Hot Water Heater Problems

Darrell · 05-11-2014, 04:25 PM

Finally got the trailer out of storage. Going through the usual pre-checks. Lo and behold - water heater problem as follows: When I select Gas - the unit will fire up, I will get about 1/2 quart of hot water, then it will run cold. If I shut the gas switch off, and then try to restart - nothing - not even a click. If I wait a few hours - it will fire once - but will not shut off. I tried electrical, the water gets hot - but again - no great quantity. I have a call in to have it looked at - just no timing yet - our first trip out is this Friday (16 May). I de-winterized - since I get water into the heater - I am pretty certain all the valves are set right. Any tips or quick fixes in case the tech guy does not make it before Friday?

**mark5w** · 05-11-2014, 04:35 PM

Did you burp the heater? Open sink hot side and open relief valve on heater to let the air escape. Here's a link that might help you: http://blog.rvtrax.com/?tag=rv-hot-water-heaters

p4lrjfd · 05-11-2014, 04:37 PM

Sounds like maybe your water heater tank is not properly filled. Are both the valves (intake and output valves) in open position - knobs parallel to pipes? With the pump on, or connected to municipal water, open the pressure relief valve for a second. Water should escape. If not I'd say your tank is not full. Maybe why limited hot water.

Darrell · 05-11-2014, 05:20 PM

I cracked the pressure relief - lots of hot water. When I open the hot water tap inside - I get a good strong flow (with pump) of warm water for about 6 seconds - then it runs cold. I just tried the gas again - it started no problem.....Today I ran it on gas for over 30 mins - it did not cycle off....

**mark5w** · 05-11-2014, 06:12 PM

Are you sure you got the bypass valves in the summer position????

Tim D · 05-11-2014, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark5w

Are you sure you got the bypass valves in the summer position????

This?

Darrell · 05-12-2014, 03:06 PM

Thanks for your responses Mark. I checked the link to Atwood and noted the SECOND valve - which is apparently the bypass valve. I didn't winterize the trailer, so was unaware of the second valve and didn't look for it. I poked my head in the access door - craned my neck a bit and found it, changed it over - we are now back in the hot water business!!!!!
Thanks for the replies........

Now if only the Maxx Fan would work!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark5w

Are you sure you got the bypass valves in the summer position????

**mark5w** · 05-12-2014, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Now if only the Maxx Fan would work!!!!

Explain this problem.

Here's a link to Maxx Fan. It has a product support link if you know the model number.

Darrell · 05-12-2014, 03:46 PM

Mark, there is absolutely no response from the wall switch. Nothing works, the fan won't come on, the lid won't open...Nada...

**mark5w** · 05-12-2014, 03:58 PM

I would go to the website, fill in your info "Request Product Support" and see what they say.

Darrell · 05-12-2014, 04:19 PM

I am impatient - I have an extended warranty. I have a call in for a service visit - but if it was something I could fix - I would do it. The dealer is good - but they sold a hockey-sock full of new trailers this winter and spring - so I think the service guys may be stretched a little thin.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark5w

I would go to the website, fill in your info "Request Product Support" and see what they say.

**DavisK** · 05-12-2014, 04:46 PM

Is there a remote for the Maxx Fan? I have a 4500 that I haven't installed yet, but I installed one in my previous TT. There is an on/off button on the remote.

Darrell · 05-12-2014, 05:23 PM

There is a Lippert Remote - but it does not operate the Maxx Fan.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavisK

Is there a remote for the Maxx Fan? I have a 4500 that I haven't installed yet, but I installed one in my previous TT. There is an on/off button on the remote.

**Lloyd** · 05-12-2014, 06:49 PM

OK, how about the thermostat? Have confirmed that it's set at a temp that will allow the fan to open and operate?

Darrell · 05-13-2014, 03:44 PM

There is no Temp setting on the switch - only an "Auto" for I believe 78 degrees. Without indicator lights - there is no way to tell if it is "on". However, I pushed every button several times, disconnected the plug from the cct board - then reattached. Nothing. Me thinks the motor is shot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloyd

OK, how about the thermostat? Have confirmed that it's set at a temp that will allow the fan to open and operate?

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