Questions on a used Salem

[Jfmf527]

We recently purchased a 2004 forest river salem le 28 ft travel trailer as it is out first trailer i was goin over it today and the previous owner told me the hot water heater doesnt wirk on electric as the element burnt out so i was wondering how do i operate it on gas and ive read that before i start it to make sure there is water in the tank, would that b just by filling up fresh water tank? Please help goin on first trip in 2 wks

[oxcamper]

Hi and welcome.
1. fill your water system either connection to city water or fill your fresh tank and turn on your water pump.
2. make sure water is in your pipes and comes out of the faucets.
3. turn on the propane tanks
4. check if there's a switch at the water heater that turns on the electric. Turn it off.
5. check on your control panel if there's a switch that says water heater, hot water, or something like that, and switch it on.
6. go out side by the water heater and you should hear the gas start up (if it has electric pizo start) and feel the hot air coming off the burner.
7. you're good to go.
8. Get the electric element replaced, shouldn't be a difficult do it your selfer, makes life a lot easier.

Happy Camping.

[Jfmf527]

Thank u ox canper, do i also need to make sure there is water in hot water tank, n if so how do i do that?

[oxcamper]

yep you sure do.
you do it by #s 1 & 2 above. Make sure you turn on both hot and cold water faucets on all your sink, shower, ect. That gets the air out, prevents pockets, and potential overheating. Once you turn on the water pump or connect to the city water hose, turning on your hot taps will fill the hot water system.

[oxcamper]

PS, when breaking camp, make sure you turn off your hot water heater and propane tanks.

Happy Camping!

[Jfmf527]

Great Thank u very much, im happy i joined the forums.

[Ida Ratherbe Camping]

To make sure you have water in the water heater, go to the water heater and lift up on lever that is on pop off valve. If water comes out, with either pump or hooked to city supply, tank is full. Air may come out first. If nothing happens, water heater is bypassed and none in tank. The previously posted steps will not catch a water heater that is bypassed. New camper, you don't know what previous owner did or how they left it.

[oxcamper]

Originally Posted by Ida Ratherbe Camping

To make sure you have water in the water heater, go to the water heater and lift up on lever that is on pop off valve. If water comes out, with either pump or hooked to city supply, tank is full. Air may come out first. If nothing happens, water heater is bypassed and none in tank. The previously posted steps will not catch a water heater that is bypassed. New camper, you don't know what previous owner did or how they left it.

Great suggestion!