2015 24 S Solera - help

[CharSolera]

I'm on the maiden voyage for me and my 24S Solera. Tried to fill the fresh water to sanitize and water is pouring out underneath by the spare tire. There's a blue tube letting water out (low point drain?), but no plug or way to close the tube. What is supposed to be there? Any good ideas for what to do now?

Other challenge: the anode rod seems to not screw into the water heater easily. Does it need to screw all the way in?

[markb5900]

If it is like the ones in my 5er, I think you can get replacement caps at Lowes if you have one near you.
Can you send a pic?
As for the anode rod, mine is kind of hard to screw in also.

[Nats]

Originally Posted by CharSolera

I'm on the maiden voyage for me and my 24S Solera. Tried to fill the fresh water to sanitize and water is pouring out underneath by the spare tire. There's a blue tube letting water out (low point drain?), but no plug or way to close the tube. What is supposed to be there? Any good ideas for what to do now?

Other challenge: the anode rod seems to not screw into the water heater easily. Does it need to screw all the way in?

On my 2012 24S there is a small cover inside the rear storage compartment, if you open the door you will find a valve that drains the fresh water tank. My guess is your valve is open.

It is hard to get the anode rod straight going into the water heater, I bought a socket just for it and use the extension to make sure I get it going straight, then tighten. Don't forget the plumber's tape on the threads.

[Still Kickin]

Like the other poster mention, behind the inspection door inside the cargo under bed hold, there is a shut off valve inline of the fresh water drain. As for the anode, you should hand thread it to get it started , then tighten it sufficiently to not leak. You might expierence a small amount of weeping, till the tank threads and anode seal. I would suggest you use a little teflon tape on the threads, to minimize ozidation of the rod in place, and allow for easier removal to flush your HW tank during maint.

[Mikegjax]

Originally Posted by CharSolera

I'm on the maiden voyage for me and my 24S Solera. Tried to fill the fresh water to sanitize and water is pouring out underneath by the spare tire. There's a blue tube letting water out (low point drain?), but no plug or way to close the tube. What is supposed to be there? Any good ideas for what to do now?

Other challenge: the anode rod seems to not screw into the water heater easily. Does it need to screw all the way in?

As far as the anode rod you should use no more than 1 1/2 layers of Teflon tape as per the manufactures instructions. You need good contact between the rod and the heater casing for the anode rod to do you any good. If I remember the rod should be torqued to 7 foot pounds. It should be started by hand to ensure not being cross threaded. The rod will not go in completely as it has pipe threads which tapper.

[CharSolera]

Nats, your advice was spot on. I'm short and didn't see the valve, but when I looked thoroughly, there's where I found it.

I need to get the correct socket for the next trip. The rod didn't ever fully go in, (not screwed in so it's flush with the heater), but it doesn't leak and I've got hot water. Thanks for the good backup from the others (helps when the advice agrees ;-) It's all set up and running fine now. Happy camper thanks to all of you!

[Nats]

Originally Posted by CharSolera

Nats, your advice was spot on. I'm short and didn't see the valve, but when I looked thoroughly, there's where I found it.

I need to get the correct socket for the next trip. The rod didn't ever fully go in, (not screwed in so it's flush with the heater), but it doesn't leak and I've got hot water. Thanks for the good backup from the others (helps when the advice agrees ;-) It's all set up and running fine now. Happy camper thanks to all of you!

Glad you found the valve.

You won't get the anode to be flush with the heater, as Mikegjax mentioned the threads are tapered, just snug it up until it doesn't leak.

[lacamastraveler]

Other challenge: the anode rod seems to not screw into the water heater easily. Does it need to screw all the way in?[/QUOTE]

Don't you have an Atwood hot water heater? That's what I have in my 2015 24R. Atwood's don't need anodes because Atwood uses an aluminum tank instead of steel.

[CharSolera]

Lacamastraveler, nope. Solera comes with a Suburban. I got the rod installed and we've got all the hot water I need. Mikegjax saved me from trying to get it to screw in flush with the water heater. :-)

[lacamastraveler]

"nope. Solera comes with a Suburban."

Interesting. My 2015 Solera 24R came with the Atwood model GC6AA-10E. Wonder why they changed.

[Still Kickin]

Maybe weight, aluminum verses ferrous metal.

[Phinias]

better deal!

[jngspencer]

My 2015 24R also has the Atwood

[CharSolera]

Jealous! I'd sure have liked an Atwood. But it's a Surburban (2014).

[bclemens]

Main reason was the Atwood electric switch was on the inside panel. Secondary was aluminum tank (versus steel) so lighter. Also door is attached (hinged) instead of "set in". After the fact, Suburban said "well we have one with the inside switch", but at that point the other reasons kept us on.