Forum Discussion

Camper_Ken's avatar
Camper_Ken
Explorer
Apr 15, 2014

Water heater run time (on propane)

This is my 3rd RV, and all three have had an Atwood 6 gallon water heater. When running on propane the water heater seems to run for much longer before it shuts off than on my previous two RVs.

I know the temperature of the water and outside temperature have an effect. Under the same general conditions the water heater in my other RVs would shut off in about 20 minutes to heat cold water to "hot". The water heater in the current rig usually runs at least 45 minutes.

Sure wish these water heaters had a user-adjustable thermostat.

Any ideas?

Thanks, Ken
Class A
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2014
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Yes there is the adjustable t-stat......110*F to 150*F

    Long recovery time....check that t-stats are tight against tank
    20 minutes is about average on propane IF t-stats are making good/clean contact with tank wall AND a good strong steady flame


    x2
  • OhhWell's avatar
    OhhWell
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2014
    Check your flame. Also, some water heater models heated to a higher temperature then mixed cold water in as it left the tank to simulate a larger capacity. It's probably a bad burn though or some obstructions in the flue.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Apr 16, 2014
    Yes there is the adjustable t-stat......110*F to 150*F

    Long recovery time....check that t-stats are tight against tank
    20 minutes is about average on propane IF t-stats are making good/clean contact with tank wall AND a good strong steady flame
  • dbbls's avatar
    dbbls
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2014
    Mine runs about 20 minutes. Forty five minutes does seem excessive.

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