Hot water heater(option)

[Slickheadhunter]

Ok, I can't seem to figure out some things on the hot water heater.

The orientation video clearly states that there is a hot water heater switch and I don't seem to have one of those, I have the water pump switch but that's it. I'm also not sure if mine is a gas only or if it's a dual electric and gas.

The only buttons are the reset buttons located on the outside of the camper, and of course the breaker that states it's for the hot water heater.

What am I missing?

[Slickheadhunter]

I must be slipping gears, I found the hot water switch! But still not sure if it's both electric and propane, how does one tell? My invoice says duel but don't see any on off switch that the instruction manual indicates.

[cpaharley2008]

What ever you do, do not turn on unless there is water in it, completely. Hook up water and release the overflow button on the unit to allow air to escape, once water spits out your should be full. Then go in and turn on propane and turn on the water heater switch, the red light will come on and once ignited, the light will go off. There are pages on how to install a led light that reminds you it is on. Once you have hot water at the faucet you can turn on the electric and turn off the gas.

[gbaglo]

While you are rooting around in there, see your ETI manual and make sure that the bypass valves for the water heater are in the correct position so that the water heater tank is full. You do not want to turn it on without water in it.

My water heater is propane only and this is the switch. When you turn it on, the red lamp lights up until the heater is lit, and then it goes out. Jim Bennett did a mod that adds a lamp to tell you when it is switched on. If your heater is dual, I can't help further.

[Slickheadhunter]

Thanks!
I happened to look in the wardrobe closet and found specs for all the appliances, it states that it is both propane and electric. I'm running the propane now and it's working perfectly, now I just need to figure out how to operate it with 120v power.

[cpaharley2008]

I believe there is a switch outside behind the exterior water heater door, look there. Just remember to turn it off before the next use.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Slickheadhunter

... still not sure if it's both electric and propane, how does one tell? My invoice says duel but don't see any on off switch that the instruction manual indicates.

If the second character in the model number of your water heater is a "C", that means it's a combination gas/electric heater. If the second character is a 6, it's Propane only. You can find the model number on the spec sticker.

[Slickheadhunter]

The model number is SW6DE.

But it states that it's duel fuel gas and electric. Also states the same thing on the invoice.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Slickheadhunter

Thanks!
I happened to look in the wardrobe closet and found specs for all the appliances, it states that it is both propane and electric. I'm running the propane now and it's working perfectly, now I just need to figure out how to operate it with 120v power.

Hi: Slickheadhunter... SW6DE... Direct spark ignition and Electric element. The exterior electric switch is hard to locate... outside... but very near the resets at the heater itself. It is okay to leave it on as long as the tank is full of water, cause when you unplug the trailer it's off till you plug in again. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Slickheadhunter

The model number is SW6DE.

But it states that it's duel fuel gas and electric. Also states the same thing on the invoice.

My bad. Forgot it was a Suburban and not an Atwood. Yes, that's a two-way. Gas and Electric with a direct spark ignition. The "E" on the end of the model number means Electric.

Here's a picture (not mine) showing the switch location, but I guess you've already found it.

[Slickheadhunter]

I found the on off switch, it was behind a sticker. So that switch turns on or off the electrical operation of the heater and the switch inside turns on or off the gas operation?

[Slickheadhunter]

I can clearly hear the gas operation, is the electric operation silent?

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Slickheadhunter

I can clearly hear the gas operation, is the electric operation silent?

No burner sound, if that's what you mean.

The interior switch is for propane operation. The exterior switch is for electric. Either system can be operated independently, or together for faster recovery. To operate them together, you just light the water heater from the inside switch (propane) with the outside switch (electric) in the on position.

[Slickheadhunter]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

No burner sound, if that's what you mean.

The interior switch is for propane operation. The exterior switch is for electric. Either system can be operated independently, or together for faster recovery. To operate them together, you just light the water heater from the inside switch (propane) with the outside switch (electric) in the on position.

I want to thank everyone, I found the "hidden" switch which was covered by a white piece of tape and all seems to be working. The electric seems to not get as hot as the propNe but definitely works.

Again thanks to everyone for your help!

[Slickheadhunter]

After going through all the workings of the trailer we "camped out" while sitting in the yard. I figured I would find any problems or iron out any bugs while at home, everything worked flawlessly and we all slept like rocks! I have to say the mattress in the permanent bed is super comfortable.
It was warm and humid here last night and with a window open and the maxx fan running on low was quite comfortable.
My Son reading before bed.

[rbryan4]

Love it! Nice photo Emile. You and he are going to be making some fond memories.

[Charlie & Lucy]

Emile.... What a cutie he is!! Enjoy camping!!! Finally!!!
41 days until we depart for our hatchling!

[Slickheadhunter]

Originally Posted by Charlie & Lucy

Emile.... What a cutie he is!! Enjoy camping!!! Finally!!!
41 days until we depart for our hatchling!

Thank you! He's a very good kid, we are blessed for sure!

I'm looking forward to your hopefully chronicled escape trip to pick up your 5.0 TA! I'm going to talk to my wife this evening about setting up a weekend up in your neck of the woods, I'll be in touch via private message.

[Slickheadhunter]

Anyone else have trouble registering the refrigerator? The dometic on line registration form is telling me the serial number is incompatible with the model number! So I go back out and confirm the serial number and it is what it is. So now what? I don't see why I even need to register anything on the trailer at all, I have a bill of sale and the delivery date, what more could they possibly need?

[SpokanEscape]

Could you be confusing a numerical "0" for an alphabetical "O"? Don't ask me how I know this! ��