Learning the In-Command, Gas/Electric Water Heater

[SilhouettePenny]

With campers of the past a simple on/off switch controlled the electric water heater function from inside. But In-Command does not have an on/off option on the Display Commander (DC) and simply unselecting or ghosting the option does not turn it off.

After a recent trip I was unselecting Gas/Electric/Both on the DC then plugged in to the house in order to maintain the battery. To my suprise the water heater was still functioning days later. Thankfully I forgot to empty the tank.

I suppose the solution is to utilize the on/off switch outside as I drain the unit. Has anybody with the In-Command system modified the menu to completely turn off the water heater from inside the coach?

[SimchaSabre]

I'd be interested as well. depending on the responses, I may be adding a switch.

[SilhouettePenny]

Moving the electric switch from outside at the water heater to the inside control panel area is a great idea....we can mount it right next to the Gas Option Switch which they DID install inside!

[5picker]

Originally Posted by SilhouettePenny

With campers of the past a simple on/off switch controlled the electric water heater function from inside. But In-Command does not have an on/off option on the Display Commander (DC) and simply unselecting or ghosting the option does not turn it off.

After a recent trip I was unselecting Gas/Electric/Both on the DC then plugged in to the house in order to maintain the battery. To my suprise the water heater was still functioning days later. Thankfully I forgot to empty the tank.

I suppose the solution is to utilize the on/off switch outside as I drain the unit. Has anybody with the In-Command system modified the menu to completely turn off the water heater from inside the coach?

I don't have the In-Command but if you have a separate INSIDE control switch for the gas and an OUTSIDE control switch for electric, what does the DC option of Gas/Electric/Both do?

Just trying to learn.

[SilhouettePenny]

Originally Posted by 5picker

I don't have the In-Command but if you have a separate INSIDE control switch for the gas and an OUTSIDE control switch for electric, what does the DC option of Gas/Electric/Both do?

Just trying to learn.

The only logic I can think to apply here is "The people that build 'em certainly don't use them". The Display Commander will turn on the electric water heater IF the mechanical/electrical switch outside is on.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by SilhouettePenny

The only logic I can think to apply here is "The people that build 'em certainly don't use them". The Display Commander will turn on the electric water heater IF the mechanical/electrical switch outside is on.

Then why doesn't it allow you to turn it off?

[TheWolfPaq82]

I may be an old dog, but sometimes...."Technology" does NOT always make these easier. Our old 2007 Jayco TT, Two switchers on the wall...one turned on the electric side of the WH, the other turned on the Gas side. SIMPLE !!!

[SilhouettePenny]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Then why doesn't it allow you to turn it off?

That's the $20,000 question! Probably a simple option change in the mode settings, which I have not discovered yet.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by SilhouettePenny

That's the $20,000 question! Probably a simple option change in the mode settings, which I have not discovered yet.

Roger that!
Once you figure it out, let us know.
As I said, tryin' to learn...

[SimchaSabre]

Originally Posted by SilhouettePenny

Moving the electric switch from outside at the water heater to the inside control panel area is a great idea....we can mount it right next to the Gas Option Switch which they DID install inside!Attachment 200529

If we need to do that, I think it would be easier to run a multi-pair cable from the InCommand panel in the basement to that closet area. We're not getting solar or gen so lots of room for more switches. I plan to do that anyway because we're assuming, we will want to separate out some lighting circuits.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by TheWolfPaq82

I may be an old dog, but sometimes...."Technology" does NOT always make these easier. Our old 2007 Jayco TT, Two switchers on the wall...one turned on the electric side of the WH, the other turned on the Gas side. SIMPLE !!!

Same with our 2002 Nash. I'm adding an inside switch to the 2007 Cherokee 38P Destination Trailer. Will post photos and instructions.

Larry

[BarnhartRAM]

I have a 2019 31IK with the In-Command system. I don't think the water heater is hooked up to it so it can't be controlled by it. Why else would there be a physical switch to turn it on gas? The first time I tried to use it via electric I turned in on via the panel. Nothing. I had to turn the power switch on at the water heater. Maybe in later built trailers it'll be hooked up.

[rockfordroo]

I'm wondering if you ever really "turned it on;" I'm thinking maybe it was on all along.

Check your WH model number. If it has an L at the end (e.g. SW6DEL), then it has a 12VDC circuit that can energize a relay and turn on the 110VAC electric. This circuit could be controlled by either a switch (for most of us) or by your DC system. But if your WH doesn't have an L in the model number, then the only electric ON/OFF control is the outside switch.

I'm guessing the DC system has the WH electric control built-in, but that it doesn't really do anything if you don't have an "L" model WH.

[ImQAJack]

About a Month ago I was looking in on this issue. Still collecting any info. My original thought the command center switch controls the HW is on or off, and the switch outside controls heat source (Gas or Electric). I was surprise to find I had Hot water when I'm hookup to shore power.
More studying is need to be done to make so.

[MikeRP]

I’m having trouble getting hot water. Here’s the pic of how it works and how I have it set.



I post a pic how I have it next.

[MikeRP]

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by MikeRP

Attachment 200903

Mike, turn the blue (bottom) one. The red one is correct.

Also, if you have showers (inside and outside) that have a shutoff on the showerhead, make sure the Hot and Cold taps are both off. Otherwise the hot and cold will mix.

Larry

[rockfordroo]

Mike, you basically have Option #4b in the attached, with the hot side Tee turned 90 degrees.

[MikeRP]

Thank you Rockford, that setup is a little arcane coming from a Sunseeker. I got it figured out and walla it works. Thanks!

[MikeRP]

Hey Larry thanks also, I got there by process of elimination. One thing it that I wasn’t patient enough, this water heater takes longer to heat the water than my old Sunseeker.

Actually seems like a nice system.