Water Heater Question!

[VSPA]

Went brain dead and forgot to check system on my return trip to see if it occurred again, but we took a short trip from just north of Houston to Dallas a couple of weeks ago in the 2013 35F Itasca. I turned the gas valve on when we loaded up so I could turn on the fridge, but I did not light up the water heater, never do as I think it's a waste of fuel and not the safest idea while on the road. Generally use the 110 side once set up on an as needed basis. Got nearly set up when the wife made note that the water was hot, and I mean hot enough I could not hold my hand under it. I checked the switches for both the gas and 110 side of the heater and both appeared to be in the off position. Is anybody able to shed any light on what's going on with the water heater.

[waroland]

Just a thought, but maybe it is heated by the engine when running. I have heard of this on other coaches.

[CJ7365]

I will agree with waroland, even my 20 yr old Winnebago heats the water with the engine, I like it, I always have hot water when rollin in to camp


There is an actual name for it, but can not think of it off hand


Ha, I found it, its called motoraide


Here is another thread about it with some pics


http://www.irv2.com/forums/f101/moto...er-225518.html

[soneil422]

My 2004 Damon UltraSport uses engine coolant to circulate around the tank to heat the water. Great idea! My old 02 Intruder did not have it.

[HerbZilla]

Heated by engine coolant. My 2013 35B has the same feature.

[Hikerdogs]

Your motorhome is equipped with a "Motoraid auxiliary water heater". Essentially it's a heating coil surrounding the tank that has engine coolant running through it to heat the water. If you look at the "Plumbing System" section of the 2014 Suncruiser brochure you'll see it as part of the specifications.

http://winnebagoind.com/resources/br...ital-bro.X.pdf

As part of the package there is also an auxiliary coach (auto) heater under the floor that uses engine coolant to provide heat throughout the coach. The coolant flowing through the coils is part of the engine cooling system. The coolant flow through these systems can't be shut off, but there is a switch on the dash to control a fan for the auxiliary auto heater.

"10-gallon water heater, 110 V/LP gas

w/motoraid and auxiliary auto heater"

[VSPA]

My thanks to all. This gives credence to the old saying, "when all else fails, read the instruction".