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Old 04-25-2016, 12:27 PM   #1
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Water Heater Problems

I have a 2014 Heartland Bighorn and my water heater when switched on electric mode does not heat the water. It works fine when on gas mode. It is a Suburban Model SW12DE. I am looking for guidance on how to diagnose and fix the problem. Thanks.
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Old 04-25-2016, 01:47 PM   #2
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http://manuals.adventurerv.net/Subur...ice_Manual.pdf

Check on page 9 for trouble shooting.. refering to the reset button
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Old 04-25-2016, 04:51 PM   #3
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Water Heater Problems

My water heater did this as well. Reset buttons did not reset. Bought and installed new thermostat for the electric side and it now works on electricity. Thermostat install took just a few minutes. Replaced gas side as well so that both thermostats were new.
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Old 04-26-2016, 07:17 AM   #4
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I'm sure that you've already checked the small ON/OFF switch located in the outside water heater compartment. They do go bad if they're used occasionally to turn the power on and off. Mine did and I had to replace it. I don't use it anymore; I just leave it in the On position. Just Wondering.....
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Old 04-26-2016, 10:58 AM   #5
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I have a 2012 Montana Mountaineer, Suburban water heater.Does not work on electric. Repaired three times. I just use the propane. Pita.
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Old 04-26-2016, 11:35 AM   #6
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I'm sure you know this, but I'll say it anyway.

When you first hook up to water/power, make sure to run water from the hot water tap to purge any air in the heater. Turning the heater on with air in the tank will burn the element out in a flash. The most common cause of failure.

- Drain the heater if storing for a month or more. Some campground well water with high Sulphur content will react with the Anode Rod resulting in a nasty Rotten Egg smell if the water is left in the heater.

- check and replace the Anode Rod as described in the Surburban manual.

- Spiders like to nest in the gas fire tube. Check and blow out as required to keep the burner operating properly.
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Old 04-26-2016, 11:42 AM   #7
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If the electric element is bad I would suggest you buy a Hot rod replacement like this http://www.amazon.com/Camco-11673-Wa...ageAmazon.com: Diamond Group (HR6) Universal Hott Rod - 6 Gallon Capacity: Automotive[/url] your's is probably a 10 gallon, that is what our bighorn had. The advantage of this is it is adjustable in temperature. Probably lower wattage than a stock but I have the thermostat set to 102* so we don't have to mix the water, just turn on the hot and hop in.
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Old 04-26-2016, 12:38 PM   #8
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Probably the first thing you checked, but just in case - check the circuit breaker.
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Old 04-27-2016, 05:55 AM   #9
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Check your breaker.......it is either the element of maybe the thermostat. Both are easy to change. I do not think the Hotrod will fit the Suburban WH. Should be a simple few things for the electric portion and you would not have to use propane all the time.
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Old 04-28-2016, 11:23 PM   #10
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My bighorn had the exact same problem, although I didn't notice it until more than 6 months after purchase... (mostly dry camp w/propane)... brought it in to dealer and it turned out to be a wiring problem from factory which was quickly resolved.
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