2018 25FB Twin Water Heater

[mattRox]

I'm a noob. It's a 25FB Twin International Serenity

The water heater model is a Dometic 95860794 six gallon.

We have spent 5 nights in the trailer so far. I have some questions about the water heater.

1. When it's time to winterize I know that I have to bypass the water heater. Do I have to unscrew the plywood bed base to access the back of the water heater where I assume the bypass is?


2. The unit heats fine on propane but doesn't heat on electric. Is the element also accessible from the back side (under the port side twin bed)?

3. My paper manual says Atwood but the stickers on the heater all say Dometic, I assume they are one in the same, correct?

4. Last question, the paper manual shows the thermal cut off (15) connected to the second spade clip from the right. On my unit it is connected to the first spade clip from the right. Any ideas?

Thanks all,

[mattRox]

some pics of the items listed above:

[Bob662]

I'll answer your #1. -- Yes, I had to remove the plywood base on the curb side to access the by-pass valve. I could see it, but couldn't reach that far down and still be able to turn it. Subsequently I cut a bigger hole so I wouldn't have to always remove the bed base.

[mattRox]

Thanks Bob!

[A W Warn]

my comments are the red text

Originally Posted by mattRox

I'm a noob. It's a 25FB Twin International Serenity

The water heater model is a Dometic 95860794 six gallon.

We have spent 5 nights in the trailer so far. I have some questions about the water heater.

1. When it's time to winterize I know that I have to bypass the water heater. Do I have to unscrew the plywood bed base to access the back of the water heater where I assume the bypass is?


2. The unit heats fine on propane but doesn't heat on electric. Is the element also accessible from the back side (under the port side twin bed)?
Check this website . https://www.etrailer.com/question-180197.html
There is an on/off switch on the back, make sure it is in the on position. Remember to turn off the power before working on it. Make sure to fill the tank before turning it on.
3. My paper manual says Atwood but the stickers on the heater all say Dometic, I assume they are one in the same, correct?
yes, Dometic owns Atwood
4. Last question, the paper manual shows the thermal cut off (15) connected to the second spade clip from the right. On my unit it is connected to the first spade clip from the right. Any ideas?
Looking at your photo, the BRN beneath the spade means brown. It is different from my older WH. There should be a water heater pamphlet in you owners package. There should be a wiring diagram in the pamphlet.
Those wires are the 12 volt that controls the propane portion of the water heater. If the propane part is working, it is wired correctly.

Thanks all,

[mattRox]

Thanks Alan,

I’ll get jumping on this!

[kpm]

Originally Posted by mattRox

[...]
1. When it's time to winterize I know that I have to bypass the water heater. Do I have to unscrew the plywood bed base to access the back of the water heater where I assume the bypass is?
[...]

On ours the bypass valve was visible through the hole but the tangle of power wires made access difficult. I removed the bed base, carefully rearranged the wires, and reattached the base. Now I can access the valve without difficulty. In my case, I didn't need to enlarge the hole.

[BillfromWI]

The reason for the water heater bypass is to avoid filling the water heater with antifreeze. If you use the air compressor blowout method you can ignore the bypass valve. My apologies if you were aware of this.

[mattRox]

"2. The unit heats fine on propane but doesn't heat on electric. Is the element also accessible from the back side (under the port side twin bed)?
Check this website . https://www.etrailer.com/question-180197.html
There is an on/off switch on the back, make sure it is in the on position. Remember to turn off the power before working on it. Make sure to fill the tank before turning it on."

Mine does not have the on/off switch. I have contacted service and asked them if they can recommend troubleshooting options. The documentation is woefully inadequate.

[SSquared]

On my 2013 25FBT, there is a round hole under the mattress that lets you reach the valve. It is hard to turn so I use a tool such as a pliers. My valve is metal, painted yellow.

Dometic bought Atwood a while back.

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by mattRox

Mine does not have the on/off switch. I have contacted service and asked them if they can recommend troubleshooting options. The documentation is woefully inadequate.

"Could be" (I don't know) when Airstream added the wall switch the switch on back of the WH is no longer necessary.