Forum Discussion

Undercover_Poe's avatar
Apr 10, 2016

LP problems, no furnace no water heater

I picked up on 05 forest river last year, we have never RV'ed in it yet. I'm trying to get the heat to kick on and trying to get the water heater to fire but no luck. I have all the paper work, the heater is a SUBURBAN SW6D, SW6DE, SW6DM or a SW6DEM according to my owners manual. It's says this appliance does NOT have a pilot. It's equipped with an ignition device which automatically lights the burner. Same for my heater, it's a suburban NT125s, NT16s or NT20s according to my manual. I have filled both propane tanks, replaced the regulator with a new one and got two new whips from the tanks to the new reg. I can light the stove with a match but I can get no reaction from the water or the heat. I can't even get the fridge to come on. I'm charged with my battery and plugged into the house using only 20 amps. Any help with any of these would be appreciated. I'm trying to figure out where to start. Below is my water heater for reference taken last year when I drained it.

36 Replies

  • Yes, you'll have to make sure you have 12V in the 12V system. This is best done with a hand held meter. If your interior lights are bright, there is a good chance that you have a working 12V system.
    The water heater will be the least problematic to start. There may be a switch inside to turn the water heater circuit board on. There may be a light with that switch to indicate that power is present at the switch. Make sure there is water inside the heater before trying to light.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    A quick check to see if batteries are connected properly is to disconnect from shore power and turn on your trailer ceiling lights. They are 12VDC and should come ON telling you the battery circuit is connected...

    Perhaps you have a blown fuse in the battery cable side or maybe even a battery disconnect switch somewhere...

    Roy Ken
  • Your batteries may be charged, but did you check to see if you have 12 volts at the water heater and frig. Mice love to chew on those wires.
  • what is your house battery voltage?

    Fridge, WH & furnace require 12v power. Stove does not.
  • I'm not sure about my theory if you can light the stove with a match - which means there is gas in the supply lines.
    However, there is usually an 'interlock' that will not let gas flow unless the gas sensor is on and functioning.

    Often, I turn mine off when unused for awhile - and if I forget to turn it on, NO GAS!! So, while I understand you have replaced some components, perhaps this check could be the problem.

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