water heater

[grbre46]

04 Brave seems to heat water as I drive, Lp turned off, gen set off. Does the engine heat water in the water heater? If it does, will I damage the water heater if it is empty while I drive? I cannot fill the w/h where I live as it is too cold in winter so I drive South with it empty until I get into warmer weather.

[wildtoad]

Many RV's have water heaters that have what is called motor aide. Essentially engine coolant is circulated around the water heater to heat the water as you drive so that you have hot water when you arrive. It is OK to drive if the wh is empty.

[Clay L]

If you have the MotorAid option Winnebago offers (other manufacturers may also offer it) you should also have a two position switch on the dash labeled "Rear Heater" and "High - Low". The switch will turn on a fan somewhere in the back. Some are under the bed and some in other places. Mine has two round vents and is under the refrigerator.
The engine coolant goes back to a tube welded on the back of the water heater and then on to the rear heater radiator then back to the engine radiator.