water heater question

[kidagn11]

2014 Solera 24 R

During the PDI wife and I were shown the toggle for switching from running the water heater from propane to elect. The switch is accessed from removing the cover on the exterior of the RV. There was white tape over toggle and we were told the switch was in the off position to prevent accidently burning out the element when the tank is empty. (we picked up the RV in December in Rochester NY).

We have never touched that toggle.

I am confused because when we plug into 110 while it is sitting in our driveway between trips (water heater is full) I can hear a hum sort of noise coming from the water heater (the refrig. is off). The switch inside the RV for the water heater is off. If I go back a few minutes later the hum is gone.

Also, If I unplug from 110 the hum goes away.

When we are camping either dry or on shore power and flip the hot water switch in the RV I can hear it "fire" and 10 minutes later I have plenty of hot water. I assumed this meant it was running off propane.

Is is possible it switches automatically between elect and propane?

What gives?

Thanks in advance for your help with this one.

[Happy Vibe]

When it is parked in the driveway do you have hot water? If no I would think you have a transformer near buy you are hearing.

[TURBS]

The inside wh switch is for gas.
The outside wh switch is for electric.

It does not "switch" between electric and propane.

If you look at the outside switch it show "on / off"

How was you told to make sure hw the tank is full?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "11 nights"

[kidagn11]

Thanks TURBS. I read it on the forum that you always have to make sure there is water in the tank before you switch to elect.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by kidagn11

Thanks TURBS. I read it on the forum that you always have to make sure there is water in the tank before you switch to elect.

It has to be full for gas or electric.

[emoji6] so how did the the dealer show you how to make sure your tank is full?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "11 nights"

[kidagn11]

Just opening the valves..
we've never had any problem I just don't know why I get that hum ...the rv is covered but I guess I am going to go out and pull the cover on the outside of the heater and take a real good look at that toggle...

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by kidagn11

Just opening the valves..
we've never had any problem I just don't know why I get that hum ...the rv is covered but I guess I am going to go out and pull the cover on the outside of the heater and take a real good look at that toggle...

Just opening the hot water valves will definitely not insure that the water tank is full.
If the wh bypass accidentally gets turned or is stuck you'll still get water from the hot water taps.
You need to fill the tank and purge the air from the pressure relief valve on the water heater.

Never heard of a hum coming from a hw tank.
When using electric side you should actually hear a sizzle.

Btw did the dealer tell you that you can use them both @ the same time for faster recovery during shower times? Gas and electric?


TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "11 nights"

[kidagn11]

Thanks again. No the dealer didn't tell me that but I read it on the forum!!

[mcnabbwr]

Originally Posted by kidagn11

Thanks again. No the dealer didn't tell me that but I read it on the forum!!

Just goes to show you that this forum is much better in the support department than any dealer network.

[kidagn11]

It sure is!

[wmtire]

If you haven't already read this FAQ, it may help:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ore-36197.html

I am wondering in they taped the electric element switch in the actual off position. You may want to check as we've definitely seen stranger things happen.. The FAQ above shows the switch positions.

[kidagn11]

Originally Posted by Happy Vibe

When it is parked in the driveway do you have hot water? If no I would think you have a transformer newar buy you are hearing.

No hot water when parked in driveway on 110. Sound definitely coming from water heater but stops after few minutes.

Hot water after 10 minutes after flipping switch inside RV on panel

I'll be going out to check switch behind cover on outside of RV shortly...expect to find it in off position.

[elrand]

My fridge has some fans mounted behind to help with the airflow behind it. you might be hearing those and not controlled from just turning your fridge off but by a thermostat

[kidagn11]

checked the switch behind the cover on the outside of the rv. It's in the off position.
Perhaps it is the fan from the fridge?
Anyway we've not experienced any problems with the water heater. Have never used it via elect. Thanks to all for your help.

[devilsquid]

Originally Posted by kidagn11

No hot water when parked in driveway on 110. Sound definitely coming from water heater but stops after few minutes.

Hot water after 10 minutes after flipping switch inside RV on panel

I'll be going out to check switch behind cover on outside of RV shortly...expect to find it in off position.

That humming noise could be your charger topping the batteries if you are on shore power and have the red switch in your stairwell in the on position.

[barnbnb]

Originally Posted by devilsquid

That humming noise could be your charger topping the batteries if you are on shore power and have the red switch in your stairwell in the on position.

The power converter has to be what is making the noise, not the water heater. The converter unit is mounted next to the heater. I can hear mine hum when on shore power.