Water heater threat?

mjones12 · 08-26-2010, 04:30 PM

On a recent visit to a private campground, we noticed a sticker on the breaker box that said we should operate our water heater on gas only because use of the shore power might damage it. As far as we could tell, every power box in the campground had the stickers on them. We didn't get a chance to ask management what the problem was, but someone suggested it was just a way for the campground to save on its electric bill. Has anyone else run into this? We couldn't imagine how a standard-looking 20/30 amp source could damage a water heater.

Willis · 08-26-2010, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjones12

someone suggested it was just a way for the campground to save on its electric bill

BINGO!

DAISY BOYKIN · 08-26-2010, 05:11 PM

If you were the owner of the RV park and your GOAL was to save $$$$$$$$
on the electric bill, what would you put on the ele hook-up panel?

NUFF SAID

Daisy The Boykin

Hokiehall · 08-26-2010, 05:53 PM

Plug it in and use their juice. They must think everyone is stupid.

revrnd · 08-26-2010, 07:13 PM

Would it not be prudent to check the post's wiring polarity as a precaution?

MrT · 08-26-2010, 07:39 PM

If the characteristics of the electricity supplied were indeed out of spec (frequency, voltage too high/low etc.) then othere components in the coach would be at risk as well.

rockwood06 · 08-26-2010, 08:06 PM

I carry a multi-meter with me and if I saw a sign like that then I would test it and if the power is there then I am pugging my rig In and using what I paid for.

camprat · 08-26-2010, 08:19 PM

HI There: I say plug it in & use the power you paid for it. I also have a Digital Monitor that measures line voltage, frequency & wire diagnostics. it is Model 20020 Digital Monitor made by Automated Engineering Corp. Got it at, Yes Camping World. On the diagnostics , sound alarm for reverse polarity, high/low voltage, gr. faults,& high/low Frequency. Plug in to the 30amp crossover & check before you hook up your rig or plug in to rig outlets to monitor line power. There all kind of stuff out there for us Camper to get, that we may or may not need.

camprat · 08-26-2010, 08:32 PM

PS: I wouldn't think about using the electric water heater, but would think about if the plug and 30 amp outlet fit loose. This will over heat your plug. This will also drop your line voltage under load & so on.

miatared · 08-26-2010, 08:33 PM

Good one. He must think campers are stupid

Do keep in mind that it will take a while to get hot water - if you're in a rush...

Nothing beats propane for heating water.

My guess probably 45 minutes on electric VS 8-9 minutes on propane. Recovery will be also take the same time.

cfsoistman · 08-26-2010, 08:39 PM

We've been to a few places over the years that charge extra if you use your AC Unit. One in particular asked if we were going to use our AC unit and we were tenting at the time. We didn't tell them we brought a fan or that may have cost us more as well.

Mr. Black · 08-26-2010, 09:26 PM

We never use the electric portion of the water heater.

Hell, I thought most trailers you can't use the microwave and the water heater at the same time? and then throw in the AC in the summer on top of that.

I just don't even bother. We use our microwave alot and the gas water heater might cycle a whopping couple times a day on average.

As far as paying for the electricity that we paid for in campground stays, well the first thing I usually do is turn on the AC even if we are not inside, which most of the time we are not.

Hokiehall · 08-26-2010, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miatared

Good one. He must think campers are stupid

Do keep in mind that it will take a while to get hot water - if you're in a rush...

Nothing beats propane for heating water.

My guess probably 45 minutes on electric VS 8-9 minutes on propane. Recovery will be also take the same time.

I normally test mine at home before every trip and my electric will get hot water coming out in about 10 - 15 minutes. The propane does get it hot faster but if I can use their electric, I will.

NWJeeper · 08-26-2010, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hokiehall

I normally test mine at home before every trip and my electric will get hot water coming out in about 10 - 15 minutes. The propane does get it hot faster but if I can use their electric, I will.

Same here on our 10gal heater, the electric element works very fast. We like to arrive before dark to get hooked up anyway so I plug in turn the element on and we have hot water for showers or washing hands/dishes when we need it. I very rarely use propane when we are paying for electricity.

Sounds like a campground trying to save money like the others here have stated.

I would post a review on campgroundreviews.com on this one if I was the OP.

The_Stuff · 08-27-2010, 10:46 AM

i got the electric 10 gallon in mine. wish it had the option of gas though for the back to back showers etc.

caper · 08-28-2010, 08:42 AM

As campers we should also look at the campground owners side. We all complain about the high fees that campground owners charge. If everyone camping just ran of the electric service The owner has to charge more in order to make a profit. I have seen people that are overnight camping bring small bar frig, water coolers electric grills, electric frypans ext. just so they do not have to use their propane. Everyone has to pay for ther excess use of hydro. Think what you are doing when you are camping. Yes you pay extra for hydro but it is not that much more then a none hydro site.

camprat · 08-28-2010, 01:32 PM

I think caper has a good point of view. But if your a full timer or at the park lone time ,you will pay at the meter usages @ what the park want to charge for KW used. Yes you get a discount for your spot. If your in there for a night or two you will pay full rate. I would think in this rate they have cover the electrical you would use for a water heater & AC. But like caper pointed out at what are we over due it?

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