Hot water heater, electric. - Dutchmen Owners
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×

Go Back   Dutchmen Owners > Dutchmen Brand RVs > Fifth Wheel
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 02-23-2021, 05:22 PM   #1
New Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 8
New Mexico
Hot water heater, electric.

I've been using the electric switch to heat my hot water. All of a sudden it quit working. I checked fuses, breakers, etc. The propane heats the water just fine. What could be wrong and where is the access? Help please. 2013 3860MS Infinity 5th wheel
__________________

cw4bill@msn.com is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-23-2021, 07:16 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
ATCguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Cody
Posts: 1,764
Wyoming
Quote:
Originally Posted by cw4bill@msn.com View Post
I've been using the electric switch to heat my hot water. All of a sudden it quit working. I checked fuses, breakers, etc. The propane heats the water just fine. What could be wrong and where is the access? Help please. 2013 3860MS Infinity 5th wheel
We're probably gonna need a bit more information before anyone can help.

First question... do you not have the owner's manual for it? If so, there's probably a troubleshooting section in it.

If not, the next thing is to figure out what make & model number unit you have. Is is an Atwood heater... Surburban... or something else? Then to narrow it down more, find the model number.

Now this next part of your statement troubles me: you ask, "...and where is the access?" I'm not trying to embarrass you in any way, because we were all new to this stuff once. But are you saying you don't even know where the water heater panel on the exterior of you rig is? If that's the case, you should probably just stop right here and either take it to a repair shop, or look for a mobile RV tech who can come to you.

But if you insist on trying to do this yourself... the access panel is usually a square panel on the same side of your RV as the kitchen. On my RV, it's the panel circled in red below

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_0238 copy.jpg
Views:	275
Size:	45.9 KB
ID:	6677

It looks like this:

Click image for larger version

Name:	WH2.jpeg
Views:	252
Size:	17.0 KB
ID:	6678 Click image for larger version

Name:	WH1.jpg
Views:	402
Size:	32.1 KB
ID:	6679

From here, you should be able to get the make & model printed on it somewhere. Then someone can probably begin trying to help you out. Could be something simple as a loose or damaged wire, or it could be part of the circuit board needs replacing.
__________________

__________________
Tom
2013 VOLTAGE 3200 (EPIC I & II)
2014 Ford F-450 PLATINUM
2018 BMW R1200GS RALLYE
ATCguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-23-2021, 08:03 PM   #3
New Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 8
New Mexico
Yes, i know where the hot water heater is. As for the manual it goes into detail about the propane but doesn't mention the electric part of the heater.
cw4bill@msn.com is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-24-2021, 02:33 AM   #4
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Lillington
Posts: 27
North Carolina
Check the water heater, most have another switch on the unit behind the access Panel. If not check to see if you have power at the electric heating element. The elements can burn out just like residential hot water heaters. Keep us posted.
__________________
David
2020 3615 voltage
2007 winners circle 38srv (for sale)
1997 keystone Cougar gone but not forgotten
Snafu82 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-24-2021, 03:15 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
ewarnerusa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Helena, MT
Posts: 606
Montana
The electric side of my water heater has its own breaker in the AC panel. Have you checked that breaker?
__________________
2012 Aspen Trail 2710BH | 470 watts of solar on the roof | 2x6V GC batteries | 1500 watt PSW inverter | Micro Air on A/C | so far strictly boondocking
ewarnerusa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-24-2021, 03:37 PM   #6
New Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 8
New Mexico
Yes, i have. Thanks
cw4bill@msn.com is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2021, 05:38 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Beaver Dam
Posts: 890
Wisconsin
Defective switch
Loose wire
Corroded connection
Solenoid failure
Failed heating element

Please let us know what you find.
__________________
Paul Bristol
Dutchman Kodiak Cub KD176RD 2018
Nissan Pathfinder 2015
persistent is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2021, 09:02 PM   #8
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Claresholm
Posts: 13
Alberta



Here is an easy to understand troubleshooting video.
__________________
2007 Denali 28RL-M5
2008 Ford F350 6.4 L Diesel
BertF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2021, 10:03 PM   #9
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Denver
Posts: 17
Colorado
T-stat replacement for the hot water heater.

Our 2012 Voltage 3200 did the exact same thing. Ours was a T-stat issue where it had just burned out. There will be 2 of these side by side and they are under a black panel on the face of the hot water heater.
https://www.amazon.com/Suburban-2323.../dp/B003G9I4DW


We had to remove the propane line to access ours.
If you replace it, make sure the RV is unplugged and the main electrical switch cut off is off.
Good luck
Squiggycc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2021, 11:00 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kingman
Posts: 56
Arizona
Subject water heater. My Kodiak 200 QB has the Atwood water heater. Aluminum tank and works fine. But I like to be prepared so, I see the electrical element ( watching videos) is on the inside of the trailer. I pulled out a drawer where the tank is but there is also a finished panel (wood) that is permanent with no way to get to the tank. Unless of course I cut a hole in this panel. What a pain that will be. Any suggestions ? Trailer is a 2015, aluminum tank no issues as of now.
steve weston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2021, 11:03 PM   #11
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Phoenixville
Posts: 25
Pennsylvania
Cool Suburban Water heater switch

Just replaced the switch for the electric element on my Suburban Water heater. Had power everywhere up to the electric element. The switch on the control panel inside the camper was lit and had power to it.

There is another on/off switch behind the gas port at the lower left of the water heater itself. Mine was black. After turning off the electric, I popped that switch out with a screwdriver and ohmed it. It was bad and would not even move from the on to the off position. Pulled the lugs and took the switch to the local RV store and they sold me one.

If this turns out to be your problem, make sure the replacement switch is for 120v and not 12v.

As if often the case, replacement of the switch itself was easier than the troubleshooting.
__________________
2011 Coleman Signature Series CTF340RL 5th wheel by Dutchman
2007 Dodge RAM 3500 Cummings diesel (5.9L)
Formerly 2006 Crossroads Paradise Point fall apart queen.
KECoats is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2021, 12:19 AM   #12
New Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 8
New Mexico
Thank you
cw4bill@msn.com is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2021, 02:03 PM   #13
New Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 8
New Mexico
Quote:
Originally Posted by KECoats View Post
Just replaced the switch for the electric element on my Suburban Water heater. Had power everywhere up to the electric element. The switch on the control panel inside the camper was lit and had power to it.

There is another on/off switch behind the gas port at the lower left of the water heater itself. Mine was black. After turning off the electric, I popped that switch out with a screwdriver and ohmed it. It was bad and would not even move from the on to the off position. Pulled the lugs and took the switch to the local RV store and they sold me one.

If this turns out to be your problem, make sure the replacement switch is for 120v and not 12v.

As if often the case, replacement of the switch itself was easier than the troubleshooting.
I believe that is also the issue here. I checked that switch and it will not move. I'll replace it and report back. Thanks
cw4bill@msn.com is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2022, 04:55 PM   #14
New Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Fall city
Posts: 2
Washington
Question on electric water hesrer

Hello! I’m in a 2014 Dutchman Voltage 3905 and I woke up this morning to no hot water. I have full blast cold water, but when I turn the faucet to hot, it starts to only trickle and it isn’t hot water. Any help is greatly appreciated! The pressure relief valve is hot to the touch.
New.to.RV.living is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2022, 05:31 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
ewarnerusa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Helena, MT
Posts: 606
Montana
Outside shower valves off?
__________________
2012 Aspen Trail 2710BH | 470 watts of solar on the roof | 2x6V GC batteries | 1500 watt PSW inverter | Micro Air on A/C | so far strictly boondocking
ewarnerusa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2022, 05:42 PM   #16
New Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Fall city
Posts: 2
Washington
Yes! I called several rv places and they said it’s possible my hot water line from the heater to the rv froze. I think that’s a bit odd because I don’t believe the line is exterior- but I don’t know for sure. I have it tricking but it hasn’t changed in pressure or temp in 30 minutes.
New.to.RV.living is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2022, 06:09 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Beaver Dam
Posts: 890
Wisconsin
It could be damage from freezing or it could be just a failed check valve. Ice could have damaged a check valve.
__________________
Paul Bristol
Dutchman Kodiak Cub KD176RD 2018
Nissan Pathfinder 2015
persistent is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2022, 07:18 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
ATCguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Cody
Posts: 1,764
Wyoming
Quote:
Originally Posted by New.to.RV.living View Post
Yes! I called several rv places and they said it’s possible my hot water line from the heater to the rv froze. I think that’s a bit odd because I don’t believe the line is exterior- but I don’t know for sure. I have it tricking but it hasn’t changed in pressure or temp in 30 minutes.
If you wanna try tracing it, the hot water line probably runs from the heater... under the floor of the kitchen cabinets, and then behind the wall of your basement where it branches into separate lines to the shower & sinks.
__________________
Tom
2013 VOLTAGE 3200 (EPIC I & II)
2014 Ford F-450 PLATINUM
2018 BMW R1200GS RALLYE
ATCguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2023, 09:23 PM   #19
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Mt Home
Posts: 19
Idaho
A little late now but it could be cold water supply to the heater, my son lost hot water for a couple days. Also check your low point drains, they may very well be exposed and uninsulated.
__________________

Pastot is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Dutchmen RV or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT. The time now is 04:42 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2020 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.
×