rv living so i needed it in detail and step by step just like you did!
Cool. I'm glad it helped. :) Enjoy and just keep checking on TH-cam for very helpful people out there. Michael
Agree, I have a pop up and wanted to know how to fill the tank without having to pop up the camper and turning on the faucet to fill up my hot water tank. Well done sir
As a first time RVer, I was wondering how to properly fill my water heater. Thank you for the easy explanation.
Cool. Glad it helped Ron. Happy camping! :)
Thank you so much! Single female, 1st time owner and I just got hot water!!!! Thank to you!
Way cool. Or hot? :) You're welcome.
Damn, you single, I'm single. Let's mingle. :)
Ah man thx,....answers every question ive searched high and low for on here,...finally someone with the common sense to explain this
Thanks. See? It wasn't TOO hard. LOL Michael
maybe youll answer me again,...tried to replace heat element today,...still no ele side hot water,...placed volt meter on and it shoots up then goes to zero,..so I'm thinking its not the element,...any thoughts on what to try next? Gonna try to get propane side working tomorrow...,thx alot...only a two year old coachmen Cat legacy ed.
@@5664788 There are some electronic components to the heater. I'd suspect it may be in that area. If you are good with propane, then look at the wiring and electronic components. If possible, call for Tech Support. Sounds like it would be worth it. If the electric side has never worked, I'm wondering if it is wired incorrectly? Let me know what you find out. ok? Michael
thank you so much for the reply,..your great! the propane side works,...seems to be good so far as long as it keeps coming on,...id like for the ele side to work and will look into it more,....really nice of you to give the advice.
@@5664788 I know it's a dumb question, but did you check the manual? I hate looking at manuals, but sometimes, sometimes, they have an answer. :) Good luck!
Thank you so much you are the only one that explained everything and showed how to do it
Well cool! Or should I say HOT. LOL I'm glad it helped. I too was once a newbee! Safe Travels.
OMG THANK YOU!!! This was exactly what I needed!! Just got my camper delivered and have been playing with all the systems trying to make sense out of everything!! (Out of state delivery so no orientation!!) I was pretty much getting it but even after reading my owner's manual from cover to cover, there was mention of making sure the heater had water in it but no instructions whatsoever on how to make that happen. I was soooo scared I was gonna burn something out!! I feel much better now!!
Awesome. Yes, it can be overwhelming and no sense learning the hard way. LOL Look up my Electricity 101 too. That may help some. That's why I make these simple videos, to help others. Happy camping! :) Michael
Thank you for this video! So helpful to prepare for first time RV'ers to actually hook up as opposed to dry camping!
Good, I'm glad it helped. :) Enjoy it out there!
Oh my god, I have been living in my rv for 3 years and nobody ever told me the hot water heater could run on electric or that there was an anode to change!! 😬😬 thank you!!
LOL Glad it helped. Change that ANODE rod kiddo. :)
That Shasta is a newer year. the camper center showed us one that was a 2015. But I wanted more modern looking. So we got the rockwood. I am so glad you helped me with this our last camping trip we had a hard time getting electric water heater. ended up using our propane only. So much to learn with our campers.
I agree. The Rockwood is a bit more modern. LOL Glad I could help you. That's why I do this stuff. Michael
Michael You are very helpful. Can't hardly wait till spring.
Dear Garland Style,
Thank you for the insight on the Suburban water heater. Today was the first time using the heater while connected to electirc power and knowing when and how to use the rear electric switch was much of help. Your niece (Kari) was very impressed at how quick the water heated, compared to the gas. Hope you and the wife are well!!!
Hey! How cool! Glad it helped out. For FAST reheating, turn both on at the same time! Then turn off the propane switch when it is up to HOT. You'll hear the hot water heater propane FLAME shut off when it is fully heated. Hope I mentioned that. Michael
You got a new subscriber here. I’m a complete noob to my rig and your explanations are great
I hope some of the videos help you out. I have several that I did after I learned the hard way. LOL Have a great time out there. Michael
I figured out the hot water tank in our new to us 2001 Cougar 5th wheel, thanks to this video!! Thank you!
Awesome! :) Enjoy life out there. Michael
Thank you, This my first RV, a FR 2109S and you just answered all my questions.
Great choice for you I hope. :) Thanks.
Your video was SO helpful. No speaks plain english, but you sure do. Thanks a ton!
Good. Glad it helped you. I try to speak LAY terms. That's what I'd want too. LOL Happy camping.
My husband is going to love this video when I show it to him. He doesn’t know how to get the hot water heater running. Thank you. I subscribed!
I hope it helps. :)
@@garlandstyle5797 thank you
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this video! Yours was the best one I could find!
OH good. Glad it helped. That's why I do them. Bless your heart!
Solid explanation, thanks from a first timer.
Good. I hope it helps. You'll learn so much more as you camp. :)
Works well, just note a few things before you get started...
Priceless wisdom! Thank you very much brother. Seriously, thank you.
Cool. So it helped then. :) Camp on!!
Thank you! Finally, a great explanation for us newbies!! Well done!!!
Thanks Steve. Tried to keep it simple, but it is important stuff. Michael
Thank you for the straightforward information.
You are quite welcome. Happy travels.
2 1/2 years ago, we bought a new Heartland Bighorn. It sat in the driveway behind our house, never used, until we sold our house and moved to a property where we poured a concrete pad for the RV, and had 50 amp service installed so we could hook up and live in RV part time. When we hooked up a hose to the city water connection, and opened the valves in the RV, and waited a few minutes, nothing happened. (No water in kitchen or bath). Then water started running out the overflow tubes under the RV. Had a RV tech come out, he told us we needed a new water heater. What did we do to cause the heater to go bad? BTW, your video was the best I’ve watched on this topic - Thank you!
Hi Lois. More than likely the insides rusted or corroded up so bad it was unusable. especially if it sat for long time unused with water in the hw tank. There is a hot water heater element that could go bad as well but that is a $20 fixit yourself. I drain my hotwater heater and replace the anode rod when we go months without using it. And again? He could have done an unnecessary change out. Thanks and good luck. :)
Garland Style thank you for your reply to my situation! Your video is very helpful. Glad I found you 🤪
good info. I bought an RV and didnt know what that switch was for. never flipped it. I has a safety pin so I left it alone. I have my RV in a stationary place.
Cool. Glad it was informative. :) Happy camping. Michael
Thanks. Even I can do the hot water tank now. Sent it on to hubby anyway. 😁
Cool. Just a few times at it and it will be second nature. Oh, can't remember if I said this in the video. Most all campers come with a 6 gallon hot water tank. I always turn OFF the hot water switches, gas or electric when we don't need hot water. Whether plugged into Shore Power or running off LP. Why heat the tank and waste power? We turn the appropriate switch on 15 to 20 minutes before doing dishes or taking a shower. If you turn on the Gas switch, depending on your rig, you can hear the burner kick in. When it stops, you know you have a full tank of hot water. Just like your hot water heater at home, it has a built in thermostat. Michael
Thanks Mate, from Australia. Helpful info for a Newbie.
I learned it all by myself the hard way. LOL Happy Camping Mate. :)
For Jon Snow.. The 4th switch on the inside control panel labeled "Tank Heater". That switch is to turn on the electricity going to Heater Pads placed on the Fresh/Gray/Black water tanks. It may be an option on your camper. Used only, of course, in very cold weather. :)
Thank you Brother. ✊
After fucking up everything in my 2018 rockwood signature i watch your video and help me more than you can imagine to fix my mistakes!( after replacing the elements)
Thanks a lot sir!
LOL I hope things are better now. :) Thanks.
You're welcome. :) Glad they help out some.
In 3 years I've yet to never turn off the outside electric switch. Best way to water pressure up your trailer, is just to open the hot faucets in the sinks till they have blow out all the air and just water is running out. Once water is running out the faucet on the hot side you know your water heater is full. Then I do the same thing on the cold side.
extremely well explained ,,,,, i m knew to rv and and this is exactly what i was looking for
Awesome. Glad it helped! Welcome to the RV world. :)
Another helpful video from newbies...
Thanks. It has helped a few people. :)
Thanks so much! I learned so much
Alrighty then! I'm glad it helped. Happy camping out there my friend.
That helped a lot brotha. Thanks! Zero support from my salesman at Camping World. ☹️
You will know more about your camper than a salesman before you know it. ) Glad it was helpful. Michael
Thank you so much. Turns out that my valve was not open but I also did have air in the tank. The strange thing is I still get a flow of water out of the Fossett when the water is turned on to hot only.
Hey John. The water heater will always have some air trapped inside to allow for expansion during heating. Glad it all worked out for you. :) Rather than opening the relief valve on top, another way to allow the water to fill the tank is simply to connect to city water, turn the water on, go inside and turn on a hot water faucet and leave open until that cold water comes out. Then you know that water has reached the top of the tank and the lines are full. :) happy camping
I think you covered everything great but it would be helpful if you can. Voom in on the switches and buttons please on the panels and such. Other then that you did alsome thank you for taking the time to help everyone.
Thanks Mimi. I'll zoom better next time. Good point. Happy camping! Michael
I didn't know that was a cleaning rod for the hot water heater. Ty
Yep. :) I'm glad it helped. Happy camping.
Excellent video, very helpful. Thanks
Thank you! They didn’t cover this operation in the walkthrough.
Glad it helped Kyle. :)
Perfect video! Answered all my questions! Thanks!!!
You are welcome Brian. :) Happy camping! Michael
Hi Garland, Thanks for the video, i have been searching on the you tube on how to use the heater switch and finally found it. Question: Can i turn the bypass (cold pipe) valve located inside my trailer to fill water into my heater tank instead of using the city water outside. BTW where is the inlet of the city water anyway.
If you have water in your fresh water tank, and the winterize bypass valve is turned off, you can use the pump to fill the hot water heater. Water will flow into the HW heater to fill the void. Same principle. Don't turn on the Elec HW switch inside until the HW heater is full of water. Inlet for the City water is located on the side of the camper. It should be marked. Not sure what model of camper you have.
@@garlandstyle5797 Isnt the use of the water pump is to pump the water both hot and cold. My camper model is Forest River Surveyor.
That was a very informative video. Thank you for posting. QUESTION: Is the element and the anode rod two different things? And if I've burned out my element, do you have a video on replacing that as well?
Thank you. Yes, two different things. The element is the actual heater rod if you will. It is easy to replace Lynne. I'm sure you can find a video about changing it out on YT. I haven't needed to change the element, so, no I haven't made a video on that. Sorry.
My god!!! Thank you so much explaining this!!! We took our KZ camper out last weekend. Couldn’t figure out how it worked. I thought a fried heater too. I think I’m good. Come to find out that my heater is gas only. No element to burn out. Auto spark to fire up gas. That what the switch does. Every few seconds it tries to light gas. The element option made me nervous.
Way cool! :) Happy camping. Michael
Thank you very helpful information
If it helped in the littlest bit, it was worth it. :) happy travels.
Thank you for the explanation. I understand how the water is heated, but where does the water pressure come from? The tank underneath your trailer....how does the water get pressure to be used? How would this differ from a tankless water heater system?
Pressure comes from HEATING the water. Just like boiling water in a pot, the lid will blow off or burp when heated. Same principle. So the pressure to your faucets are provided by hookup to city water or from the Water Pump built into the camper. I find what I have more water pressure using the Water Pump than most "city" water connections. A Tankless water system is using PURE electricity to heat the water as it passes over internal pipes. So there is no comparison really. But you'll always need electrical hookups for Tankless hot water systems.
Needed that info.thanks from this newbie
Cool. Happy camping. :) Michael
Thank you just what I needed
Awesome. :)
I'm hooked up to city water. I made sure there was water in the hot water tank. I then turned on the water heater outside. I then turned the middle valve on the hot water tank off to make sure the hot and cold water don't mix. I also made sure the outside shower faucet was turned off. Despite all this, the water is still lukewarm at best. What do you recommend?
Update: My bathroom faucet handle was broken and the water just ran out preventing the tank to heat up the hot water. I changed the faucet and now I have hot water. I'm stoked.
Try using just the propane to heat the water. You can hear the flame burning. If it doesn't burn long, should take 10 to 15 minutes, the temperature regulator is not set right. That may take a technician to replace the faulty element. Good luck.
@@garlandstyle5797 Thank you
Love your Video's! Thank you!
Thanks William. I hope they are helpful. :)
Garland... I drained my hot water heater on my Rockwood Mini Lite. I replaced the anoid element, opened the relief valve and put city water in until I saw water coming out of the relief valve and inside water hot and cold and opened the propane valve. My question is once I push the HOT WATER toggle inside will the propane ignition automatically ignite or is there pilot lighting procedure I need to know. Thank you for all the good, clear advice.
Dennis
California
Hi Dennis. Once you turn on the hot water GAS switch inside, you should hear the heater flame up. If you know what I mean. Not sure what rig you have, but even outside you can hear the burner running. If you aren't hooked up to shore power, running on a battery only, the igniter is automatic and runs with or without being hooked to shore power, it will also run off your battery to spark a flame. Glad it helped you. Michael
I guess I should add.. If you have a Suburban Hot water heater in your Mini, it will always ignite the propane whether you are hooked to shore power or have a live battery. :) No problemo.
Hi can your heating element burn out if it's left on but not hooked up to electrical? We just purchased a new TT and after reading and viewing your video we checked the switch and it was left in the on position. Since we are only connected to 12 volt and have not connected to power since leaving dealership is there a chance our heating element burned out? Thank You for taking the time to make this video!
Yes, there is a chance you can burn out the element if there is NO water inside the hot water tank and you are connected to shore power. If there is water in there, doesn't matter if the switch is on or not really. If you aren't connected to shore power and the switch is ON, 12v won't heat the water anyway, not enough juice. kwim? :) Happy travels.
Great video! Can I use my water heater when I am not hooked up to city water?
Yes. Just be sure it is full of water. Sorry to be late replying.
Thank a lot. This was a big help.
So glad it helps. I was SO lost when I first started. :) Happy travels.
Garland Style this is my first RV and learning a lot. Thanks again for the help.
@@roninphotographer TH-cam is a GREAT reference to so many things Anthony. :) Not sure what rig you have, but they are mostly all built similarly, with similar parts too. From Class A motorhomes to popups. :) It is amazing really.
thank you for letting us know how to fill the hot water tank when hooked up to city water. how do I fill it when I am working off of my fresh water tank?
Make sure the bypass valve isn't on, just like running normally. Do NOT turn on the Electric or Gas option for the water heater EVER until you know it is filled with water!!! Just open a hot water spigot inside with the pump on. It should sputter or do nothing until water is transferred from the tank and fills the water heater. When the water heater is filled, water will come out of the spigot. NOW you can turn on the heater. :)
Full hookups how do i get longer than a 3 min shower?
Shawn. If you aren't getting a warm/hot shower longer than 3 minutes do 1 of 3 things. 1. Turn on the Gas button even though you have the Electric water switch on as well. This will reheat water faster in dual mode and will extend your session a bit longer. 2. Turn off the water when soaping up. Sailors Shower is the name for that. No need to just run hot water when not wetting down or rinsing. 3. Get a "low flow" shower head. You use less water but get HOT water. Hope that helps you out. I hate having to shower, so for me? Its in and out. Women tend to disagree with that. LOL Happy camping buddy.
So you can't get the hot water tank fill unless you are connected to city water?
Oh no.. you can fill your fresh water tank, go in and open a hot water faucet and turn on the water pump. Water will flow from the fresh water tank to the HW tank, and when the HW tank fills, it will flow to the faucet. :) Michael
nice video, but pardon my confusion. it sounded like you were saying that if you fill your tank only through the fresh water fill inlet you wouldn’t be able to use the water heater. Or, did you mean that wouldn’t fill the water heater until you turn on the water pump? thanks!
Sorry for the confusion. If you use the city water connection and the hot water tank is empty, you'll hear the water go into the heater first to fill that void. If the heater is empty and you turn on your water pump to use water from your Fresh Water tank, it will fill the hot water heater as well. Using the water pump only, just go into the camper and turn on the hot water tap, it will fill the heater tank. Thanks
Garland Style Thanks, that makes sense. Appreciate your help!
So I understand how the water heater fills from direct connection to a water faucet, how does it fill from the fresh water tank on the trailer?
Water will flow from the fresh water tank to the Hot water heater as well when you are using the water pump and turning on a hot water tap. The pump supplies water to all the lines in the camper. No fear of running dry in the hot water heater. :) Good question. Thanks
Great video! I’ve replaced my thermostat anode, and element. Had great hot water for 3 months but have noticed the time it lasts has gone down. Since my water is still hot, I’m thinking my element may already giving up. I’ll flush the tank.
Yes.. Flush your tank with a vinegar solution. The RV Geeks did a good video on this. th-cam.com/video/TL7AtXJYNcc/w-d-xo.html
Thanks. Nothing is too basic for me.
LOL Keep at it.
Great explanation! My question is when you said filling the fresh water tank wont fill the water heater. How does the water heater fill, when you're running off the tank? By way of the water pump? Any tips to that?
Good question. If your Hot Water tank is empty, say you de-winterized, put the anode rod back in the HW tank, and turned the valves so water will now flow though the HW tank... The EASIEST WAY by far to get water into the HW tank is connect to a city water connection, flip up the relief valve on the HW tank, and turn on the water hose. That pressure will fill the HW tank first. When water comes out the relief valve, flip down the valve and you are good to go. Next, disconnect the hose from the City Water inlet and fill your fresh water tank. In other words, fill the HW tank first if you are coming out of hibernation. Until you drain your HW tank, some water will always be in there. You cannot "suck" all the water out of that HW tank, air will begin to fill the tank using the water pump and some water will always remain in there until you drain it. That is why it is important to drain your HW tank before winterizing. Thanks for watching. Michael
I've been thinking about your question. Say you are ready to go camping. You filled your FW tank but FORGOT to turn the valves on the HW tank bypass ON for summer use. Dang, I forgot! You can still use the city water connection like I said above to fill the HW tank. But if you aren't near a hose to fill like I said and have a full FW tank, do this. Turn the valves on the HW tank to USE mode, or opposite of the winterize bypass mode. DO NOT turn on the HW switch to gas or electric INSIDE the camper on the panel! Turn on the water pump, open a hot water spigot inside the camper and the water pump will fill the HW tank. It will take a while, with lots of spewing and sputtering, until you get a flow of water from the spigot. :)
@@garlandstyle5797 excellent! Thanks again for the speedy response!
@@mrtosh You can just turn on your water pump if you've filled the water tank. Flip the pressure relief valve, and turn on the water pump. I usually get the fresh water tank filling for a couple of minutes, turn on the pump until water comes out of the pressure relief valve then shut the valve, turn off the pump and fill the water tank the rest of the way.
Excellent tutorial
Thanks. :) Safe camping!
Thanks for your helpful video.
Do you leave anode rod in the tank for winter months? or better leave it out?
Other question I have is even after drain water from hot water tank, there is about an inch of water still remain on the bottom of the tank. Will it be ok over winter months?
Hey there. After draining for winter, I keep an old anode rod on hand to put back in the HW tank to keep the threads from rusting. Use Teflon tape too please. I don't worry about a little bit of water left in the tank over winter. It will freeze up but obviously not do any expanding to damage a thing. We live in Colorado, going on my 4th winter and never had an issue.
Garland Style Thanks again for quick reply!! 👍
Very very helpful
Thank you so much
Cool. Glad it helped some. :)
You helped, it did: thank you
Cool. That's why I did it. You're welcome.
Can i turn both heater and electric on??
Yes, you can turn both switches on at the same time. The Propane heat will come on until the water comes to it's peak heat, then it will shut off. At that time, turn the propane or gas switch off. Your Electric switch can stay on as well, but as long as the water has reached max temperature, it won't actually turn ON to try to heat the water any further. You now have 6 gallons of HOT water. So in short, you can heat up the water faster with both switches on. It's just to heat water faster is all. :)
I have a question about the water filter and wasn't sure where to ask. Do you empty the filter canister when storing your camper?
Good question. Since we are in Aurora Colorado ( Denver area ) and it gets well below freezing for weeks at a time, yes, I remove the filter. Shut off all water, drain as much of the water from all points as possible. Put a bucket under the filter housing as it WILL leak some water. Then unscrew the canister and remove the filter. Screw back on the housing and winterize, you want antifreeze in that housing, not water. You'll see it turn pink with the antifreeze. :) Michael
I love this, thank you. I was recently involved in a conversation regarding the switches. I said that just because the outside switch was on....that if the inside switch was Not on, the heater would not work. So switch out side on....switch inside off.....no hot water inside. Don't they both have to be on in order to work?
YES. to use electricity to heat, BOTH have to be on. :) Thanks for watching sugar.
Garland Style I knew it! Snoopy dance!
So can I leave hose hooked up to my camper and leave water on?
Yes you can. When I am at water hookup sites, I connect my water hose and go with that. :)
@@garlandstyle5797 Thanks, do you still need to fill the potable water tanks? Also when water runs into drains is this where you get grey water?
@@thomascrosson7148 I keep my fresh water tank about 1/4th full all the time. So? If we pull over while traveling we can wash our hands, use the toilet, or get a drink. I will use all of it about once a month until the fresh water tank is empty, then fill it 1/4th again before leaving so the water isn't stagnant of course. IF by any chance we get to a campground where the water is not working, I have some ready. Yes, the kitchen and bathroom sinks and the shower is the grey water. Only the toilet is considered Black and it has it's own dedicated tank.
Hello and thanks for your video. I just purchased a 2017 Coachmen Clipper 17BH. The water heater looks the same as the one in your video (Suburban SW6D), except it does not have a switch for determining lp vs electricity. Therefor, I assume that the heater I've got will only run on lp. I have not idea how to light the pilot on this puppy. Thx for any help, Matt.
Hey Matt. If your heater has an ON OFF switch, looking like mine with the gas nozzle and burner assembly, then you have to have a LP or Electric hot water switch somewhere inside your camper. OR? It could be on the outside perhaps behind a keyed panel for easy access. Sorry I don't know what your unit looks like. :(
Hey Garland I have the 10 gallon and have the switch at the heater but no switch inside does that mean it's not hooked up to electrical or can it switch automatic. Great video also.
Whoa. 10 gallon is awesome. Just guessing but if you don't have a switch for gas/electric, then check in the tank compartment for a gas burner fixture. If there isn't one, then you are purely electric. If you have a burner, then it must be automatic and no switch it needed. But I've not heard of a Suburban HW heater that isn't bi-energized. :) Maybe you have heater that is not a Suburban. Thanks.
@@garlandstyle5797 Thanks for your help. I'm going to see if I can pull the panel and see if it's hooked up to the electrical if not I will just continue running it on propane.
@@johnstangel8918 I can't imagine it doesn't run on elec and gas. :)
Thank you for the video! I've been using only electric. I stopped everything today to understand more and also since I'm hearing what seems like propane sound shooting through there. I closed everything and I turned on both, when I noticed the huge flame that was going on and on for what seemed like excessive amount of propane and flames, I stopped it!. The water should have already been hot. But I'm wondering if that 'wind' sound at the tank is normal. Seems weird to have if I'm not using propane for it. I'll check out what other possible helpful videos you have. ☺️
It sounds particularly loud at first when you fire it up, yes. A "Whooshing" sound is normal during operation. Some models of campers are very noisy in our experience. We've heard neighbors gas water heaters blasting while we were inside our camper. But it should shut off after 5 to 10 minutes if you also have the electric option on. Propane is useful to bring the water heat up more rapidly than just using electric. If you are connected to electric only, no sense using the propane unless you need a rapid recharge of hot water. Propane is more expensive than 110v electricity.
Also, I hope you have checked your Anode Rod recently. Twice a year is a must. :)
Can I leave the electrical switch on permanently or do I turn it on/off as I need it?
Yes, you could leave it on permanently, but if you've drained the hot water tank and turn on the Elec Hot water switch in the camper when connected to 30 amp service, ZAP! There goes the heating element. Without water in the tank, running the electric mode will kill the heating element, potentially within seconds. I only turn on the outside switch when I'm at a campground with 30 amp service or if I absolutely know I have a full tank of water in the heater tank. Even if I have water in the tank, I only turn on the switch when I am hooked up to water, the tank is full, and I'm at a CG with 30 amp service. It's how I operate. :) Good question. Thanks Warren. Michael
Can I use the Gas Heater when I am on Shore Power instead of the electric heater? (not both at the same time)
Oh sure. You can use propane at any time. Or electric when connected to shore power to save propane. If you are connected to shore power using electric and you've just taken a shower, turn on the Gas Heater switch on the control panel and it will reheat the tank faster. :) Then turn off the propane switch when you hear the propane burner turn OFF on the water heater. You will be at max heat at that point. Happy camping. :)
Hi. I have this system in my RV ..... but it does not heat much .......... in other models I see that the temperature can be increased ..... in this model as it is done .... thanks.
I believe that the temperature is set permanently from the manufacturer. If you are only getting luke warm water, check the recent video I put up about not having Hot water. th-cam.com/video/dnvLo7KRoiM/w-d-xo.html If that isn't the issue, try using just the Gas option to heat the tank. You should hear a good 10-15 minute burn to heat the water. The gas will shut off when it reaches a HOT but safe temperature. If you aren't getting it hot using the gas only option, and it is shutting off too soon, your sensor is not working properly. Good luck. :)
Excellent and thank you!
You didn’t address the reset button, when to use or not use and what does it do?
I think the reset button applies to the electrical side of use. If you have blown a fuse or something like that. I have to say I'm not completely sure. I would need to check the manual to be sure. I hope you aren't having issues. Frankly, since 2016, I've never had to use that. Good point though. :)
What if my trailer doesn't have an anode?
You may have an Atwood RV Water heater. Those do not require an anode rod. However, you still need to flush the sediment out of the tank periodically. Do a search for Atwood RV Water Heater maintenance. :)
Mine works fine on gas but will kick the main breaker when i try to run on electric without the gas . Especially if i run he over head ac. Breaker will kick then for sure Sometimes fast sometime little later but will kick if i run both. All help appreciated...
Sounds like the AC and water heater elec are on the same circuit, so too many amps of course. We have learned to manage how many things we can run on Electricity at the same time. If you can do without the AC for 15 or 20 minutes, turn it off and heat the water on elec. You'll be good for a couple of showers. Or just use the Gas option for the water heater of course. If you can find an electrician he may be able rewire it so both are not on the same circuit?
@@garlandstyle5797Thats what im doing. Use the gas only for the water heater for now but id like to figure out the prob because the propane i have to buy and the electric is included in the rent. Live on very small income and the furnace eats up the propane enough by itself. Just trying to figure it out and get it back to the electric side. Not useing ac now its cold weather here in Ky now...
How do you get water into your hot tank...
When you connect to City Water, valves all turned the right way for camping use, you will hear the water filling the hot water tank first if it is empty. To be sure, open the pressure relief valve on the tank until water comes out. It is filled at that point. If your HW tank is empty and you fill your fresh water tank, turn on a hot water spigot inside the camper and you can hear water filling the HW tank (if you are standing outside by the tank). It will use about 6 gallons of water to fill. Good question happy camping.
So what would happen to an empty water heater plugged into shore power,if outside switch is on but inside is off? Would this harm element?
If the inside switch is OFF and the outside switch on the tank is ON, nothing will happen. The unit will not switch to electric until BOTH are on.
I try to always remember when leaving a full hookup site to turn OFF that outside switch when breaking down. I only use the electric heating method 20 minutes before we need hot water and turn on the inside switch. After use, I turn OFF the inside switch but leave the outside switch ON until we are ready to leave. Part of our routine. In other words, I never heat the water until we need it. That water will remain quite warm overnight without turning on any heating source. :)
Good info! OH! Nice haircut! Who did you make angry? LOL
Hey Jamis. I like it short.. No fuss, no muss. :) I'm going shorter soon.
Did you get that nasty water out of the Hot water tank from Texas? Better hope you didn't get it from Louisiana??? (Flesh Eat'en) W@W !!!
I have an inline filter for the camper. It connects between the hose and camper. It is an exterior one my son gave me while in Destin. Haven't used Texas water yet.. Guess I'll find out some time. :)
Great video thank you. So now I know how to turn electric off, but how would you suggest to turn the propane off to the water heater? I know just close the propane tanks, but I need to use the central heat while in winterize mode.
If you have two switches on the control panel for Gas and one for Elec, leaving both off will NOT heat the water at all. That gives you two options to heat the water using either or both. That way, you can leave the propane tank open for stove and furnace use. :)
@@garlandstyle5797 Thank you.
Very good video. Thank you
We can only seem to get about 5 minutes of hot water from this water heater mounted in our Keystone 26rbs. We had one in our jayco 265rlsw that seemed to have an endless supply of hot water. We purchased this camper in Feb 2019. Any suggestions?
Sounds like you have the Hot Water heater bypass valve still turned on. When you winterize your camper, there is a bypass valve that stops flow of water into your hot water heater. You'll have to look at your piping to see where it is located. Here is my video on De-winterizing my rig. In the first couple of minutes I show how the bypass valve works to shut off water to the heater. If you turned on the hot and cold water lines to the tank but forgot to turn OFF the bypass valve, the result is only luke warm water or very short periods of hot water. Turn OFF the bypass valve. :)
Here is my video showing how the bypass is set up for me. th-cam.com/video/pDvVnsrAFe8/w-d-xo.html Good luck. Michael
Thanks for the reminder about NO hot water. I made a video this morning, short and sweet to hopefully address your issue. Been meaning to do this for a while anyway but keep forgetting. Hope this will help. :) th-cam.com/video/dnvLo7KRoiM/w-d-xo.html
Garland Style -thank you for your response and for the video. I have what it appears to be is a 3 way valve on the cold water supply to the tank. In one position it supplies water to the hearer, the other position it routes the water to the bypass. The circuit does “not” appear to have an isolation valve o the second tank connection. And, I am not sure the flame is very strong, but it is blue.
very good. it helped me out
Alrighty then. Happy camping out there my friend. 😃
Great video! Thanks
Thanks Jim.
My electric switch will not stay in the on position what do I do to fix this
If it is the outside "on off" switch on the bottom part of the water heater outside.. It is a simple Toggle or Rocker switch. There may be some build up of dirt inside the unit that is preventing it from staying in the ON position if when you press it down for ON, it just flips back up to the OFF position. That is the only thing I can think of at the moment. You can't just remove the switch easily, a dealer is going to have to tackle that, it is part of the unit. A quick TRY at least to solve it, is to get a can of compressed air. You can find them in the computer section like Walmart to clean out keyboards. Myself, I'd give it a try for no money than it costs. Just direct the spray into the switch and that may blow out any dirt etc. Be sure you turn OFF any power.. unplug from shore power and turn off the house battery shut off switch. There is some moisture in those cans. If it is the inside panel Electric switch, you can turn off all electrical once again. The panel can be unscrewed from the wall and carefully pulled out a bit. There could be some debris on the inside switch as well. If it doesn't look easy to remove, search for "RV toggle rocker switch repair" on TH-cam. There are videos out there. Good luck.
Hello I have the same water heater and it started leaking from the inside. What could that mean?
What INSIDE? Where? in the water heater front or where?
question... what is the purpose of the anode rod ? I am kind of new to travel trailer camping.
Richard. The anode rod interacts with minerals in the water to prevent rusting of the hot water tank metal. Very important. :) I use about 1 rod a year. Depends on how much you travel, and mineral content in the water you get at various places. I order them online and keep a new one on hand. Just google Suburban Anode Rod Replacement. :)
Wow.. thank you so much. Appreciate.
Ok.. another question... are they all the same sizes? 3/4 x 9.5. I'm at work that's why I'm asking
Hi Richard.. so sorry about the late reply. Don't know why I didn't get a notification. I hope you got your rod ok. The 1 1/16th wrench size is all that is important. The rods are the same overall length as far as I know.
Thanks. I replaced it about three weeks ago. It was completely gone, and very easy to replace.
So I am curious. I am new to campers but looks like I have just about the same heater setup as you with the suburban. I filled the reservoir tank only but it also filled my hot water tank. Why if you are saying it does not why did it fill in mine. It was winterized from the person I bought it from with no water in system... ?
Hmm. All I can think of is if you ran the water pump during or after filling the tank. Filling the reservoir and turning on an inside faucet would fill the hot water tank. Using the City Water connection will definitely fill the HW tank. I'm wondering if you have a Y connector somewhere in the line that provides water to the reservoir and HW tank. :)
@@garlandstyle5797 Ya not sure I am pretty green on this topic. Never had a camper before and checked out videos to learn how to do things. I was concerned I would burn up the element with no water but it seemed to work out after filling I checked the over flow at the top and it spewed water. Maybe I used the pump and don't remember.
@@donttrythisathome.2981 So glad you didn't do any harm. Now you know. LOL
My water heater switch inside the camper sometimes doesn't engage sometimes. It's a circuit board that will click on but doesn't light the gas water heater. I replaced circuit board recently
It could just be the rocker switch. But I hope you got it going. I did have a problem with the Gas side working. See this video I did, maybe it will help. th-cam.com/video/a8ESMnoUUmE/w-d-xo.html
So do i have to go manually fill my hot water tank every time after I use up the 6 or so gallon capacity?
No. Hot water will flow from the city water connection or Fresh Water tank as soon as there is a demand for hot water when in use. When your hot water tank is empty.. if you connect the city water line and turn on the water, you should hear water running into the camper. What it is doing is filling the hot water tank. In a case like that, I will open the pressure relief at the top of the hot water tank and turn on the city water. When water starts pulsing out the top of the relief, I know the HW tank is full. Flip off the relief and that's it. Of course, you'll get sputtering inside when you turn on the cold/hot water faucets until the air is displaced by water. :) If you fill your fresh water tank first, I don't believe it fills the HW heater, good question. But? Turn on the water pump inside and just turn on a hot water faucet until water comes out. Then you know the HW tank is full. Remember to never turn on the inside HW Electric switch until you know the HW Tank has water. Happy camping. Michael
@@garlandstyle5797 👍 Thanks for that.
Tyler. In reference to filling the HW tank with the Fresh Water Tank and pump. I did that today for you. To fill from the Fresh Water tank.. Inside, turn on the water pump and open a hot water faucet inside the camper. Go outside, open the relief valve at the top of the HW tank and you will hear water running inside. When water starts pulsing out the top relief valve, flip it down to the closed position. Go back inside and shut off the faucet. You need to have a Faucet open inside the camper for water to run inside the HW tank. Happy camping. :) Michael
This is very helpful, thank you!
I tried to get the water to come out the relief valve . There is a little pressure at first and no water coming out. I had the hot water running Inside but it was draining all my water, do I just have to wait longer?. I basically the same water heater system but different pannel, one switch on water heater and one in bathroom pannel for propane. I filled my fresh tanks then turned the pump on to kick out all the antifreeze and get fresh water. Can I just turn on the electric now since I'm plugged in to 110? Or do I have to make sure water is coming out the relief first?
Great video since my gas is not working, I got it working on electric. would love to see a video troubleshooting why the gas is not working. Gas tanks are full and the stove is working inside the RV.
Joe? What model rig do you have?
suburban sw6del
Sorry, I meant your Trailer or whatever. I have a Forest River 2109s TT.
I'm going to suggest first that you check the flue from the jet where I was pointing my finger by the outside on/off switch, it's the brass tube that leads into the burner. It could be blocked and gas is not getting into the chamber. Could be that there is an obstruction leading into the chamber. There is an ignitor in the chamber as well. Be sure all the electrical connectors are plugged securely as well, that no wires have come loose. When UNHOOKED from electricity, on propane only, it will try to use the ignitor switch to ignite the propane. Have someone inside turn on the switch, not connected to elec, while you are out by the heater, and listen for the ignitor to start clicking. If you don't smell gas, then something very wrong is in the line coming into the hot water system. If you smell gas, the line may be plugged like I said. If that line is clean, the ignitor may be at fault.
Thanks we have a 2016 Laredo 33 foot
In my Lakota horse trailer I have a Suburban SW6D with no switch on the outside panel (only the switch inside). Am I right that it is a gas only water heater? Bought used with no manual included.
On the heater, maybe 2" above where I pointed out the switch, is a black area where there are two reset buttons. They only appear as rounded black rubber areas. They are reset buttons for the Gas and Electric operation. If you don't have those, then I'd say yours is Gas only. Given you have no toggle switch to turn on the electric mode, it must be an early model SW6D Liz. Sounds like it is gas only to me.
This is the exact question I have! Thank you!
Can you do a video on how to remove and replace the hot water unit please
Holy Smokes! LOL I have to wait for it to die first Darron. 😃
Excellent video! We have an older camper and could not figure out what that black switch was for. Just one question, when we turn on the black switch, it makes a hissing noise (sounds like gas and scared us), can you give us your opinion what that noise is?
If you are connected to shore power and have the hot water tank full of water, it could be some air escaping the overflow valve. Be sure that valve is closed (that is, the toggle lever is down). Give it a try and you'll see what I mean but NOT if you have hot water in the tank, it will explode outwards! watch how I did it. That's all I can think of. Check to see if you can find out where the hissing is coming from. That doesn't sound right to me.. Like I said in the video, never turn on the switch when connected to shore power if the hot water tank is not full. You may short the hot water heating element right away. To see if there is hot water in the tank, shut off the switch outside on the heater, turn on a hot water faucet inside and see if you get a flow of hot water. You can use the water pump or city water connection. Glad it helped you some. :) Michael
That switch is for your electric, make sure your tank is full B4 you turn the switch on, it probably not full and the element is gonna burn up, if you dont get hot water now get a new element, you may have burned it up, its easy to do
Also make sure your valves are open to the hot water tank
Good note. :)
Which direction are the values supposed to point in the 2109S’ hot water tank
@@craigamills8492 Check this video I did on de-winterizing my camper. At about 1:10 it shows what my valves look like. I think you'll get the idea. :) th-cam.com/video/pDvVnsrAFe8/w-d-xo.html
Hi Garland, we just bought a trailer with the same water heater configuration yours has. If you are connected to city water, how long would we have hot water before it would need to heat up more water? Just wondering for things like showering...how long can you shower with constant hot water before you run out? Great video
Hey. It takes about 30 minutes on Electric to heat enough water for 2 showers. Don't take too long, use the shut off on the sprayer between lathering up and rinsing off. That is, don't leave the water running. If you also turn on the gas switch, it will heat up faster. It's called recovery time. You can easily take 2 showers after it is fully heated. A trick I found was to turn on the Electric switch and the Gas switch at the same time. If you listen carefully, you can hear the gas firing in the heater. When that propane burner shuts off, you are at peak heat. Take your shower, it is as hot as it will get. Leave both switches on and it will heat "as you go". Easily enough hot water for 2 in a row. Good luck and have a great time out there. Garland Style of course. LOL Thank you.
Garland Style thank you soo much! Very helpful
Garland can you explain to me how to use the lever on the shower and what os the blue hose some kind of instant hot ?
Shower lever? Hmmm. What model camper do you have Allen? I don't have a lever on mine, just a hot and cold knob. Blue hoses in campers delineate the COLD water line. Red will be hot water lines.
@@garlandstyle5797 i have the 2104s the shower has the aquamiser in it.?
Aquaveiw shower mizer
Ok.. NOW I see what you mean. LOL I looked it up in TH-cam. Here is a video that shows the installation, you can skip forward until it is installed and they show how to use it. YOU LUCKY DUCK! :) th-cam.com/video/rRCuBPG5aEU/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for the good video. I have the electric switch by the W/H but my control panel inside the coach just has a switch that reads water heater and a toggle switch that reads ON and a little light next to the toggle that looks like it illuminates. This says reset. But the light hasn't illuminated. I'm confused 😕 does this mean its on electric and propane shuts off? thank you
My control panel inside the camper has two water switches.. Gas and Electric. Gas means it will heat using propane. Electric means it will use electricity to heat when turned on. It sounds like you have an older coach or camper? I would search for your specific "coach" model on TH-cam and see if you find information on your model. But it could be an older model that will use Elec only if you are connected to shore power and by passes the propane. A reset switch, if inside the "coach" seems to apply only to the propane side of things. I'll search for you if you can send me the name, make, model, and year of your "coach". I am presuming you have a Suburban water heater.