travel and water heater question

Purdyquibb · 05-07-2015, 04:59 AM

I was curious on low water drains. I have a 2015 23ss and I was thinking I would rather not travel with 6 gallons of water in the water tank. If I use my low drains will that also drain my hot water tank? Do most just travel with water in it? I was thinking 6 gallons X 8.33 pounds per gallon put me at about 50 pounds, Which would be just fine towing but I'm not sure I want water in the tank sloshing around as I'm getting to our location or back home. I just hate the thought of having to remove the lower drain screw on the tank every time I want to drain it

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fonzie · 05-07-2015, 05:14 AM

Most people don't drain water heater, not much weight. If you drain using low water drain, some sediments might enter into cold water line and then next time used could plugged or make your toilet valve leak (this depends where your water heater is in your plumbing system).

See post 28 and 29

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...n-58404-3.html

Purdyquibb · 05-07-2015, 05:20 AM

Didn't think about that aspect fonzie. It wont be new forever. So your saying it wouldn't hurt anything to just leave it alone and do what we have to do.

fonzie · 05-07-2015, 05:26 AM

That is how I do it (leave water in until time to winterize) and no issues in four years. Other members will have different opinions.......

EXGMTech · 05-07-2015, 05:27 AM

Never heard of this....you also run the risk of forgetting to refill/purge the air before turning on the electric element & then you have a burned up element. Leaving it full will do no harm.

Triguy · 05-07-2015, 05:33 AM

I don't drain my WH either for traveling. I only drain it for when the trailer is stored for long periods. I think you're fine to leave it full going to and coming from your CG.

youroo · 05-07-2015, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triguy

I don't drain my WH either for traveling. I only drain it for when the trailer is stored for long periods. I think you're fine to leave it full going to and coming from your CG.

This is the Side I am on!

Youroo!!

yetavon · 05-07-2015, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youroo

This is the Side I am on!

Youroo!!

I'm on the same side too Youroo

Purdyquibb · 05-07-2015, 08:29 AM

Looks like its unanimous, Although I knew it already, I worry to much, Time to start enjoy it! Thanks guys.

Triguy · 05-07-2015, 08:39 AM

Good deal! And, I think it's okay to worry a little bit-I call it diligence.

DKRITTER · 05-07-2015, 12:23 PM

Wow, I thought I was over the top.

When we get home I drain everything on to the yard including the HWH. I open the pop off and drain all 3 of the low point drains (FW, C, H). Usually the next day I either close all that back up or if it's going to be a while before we use the trailer I'll blow the lines with a compressor.

We keep a sticky note over the HWH switches that says it's empty. (Part of our shut down procedure).

**Herk7769** · 05-07-2015, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKRITTER

Wow, I thought I was over the top.

When we get home I drain everything on to the yard including the HWH. I open the pop off and drain all 3 of the low point drains (FW, C, H). Usually the next day I either close all that back up or if it's going to be a while before we use the trailer I'll blow the lines with a compressor.

We keep a sticky note over the HWH switches that says it's empty. (Part of our shut down procedure).

VERY bad idea as previously noted. BESIDES a plugged faucet valve, this is what can happen to your toilet valve:

Geri · 05-07-2015, 03:57 PM

Also the water heater stays 'full' unless you drain it, so no sloshing. Harkin the words on mistakenly applying electric power when the tank is drained. I've personally burned out two elements that way

rockfordroo · 05-07-2015, 05:38 PM

Quote:

I've personally burned out two elements that way

From "Management Secrets of Atilla the Hun" -

"Every Hun has his purpose -- even if it's only as a bad example."

(And believe me, I've been Hun a number of times!)

EXGMTech · 05-07-2015, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKRITTER

Wow, I thought I was over the top.

When we get home I drain everything on to the yard including the HWH. I open the pop off and drain all 3 of the low point drains (FW, C, H). Usually the next day I either close all that back up or if it's going to be a while before we use the trailer I'll blow the lines with a compressor.

We keep a sticky note over the HWH switches that says it's empty. (Part of our shut down procedure).

um....can I ask why?

Oaklevel · 05-07-2015, 07:39 PM

30 years of camping and 4 different trailers ......water goes in in the spring and not drained until winter...... Dry can damage seals.... I am probably crazy (I am) but with no water in the lines & damp air instead can't that be a perfect place for mold to grow......

DKRITTER · 05-07-2015, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EXGMTech

um....can I ask why?

I don't like the idea of well water sitting for an extended period of time.

We also sanitize the entire system twice a year.

EXGMTech · 05-07-2015, 08:35 PM

not to be smart, but do you do the same in your house?

I always run our faucets for a minute or two when setting up camp just to clear the lines...willing to bet that's what most do.

Oaklevel · 05-07-2015, 08:45 PM

I can see it if someone in the family has a weakened immune system but our house is on a well & left for extended periods still drink the water. Same with the trailer. Never drained the house or the trailer (except for winter) As far as the trailer it can do more harm than good to drain it all the time but if it makes one comfortable..........

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