Water Heater Differential Help SW6DEL

[RandK-M]

Does anyone know what the temp differential is supposed to be on a SW6DEL water heater?

The problem we have is that as long as the water heater has freshly cycled to heat, it's fine and there's plenty of hot water for a nice shower.
However, if it's been a while since a heat cycle, the water is still hot, but it's cooled enough that it only lasts half as long for a shower. That's of course because when it's cooler, you use more of the hot and less cold water mixed in.

Last season, before I showered I had to run hot water to force a heating cycle, but that's such a waste.

I was thinking I would change the 12v and 120v thermostats to the 140 degree versions to see if that would help.

I don't know if the stock is 120 deg or 130 deg

Thanks!

Ray

[RandK-M]

I forgot to add, Which thermostat controls the temp that it turns on to heat? Is it the same one that tells it to turn off when it reaches the preset temp?

Thanks,
Ray

[CHICKDOE]

are you using the electric heating element or gas? could it be that what describing is the difference in performance of the water heater when using the two heating sources? I would expect gas to recover faster than electric which is why you seem to be getting more hot water when using gas. just a thought.

[wmtire]

You may want to check and make sure your crossover valve is completely closed. It's possible you may have it open, or not fully closed.

Also, you may want to check your outdoor shower if equipped. If you accidentally leave the taps on there, but have the water turned off on the handheld wand. It allows you to suck cold water into the hot water line.

This thread may help:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...st-103381.html

[RandK-M]

I use either both gas & electric or just gas.

Valves were fine and it's plenty hot after it heats up. The problem is that it doesn't start heating until the water temp in the tank gets significantly lower than the temp it is when it reaches full temp.

I have to run hot water for what seems like a couple gallons before the gas will fire up to reheat the water.

Ray

[bob caldwell]

OC changed his to 140...

[fonzie]

Have you check if it is heating on electric only from a cold start? Element might be burnt.....

[doc73]

You also need to take navy showers... If I just run it wide it will run out of 6 gallons in no time.

[RandK-M]

Originally Posted by doc73

You also need to take navy showers... If I just run it wide it will run out of 6 gallons in no time.

Oh, definitely! I was in the Navy a long time ago.

I went ahead and ordered new 140 DEG thermostats. I'm leaning to it being a thermostat issue since we have to run so much water before it starts to reheat. I didn't check with a thermometer, but I'm pretty sure it was dropping to well below 100 DEG before kicking back on to reheat.

Thanks all!

Ray

[lesptr]

If a water heater is functioning properly, there is no need for navy showers. With both electric and gas turned on, I can take a 20 minute shower and my wife can step in immediately after I finish and take a 20 minute shower. If you can't, there is a problem with your water heater.

I was trying to quote Doc73's reply, but something didn't work.

[bob caldwell]

Yeah.....Size!...

[lesptr]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Yeah.....Size!...

Size matters?

[bob caldwell]

Water heater......lol

[doc73]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Water heater......lol

I am glad that got further explanation...

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by lesptr

Size matters?

Absolutely. If you perhaps have a 12 gallon tank, as opposed to the 6 gallon type being discussed...you will initially have twice as much hot water.

The model being discussed is a SW6DEL. The 6 in the model indicates the tank size in gallons.

Suburban makes the dual powered tank type water heaters in 6,10,12, and 16 gallon sizes.

http://www.rvcomfort.com/suburban/pr...n-gas-electric

[doc73]

Originally Posted by lesptr

If a water heater is functioning properly, there is no need for navy showers. With both electric and gas turned on, I can take a 20 minute shower and my wife can step in immediately after I finish and take a 20 minute shower. If you can't, there is a problem with your water heater.

I was trying to quote Doc73's reply, but something didn't work.

I am unquoteable! HAHA

I can take a 10 or so minute shower with shutting off the water in between duties as well, could I run it full open? Not sure and not willing to find out! Brrr..

But with 6 gallons I am not so sure that would work out well. But who knows!

[bob caldwell]

Let us know!.....lol

[RandK-M]

I'll let you all know what happens with the new 140 DEG thermostats. Our first trip this season will be around the first weekend in May.

As for length of shower, even with my 6 gallon tank and using both gas and electric, I don't have to rush or even pause the water during a shower. It last plenty long.
That is of course as long as the tank has recently heated. For whatever reason, mine was just letting the water cool too much between heating cycles.

Ray

[lesptr]

My previous tt had a 6 gal heater. Never got cold during a long shower. This one has a 10 gal. With regards to showers, I see no difference. I never run out of hot water, and I like long showers.

[lesptr]

Originally Posted by doc73

I am unquoteable! HAHA

Can I quote you on that?