Hot Water Heater

[Tommy222222]

I have a gas and electric heater do I need to turn on propane after filling tank or just elect switch? I have a 267rls coachmen chaparral. The panel for water supply is confusing also please help.

[BFlinn181]

The water heater should work on gas or electric, or both. It works much faster on gas, the electric is much weaker. Make sure the tank is full of water, (open pressure relief valve with pump turned on) water should come out the relief valve. Also look for a switch in the outside heater compartment to turn on the electric element. Once it's on there, you can control it from inside the RV. The outside switch is to turn off accidental turning on element when the tank has been drained.

I would need more information about your water panel questions. Typically there is a valve to set water intake to 'City' and 'Tank fill.' City allows pressure from hydrant and connected hose, meaning you don't need to turn on the water pump. The other setting is to allow hose to fill water tank. Don't leave it on that setting, overfilling the water tank could cause damage. You might also have a control valve for winterizing or water heater bypass.

One further question: Why does your hot water need heating? It's a water heater, not a hot water heater.

[RVGuy1966]

I use the electric when at full hookup sites and if there are more than two people in line for the shower I put the gas on too which makes the electric and the gas run at the same time and reduces the recovery time quite a bit. I also keep the shower tank valve open so it just drains out and put a p shape in the flexi pipe to keep the gases from coming back up.

[BFlinn181]

When hooked up to a sewer, you can leave the grey tank valve opened, but it's best to close it a day or two before leaving to use the grey water to flush the stinky slinky after dumping the black tank. I was a bit confused to the term 'shower tank valve.' Your grey tank usually is fed by the kitchen sink, shower, washing machine, and often the vanity sink. Some RVs drain the vanity sink into the black tank to add liquid to that tank.

[09 harley]

Originally Posted by RVGuy1966

I use the electric when at full hookup sites and if there are more than two people in line for the shower I put the gas on too which makes the electric and the gas run at the same time and reduces the recovery time quite a bit. I also keep the shower tank valve open so it just drains out and put a p shape in the flexi pipe to keep the gases from coming back up.

Not necessary to put a P shape in the drain hose. There is a P trap in the shower just like any drain line.
I use a Sewer Solution so I leave my gray tank valve open all the time. This system may take slightly longer than the 3" drain but it is much cleaner and neater and you can rinse out the 1" hose with "clean" water.
I also run electric when available but for showers turn on propane for 50% faster recovery. You can take back to back showers this way.