Community Forums

NITEHAWK · 07-09-2011, 09:07 AM

We have had popups, truck camper, three travel trailers, two fifth wheelers, one class C, and now a class A. I have yet to see any way to adjust the water temperature. The water comes out so hot I believe younger children could be scalded or traumatized because of the high temp. Do any of the newer RVs have adjustable temps? Wouldn't it save fuel if they were adjustable? Wouldn't we use less water if we didn't have to keep adjusting temps?

Gary RVRoamer · 07-09-2011, 01:07 PM

RV water heaters come with fixed thermostats, typically 140 degrees in recent years but 120 in some older ones. Atwood has an adjustable thermostat that fits several of its models, if you want to change yours out (not difficult). There were also some alternate fixed temps available last I checked.

140 is also the standard and recommended setting for home water heaters, so the RV isn't any different. If you change your faucets to single spout and preferably single handle, you can avoid most scalding water issues.

The primary reason for running the water heater at those temperatures is that hot water capacity is limited, so it makes sense to heat it up and mix cold with it at the tap or shower. If you set the heater to deliver pleasant 95 degree water, you would run out of warm water ina few minutes. Fine for washing your hands, but not so great for the shower or washing machine.

Dave78Chief · 07-09-2011, 05:32 PM

DSI model Water Heaters typically do not have temperature adjustment. Like Gary said you can get kits to make them adjustable.

Pilot model Water Heaters provide temperature adjustment on the gas valve. There is either a knob on front of the gas valve or a lever behind the gas valve. Some of the older combination gas/electric pilot models (like the one I have) also allowed temperature adjustment of electric side.

Dave

CharlieTwo · 07-09-2011, 06:08 PM

If I remove the drawer on my Class A that is in line with the water heater on the outside, I can see the adjustment for the temperature. See if there is a panel or drawer that you can pull out that is in front of the water heater. Just might work.

wa8yxm · 07-09-2011, 07:33 PM

Once there was a company, made RV water heaters with adjustments.. But alas, they are.. No more.

If you want hotter water,, Contact your RV dealer, they can sell you a net thermostat (The replacement is very very simple at least on Attwood heaters) I think they come in either 10 or 20 degree steps (I think 20)