Maximizing Your RV Water Heater Performance: Quick Tips and Hacks

The water heater is a vital appliance in any RV, providing the comfort of hot water for various purposes. To ensure its optimal performance and troubleshoot any issues, we’ve compiled a list of quick tips and hacks specifically tailored for tank-style RV water heaters. From power sources to recovery time hacks, let’s dive into the details.

Power Sources:

The first step is to identify the power sources for your tank-style water heater. Some RVs use propane, while others may have both propane and electric options. To answer a common question: which one heats water the quickest? Propane takes the lead, delivering hot water in just 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the tank size. However, if you’re at a campground and have already paid for electric hookups, consider using electric to save propane for later.

Recovery Time Hack:

When you’ve depleted the hot water supply during a shower or while doing dishes, here’s a recovery time hack: turn on both propane and electric simultaneously. This speeds up the recovery process, ensuring you have hot water when you need it.

Lukewarm Water Issues:

If you encounter lukewarm water problems, it might be a bypass issue. Locate the water heater bypass handles and confirm they are in the normal used position. Ensure they are not set to winterization or sanitization modes, as this could affect water temperature.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

For those using the water heater on electric mode, check if the 120-volt breaker is on at the pedestal and in the RV’s electrical panel. Avoid overloading the system, especially if your RV is a 30-amp rig, as too many 120-volt items simultaneously demanding power can cause issues.

Propane Mode Troubleshooting:

If the water heater refuses to work in propane mode, ensure the entire ignition process receives 12 volts DC from the coach battery. Check the fuse panel to ensure the water heater fuse is intact. Additionally, confirm there is enough propane in the tanks, and the service valve is open.

Should You Leave the Water Heater On All the Time?

The thermostat on your tank-style water heater works continuously to maintain a specific temperature. If conserving propane is a concern, it’s advisable not to keep the water heater on all the time, especially if you’re not using hot water regularly. In the case of 120-volt electric mode, leaving the system on may be less of an issue unless you risk exceeding your RV’s power capabilities when using other appliances.

In conclusion, we hope these tips and hacks prove helpful in maximizing your RV water heater’s performance. Whether you’re troubleshooting lukewarm water or ensuring the right power source, these insights can enhance your overall RV experience. Happy RVing!