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ArticFox_676's avatar
ArticFox_676
Explorer
Feb 10, 2018

Hot water-hot rod issue.

heater,elec. fire
We ran into a “fluke” with our new, 2017 Coleman lite after three use’s . The 110v wires to the Hotwater heater hot rod shorted out against it self and burned a hole in the cover. Luckily we were in the unit, turned on the hot rod, and 20 minutes later smoke and fire. We extinguished out the obvious after Turing off the thumb switch. The repairs were over $200.00 our cost because our insurance is $500. Deduction. No offer from Dutchman after reporting it to them. They really did not seam to be overly alarmed which bothered us because we know people who turn there hot rod on and leave the unit.
We still like the unit otherwise.
  • A 2017 Coleman really comes with a propane only water heater?
  • After many more years than yours our Water Heater stopped working on electric. I found burned wires and a melted switch at the Heater. Replaced all and now heat water almost exclusively on propane and reserve the electric for emergencies like running out of propane.
  • Aftermarket? No wonder Dutchman was unconcerned. Leave the unit with hot water heater on? Oh boy.
  • ArticFox 676 wrote:
    No offer from Dutchman after reporting it to them. They really did not seam to be overly alarmed which bothered us because we know people who turn there hot rod on and leave the unit.


    The Hott Rod water heater conversion kit is an aftermarket product so what would this have to do with Dutchmen? :h It's also not recommended for use by water heater manufacturers for the exact reasons you've reported in your post.
  • I installed an aftermarket 400 watt Hot Rod kit in my gas only water heater 4 years ago. I was a little concerned where the two 120 volt wires passed thru a hole in the metal, so in addition to the supplied gromit, I slit a length of quarter inch rubber hose to enclose the pair of wires back to the thermostat and switch. Something to consider.
  • You are over a year on the warranty? Dutchman didn’t want to see pictures? Robots.