Water Heater Not Working on 120AC

mikeandalicescott · 09-08-2015, 08:02 AM

Hi,
I bought a used 2720SL from a friend and love it. Everything worked fine until last trip, when the water heater refused to work on 120AC. I turned on the three switches under the sink at the same time, and then filled the heater by opening the hot tap. Could this have burned out the heater element? Is the element replacable or do I have to replace the entire heater?
Mike S.

09-08-2015, 08:58 AM

There is the possibility that you melted it.

Always fill the water heater before lighting it or turning it on.

Before you replace the element you should unplug the TM and make sure wiring to the element is intact. Vibration and mice can get to it.

If it looks ok watch some youtubes on " how to remove my RV water heater element". I found three with my first search. Use the brand of your water heater in the search. You will probably have to buy a water heater socket. 5 to 10 $. The element is not very expensive. Also, while you are doing this remove and inspect the anode rod.

Lots of posts on both.

Or take it to any RV dealer who will suck your wallet dry.

rvcycleguy · 09-08-2015, 08:59 AM

It could have burned the element. If the switch was in the ON position, and the WH tank was dry, it only takes seconds to burn the element. So, to be clear, the WH does work on propane? The element is a replaceable item and can be found at most RV parts stores. Get the Model, or remove the element.

tentcamper · 09-08-2015, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvcycleguy

it could have burned the element. If the switch was in the on position, and the wh tank was dry, it only takes seconds to burn the element. So, to be clear, the wh does work on propane? The element is a replaceable item and can be found at most rv parts stores. Get the model, or remove the element.

+2

mikeandalicescott · 09-08-2015, 11:48 AM

Thanks for the help. Found a good youtube video for replacing the element, and it looks pretty straight forward. Should be able to fix it up. Thanks again.

Brittany Dogs · 09-12-2015, 10:21 AM

There is an electrical rocker switch on the water heater itself in the general area of the lower left when looking at it from the outside. Good practice is to make sure it is off when you break camp. That way when you go on the next camping trip and plug in, the empty water tank will not fire up the heating element.

So is there is a possibility that this switch was off and you didn't flip it on when the tank was filled up? On my unit, the "three switches" below the sink does not control the 120VAC operation of the hot water tank. One switch only controls the propane operation.

grubbyjeans · 09-13-2015, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeandalicescott

Thanks for the help. Found a good youtube video for replacing the element, and it looks pretty straight forward. Should be able to fix it up. Thanks again.

If you haven't done it yet, I bought my replacement at Home Depot. They have the wrench for about $8. After replacement, they let me return the wrench since it had only been used once and the price label was still intact.

While you are at it, replace the anode and flush sediment out. You'll have to configure a funnel of some sort else the water in the tank will drain back into the cavity.

Didn't hurt anything. Just had to mop up some water!