first night questions from newbie

[Wiscampsin]

Regular valve position


Winterize valve position

[devilonmyback]

ok, this RV is situated semi permanently on private land, we are getting our electric and water from a neighbor via AC cord and white hose. For the last 24 hours I have had the power to the water heater turned on, so I'm feeling fairly certain I've damaged the heating element for lack of water. In addition I'm guessing the unit has been trying to start for this whole period. Would this have used up a 30lb LP tank OR did the dealership lie to me about giving me 2 full 30lb tanks?

Reason I'm asking is cause I'm sitting inside it right now, it's cold and blustery out and when I called for a little heat, all I got was cool air blowing out of the vents. This was not happening for the last 24 hours, whenever I called for heat I got heat. I tested the stove to see if I had propane and I got nothing. Went outside flipped the switch to the other LP tank and voila, I get heat.

So did I burn through a 30lb tank, or did the dealership lie to me?

[TexasBob]

Originally Posted by devilonmyback

ok, this RV is situated semi permanently on private land, we are getting our electric and water from a neighbor via AC cord and white hose. For the last 24 hours I have had the power to the water heater turned on, so I'm feeling fairly certain I've damaged the heating element for lack of water. In addition I'm guessing the unit has been trying to start for this whole period. Would this have used up a 30lb LP tank OR did the dealership lie to me about giving me 2 full 30lb tanks?

Reason I'm asking is cause I'm sitting inside it right now, it's cold and blustery out and when I called for a little heat, all I got was cool air blowing out of the vents. This was not happening for the last 24 hours, whenever I called for heat I got heat. I tested the stove to see if I had propane and I got nothing. Went outside flipped the switch to the other LP tank and voila, I get heat.

So did I burn through a 30lb tank, or did the dealership lie to me?

That is more than you should have burned with the furnace in one night. Was the Water Heater burning propane all night too?

[BamaBob]

devilonmyback,

I am so sorry you are having this experience. It is obvious that the RV dealer, like so many out there, has basically sold you a unit and left you to fend for yourself

Yes, you should be aggressive and tell the dealer about your experience and demand that they will do the right thing and fix your hot water heater.

Please keep us posted on your progress and let us know what else is going on and if you need any other advice or tips with your new RV.

[youroo]

I doubt a used 2004 unit would have a (DSI elect W/H).If it was trying to (Heat on propane) with NO water in it one would (Smell) this real quick! The use of 30# propane tank is Very possible while using the Furnace and hard telling how much this (Dealer?) used before delivery! Put the Anode rod in turn the B/P valves the proper way,turn on the propane and light the Pilot. Youroo!!

[Lynkage]

Also keep a digital camera handy to shoot a few pics to show us campers what your situation is.

People here are very helpful and a picture is worth a thousand words here!

BTW what camper do you have?

Sorry for troubles.

[realebill]

Heating elements are U-shaped with a connection on the end to attach power.an anode rod does not have any connections to attach wiring.

Sent from my VS840 4G using Forest River Forums mobile app

[Oaklevel]

Is your camper an 2004? If so I too doubt you have an electric side to the water heater our 2006 Puma was gas only. If so you probably have not hurt anything by the water not being in the tank.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by devilonmyback

Why wouldn't the dealership explain this stuff to a stone cold newbie? I'm stunned.

unfortunately, many dealers will breeze throught the PDI if the customer doesn't demand a complete and thorough PDI.
and many newbies don't do much research on RV's and end up not knowing what they need to ask or what they need to the dealer to show them.

as a customer, you shouldn't accept delivery, if you feel that the PDI was inadequate.

[Evereddie]

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

Is your camper an 2004? If so I too doubt you have an electric side to the water heater our 2006 Puma was gas only. If so you probably have not hurt anything by the water not being in the tank.

Do gas only heaters have anode rods? I guess they do from what I just read.