Thank you, forum members!

[GingerB]

My husband is bringing our new 19’ Escape home from Chiliwack, camping as he goes. When he settled in one campground for 4 days, he finally decided to turn on the water. He was cursing because he was getting no hot water so, back here in Masssachusetts, I went on the forum. Based on what I read, I asked, “Did you turn on the outside switch?” Problem solved.

[Chris & Patricia]

Originally Posted by GingerB

My husband is bringing our new 19’ Escape home from Chiliwack, camping as he goes. When he settled in one campground for 4 days, he finally decided to turn on the water. He was cursing because he was getting no hot water so, back here in Masssachusetts, I went on the forum. Based on what I read, I asked, “Did you turn on the outside switch?” Problem solved.

By the way, hopefully they mentioned this at the orientation, but, if you have a two way hot water tank, NEVER turn on the electric heater element without making sure that the tank is full of cold water. Its the quickest way to burn through the heating element and apparently its not a cheap install to fix it. We were told, it only takes about 45 seconds or so before the heating element is toast.

[cpaharley2008]

and he should have hot water using the propane and the w/h switch inside the camper, next to the pump switch? no electric needed....

[gbaglo]

Hope you kept the instruction manuals that came with the trailer.
I have a binder with plastic sleeve envelopes. Everything goes in that binder.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by Chris & Patricia

By the way, hopefully they mentioned this at the orientation, but, if you have a two way hot water tank, NEVER turn on the electric heater element without making sure that the tank is full of cold water. Its the quickest way to burn through the heating element and apparently its not a cheap install to fix it. We were told, it only takes about 45 seconds or so before the heating element is toast.

Our water heater was turned on accidentally while it was empty , destroying the element
$18 and 10 minutes later it was fixed . Hardest part was finding all the tools
The element doesn’t care if the tank is full of hot or cold water .

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by GingerB

My husband is bringing our new 19’ Escape home from Chiliwack, camping as he goes. When he settled in one campground for 4 days, he finally decided to turn on the water. He was cursing because he was getting no hot water so, back here in Masssachusetts, I went on the forum. Based on what I read, I asked, “Did you turn on the outside switch?” Problem solved.

Yep, I too was confused when I picked up my 19 in 2009, though did not bother with the orientation as I wanted to get camping. Fortunately Reace and Tammy came out to the same rally and clued me in.

Originally Posted by steve dunham

Our water heater was turned on accidentally while it was empty , destroying the element
$18 and 10 minutes later it was fixed . Hardest part was finding all the tools
The element doesn’t care if the tank is full of hot or cold water .

Yep, did this too. It took way longer to run to the BORG to get the element that changing it out did. This is why I put an indicator light and separate switch inside to help prevent this.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Yep, I too was confused when I picked up my 19 in 2009, though did not bother with the orientation as I wanted to get camping. Fortunately Reace and Tammy came out to the same rally and clued me in.

Yep, did this too. It took way longer to run to the BORG to get the element that changing it out did. This is why I put an indicator light and separate switch inside to help prevent this.

I did the same thing and added an interior switch with pilot light .
In the 10 years of owning 3 different makes of fiberglass trailers , we have never ran our water heater on propane . Don’t know if we ever will .

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

I did the same thing and added an interior switch with pilot light .
In the 10 years of owning 3 different makes of fiberglass trailers , we have never ran our water heater on propane . Don’t know if we ever will .

We are just the opposite. Since purchasing our 19' we have used the propane water heater every trip but never the electric water heater. I am not even sure how it gets turned on.

[Chris & Patricia]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

I did the same thing and added an interior switch with pilot light .
In the 10 years of owning 3 different makes of fiberglass trailers , we have never ran our water heater on propane . Don’t know if we ever will .

Are you saying that you have never dry camped anywhere ever? Or did you go just without hot water if you did?

[kstock11]

I didn’t bother getting the electric element and don’t regret the decision. On average my propane tank lasts about 30 days. Found a local place to fill the tank for $6.00. So, at $.20 per day for all propane used, I don’t miss the electric option and one less thing to worry about. As to forgetting to turn it off? I normally switch it on when I start fixing a meal. I switch it off when I start washing dishes. Seems like remembering when camping, if you come up with a routine and stick with it, you can prevent “forgetting.” Works for Me!

[stratos175]

CONGRATULATIONS on your new home on wheels !!!! Lust like our Casita when we bought it I knew I could not go wrong owning an Escape because of this forum. Lots of quality information and people on this forum willing to help.
I can say I've never dry camped in a travel trailer (tent MANY times) but that is something I look forward to sooner than later, been watching a lot of videos about it that's for sure.

Safe and fun travels to all, and Happy Thanksgiving.

Steve