Dual electric and propane water heater

[MaineDutchmen180]

My camper is equipped with a Dual electric and propane water heater. It has an electric heating element as well as a propane connection. There’s a switch on the back that’s an on off type. Since I don’t have the manual for my water heater, can somebody tell me if this is for the electric part of it, or is it the main on off switch for the entire unit?

[wahoonc]

I think that is just for the electric... What model is the water heater? Find a tag and we can hunt you down a manual. If the tag is missing get a picture of the front side of it (the one see when you open the outside door).

Aaron

[NYVOLTAGE]

Yes, that is the electric switch. If gas is not working or you run out of gas, you would turn on this switch to operate on electric.

Or you are hooked up to shore power and prefer to use the electric to heat your water to conserve your gas; just have to manually turn on the electric switch as you have pointed out. You can then leave the gas off. If you want a quick reheat while you are showering, then turn on the gas as well during the shower, you will have hot water for a bit longer.

___________________________
2017 Voltage 3805
2008 Chev 3500 Diesel Dually

[MaineDutchmen180]

Here is the model number of my Atwood water heater, trying to find a manual thanks.

GC6A-7E

Serial number 96140039186

SPEC number 140045

[MaineDutchmen180]

This is an electric ignition model, can use gas or electric, so I have zero experience with this type. I was able to get hot water with the electric element, didn’t have propane to try the other way. My most important questions:

Do I have to have the on off switch seen earlier in photos on this thread turned on for propane only operation? I’d rather not use the generator for the electric element when I have a stockpile of propane to use and I am boondocking at least another 2 weeks until electricity is available. I do have a steady water supply.

To use propane, is it as simple as making sure the water heater is full of water, turn on the gas? I read some Atwood manuals that are similar to mine and they also mentioned opening a hot water tap?

[MaineDutchmen180]

One other thing came up. The drain plug has a very small one drop per minute leak. Looks like maybe prior owner used plumbing tape or something due to residue? Should I do the same or replace the plug?

[franktafl]

have you ever looked at this?

http://www.atwoodmobile.com/dealer-m...atermanual.pdf

[lcv800]

You can try the tape, but plugs are cheap. Buy two as they strip out easily.
Rusty

[MaineDutchmen180]

I appreciate the manual links and all the good advice. For five bucks I bought two new plugs one of which is installed and fixed my leak. I now have a much better understanding of how my new water heater works. I would’ve never known about the on off switch located above the sink and how I can operate propane and electric at the same time to make recovery even quicker. Monday when I start living in this full time I will try the propane and see if it works. For your viewing pleasure a picture of the new homestead, with the camper placed and leveling jacks in position on the slab that will eventually hold the mobile home. To the right in The background is the 20ft Evergreen container I purchased for secure storage. Blue tarps cover some furniture and a few John Deere parts as well as a project machine on the trailer.

[Pirate]

Now, be aware that before you leave an RV park and you're using the electric side of the water heater...make sure you turn the switch off.

And...in the Spring and even during the RV season, always make sure the water heater is full of water before switching it on to use the electric heating element.

Or like me...you'll burn up an electric element. Fortunately they aren't expensive I paid $18 via Amazon. Here is a link to the correct element:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just thoughts...

Pirate