Hot water heater

[Barry Smith]

I have been tenting for many years.  Very recently we purchased our first pop up and have just returned from our first outing.  I was able to figure out how everything works except the water heater.   The camper is a 2000 Coleman Fleetwood.  Can anyone give me user friendly instructions for the water heater fitted to this model?  

[AustinBoston]

I have been tenting for many years.  Very recently we purchased our first pop up and have just returned from our first outing.  I was able to figure out how everything works except the water heater.   The camper is a 2000 Coleman Fleetwood.  Can anyone give me user friendly instructions for the water heater fitted to this model?  

I have owned a 2000 Coleman/Fleetwood Bayside for over 7 years.  Here is how I deal with the hot water heater.

1) Make sure the propane is on at the tank.
1b) IMPORTANT: Make sure heater is full of water.  The easiest way is to turn on the hot water at the sink until water comes out steady.
2) Light the stove inside.  Once the stove stays lit, you can turn it off.  This helps purge air that may be in the propane lines.
3) Open the water heater access cover.  
4) Find the pilot burner (it will not be lit).  It is near the bottom left of the large round opening, and has two pieces of thin (smaller than a pencil but larger than spagetti) tubing leading to it.
5) Turn the red knob to "Pilot" and hold it down.
6) Light your lighter (I use one with a long stem like an aim-n-flame because it is much easier) and hold the flame under the pilot.  It can take a minute for it to light, especially if it has not been used in some time.
7) Continue to hold down the red knob for about 30 seconds after pilot lights.  If you let go and the pilot goes out, just re-light it (it will light instantly the second time) and wait another 30 seconds.
Back away from the heater.  On two occasions, I've been surprised when the heater first turned on.  Never been a problem with the cover in place, but you can't turn it on with the cover in place. :confused:
9) Turn the red knob to "On".  If the heater does not light, you may need to turn it past "on" then release it.
10) Close the access cover.

Your water heater probably has what is known as a sacrificial anode.  It is a metal rod 6-8" long that slowly disolves in the water heater, depositing a very thin coat of metal on the inside of the heater as it does.  This is to prevent the inside of the heater itself from being eroded away.  This rod needs to be replaced from time to time, usually every 1-2 years, depending on use and the condition of the water.  Look for what looks like a large cap or plug about 1-1/8" in diameter.  It will unscrew with a wrench (it may need something like WD-40 or PB Blaster to release the threads).  New ones cost $10-15 at an RV center.

Austin

[Russinator]

Theres one thing I might add to Austin's steps.

I got tired of holding the button down for all that time [2 to 3 minutes].

I found something that was the perfect size and I insert it in there holding the button down for me.

After enough time has passed [2 to 3 minutes] I remove the button hold down item.

Russ

[AustinBoston]

Theres one thing I might add to Austin's steps.

I got tired of holding the button down for all that time [2 to 3 minutes].

I found something that was the perfect size and I insert it in there holding the button down for me.

After enough time has passed [2 to 3 minutes] I remove the button hold down item.

Russ

Just don't forget to remove the holder!  If the pilot blows out (something these water heaters are notorious for), you may find more propane accumulating than is safe, or you care for...

Austin

[AustinBoston]

So you see, it's as easy as 1, 2, 3,...uh, 4, 5, 6, 7, uh...8, 9, 10...

Austin

[Barry Smith]

Thanks Austin, this is just what I have been looking for. I have one further question; you refer to a " red knob " that has to be turned to Pilot then On etc.,
well the color of the knob in my camper is black !!!  It must be the same thing as it has the markings OFF, ON and  PILOT?

Barry

I have owned a 2000 Coleman/Fleetwood Bayside for over 7 years.  Here is how I deal with the hot water heater.

1) Make sure the propane is on at the tank.
1b) IMPORTANT: Make sure heater is full of water.  The easiest way is to turn on the hot water at the sink until water comes out steady.
2) Light the stove inside.  Once the stove stays lit, you can turn it off.  This helps purge air that may be in the propane lines.
3) Open the water heater access cover.  
4) Find the pilot burner (it will not be lit).  It is near the bottom left of the large round opening, and has two pieces of thin (smaller than a pencil but larger than spagetti) tubing leading to it.
5) Turn the red knob to "Pilot" and hold it down.
6) Light your lighter (I use one with a long stem like an aim-n-flame because it is much easier) and hold the flame under the pilot.  It can take a minute for it to light, especially if it has not been used in some time.
7) Continue to hold down the red knob for about 30 seconds after pilot lights.  If you let go and the pilot goes out, just re-light it (it will light instantly the second time) and wait another 30 seconds.
Back away from the heater.  On two occasions, I've been surprised when the heater first turned on.  Never been a problem with the cover in place, but you can't turn it on with the cover in place. :confused:
9) Turn the red knob to "On".  If the heater does not light, you may need to turn it past "on" then release it.
10) Close the access cover.

Your water heater probably has what is known as a sacrificial anode.  It is a metal rod 6-8" long that slowly disolves in the water heater, depositing a very thin coat of metal on the inside of the heater as it does.  This is to prevent the inside of the heater itself from being eroded away.  This rod needs to be replaced from time to time, usually every 1-2 years, depending on use and the condition of the water.  Look for what looks like a large cap or plug about 1-1/8" in diameter.  It will unscrew with a wrench (it may need something like WD-40 or PB Blaster to release the threads).  New ones cost $10-15 at an RV center.

Austin

[tlhdoc]

Barry welcome to PUT and the world of PU camping.  Yes the black button is the one you want to hold down.