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Old 03-25-2018, 12:53 AM   #1
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Water heater

My brother has a 2007 forest river Georgetown 34 footer and had a question about the hot water heater, is it possible that it is only propane and no 120 electric capability for the hot water heater there doesn’t seem to be any switch or breaker for it?
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Old 03-25-2018, 02:06 AM   #2
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My forest river has a switch for the electric hot water heater inside the outdoor compartment cover - with the cover open, look down under
the piping at the lower left corner. I also have a switch at the main control panel where I can select propane, electric or both.
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Old 03-25-2018, 05:50 AM   #3
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This also sounds like "Someone" could have turned on the Water Heater "BEFORE" the tank was full of Water! This will burn out the Elect Heater in Seconds! The heat element needs to be Checked with a Meter! Youroo!!
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Old 03-25-2018, 06:13 AM   #4
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Could you provide the tank manufacturer and model number?
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Old 03-25-2018, 06:47 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by Codybones0 View Post
My brother has a 2007 forest river Georgetown 34 footer and had a question about the hot water heater, is it possible that it is only propane and no 120 electric capability for the hot water heater there doesn’t seem to be any switch or breaker for it?
My 2011 Georgetown 30 ft only has propane.
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Old 03-25-2018, 07:35 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by Codybones0 View Post
My brother has a 2007 forest river Georgetown 34 footer and had a question about the hot water heater, is it possible that it is only propane and no 120 electric capability for the hot water heater there doesn’t seem to be any switch or breaker for it?
It's possible to have only a propane water heater, but if they have the Suburban brand tank type, then it's also possible the switch for the electric heating element is on the face of the water heater, kinda hidden somewhat. However, not having a dedicated circuit breaker to it could be telling also.

This very detailed FAQ link below on the Suburban tank type water heaters will show you exactly where this switch would be located, along with it's proper operation.

Hope it helps:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ore-36197.html
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Old 03-25-2018, 07:49 AM   #7
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My 2011 Georgetown 30 ft only has propane.
Schvarak, are you positive yours is propane only?

I glanced at a youtube video below and see that particular motorhome does indeed have a Suburban brand water heater at the 3:23 mark (you can tell from the access door that it's a Suburban). I'd hate for you to be possibly missing out on a feature you may not be aware of, as the electric heating element switch would be located on the water heater, as explained in the link in my previous post.



Here is a video on a 2010 model. The salesman at the 2:30 mark states the water heater is gas AND electric, but does not actually open the access door for us to see for sure.

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Old 03-25-2018, 10:08 AM   #8
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To tell for sure if you do or do not have an electric heating element on the Suburban type water heaters, you can just open the outside access cover.



If you see a large black cover that will be over the electric heating element like in the pic below, then you know there is an electric element, and to also look for the somewhat hidden switch to the left of the cover.

If no black cover (blank space), then yours is most likely a propane only water heater.

Hope this helps
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Old 03-25-2018, 10:32 AM   #9
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Schvarak, are you positive yours is propane only?

I glanced at a youtube video below and see that particular motorhome does indeed have a Suburban brand water heater at the 3:23 mark (you can tell from the access door that it's a Suburban). I'd hate for you to be possibly missing out on a feature you may not be aware of, as the electric heating element switch would be located on the water heater, as explained in the link in my previous post.



Here is a video on a 2010 model. The salesman at the 2:30 mark states the water heater is gas AND electric, but does not actually open the access door for us to see for sure.

Yup, exactly the same as mine! Notice the inside panel says water heater but the two swiches are "on" and "reset" both of which are for the propane! I'm very familiar with a gas and electric water heater. My FR Salem TT had both. I learned the hard way not to turn on the electric switch before ensuring there was water in the tank. I was very disappointed not to have electric too in my MH! There's not a switch in the access panel. The only switch inside is for lighting the propane. I've given some thought to installing an electric capability kit, but it's too much work.
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Old 03-25-2018, 02:40 PM   #10
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subscribed, this seems like a very interesting thread
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Old 03-27-2018, 05:42 PM   #11
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yup, exactly the same as mine! Notice the inside panel says water heater but the two swiches are "on" and "reset" both of which are for the propane! I'm very familiar with a gas and electric water heater. My fr salem tt had both. I learned the hard way not to turn on the electric switch before ensuring there was water in the tank. I was very disappointed not to have electric too in my mh! There's not a switch in the access panel. The only switch inside is for lighting the propane. I've given some thought to installing an electric capability kit, but it's too much work.
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Old 06-09-2018, 06:09 PM   #12
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Old 06-09-2018, 06:47 PM   #13
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Installing retro kit for elec add on for your water heater is NOT a big deal. Might take 25-30 minuets at most ! Kits are available at your Stealership or on EBay. Price range from $59.00 to $100.00. Even a caveman could do it. Biggest thing is to decide if you want to wire in a outlet for the plugin, or if one is close enough (possibly outlet on outside of your RV to plug it in to) , or you can just run extension cord to outlet on elec pedestal. The aftermarket Hot Rod kit I installed came with 6’ cord that I was able to plug into outlet under my dinette table. My water heater is located under one of the benches for dinner table. Easy Peasy.
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