Water Heater

[Nrnicholson]

Hey guys, I just got a new-to-me travel trailer. The water heater doesn’t work (known issue) and I’m trying to figure out which route to go. Currently, it is propane only. I like the idea of a combo electric/propane but am unsure if that is something that can be retrofitted. I also like the idea of tankless. I need help figuring out what to do. This will mostly be at full-service sites as I use it as a travel nurse. Any input? Thanks guys.

 

[GMC70]

Don't go tankless. Our new MH came with a tankless and both wife and I hate it. I am going to pull it and replace with propane/electric.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

A propane/electric is the better way to go. You say the present one doesn't work. Make sure the bypass water valve is in the correct position. Otherwise, no water goes in or out of the tank.

Is it on propane and do you hear a click click when it is trying to ignite? Perhaps gas valve not opening. You must have 12V battery charged on the trailer for this valve to operate.

If electric, there is a switch inside the outside cover to turn on the electricity to heat the water. You must be connected to shore power. If so, check the WH fuse in the power distribution panel.

Now with that said, you MUST have water in the heater when the electricity is switched on. Otherwise, it will damage the heating element.

Supply a bit more information and you might get some good free assistance from the group. On the other hand, if the tank is leaking the only choice is to replace it.

 

[Nrnicholson]

So the electric propane retrofit is possible?

So the water works great, just no hot water. This was taken to a dealership by the previous owner and they told him that all that was needed was to replace it, not sure what is actually wrong with it though. There is no electric switch as it is a propane only tank. I didn’t try to diagnose what was going on because I just planned on replacing it. I’m on assignment now so I’m not in a place where I can troubleshoot, but I will definitely go through the things you listed this weekend. I will report back with findings. Thanks for your assistance.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

So the electric propane retrofit is possible?

So the water works great, just no hot water. This was taken to a dealership by the previous owner and they told him that all that was needed was to replace it, not sure what is actually wrong with it though. There is no electric switch as it is a propane only tank. I didn’t try to diagnose what was going on because I just planned on replacing it. I’m on assignment now so I’m not in a place where I can troubleshoot, but I will definitely go through the things you listed this weekend. I will report back with findings. Thanks for your assistance.

Well......if your present water heater is only propane, it will be easier to replace the existing water heater with a new propane water heater. Otherwise, if you choose to replace the present water heater with a propane/electric, then a source of electricity from the power distribution panel and associated wiring will be required in addition to the new water heater.

First, I'd determine what is wrong and why the present water heater does not work. Then make the decision to repair or replace.

RV dealers seem to be notorious for telling a customer "nope, can't be repaired, must be replaced". I had this happen with our air conditioner. The RV dealer said it is a sealed unit and can't be serviced. BS !!! I had our local Heating/AC company add valves, pull a vacuum, and recharge the unit for $150. Much less expensive than a $1500 new unit.

 

[Nrnicholson]

Awesome. I will try to get after tonight with the things you talked about previously. Thank you very much for your help

 

[John&Andrea]

Don't go tankless. Our new MH came with a tankless and both wife and I hate it. I am going to pull it and replace with propane/electric.

I’m curious, what or why do you not like about tankless?

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Tankless water heaters require LARGE amounts of energy to rapidly heat water. And there is a significant amount of maintenance which must be done due to the precipitation of minerals out of the water during the heating process. Granted they supply an almost endless amount of hot water but the energy to do so is quite large.

The conventional propane/electric combo is almost equally as fast recovery, especially if one allows it to use both propane and electricity to do the heating. Yes, one can have the propane on and the electric on at the same time for faster recovery.