Hotwater do's and don'ts?

[mwilliamsmd]

So we've established the hot water heater can run on electric or gas or both. Do most of you use gas for faster heat, then rely on electric throughout the day - when hooked to shore power? I hate having the gas constantly cycle and waste propane when I don't need hot water.

[TG Twinkie]

Put it in the electric mode whenever power is available.
That way you are not aware of the energy wasted because you don't hear the burner running.

[HiJoeSilver]

I usually just leave the electric and propane switched on all the time. If I'm not plugged in and boondocking the electric just doesn't run. When I plug in later it will and I don't have to think about it. If I'm plugged in at a campground where electric is included I run electric and save some gas. If I'm paying for electric I'll use both to cut down on the electric bill, although electric is probably more efficient. If I want quicker recovery I run both. Leaving it on electric just to keep the tank warm is a good option. Hooked up on electric with the water heater on gas and electric it has taken me 2 months to burn a 40 lb bottle of propane. 2 a day showers and normal hw use.

[Hans627]

On the "older" units, like ours, we only have one choice for hot water and that is propane, of course.

We usually turn on the water heater after we get up in the morning. Let it cycle once and then turn it off until the next day. Every now and then we will turn it on in the evening but usually just once a day. That's all the hot water we need.

[carl2591]

Most time we turn off the hot water heater during the day and only use when needed. If you can get to the exterior of the heater adding insulation around the tanks can help keep water hot longer

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Hans627

On the "older" units, like ours, we only have one choice for hot water and that is propane, of course.

We usually turn on the water heater after we get up in the morning. Let it cycle once and then turn it off until the next day. Every now and then we will turn it on in the evening but usually just once a day. That's all the hot water we need.

Same here. Most newer AS water heaters are fairly quick recovery, especially if you can use both electric and propane, so in summer it is a waste pretty much to leave the thing on IMO.

[CRH]

Propane only here. I turn mine on as needed. I can turn it on and have water hot enough for a shower in less than 10 minutes. I turned mine off at 10 pm the other night and noticed at 4 pm in the next day it was still warm enough for a shower.

[airdreamers]

www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/hott-rod-water-heater-conversion.../47672

USE THIS LINK

For those of you that have propane only, please be aware of the HOTT-ROD conversion kit available at Camping World and other outlets. I have used this conversion kit for 5 years, its wonderful and saved me a lot of $$$. I have recommended it to many and all are thrilled with its performance.

[Mollysdad]

Mine was never run of propane. I only used it when I needed hot water, so I'd turn it on in the morning (electric) take a shower and clean up the dishes, then turn if off.
Perhaps I was a bit paranoid about a fire also.
I guess I was spoiled with power all the time.

[nwclassic]

Hey airdreamers -- Camping World couldn't display the page you linked. Tell us about the product you like. Thanks.

[OTRA15]

I am guessing it was this or similar IMO:

https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Group.../dp/B002SSKDGS

[uncle_bob]

Hi

When do you need hot water? Ok now go back to the list, do you *really* need it then? For many, the list gets pretty short pretty fast. On the days you don't need hot water, leave it off all day. On the days you do need it, turn it on ahead of time. If you are on "free" shore power, just leave it on.

Bob

[Riverdrifter]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

When do you need hot water? Ok now go back to the list, do you *really* need it then? For many, the list gets pretty short pretty fast. On the days you don't need hot water, leave it off all day. On the days you do need it, turn it on ahead of time. If you are on "free" shore power, just leave it on.

Bob

My shower, my wife's shower every morning plus shaving every morning, then we usually wash dishes after dinner and wife washes her face before bed. For what little it costs to heat water I have it on all the time, either electric if we have it or propane. Not worth the hassle of turning it off and on to save a few cents!

[AWCHIEF]

My hot water heater is gas only. I normal do not turn it on until 30 before shower use and then turn it off when finished. I do not use hot water for dish washing or to wash my face.

[Wazbro]

Factory electric water heater uses 11.6amps and AC uses about 14.6amps. That's 26 out of 30amps, add 3amps for the fridge and converter(if the batteries are fully charged) and you're out of power unless you have 50amp.

That Hotshot electric conversion is only 400watts instead of 1400watts for the factory version. Makes it better for older trailers.

[MelGoddard]

I don't have it on, unless I anticipate using it.
If I get up to use 'the can' an hour or so early, I turn on the electric switch.
If not, when I get up, I turn on both, for showers, dishes etc.
I turn it off in the day when leaving, or not required 'till dinner, usually electric.
Then off for the night, as there is usually enough hot/warm for bedtime cleaning.

[az-streamer]

Part of the decision should also be based on whether leaving the heater on all the time shortens the life of the heater components. I tend to turn it off unless its needed.

[Mike1997]

Mine has a circulation system that continuously makes hot water while driving. Once stopped, for longer than a day, I use propane as needed. It gets hot fast and while full-timing, it can go over 3 months on 1 tank of propane.

Gotta get it filled up soon for the trip to Escanaba for the Rally. My propane generator uses much more than the water heater and I will be boondocking for at least a week.

Mike

[mykabyka]

The posted link goes to a 404 page not found, but if you type hot rod conversion kit into Camping World's search box, the item comes up.

[lsbrodsky]

Keying off an earlier post, I just spent days partially removing my water heater and gaining access to the back to replace the element and relay so that AC would work again. A bad crimp by the factory resulted in a connection that overheated. Over time, it just failed and melted some stuff. Long story to say, I concur with the idea of only leaving it on for a brief period while you need to heat water, then turn it off.

Larry