Water Heater Question

[TheUnitasker]

Several places in the owner's manual for our new Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite 188RB, and in the operation manual for the water heater itself, there are warnings to NOT turn on the water heater until the 6 gallon water heater tank is full of water. Makes sense.

Well, what it doesn't tell you anywhere is how to tell if the water heater tank IS full of water. Our first few camping trips, we have used a full hookup site, so we have access to an outside water source rather than having to fill the on-board 30 gallon fresh water tank. May I safely assume that, when connected to a water source and the source is turned on, the water heater tank automatically fills? And, if we ever use the 30 gallon fresh water tank in lieu of connecting to an outside water supply, do we just run the water pump to fill the water heater 6 gal tank, and how would we know when it's full?

Thanks in advance for your replies and patience with those completely unfamiliar with travel trailers (such as myself).

[jol]

Way I have done it is open pressure relief valve on water heater let water run out, or turn on hot water faucet in unit till it runs out there and the air bubbles stop. Then I usually go open pressure relief valve to make sure it is full. I have been told that if you turn on the electric part of the water heater it will burn out the element in a heartbeat not so sure about the gas. Good luck and enjoy.

[TheUnitasker]

Thank you very much. I'm sure it's the same with a gas water heater or there wouldn't be the warning to make sure the tank is full before turning the heater on.

[jol]

Think gas would be the same issue. I have used both on the Vintage Cruiser and I know the electric element is really specific cannot imagine the gas being any different.