Water Hearter Source For Full-Time

Both if electric is available. The electric stays on 24/7 and flick the switch to add the LPG before getting in the shower.

Electric is cheaper for those that care.
Ele is free in campgrounds if you paid already.

The gas will create more exhaust heat than the electric element. The ele element is in the water so is closer to 100% efficency where the gas loses a lot of heat to exhaust fumes. The heat in the flu or chimney could cause acceleration of rusting or degradation of material. Unlike a refrigerator, the boiler has a very short run to the outside for the gas exhaust.

With gas you are heating the outside of the container (outside of the water) and you hear creaking and cracking. You hear less cracking with the electric. So, less metal expansion is happening, less metal fatigue overall with ele since the element is in the water and nothing gets over 180 degrees in the entire ele process.

Think about this in relative terms, not stringent scientific terms as I know people will want to argue as if this were a scientific journal...

Problematic....
Well, as I stated/implied. are there any potential mechanical issues that may develop as a result of using either/or after a prolonged period of time. This is my 10th RV, so I am familiar with them. I've just never lived in one full time. I have a 250lb propane tank, so that's not the issue. Once again, is either/or going to cause parts failure over the other after pro longed use. I'm now being redundant in an attempt to clarify a fundamental question.
Regards,
David

You shouldn't have problems either way. Things to consider would be running on propane if you're on 30-amp electric that won't handle all the appliances at once or running on electric if you have to go a long way or too often to get propane. We're full-time and run the water heater on electric all the time (unless dry camping, of course). I don't like the haul the propane tanks to get them filled.

Rob

ENG2242 wrote:
I live full-time in my 5th wheel. With that in mind, do you guys use propane or electric to heat your water.
Suggestions and why please.
Thanks guys,
David

we're not fulltime but we run mostly on electric, even when we're on sn electric meter. i prefer to conserve our propane as much as possible.

ENG2242 wrote:
Thanks,
I have plenty of propane available. My concerns are more geared towards what is less problematic in the long run.

problematic in what sense? why would you have problems with either one? Does your rig allow you to pick either one or both at the same time?

Thanks,
I have plenty of propane available. My concerns are more geared towards what is less problematic in the long run.

I use electric when it is included in the price of the campground. I use propane when electric is not included and propane is readily available. I only turn on the water heater about 30 minutes before I plan to shower or wash clothes. Normally stays hot enough the rest of the day.