water heater out..... again

[mtofell]

2013 Salem TBUD - the electric side of the water heater has basically never worked for more than about a month since I bought the trailer. After getting the trailer in the summer of 2012 I used the electric function a few times and then once over the winter it died (while parked at the house). So, I took it into the dealer and it was "fixed". Crazy thing is the tech told me to not leave it one all the time. huh?

In any case, I hadn't left it on much and during a recent camping trip it went out again. The gas side works fine so it's not a huge deal.... just kind of an annoyance on a new trailer. Of course, it's all under warranty but taking the TT in is a bit of a pain. I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas as to what keeps failing. I'd like to go back to the dealer armed with the info rather than just turning it over to someone who's best advice is to "just don't use it much".

[wmtire]

What kind of water heater (make/model) do you have?

If it's a Suburban, are you are leaving the electric heating element switch turned on when there is no water in the tank, like when you drain the tank? If so, then you will burn out the element in a matter of mere seconds. The water heater MUST have water in the tank at all times the electric heating element is switched on/powered. It's explained here:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ore-36197.html

I'm kind of thinking that is what the tech was referring to when he told you not to leave it on all the time......but could be wrong.

If you have an Atwood brand water heater, page 4 of their manual says the same thing...that there must be water in the tank covering the heating element when the switch is turned on.

http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/operating/atwood1.pdf