Forum Discussion

MetalGator's avatar
Jul 17, 2013

Hot water heater popping reset switch

The last two times I have used my TT, I have had issues with my hot water heater. The time before last, the hot water heater would work fine on electric but would stop working after several hours. If I open the outside panel, there is a reset button that I would have to push. It would then work for several hours and then stop. Again, I'd have to go outside and push the reset button.

On the last trip, the water heater worked fine for over 24 hours (turned it on Wednesday afternoon and was still working Thursday evening). I figured that maybe there was something weird with the electric at the previous campground. However, on Friday morning I noticed the water was just "warm" and again the reset switch needed to be reset. Hot water heater works fine on propane. Any ideas what could cause this?

To add, I always use my progressive industries EMS unit when I camp so I know the voltage and amperage were good. Both sites had between 120-117 voltage.

Burch

6 Replies

  • Mine has the same symptoms. Thanks for the help everyone!
  • Yep. I think it is something like $17 for the set and about 15 mins if you work slowly ;)
  • Chris Bryant wrote:
    It sounds like you have a Suburban, which has both built in to a single assembly.


    Yes, it is a suburban.
  • Golden_HVAC wrote:
    How does it work on gas?


    It seems to work fine on gas but I usually only run it on gas for short periods of time (when I need to take a shower). I would usually just leave the electric on while I was camping.
  • If the ECO (limit switch) is tripping, either the ECO itself is bad, or the thermostat is bad. On most models you replace both as a pair. It sounds like you have a Suburban, which has both built in to a single assembly.
  • How does it work on gas?

    My thought is the water heater exceeded the 160F (+/-) temperature that will trip the overheat sensor, and it trips at that temperature.

    If it is getting to hot, then replacing the defective thermostat will fix the problem. You might need a thermocoupler type thermostsat to check the water heater or a non-contact infra red thermometer to test it out.

    Fred.