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Operation of the Water Heater on Electric Power


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This topic has discussed a bit on the "First Impressions" thread in this forum. It seems that it would be helpful to many if we shared information in a thread focused on the water heater.

 

We have used our water heater several times on propane, but we have not yet used it on shore power. We understand from the instruction booklet and from the discussion referred to above that the switch is actually on the outside of the water heater, which is under the panel on the outside of the Oliver. We also understand that the water heater must be filled with water prior to turning the electric heating switch on, and that there is no fail-safe to this. Therefore, if one has shore power supplied and turns the switch on, the heating element will heat, whether or not there is water in the tank. If there is insufficient water in the tank, then the unit will be ruined, and, perhaps, there may be danger of a fire.

 

I would appreciate it if those who have used the water heater on shore power will share that information. Particularly, I would be interested in knowing how you insured that the water heater had water in the tank (does it automatically fill the tank when you hook up and turn on city water?), how long have you found that it takes to get the water hot enough to take a shower or wash dishes, and whether you make it a practice to leave the switch turned on for long period of time (e.g. several hours) while you are using shore power.

 

In addition, I believe that you can activate the propane burner to heat the water faster when the electric heating element is turned on. Is that true, and have you found that this works well? Anything that you can share will be helpful.

 

Thank you,

Steve

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The hot water heater fills us automatically any time it is empty and you use your water pump or hook up to city water connections. It may be a good idea to confirm this by turning on a hot water faucet and getting all the air out of the lines prior to turning on the electrical switch outside the trailer, behind the hot water heater door.

 

The electrical switch should be left on constantly while you are camped with shore power, if you want to heat with electricity rather than propane. It should be turned off (1) when you are charging your batteries with a generator so as not to use generator power to heat your water, and (2) any time you drain your hot water tank.

 

Propane and electricity can be used simultaneously, if you wish, and will heat up the water as fast as possible. What I have not confirmed yet is whether or not you can use electricity to heat your water while the interior hot water heater switch is off, but my expectation is that you could. If you are hooked up to shore power and both the exterior 110 AC switch and the interior propane switch is on, I think you will be using both sources of power to heat your water, unless the electrical power is adequate to serve your hot water needs without the propane coming on.

 

Perhaps some more long-term Oliver users can confirm or correct any of my above assumptions.

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  • 6 years later...

I feel kinda dumb having to write this. We have been using the water heater on 120vac for the summer and we were going to leave the trailer sit for 2 weeks while still plugged into shore power. As we left the propane was valved out, the inside water heater switch was turned off, the outside water heater switch (located down low on the left side of the water heater compartment) was still on, city water was disconnected and as stated the trailer was plugged into shore power. Returning two weeks later, I connected the city water to the trailer and was running bathroom and kitchen faucets on full hot to make sure the water heater tank was filled before turning on the water heater at the inside switch.

 

The surprise was that after sitting for 2 weeks I had immediate full hot water even with the inside switch in the off position for 2 weeks. After that I looked at the wiring diagrams in the instruction manual and the inside switch is only for the 12v/propane operation. The outside switch is only for 120v operation and will enable the heater whenever plugged into shore power. The two wiring systems and not linked, one does not shut off the other, they each have to be switched off individually.

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One more safety spot you can also turn off the Hot Water heater electric braker switch this I always do when I'm done camping.I only use the gas option on the hot water tank when I need hot water boon docking or non electric sites. Just a little add on. Thanks Gary

Gary & Jona

2016 Silverado 2500 Diesel

Legacy Elite II Hull 81 

 

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A visual reminder of your electric switch being turned "ON" is easy to make. Take some red fingernail polish and paint one side of the small latch that closes the door to the water heater. Whenever your switch is turned "ON" have the bright red side of the latch facing out. I've used this method for years and it cues my mind to be aware of the switch's position.

Pete & "Bosker".    TV -  '18 F150 Super-cab Fx4; RV  - "The Wonder Egg";   '08 Elite, Hull Number 014.

 

Travel blog of 1st 10 years' wanderings - http://www.peteandthewonderegg.blogspot.com

 

visited-united-states-map (2).pngvisited-canadian-provinces-map.png

ABBCMBNBNLNSONPEQCSKYTALAKAZARCACOCTFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMIMNMSMOMTNENVNHNJNMNYNCNDOHOKORPAPRSCSDTNTXUTVTVAWAWVWIWYsm.jpg

 

 

 

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What color red do you suggest? That shade you wear on your toenails is NOT very fetching....

Steve, Tali and our dog Rocky plus our beloved Storm, Maggie, Lucy and Reacher (all waiting at the Rainbow Bridge)

2008 Legacy Elite I - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #026 | 2014 Legacy Elite II - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #050 | 2022 Silverado High Country 3500HD SRW Diesel 4x4 

 

             801469912_StatesVisitedTaliandSteve08-23-2021-I.jpg.26814499292ab76ee55b889b69ad3ef0.jpg1226003278_StatesVisitedTaliandSteve08-23-2021-H.jpg.dc46129cb4967a7fd2531b16699e9e45.jpg

 

 

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OK Steve & Larry, I figured I handed you an easy target with this one.. Shame on me. I actually borrowed the red nail polish from one of my neighbors, and she wears it very nicely, thank you very much.

 

Now Larry, about your camo fingernail polish . . . .

Pete & "Bosker".    TV -  '18 F150 Super-cab Fx4; RV  - "The Wonder Egg";   '08 Elite, Hull Number 014.

 

Travel blog of 1st 10 years' wanderings - http://www.peteandthewonderegg.blogspot.com

 

visited-united-states-map (2).pngvisited-canadian-provinces-map.png

ABBCMBNBNLNSONPEQCSKYTALAKAZARCACOCTFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMIMNMSMOMTNENVNHNJNMNYNCNDOHOKORPAPRSCSDTNTXUTVTVAWAWVWIWYsm.jpg

 

 

 

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