Water heater access

[Mark_Ruddick]

I just bought a 2017 FR Vibe 313. My wife is up at the trailer and I am not. Hot water is not working and I suspect the bypass. She can't find the access panel. Does anyone have direct knowledge on where it is? The manual doesn't say.

[rockfordroo]

Looking at pics here:

https://www.funtownrv.com/product/ne...3bhs-603609-29

it appears your water heater is under the bedroom wardrobe on the street (left) side of the camper.

She may very well have to unscrew a panel or maybe the floor of the wardrobe to access the water heater.

Note that there are a number of ways that the manufacturers have set up the bypass valves.

Here's a pic of the most common setup:



I've attached a generic pic of RV plumbing. See page 2 for a number of other ways that the bypass valves may be set up.

[Mark_Ruddick]

Thank you very much.

[fella10]

Originally Posted by Mark_Ruddick

... Hot water is not working and I suspect the bypass. ....

does that mean "water not hot" or "no water coming from the HW faucets", ... if not hot, it could be the switch in the outside compartment, almost hidden behind the propane tubing, bottom left corner, ... if it is the by pass, the water heater will be located directly inside from that outside compartment, .... a dealer video shows access to be to the left of the bed in the large bedroom, ... hope that helps

[Mark_Ruddick]

Thanks, water not hot, but it is brand new so I'm guessing the bypass is still in the winter position. She just couldn't find it.

[67L48]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

[...] She may very well have to unscrew a panel or maybe the floor of the wardrobe to access the water heater. [...]

I have a different trailer, but just wanted to echo this point. My water system (pump, most hoses/lines, water heater, etc.) is behind a panel that is screwed to the floor. I removed that panel and stored it away, as I like to be able to get in there without using a screwdriver.

Anyway, just wanted you and your wife to know that it may be somewhat concealed, as rockfordroo mentioned.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Mark_Ruddick

Thanks, water not hot, but it is brand new so I'm guessing the bypass is still in the winter position. She just couldn't find it.

And the problem that may have occurred... if the water heater is still in bypass, it means NO WATER has entered the water heater. If the water heater was turned on using the 120v electric supply, the element is now likely toast. It burns out within seconds when not immersed in water.

If the propane side of the heater was used (again with no water inside) it could have very well tripped the hi-limit switch now.

In either case, rectifying the bypass problem may still not resolve the no hot water issue.

Best of luck getting your issues resolved.

[rockfordroo]

There are some good points above. After she finds/fixes the bypass issue, if it still doesn't work, come on back and we'll try to help. I've attached a Service and Troubleshooting manual, assuming you have a Suburban.

[Moosey1]

I have the same 313. Good stuff above, but they left out very important info. After the hot water valves are turn back off on the bypass, you should hear water filling the hot water tank, turn on any hot faucet to ensure the tank is filled. Then turn on the ele switch panel on the outside of the trailer inside the hot water panel bottom left.. if you turn that switch on with no water in the tank, you just burnt up the temp sensor and it will never work until replaced. If you need pics, let me know since we have the same 313