Do I have hot water?

[mvannote]

I have no way to know what the hot water tank temperature is in my brand new 2016 Winnebago Sunova 36Z.

Is there a digital gauge option for these Atwood water heaters? I cant seem to find anything when searching. Its a little odd that they already don't have this feature built in to the coach already.

Would like to see the temp displayed so after usage (a shower or etc), we would know when its up to temperature again and/or know when there is a problem.

I don't want to change the temperature setting on the operation side, I'm just looking for a way to see the temperature inside.


Any aftermarket item that you know of? Was thinking the drain plug could be used for a gauge if those existed as well but.............

[dennis45]

Have not heard of that option. Perhaps a Prevost or Newell might have that as standard?

[96 Wideglide]

I just stick a finger under the tap, and turn it on !

[nothermark]

FWIW - we usually use the armstrong method- turn on kitchen sink as it is closest the the hw tank. Put hand in stream. ;-)

[cashmore]

That's a great idea. I haven't heard of that but i'd be interested in an aftermarket version as well.

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by cashmore

That's a great idea. I haven't heard of that but i'd be interested in an aftermarket version as well.

Something like this should do the trick.

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-Calibra...h+thermocouple

[mvannote]

I should have known I would get the obvious "turn water on" and "stick finger under water" replies.

BUT, the question was whether or not there are specific gauges made for these Atwood heaters.

Maybe remove the drain plug and install a temp sensor that then goes to a gauge? They have them for automobiles, why not for these high priced MH's?

Anyone done anything like this?

[awol50]

Originally Posted by dennis45

Something like this should do the trick.

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-Calibra...h+thermocouple

I think I would stick with the finger under the kitchen sink faucet method. Far cheaper and always on hand (no pun intended).

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by mvannote

I should have known I would get the obvious "turn water on" and "stick finger under water" replies.

BUT, the question was whether or not there are specific gauges made for these Atwood heaters.

Maybe remove the drain plug and install a temp sensor that then goes to a gauge? They have them for automobiles, why not for these high priced MH's?

Anyone done anything like this?

There are a few of us old guys that get bored and come up with solutions to problems that don't exist.
Perhaps you may have triggered something here.
Personally, My Roundtoit List is pretty much filled.

But good luck anyway. And.

[cashmore]

Originally Posted by dennis45

Something like this should do the trick.

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-Calibra...h+thermocouple

Knowing isn't worth that much and it can't be installed and mounted nicely, i'd just run the water. It would be a good option if there was a gauge that could be mounted nicely though.

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by cashmore

Knowing isn't worth that much and it can't be installed and mounted nicely, i'd just run the water. It would be a good option if there was a gauge that could be mounted nicely though.

But the possibility exists if you want to invest some time and effort. Search for thermocouples and LED readouts. Install the thermocouple into the line coming out of the heater, run a wire up to your monitor panel and Volla, you will have continuos readout for hot water temperature.
I doubt it would cost more than $100 and you would have this useless piece of information at your finger tips 24/7. JMHO.

[mvannote]

I just found this item.

This would work better since the temperature readings would be in direct contact with the water IN the tank.

Would be an easy install and under $80 bucks.

Remove drain plug, install temp sensor, mount display, done!

Beats using the water/finger method.

[cashmore]

Originally Posted by mvannote

I just found this item.

This would work better since the temperature readings would be in direct contact with the water IN the tank.

Would be an easy install and under $80 bucks.

Remove drain plug, install temp sensor, mount display, done!

Beats using the water/finger method.

Care to share where you found that?

[Tha_Rooster]

You could probably use a digital temp gun and shoot the poop off valve.