Hot Water Heater Bypass

[prongs44]

Good Day All: we have a 2024 Primetime Avenger two wheeler, and I am trying to winterize it using the anti-freeze method. I cannot find the hot water heater bypass valve to close it to keep the anti-freeze from going to the water heater. I can trace the red hot water line from the heater to the shower and sink, but I am not seeing a valve to close. Anybody know where it is located?

 

[wmtire]

Is your water heater a tank type or on demand tankless type? A tankless one will not have a bypass normally.

 

[prongs44]

It is a tank type.

 

[5picker]

Hi and welcome to the forum, I see it is your 1st post!

Forest River uses several different makes/models/types of water heaters.
Without knowing yours, we'd be guessing and could give you incorrect information.
Photos of the back of the water heater helps on tank types as well.

Not all R/Vs are the same. Give us some additional information (make/model of water heater) and I'm sure we can get you pointed in the proper direction.

 

[RhumbleFish]

A picture is worth 1,000 words (so, if you can upload one, we can better help), but the valves SHOULD be right there - immediately next to the water heater (180°*opposite the outside access, inside the trailer), between the HWH, and the cold input/hot output and their respective connected lines.

Note that previous models used a three-valve setup, and more current models (like your new 2024) should use the two valve setup (see the attached photo from a 23 Avenger 26BK). So, if appropriately equipped, your two valves will be connected by the bypass loop (in the photo, the bypass loop is the dark blue length of what-looks-to-be Pex tubing).


from Primetime:

"Turn the water heater bypass valve to the bypass position so the anti freeze is not diverted into the water heater. The bypass valve is positioned directly behind the water heater in all models. Typically, the water heater is under a kitchen cabinet or a bunk bed on a Prime Time travel trailer. Often you will have to remove an access panel to reach the water heater bypass valve. With most Prime Time fifth wheels, the water heater is located in the pass‐thru storage area and will require the removal of the mid‐deck riser panel to access the bypass valve."


Just my .02. Hope this helps.

 

[wmtire]

It is a tank type.

Great, but as 5picker asked, could you please provide a picture of the water heater and also the backside of same. Thanks

 

[Iwritecode]

A model # would be helpful too as I'm not sure what a 2024 Primetime Avenger "two wheeler" is.

 

[jimmoore13]

It is a tank type.

Locate the water heater on the outside of the rig. Note the location relative to the inside. Most likely, the hot water heater is under a seat in the dinette. Lift the cushion, remove a screw in the plywood bench, and the hot water heater will be there. There should be two or 3 bypass valves in the water lines connecting to the heater. Typically the handles on the valves will also be indicators for the direction of water flow.

 

[aceinspp]

Not all water heaters have 2 to 3 bypass valves. My V-Lite had the winterizing valves under the bathroom sink where the water pump was located. Later RJD

 

[bikendan]

A model # would be helpful too as I'm not sure what a 2024 Primetime Avenger "two wheeler" is.

I guess they're talking about a single axle trailer. Two wheeler to me, is a motorcycle or bicycle. Trailers are single, tandem or triple axle.

 

[RhumbleFish]

I guess they're talking about a single axle trailer.

Same. Likewise, it doesn't help that Primetime Avenger line has many floorplans and sizes, including ones with a dedicated winterizing wetbay (with bypass).

Hopefully, the OP comes back with info and we can help.