Omg! You’ve saved my first road trip in my new travel trailer. 3rd day of 30 day trip and my water heater stopped working. I called the dealership where I bought my trailer back in April and like other calls with other operational questions they were of no help to me. Once they got there money I became history. Watching your video gave me information and clarity of what might be wrong and confidence to continue on and look for a mobile rv repair or rv repair shop. Thank you so much for the video. I look forward to more and gaining rv maintenance and repair knowledge.
My boss asked me to look at his water heater on his Grand Design camper. I have never worked on a water heater in a camper , and took one look and started looking on line and Google sent me to you..... You just made me look good by saving my boss a trip to the RV shop. Thanks so much! I gave subscribed to you and saved you in my book marks.
Thank you for doing this. When my wife screamed while in the shower I knew something was up. You have taught us to test and not just through parts at it. It turns out after testing my issue was the switch also. I happened to have a switch and now all is working.
I stumbled onto your video. One of the best self help videos I have ever watched. I subscribed to your channel and will now go back and watch your historical videos. Thank you!
Ok bud I’m not sure how to thank you for these videos, you are a mechanical genius and for those of us that are lacking in this field rely on you. Last year you taught me how to repack my wheel bearings on my rv and you didn’t even know it, thank you.
Thanks to my rv works , I trouble shot my water heater issue and came to find out I was only getting 26 volts to my switch , problem being a short in the junction box (from the poorly manufacture)( wire nuts were not safely secure made contact and fried the wires upon contact with each other) that caused my breaker to trip..... I did replace the electrode and thermostat, prior to me finding this channel , went and bought me a ohmmeter and was troubleshooting the right way , thanks my rv works!!!!
Your video saved my water heater almost exactly a year ago and it’s saved me again. Last year it was the AC thermostat. This year it’s the switch. Thank you. It’s the video that keeps on giving! 😍
How do I access the junction box behind all the stuff on the outside do I have to pull the water heater completely out to get that or just the metal facing on the outside
I'm 66 and I enjoy your videos. I love learning. I watch as many as I can even if I don't have a problem or the same equipment. Wanted to let you know that you are appreciated .
Wowwwww what a great explanation! I feel like i absorbed like a month school worth of informarion in only half an hour video. This is great. Thank you very much! So useful!!
I cant thank you enough I changed my stuck switch like you said and now the electrical portion of water heater is working again... THANK YOU SO MUCH... So much value in your video thank you for explaining in so much detail
I know everybody else has already said this, but this was excellent video. All of your videos are very good. They are very detailed and they explain everything in plain English. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for making this video! Living in a rural area makes it a bit difficult to find someone willing to come out here and this has been so helpful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This was a very helpful video. We had a power outage for 20+ hours and when the water and power came back on we had no hot water. We replaced a couple parts we knew how to, then watched the part on the on/off switch, and that was where we had no power coming in. Went to local dealer to pick up part and it works. Thanks for posting the viedo.
I have a 1 year old RV Travel Trailer and I'm taking notes with your video. You are a great teacher, I'm suscribing and going to watch all of your videos. It's like going to RV Class 101 and I feel so much more confident about my own RV and understanding how to take care of things myself. Thank you so much!!!! Keep up the great work.
This video is awesome! My suburban sw12de stopped firing up on the gas side . Thanks to this video, I was able to diagnose that both solenoids had failed. I ordered the part on amazon replaced it and I’m back in business! Thank you Darren!
And now, I understand all the elements of my water heater and I can further troubleshoot mine. After flushing it to replace the anode rod, I am no longer getting hot water. You gave me the tools to fix this myself. I appreciate this so much!
Wow! So thorough. You are a great teacher. My stepson is renting our fifth wheeler from us, and the hot water heater quit. Now I have the confidence to go out there and see what’s going on.
This is by far one of the best and helpful videos I have watched. I was able to use your teaching in this video to diagnose that I also had a faulty switch. I assumed right away that it was going to be an element but your tests all came back positive. That left the switch and sure enough while it looked fine there was no continuity. You just saved me hundreds of dollars for an $9.00 Canadian part at good old Canadian Tire. Thanks!!
Thanks! You helped me fix my problem. It was the thermostat. But I replaced the anode and the element, just because it was time. BTW. It found it easier and more thorough to flush from the element hole and let it flow our ot the anode hole OK. Next is test the LP side and see how that’s works. Took it all apart anyway. Thanks again. I am in E NC or I would call you for a few projects. And thanks too to Dacoda!
Very helpful, My RV Works, Inc.. Could not have fixed my Suburban SW10DE without your guidance. As a heads up to both you and anyone you sees this post: A 10~ ohm resistance does not necessarily mean that the element is good. I had that here but it took replacing the element to fix AC side of heater. Not only that, the replaced element was nasty, nasty, nasty, with a heavy caking of calcium carbonate.
Thanks for the super informative video, I chased all these wires down, wasn’t getting power at the water heater at all, found the relay, still no power. Turns out the wire was never pushed into breaker! The more you know, thanks for getting me to that point!
Well done. My Dometic gas/electric WH works on neither source. This is my first RV ever and it has been a full-on head scratcher to get all of the systems up on this 2005 5th wheel. The WH is the last one to whip and I now feel well-informed enough to check it out (minus head scratching). thx
Thank You for providing this gas/electric circuit troubleshooting course. The way u explain and show the process is supurb. Your Surname s/b Professor ! Keep up the great work ! The last camper propane w/htr I owned was manual pilot light with push/turn valve. A friend has a newer Suburban w/h needing fix. I used up my ammo with nothing fixed. You have me locked and loaded to attack the problems again. Thanks Professor !
Very well done! I was a maintenance instructor for many years and could not have done a better job. As thorough as this video was I would like to have seen you discuss the circuit board. Mine got fried in a thunderstorm 2 days ago and I had nothing, AC or DC, so I knew to look there first. Sure enough the board was cooked, Q3 on the board to be exact. Keep up the good work!
This is the most comprehensive video that I have ever seen, the proper way to diagnose each component on these dual energy water heaters. Great video, subscribed and will be using your links to fix and service my H2O heater, Thank you.
Thanks for the video! I used this to go through and diagnose my Suburban water heater. Found it worked except some burnt wires in the junction box. Replaced some connections and back in business.
This is great, but I am surprised you don't mention safety, like turning off the breaker or even mentioning that there are high voltages present where you are casually touching wires.
I have watched 11 different videos before I found yours. You helped so much and spoke well and presented the information in a way I wasn’t bored to death and didn’t drag out your words. I instantly subscribed and plan to watch a few others. From a field electrican thank you sir!! I
Sir, you are a youtube how-to video rock star. Top-notch allowing someone with a wee bit of know-how to understand the pieces, parts, how's, and why's allowing them to tackle any RV service issue. Something about you and your know-how reminds me of Gene Hackman in Enemy of the State. Thank you for letting me get to know and tackle my used RV issues.
Great video. Fantastic step by step analysis. Just started trouble shooting the same heater, you have given a tremendous amount of information. Thank You!
Thanks, this video really aided my understanding. My SW6DE has a 120v side problem. There is a continuity between neutral and ground on the circuit that trips the shore tie if it is plugged into a GFCI. The housing on the electric element is cracked, and the reset button rubber guard is deteriorated and the reset post missing on the DC side (although the unit works fine on LP).
Thought my problem would be solved after watching your video. Switch is good, thermostats are good,replaced complete gas valve with solenoids, cleaned thermal coupling with emery cloth but flame will not stay lit! Any suggestions?
This was the best and most informative video! It really helped me to understand the works and operation of the water heater and now I can repair mine most easily! Thank you!!!
thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I could not find a manual or anything online. your time is very much appreciated. I just wanted to know how it was wired just in case I had an issue.
Great video on the step by step process! Excellent camera work! Easy to understand. Electric switch going into our spare parts bin! Would have liked to see you replace the solenoids. Thanks again!
Very helpful video, particularly where you get into the technical details, voltages, amps, ohms. You explained briefly but effectively. Thanks for sharing such good info.
Excellent technical description of functionality of the unit. I'm in the electronics industry and I found it very informative as I have had my Fiat Ducato MH only a short while. Cheers
THANK YOU for taking the time to do this. You are awesome. I feel confident to troubleshoot my daughter's WH now. It is not working on AC power. It's a 2021 model and I was going to just start replacing parts starting with the element etc. But now I can test them first. Also, I noticed you made a new screw hole for the thermostat. :) Well Done!
My Suburban 12 Gal WH started acting up this past weekend, and I was looking for some information to collaborate some of my findings. When on LP, works fine, when on 120VAC, water is warm not hot. The Electric Switch is frozen in the ON position and the element is 10 ohms out of circuit, with water in the tank. AC Voltage at the element is 117VAC. I figured it was the switch or the element. However 1440 watt element should add up to 12.5 amps at 115 volts, I read 5.9 amps at the element. So after watching your video it has to be the stupid cheap 120V 16A switch that's my problem. Thing is I'm an 1.5 hours drive away from any parts dealer if I'm lucky, so I'll pick up both parts and start at the switch and go from there. Thanks for 1.2.3's
awesome! thank you so much! i was wondering if you can show how to get ride of the rust that build on the tank. also, i was wondering if it's possible to pain them so it looks a little better and maybe protects it better. thank you again!
Hi Mike, not sure how to get rid of rust once it has started. The Anode rod is supposed to manage that. Anything put in the water heater can end up in the water lines of the RV (including rust) so I would be careful what was used in there. Think kitchen cooking water and shower water...
That was a great video. I really like how you take the time to explain the theory of operation and explain and show how you are troubleshooting in great detail. Your videos have helped me diagnose and fix my furnace, ac, and now I, about to troubleshoot my water heater using this video. Thanks again for another great video.
Awesome video! Your expertise is clear to see. I'm good at fixing things overall. But for some reason I've never learned electrical troubleshooting, especially how to use a testing meter. Now I really know that I know nothing about it! Normally I would have a level of skepticism if I had an issue and needed to call a mobile service technician. It seems you never know who/what you're getting. But I can say that seeing you work, anyone in your service area will be getting a thoroughly qualified expert level of service. Very impressive..........
We have a Suburban water heater on our 2013 Montana. Really enjoy learning from your well trusted videos! THANK YOU & DAKOTA for the time you spend sharing such a wonderful information! Been experiencing issues with hot water. Doesn't work on 120v; does great on LP. Where can I share pics of melted wires to thermostat? The excessive heat affected the wire to the ECO wire too. Am replacing the switch, thermostat & wires. Thanks again Darren! Will try to contact you when we visit our son again stationed at NAS Whidbey Island.
This unit doesn't take up a lot of room under my kitchen sink. I love that I have instant hot water when ever I want! Has enough capacity for my dishwasher also.
Thanks for the informative video. Dont know if you're in Utah? Having one of the several problems you have pointed out. So many things it could be, and you pointed out most of them, if not all...I will check this problem out & see if I can get it working. Thanks again for taking the time to educate us!
I have found on Newmar products an additional convience switch for the AC side of the water heater. Sometimes they are under the upper cabinet near the sink. Some are a single switch with a pilot light. They can fail, but most often they are forgotten or for the new to them owner they can be difficult to locate.
You are correct. Our 1997 American Star 5th wheel has a switch/pilot light as you describe. We had difficulty locating it. Another Newmar owner suggested several possible locations. It is on the bottom of the upper cabinet next to the range. A logical location for ease of turning it off when using the microwave if hooked up to shore power of limited amperage.
New rig. Suburban 6gal both a/c propane side heat to thermostat turn off temp. But all water outlets will provide hot/warm water for about 4 minutes. Which then turns to tap water temp. Kind of like the winterization bypass was on. Have had numerous rigs with same heater and tank size. We do know that you can't expect A/C to keep water hot when using.
If you confirm that it is not in bypass mode then you might want to look on the back of the water heater on the hot output side. You may find a check valve there which has fouled out. Another place to check is if you have a shower sprayer with the on-off button, make sure that your hot and cold valves are turned off - we have seen this with outside showers. The hot and cold are on and that acts as a blending valve.
Thanks so much for this video! The water heater on our new trailer was working fine on gas but nothing on electric. I didn’t know there was an on/off switch on the heater until I saw this. Went out and found it under a piece of silver tape. It was turned off!
WOW!!!! ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!! What a great video, the entire troubleshooting, repair and maintenance for these water heater! Plus added basic electrical explanations!!! Thank you!
Love your troubleshooting videos...thank you so much! About those scotch lock connectors...those are a horrible connector by design, as they tend to actually cut the conductor when crimped, and even worse when in an outdoor, exposed environment.
Great video. Can you leave the AC switch in the ON position all the time or should you turn it off if you are going to be using LP only? Also, I noticed that my relay switch is making a high pitched noise when the LP burner kicks on, is that normal? We just bought a 2016 Arctic Fox 811 camper and are trying to figure everything out. Thank you
You can most certainly leave the AC switch on. We've been full timing for 15 years and mine stays on pretty much all the time. We use the lp and the AC together to boost our water heater when we need extra hot water. If you're having a high-pitched squeal, I'm wondering if your water heater is in Atwood? Those DSI boards do sometimes emit a high squeal sound. That is normal.
As with All your videos: VERY IMPORTANT Info presented and explained perfectly * Who needs Any other repair videos but Yours? Answer: No One! TY SO MUCH!!!
Dang super helpful thanks for the detail and explanations 👍🏼 after watching this video I successfully diagnosed my water heater thanks to you I now have hot water on the 12v side 🙌🏻👍🏼👍🏼 thank you much
Great video this was very helpful to diagnose that my AC on and off switch is broken. I really like how you opened everything up so I know what to expect.
While you are at it, take out he on/off switch. Disconnect the wires. (its either faulty or will be in the future) Connect the two loose wires permanently together and push back into the hole. Then put back switch to seal the hole. Add an on/off switch inside the vehicle possibly near the unit.
10/10 As always. Outstanding piece of video instruction Darren. Would have been nice to see you pull off the solenoid but I'm thinking you've already done that in a previous video. Thanks for taking the time and stay safe!
Watched your entire video…great tips to check performance. My water heater won’t work at all…thinking my 12v to the module/circuit board isn’t working. Question, if no 12v to the circuit board the water won’t work at all…AC or DC?
Thank you - helpful, and now I'm about to do some troubleshooting a propane fault condition where the flame does not stay lit long enough to heat the water.
My model SW6D is propane only. Still a best help I have found video. I just need to trouble shoot getting the 12 to the waterheater. Gas works to the cook top; The in the camper switch may be my problem; I'm going back in with my VOM. Could you please up date on this? thanks.
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Hands down, best of the best. Never seen another person come close to being this thorough.
And he moves through the process instead of putting us to sleep. I agree, great work.
This man is my hero!
Agreed
Thanks for making this niche info available to the public at free of charge.
Omg! You’ve saved my first road trip in my new travel trailer. 3rd day of 30 day trip and my water heater stopped working. I called the dealership where I bought my trailer back in April and like other calls with other operational questions they were of no help to me. Once they got there money I became history. Watching your video gave me information and clarity of what might be wrong and confidence to continue on and look for a mobile rv repair or rv repair shop. Thank you so much for the video. I look forward to more and gaining rv maintenance and repair knowledge.
My boss asked me to look at his water heater on his Grand Design camper. I have never worked on a water heater in a camper , and took one look and started looking on line and Google sent me to you..... You just made me look good by saving my boss a trip to the RV shop. Thanks so much! I gave subscribed to you and saved you in my book marks.
Thank you for doing this. When my wife screamed while in the shower I knew something was up. You have taught us to test and not just through parts at it. It turns out after testing my issue was the switch also. I happened to have a switch and now all is working.
I stumbled onto your video. One of the best self help videos I have ever watched. I subscribed to your channel and will now go back and watch your historical videos. Thank you!
Ok bud I’m not sure how to thank you for these videos, you are a mechanical genius and for those of us that are lacking in this field rely on you. Last year you taught me how to repack my wheel bearings on my rv and you didn’t even know it, thank you.
Thanks to my rv works , I trouble shot my water heater issue and came to find out I was only getting 26 volts to my switch , problem being a short in the junction box (from the poorly manufacture)( wire nuts were not safely secure made contact and fried the wires upon contact with each other) that caused my breaker to trip..... I did replace the electrode and thermostat, prior to me finding this channel , went and bought me a ohmmeter and was troubleshooting the right way , thanks my rv works!!!!
Your video saved my water heater almost exactly a year ago and it’s saved me again. Last year it was the AC thermostat. This year it’s the switch. Thank you. It’s the video that keeps on giving! 😍
How do I access the junction box behind all the stuff on the outside do I have to pull the water heater completely out to get that or just the metal facing on the outside
Hands down the best and most detailed step by step break downs I’ve seen to actually help a person out in finding hot water tank issues.
I’ve followed the trail to true professional diagnostics and it leads to this channel every time , keep up the good work 👍👍
I'm 66 and I enjoy your videos. I love learning. I watch as many as I can even if I don't have a problem or the same equipment. Wanted to let you know that you are appreciated .
Thanks, Burt!
Wowwwww what a great explanation! I feel like i absorbed like a month school worth of informarion in only half an hour video. This is great. Thank you very much! So useful!!
I cant thank you enough I changed my stuck switch like you said and now the electrical portion of water heater is working again... THANK YOU SO MUCH... So much value in your video thank you for explaining in so much detail
Nice assist Dakota.
I know everybody else has already said this, but this was excellent video. All of your videos are very good. They are very detailed and they explain everything in plain English. Thank you so much.
Never apologize for long videos.........the longer they are, the more we learn. Excellent video Darren and Dakota !!! Thank you....
Thank you so much for making this video! Living in a rural area makes it a bit difficult to find someone willing to come out here and this has been so helpful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
You put so much effort into your videos. You make it easy for people to understand every detail of how things operate and I want to say THANK YOU!
This was a very helpful video. We had a power outage for 20+ hours and when the water and power came back on we had no hot water. We replaced a couple parts we knew how to, then watched the part on the on/off switch, and that was where we had no power coming in. Went to local dealer to pick up part and it works. Thanks for posting the viedo.
I have a 1 year old RV Travel Trailer and I'm taking notes with your video. You are a great teacher, I'm suscribing and going to watch all of your videos. It's like going to RV Class 101 and I feel so much more confident about my own RV and understanding how to take care of things myself. Thank you so much!!!! Keep up the great work.
This video is awesome! My suburban sw12de stopped firing up on the gas side . Thanks to this video, I was able to diagnose that both solenoids had failed. I ordered the part on amazon replaced it and I’m back in business! Thank you Darren!
And now, I understand all the elements of my water heater and I can further troubleshoot mine. After flushing it to replace the anode rod, I am no longer getting hot water. You gave me the tools to fix this myself. I appreciate this so much!
Wow! So thorough. You are a great teacher. My stepson is renting our fifth wheeler from us, and the hot water heater quit. Now I have the confidence to go out there and see what’s going on.
This is by far one of the best and helpful videos I have watched. I was able to use your teaching in this video to diagnose that I also had a faulty switch. I assumed right away that it was going to be an element but your tests all came back positive. That left the switch and sure enough while it looked fine there was no continuity. You just saved me hundreds of dollars for an $9.00 Canadian part at good old Canadian Tire. Thanks!!
I agree with the comments below stating this is the best video I've come across on water heaters. Your an excellent trainer, my guy! Kudos!
Thanks! You helped me fix my problem. It was the thermostat. But I replaced the anode and the element, just because it was time. BTW. It found it easier and more thorough to flush from the element hole and let it flow our ot the anode hole OK. Next is test the LP side and see how that’s works. Took it all apart anyway. Thanks again. I am in E NC or I would call you for a few projects. And thanks too to Dacoda!
Very helpful, My RV Works, Inc.. Could not have fixed my Suburban SW10DE without your guidance.
As a heads up to both you and anyone you sees this post: A 10~ ohm resistance does not necessarily mean that the element is good. I had that here but it took replacing the element to fix AC side of heater. Not only that, the replaced element was nasty, nasty, nasty, with a heavy caking of calcium carbonate.
Superbly done! You sir, are a great teacher! Thanks for taking the time to do this video and for sharing it with us!
I appreciate the time you take to explain how to diagnose a problem. Thank you!
Thanks for the super informative video, I chased all these wires down, wasn’t getting power at the water heater at all, found the relay, still no power. Turns out the wire was never pushed into breaker! The more you know, thanks for getting me to that point!
I'm not getting power to my water heater either, suspecting the problem is the relay. Where did you find it?
Ps. You are the best self help guy because of the way explain and breakdown...
I have watched ten videos on testing hot water heater. I learned more from this video than all the others. Thanks.
Well done. My Dometic gas/electric WH works on neither source. This is my first RV ever and it has been a full-on head scratcher to get all of the systems up on this 2005 5th wheel. The WH is the last one to whip and I now feel well-informed enough to check it out (minus head scratching). thx
Thank You for providing this gas/electric circuit troubleshooting course. The way u explain and show the process is supurb. Your Surname s/b Professor ! Keep up the great work ! The last camper propane w/htr I owned was manual pilot light with push/turn valve. A friend has a newer Suburban w/h needing fix. I used up my ammo with nothing fixed. You have me locked and loaded to attack the problems again. Thanks Professor !
He explained it so a 7 year old could understand being so thorough
Very well done! I was a maintenance instructor for many years and could not have done a better job. As thorough as this video was I would like to have seen you discuss the circuit board. Mine got fried in a thunderstorm 2 days ago and I had nothing, AC or DC, so I knew to look there first. Sure enough the board was cooked, Q3 on the board to be exact. Keep up the good work!
You explained everything perfectly and went above and beyond! Thank you for all that you do! What a teacher 👏
You saved me at least 250$ with this video. Thanks man. Life saver.
Great troubleshooting techniques! I have an issue with the A/C side. LP works fine. Checking that element and the switch first. Thanks!
This is the most comprehensive video that I have ever seen, the proper way to diagnose each component on these dual energy water heaters.
Great video, subscribed and will be using your links to fix and service my H2O heater, Thank you.
Thanks for the video! I used this to go through and diagnose my Suburban water heater. Found it worked except some burnt wires in the junction box. Replaced some connections and back in business.
This is great, but I am surprised you don't mention safety, like turning off the breaker or even mentioning that there are high voltages present where you are casually touching wires.
Thank you for this video. My electric switch was stuck and bad and my LP solenoid was bad. Now cant wait for the parts to come in!! Great Job!!
I have watched 11 different videos before I found yours. You helped so much and spoke well and presented the information in a way I wasn’t bored to death and didn’t drag out your words. I instantly subscribed and plan to watch a few others. From a field electrican thank you sir!! I
Great video and detail and camera work. I'll watch a few more times only because its a lot of information to adsorb for a RV newbie like me.
Thank you very much you explain this very good thank you
Absolutely the most informative troubleshooting videos online! Thank you my good man, much appreciated!
Thank you thank you... this helped me figure out what was wrong with mine.
Excellent instructional video. I have a much better understanding of how my water heater works.
Sir, you are a youtube how-to video rock star. Top-notch allowing someone with a wee bit of know-how to understand the pieces, parts, how's, and why's allowing them to tackle any RV service issue. Something about you and your know-how reminds me of Gene Hackman in Enemy of the State. Thank you for letting me get to know and tackle my used RV issues.
Great video. Fantastic step by step analysis. Just started trouble shooting the same heater, you have given a tremendous amount of information. Thank You!
I'm glad your video turned into a long one thank you!
Excellent tutorial! I learned so much from it and best of all repairing a problem oneself is so much cheaper than a shop call or mobile tech!
Thank you!! The clearest and simplest best self-help video for heater troubleshooting ever!!
Thanks, this video really aided my understanding. My SW6DE has a 120v side problem. There is a continuity between neutral and ground on the circuit that trips the shore tie if it is plugged into a GFCI. The housing on the electric element is cracked, and the reset button rubber guard is deteriorated and the reset post missing on the DC side (although the unit works fine on LP).
Thought my problem would be solved after watching your video. Switch is good, thermostats are good,replaced complete gas valve with solenoids, cleaned thermal coupling with emery cloth but flame will not stay lit! Any suggestions?
This was the best and most informative video! It really helped me to understand the works and operation of the water heater and now I can repair mine most easily! Thank you!!!
thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I could not find a manual or anything online. your time is very much appreciated. I just wanted to know how it was wired just in case I had an issue.
That was one excellent video. It is the gold standard of the way videos should be presented. Thank you for taking the time to make this.
Great video on the step by step process! Excellent camera work!
Easy to understand. Electric switch going into our spare parts bin! Would have liked to see you replace the solenoids.
Thanks again!
Simpler to get rid off that switch all together and add switch inside vehicle.
What a great video. I learned so much about my heater. I hope my unit doesn't fail me or my wife again.
Very helpful video, particularly where you get into the technical details, voltages, amps, ohms. You explained briefly but effectively. Thanks for sharing such good info.
Excellent technical description of functionality of the unit. I'm in the electronics industry and I found it very informative as I have had my Fiat Ducato MH only a short while. Cheers
THANK YOU for taking the time to do this. You are awesome. I feel confident to troubleshoot my daughter's WH now. It is not working on AC power. It's a 2021 model and I was going to just start replacing parts starting with the element etc. But now I can test them first. Also, I noticed you made a new screw hole for the thermostat. :) Well Done!
My Suburban 12 Gal WH started acting up this past weekend, and I was looking for some information to collaborate some of my findings. When on LP, works fine, when on 120VAC, water is warm not hot. The Electric Switch is frozen in the ON position and the element is 10 ohms out of circuit, with water in the tank. AC Voltage at the element is 117VAC. I figured it was the switch or the element. However 1440 watt element should add up to 12.5 amps at 115 volts, I read 5.9 amps at the element. So after watching your video it has to be the stupid cheap 120V 16A switch that's my problem. Thing is I'm an 1.5 hours drive away from any parts dealer if I'm lucky, so I'll pick up both parts and start at the switch and go from there. Thanks for 1.2.3's
You can fish that switch out of its steel rectangular hole and just connect those wires together until you get a replacement switch...
excellent video, i knew all this stuff a 1 time, and then forgot it from lack of use... great refresher, much thx
I've taken about 40 pages of notes regarding various repairs on campers....THANKS!!
awesome! thank you so much! i was wondering if you can show how to get ride of the rust that build on the tank. also, i was wondering if it's possible to pain them so it looks a little better and maybe protects it better.
thank you again!
Hi Mike, not sure how to get rid of rust once it has started. The Anode rod is supposed to manage that. Anything put in the water heater can end up in the water lines of the RV (including rust) so I would be careful what was used in there. Think kitchen cooking water and shower water...
do you have a video on checking LP pressure? I have tried everything and no fire. All started after I filled the propane tanks. So weird...
Great video!!! Just bought an R-Pod and noticed the water heater is not working. This video give me the info I need to troubleshoot it.
Such a great video! One of the most thorough I’ve seen.
Can I turn on electric and gas at the same time to help with recovery ?
I've used both in cold weather to heat faster and keep up with the cold.
Thank you again...seems like the on-off switch is bad. Love your easy to follow videos.
That was a great video. I really like how you take the time to explain the theory of operation and explain and show how you are troubleshooting in great detail. Your videos have helped me diagnose and fix my furnace, ac, and now I, about to troubleshoot my water heater using this video. Thanks again for another great video.
Awesome video! Your expertise is clear to see. I'm good at fixing things overall. But for some reason I've never learned electrical troubleshooting, especially how to use a testing meter. Now I really know that I know nothing about it!
Normally I would have a level of skepticism if I had an issue and needed to call a mobile service technician. It seems you never know who/what you're getting. But I can say that seeing you work, anyone in your service area will be getting a thoroughly qualified expert level of service. Very impressive..........
We have a Suburban water heater on our 2013 Montana. Really enjoy learning from your well trusted videos! THANK YOU & DAKOTA for the time you spend sharing such a wonderful information! Been experiencing issues with hot water. Doesn't work on 120v; does great on LP. Where can I share pics of melted wires to thermostat? The excessive heat affected the wire to the ECO wire too. Am replacing the switch, thermostat & wires. Thanks again Darren! Will try to contact you when we visit our son again stationed at NAS Whidbey Island.
This unit doesn't take up a lot of room under my kitchen sink. I love that I have instant hot water when ever I want! Has enough capacity for my dishwasher also.
Thanks!! I believe this was my EXACT issue! I've ordered the switch, and it'll be here Wednesday.
Thanks for the informative video. Dont know if you're in Utah? Having one of the several problems you have pointed out. So many things it could be, and you pointed out most of them, if not all...I will check this problem out & see if I can get it working. Thanks again for taking the time to educate us!
I have found on Newmar products an additional convience switch for the AC side of the water heater. Sometimes they are under the upper cabinet near the sink. Some are a single switch with a pilot light. They can fail, but most often they are forgotten or for the new to them owner they can be difficult to locate.
You are correct. Our 1997 American Star 5th wheel has a switch/pilot light as you describe. We had difficulty locating it. Another Newmar owner suggested several possible locations.
It is on the bottom of the upper cabinet next to the range. A logical location for ease of turning it off when using the microwave if hooked up to shore power of limited amperage.
New rig. Suburban 6gal both a/c propane side heat to thermostat turn off temp. But all water outlets will provide hot/warm water for about 4 minutes. Which then turns to tap water temp. Kind of like the winterization bypass was on. Have had numerous rigs with same heater and tank size. We do know that you can't expect A/C to keep water hot when using.
If you confirm that it is not in bypass mode then you might want to look on the back of the water heater on the hot output side. You may find a check valve there which has fouled out. Another place to check is if you have a shower sprayer with the on-off button, make sure that your hot and cold valves are turned off - we have seen this with outside showers. The hot and cold are on and that acts as a blending valve.
This is the PERFECT video that I needed! Was able to diagnose the problem for my water heater. Great step by step video!
Great to hear!
Thanks so much for this video! The water heater on our new trailer was working fine on gas but nothing on electric. I didn’t know there was an on/off switch on the heater until I saw this. Went out and found it under a piece of silver tape. It was turned off!
Excellent video....parts list is much appreciated since this is a very common water heater configuration throughout the RV industry
WOW!!!! ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!! What a great video, the entire troubleshooting, repair and maintenance for these water heater! Plus added basic electrical explanations!!! Thank you!
Love your troubleshooting videos...thank you so much!
About those scotch lock connectors...those are a horrible connector by design, as they tend to actually cut the conductor when crimped, and even worse when in an outdoor, exposed environment.
Great video. Can you leave the AC switch in the ON position all the time or should you turn it off if you are going to be using LP only? Also, I noticed that my relay switch is making a high pitched noise when the LP burner kicks on, is that normal? We just bought a 2016 Arctic Fox 811 camper and are trying to figure everything out. Thank you
You can most certainly leave the AC switch on. We've been full timing for 15 years and mine stays on pretty much all the time. We use the lp and the AC together to boost our water heater when we need extra hot water.
If you're having a high-pitched squeal, I'm wondering if your water heater is in Atwood? Those DSI boards do sometimes emit a high squeal sound. That is normal.
As with All your videos: VERY IMPORTANT Info presented and explained perfectly * Who needs Any other repair videos but Yours? Answer: No One! TY SO MUCH!!!
Dang super helpful thanks for the detail and explanations 👍🏼 after watching this video I successfully diagnosed my water heater thanks to you I now have hot water on the 12v side 🙌🏻👍🏼👍🏼 thank you much
Great video this was very helpful to diagnose that my AC on and off switch is broken. I really like how you opened everything up so I know what to expect.
Nice, helpful, sufficient detail, short, concise (did I leave any descriptive adjectives off?)
Most Excellent! Decoda is a great cameraman
Ataboy: Great Video. My Suburban Heater is the next project.
While you are at it, take out he on/off switch. Disconnect the wires. (its either faulty or will be in the future) Connect the two loose wires permanently together and push back into the hole. Then put back switch to seal the hole. Add an on/off switch inside the vehicle possibly near the unit.
10/10 As always. Outstanding piece of video instruction Darren. Would have been nice to see you pull off the solenoid but I'm thinking you've already done that in a previous video. Thanks for taking the time and stay safe!
Incredible! You are an amazing teacher! We, and your Son are very lucky!
Watched your entire video…great tips to check performance. My water heater won’t work at all…thinking my 12v to the module/circuit board isn’t working. Question, if no 12v to the circuit board the water won’t work at all…AC or DC?
Thank you - helpful, and now I'm about to do some troubleshooting a propane fault condition where the flame does not stay lit long enough to heat the water.
My model SW6D is propane only. Still a best help I have found video. I just need to trouble shoot getting the 12 to the waterheater. Gas works to the cook top; The in the camper switch may be my problem; I'm going back in with my VOM. Could you please up date on this? thanks.