Forum Discussion

Mi2bugz's avatar
Mi2bugz
Explorer
Jul 29, 2018

Water heater

Complete newbie with no previous experience other than 2 prior trips.Atwood water heater - avenger ati 27 dbs TT. Last night we had hot water today nothing. This is only our 3rd trip with it..just bought it last month. We have propane, all connections clean, all wires secured, no fuses tripped and haven't changed anything from yesterday. We flip the hot water heater switch and it lights up and clicks but doesn't ignite. We have watched videos and someone mentioned removing water by the t&p valve to make sure it isn't overly full because without the air bubble it wont light. Did we make a compounding problem now?
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2018
    Our camper can heat water via propane or electric. The electric is actuated by a `switch on the wall'. Is there a possibility that yours works the same.
    I would use my saved up maintenance money and call a tech to solve the problem unless you feel confident in the ways of water heaters.
  • jplante4's avatar
    jplante4
    Explorer II
    Jul 29, 2018
    Yes, we are selling a lot of Atwood circuit boards at the store this summer, Get the WH model number and call an RV parts store. If it sparks but doesn't light, it's not the ignitor/thermocouple.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jul 29, 2018
    What is the Model number or at least year/type(gas only...gas/electric)

    Atwood HAS had a lot of circuit board failures. (Actually Dometic cause they acquired Atwood last year :S )


    Could be as simple as spark electrode or could e the circuit board
  • Mi2bugz's avatar
    Mi2bugz
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2018
    We have narrowed down the first problem...not sure if there is more but we can't get it to light. We have smelled propane so we know it's at least getting to the vicinity of the water heater. Any suggestions?
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2018
    And everybody wonders why we buy stuff made in wherever and import it. Because it works! Even if we do have to pay a tariff on it, it still works better! Tell that to the politicians.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2018
    It seems Atwood has built a bunch of trash recently. Our Atwood also has experienced problems several times. The board is going bad after one shower. It is a fifteen minute repair by the owner (two screws) of the camper but to get it covered under warranty a 6 week ordeal getting your rig in and having the dealer replace. AVOID Atwood water heaters.

About RV Newbies

4,026 PostsLatest Activity: Jun 15, 2017