Water Heater AC Switch?

brianneal · 04-23-2009, 06:51 AM

I have an 09' 350TS and am having trouble locating the AC pwr switch for the water heater. The LP switch is right in plain view on the main control panel, but the AC switch is incognito. Any thoughts? I would like to use the AC pwr for the water heater when using shore power.

Thanks!!

MtnGuy · 04-23-2009, 07:24 AM

If you have a Surburban water heater with the electric element, the switch is a small rocker switch located on the lower left on the water heater that faces the outside of your camper. Mine is kinda hidden behind some of the gas pipes.

Make sure that switch is never on when you don't have water in the heater, or it will burn out the element in a heartbeat.

**KyDan** · 04-23-2009, 08:20 PM

If you go outside and open the water heater access door and read the sticker
on the side or bottom.
Tell us the maker and model number and we can tell you what you want to know
without guessing.

Mikesr · 04-25-2009, 07:11 AM

My AC switch was located inside the access panel on the outside of the HWH. The rocker switch had a cotter pin in it, I removed the pin but never saw a need to replace it when it is turned off. Not sure why the pin was placed in the switch.

08flagvlite · 04-27-2009, 09:57 AM

I personally leave my AC switch on under the outside cover, then turn off the breaker on the converter panel box labeled water heater. MUCH easier to get to!! Just remember to run the water on the hot side at the sink or something, to BE SURE that there IS water in the tank before turning it on, AND to turn it off before leaving the campgrounds. I know of quite a few others on here that do it this way, also. Randy

brianneal · 05-26-2009, 05:34 AM

#5 good idea.........I think I'll go with that. Per your suggestions above I did find the rocker switch behind a few pipes outside once I removed the cover. Thanks!

Fort Kent Dad · 08-27-2009, 11:26 PM

Given the risks of burning out the hot water heater tank or element, is the $ saved using electric worth the risk of forgetting to keep the tank full and shutting off the power once you leave the camp site or run out of water? I tend to be forgetful and sure shootin' I leave it on at least once. I fear the cost of repair would exceed the cost of the propane.

NWJeeper · 08-28-2009, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fort Kent Dad

Given the risks of burning out the hot water heater tank or element, is the $ saved using electric worth the risk of forgetting to keep the tank full and shutting off the power once you leave the camp site or run out of water? I tend to be forgetful and sure shootin' I leave it on at least once. I fear the cost of repair would exceed the cost of the propane.

You will only burn up the element and they are not all that expensive. Also it is nearly impossible to run the water heater dry as it has to have something to move the water out and that is water coming in so if your fresh water tank is empty then you can't move the water out of the water heater so it will always be close to full. Only way to drain it is to remove the drain plug. We leave the electric element switch on all the time. If I am paying for electricity in a campground why use my propane? We only use the propane side for showers in conjunction with the electric for faster recovery.

Fort Kent Dad · 08-30-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWJeeper

.... it is nearly impossible to run the water heater dry as.....

Good to know.

We did find the switch, it would be clearly visible to a three foot high person, but I had to bend over and look up, tucked away on the bottom left corner of the hot water controls - outside the trailer. We used it this weekend.

But when the pump would not turn off (I expect because it could not get enough preasure in the lines), I was very concerned to turn that electrical switch off immediately - as usual my panic was unnecessary.

Starting to fill up all those cupboards in my 8319SS that we thought we'd never use - filling them up with electric cooking and heating things, as you say, we pay per day, not per kilowatt for the power, and have to buy the propane.

chevy02 · 08-30-2009, 11:17 PM

Your pump was probably filling up your water heater.They say you should hook it up to the city water connection first to fill the heater just a thought

jd-ford-hd · 09-02-2009, 06:35 AM

Most people here I am sure know this, BUT, it is worth mentioning. Always check your water heater bypass valves before firing up the heater for the first time on your new purchase, whether it be a new or used unit. The valves allow antifreeze to be pumped thru the plumbing without having to use six gallons of it just to fill the heater's tank. NWjeeper is correct. The water heater tank will never be totally empty unless you drain it or you have a leak in it.

08flagvlite · 09-02-2009, 07:26 AM

I actually have left mine on by accident, and as NWJeeper says, it didn't hurt a thing, as water stays in it, BUT... just to be safe, I now have a noticeable note to myself that hangs in the outer compartment, where I keep the power cord for the camper. It simply states AC, Fridge and water heater off??? This way even if you forgot....which I know none of us EVER do, the notice will remind me to do it then, with no ill effects. HOPE THIS HELPS!!! Randy

cfsoistman · 09-02-2009, 12:43 PM

I have one of those bright orange tags to hang from the crank on the antenna. I bought this right after I saw a motorhome on the Baltimore beltway with his antenna about 75% up. I can't imagine what he may have torn down along his trip before realizing it was up.

You can always make one similar to the antenna alert card with the important info not to forget and connect it to the steering wheel so it's right in front of you. Maybe use a key chain set-up?? That way you can customize it to your individual needs.

NWJeeper · 09-02-2009, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfsoistman

I have one of those bright orange tags to hang from the crank on the antenna. I bought this right after I saw a motorhome on the Baltimore beltway with his antenna about 75% up. I can't imagine what he may have torn down along his trip before realizing it was up.

You can always make one similar to the antenna alert card with the important info not to forget and connect it to the steering wheel so it's right in front of you. Maybe use a key chain set-up?? That way you can customize it to your individual needs.

These are a great idea, I just need to make one to remind me to open the RV garage door ALL the way as I have hit it 3 times now. DUH!

Fort Kent Dad · 09-02-2009, 09:05 PM

When the fresh water gets low on our trailer (Rockwood 8319SS) the pump just keeps on pumping, it does not turn off, until you turn it off. At first you can get water out of the taps, but the preasure is lower, eventually it just dribbles.

But when I open that white fresh water drain valve under the trailer, there is still a fair bit of water in there. We open the tap at the sani-station just before we drive away. My wife sometimes follows in her convertible and says the water comes out for a mile or two down the road.

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