How to Use Hot Water Heater in Camper?

What did you miss on your last trip? It was hot water for me. Last year, I purchased this new RV with a water heating feature. But I couldn’t figure out how to light it or turn it on, so I kept looking for – how to use a water heater in a camper?

I learned the hard way, and I don’t want you to go through the same. So, in this article, I’ll provide you with all the info regarding the RV water heater and the most basic step-by-step guide.

How Do I know If My RV Water Heater is Gas or Electric?

Camping is a popular pastime for many people. And if you own an RV camper, you may enjoy the comforts of home while basking in the stunning scenery.

The RV water heater that operates on gas has a furnace. You can see the blue flame through the window in front of it. Also, it has the following features:

• Tank size:  6 to 10-gallon tank
• Power Source: Propane & electricity combined (read the manual)
• Method: pilot light (light)/direct spark ignition (switch)
• Safety mechanism: preinstalled to prevent overheating or pressure
• Reduce cost by setting the temperature to a moderate level.

However, the electric heaters don’t have such a flame. So, you will know which type of water heater your van has with the instruction manual or by looking for the furnace.

Know More: How Much Water Do I Need for Camping?

A step-by-step Guide to Heat Water Using Your RV Water Heater:

You might have received an instruction book with the RV with all the instructions for beginners to utilize its features. It is wise to have it with you even when reading this guide to understand better.

Keep scrolling to know how easy it is to have warm water in the wilderness.

Preparing the tank for heating:

Before proceeding with the heating procedure, you must prepare the tank first. Let me tell you how it is done.

Step 01: Locate the intake valve:

Your RV must have an intake valve to hook a hose pipe and fill the tank with water. Find the valve outside of your van. Mostly it comes in blue color.

Step 02: Hook a hose:

The valve to hook a hose into the tank is the spigot type. So, it will feel like opening a screw. After you have opened up the valve, take a clean hose pipe with a spiral head to screw in the valve so that the water doesn’t leak when you turn on the water source in full force.

If your RV’s water heater is tankless, you need to connect the hose pipe with the intake valve and nearest water source. After joining, you can start the heater.

Step 03: Connect the hose to a water source:

Remember that water will fill your tank when it works under pressure since you are not pouring in the water; you are using a hose. You cannot fill in the tank from the nearest stream.

Therefore, after arriving at the camping site, ask for the water source from the staff or fellow campers.

Or you can fill in the tank before leaving your home, but that will not last long, and your vehicle will feel heavier to drive. Connecting the hose to the water source is the same as you did with the RV.

Turn on the water source to fill the tank.

How to make sure your RV hot water tank is full?

The fill meter near the valve is the advanced addition of the RVs. While the water flows into the RV tank, you must pay close attention to the meter. It is wiser to fill it more than halfway but not the whole tank to prevent overflow.

If your RV is old and doesn’t have a meter, what you can do is open a tap in the kitchen or bathroom. You will know the tank is full when the water starts flowing from the tap.

Step 04: Turn off the bypass valve:

Close the bypass valve before turning the heater to prevent water from flowing through the cold tap.

Step 05: Air free the system:

Opening one of the faucets in the sink will help you understand that the hot water is coming through the hot tank and heater. However, it will also help eliminate the trapped air in the pipes inside the car.

Now that the tank is filled with water, it’s time to turn on the heater. You can do that in the following ways.

Method 1: Turning on a propane heater

Follow the steps below for a propane heater:

Step 01:

Open the propane tank knob to let the propane flow

Step 02:

The modern propane water heater in the RVs has a built-in ignition system. In this system, the heater will turn on automatically with the ‘water heater’ switch.

However, for a traditional old RV, you will need to follow the further instructions.

Step 03:

Find the control panel to start the heater and read the instructions.

Step 04:

Your control panel must have a knob for controlling the ignition. Turn the knob to set it to the Pilot stage. Press the knob down to release propane. At the same time, light the gas with a long barbecue torch.

The pilot stage will warm up the system to heat it fully.

Step 05:

After a few seconds, release the knob and turn it to the ON stage.

Step 06:

Turn off the knob when you are not using the heater anymore.

Method 2: Turning on an electric heater

Using an RV’s electric heater is more straightforward than igniting the propane water heater. At the campsites, you will find charging points. You can attach the cable from your RV to that charging point, turn it on and get warm water.

How Long Does It Take for a Camper Water Heater to Warm Up?

The manual ignites, or propane water heater takes 30 minutes to warm up the water in the tank. On the other hand, the electric water heater takes 60 to 90 minutes to heat the water reserved in the tank.

Maintenance tips for the RV:

• It would be best if you cleaned the water heater once a year. But if the manual states to clean it twice, keep that in mind as well.
• Take the RV to the maintenance shop every time you come back from a trip, and make sure that you check the water heater as well.
• When cleaning your RV, clean up the pipes before storing your RV for winter. Otherwise, the lines will be frozen and broken.
• It would be best if you drained the water tank when not in use to prevent it from mold, mildew, or water-borne bacteria.

Conclusion:

Hopefully, with the help of the guide, you can now follow the instructions on using a water heater in a camper. Keep in mind that the entire water system could be damaged if you use the heater incorrectly.

It is also important to remember to turn off the heater and propane tank switch. If it is still on while driving, you’ll be in a dangerous scenario with the van catching fire. To have a safe trip, remain cautious.