Tank Heaters

[ontime]

Our 2004 Independence came with a lighted rocker switch located by the bathroom sink. No documentation as to what it was. I have since been told that it is the tank heater. I'm still unsure as to how it works (12 volt vs 120)? what tanks are heated? Is the heater thermatcally (sp) controlled? I would have to think that you would run your battery down in a hurry if used to often.

I guess I'm wondering if this is a viable option and something that should be used on those border line freezing evenings during the fall and spring outings.

Any feedback is appreciated.

P.S. Does this program have a spell checker?

[GStream40]

P.S. Does this program have a spell checker?

Welcome to the Gulf Stream Owners RV Forum! :)

No, There is no spell checker, but there is one that can be downloaded for free called iespell that will work with this forum or any other. I use it and I am a terrible speller. :lol:

Here is the link to it:


http://www.iespell.com/download.php#install

[ontime]

Thanks GStream40, I just downloaded the software.

[RJ82much]

We've got to make lots of assumptions here.

GS seems to use Suburban Mfg (subsidiary of Airxcel),
http://www.rvcomfort.com/suburban/products/water/specs.php. The model number is not of great importance, other than an "E" designates gas/electric.

All Suburban units use 1440 watt electric elements. The literature speaks of using the electric option when plugged into campsite electric, so the elements are rated for 120 volts ac. (12 volts would be like 160 amps!)

Word is (not from their website though) that the electric must never be turned on with no water in the hot water tank. This condition can occur after winterization, with tank on bypass. Of course, to prevent vaporizing your heater element, there is a Suburban-supplied switch behind the external heater door. The switch has a pin thru the handle to prevent accidently energizing the element. Too bad that apparently our coach manufacturer continues to NOT mark the internal switch as to it's function, and continues to provide the easy circuit that turns on the indicator lamp, regardless of the state of the all important external switch.

Wouldn't it be nice to:
1) have the switch identified?
2) have the switch indicate that electric power really is applied to the heater element?