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davehultin's avatar
davehultin
Explorer III
Jun 26, 2013

New Camper Question #1: Water Heater

We had a (mostly) successful first trip with our new Rockwood Roo 23SS. I didn't think I'd be able to get over missing our 21SS so quickly, but I'm very pleased with the upgrade!

Here's the first of two questions. The water heater doesn't seem like it's up to the job. We had it turned on (in electric mode, not gas) for four days straight at our campground and it seemed like we'd get a quick squirt of hot water (2 seconds max) and then we'd get water that was just barely above the ambient temperature.

I did make sure the heater was filled before I turned on the electric heater. (In fact, I turned on the gas heater first before even flipping the switch on the electric side, just to make sure I would get a flow of hot water, thereby ensuring there was water in the tank so I wouldn't turn on the electric side with the tank dry).

Is there any way to adjust the temperature on the water heater? I haven't found anything yet...

4 Replies

  • davehultin's avatar
    davehultin
    Explorer III
    Jun 27, 2013
    Oh sure, everyone goes for the EASY answer...

    And in this case it's almost certainly the RIGHT answer! :S

    I hadn't used valves in this configuration before, and I just didn't think it through correctly. I flipped the one valve in the middle to the closed position, I'm sure everything will be just fine now.

    Thanks!!!
  • skipnchar's avatar
    skipnchar
    Explorer
    Jun 27, 2013
    Yep, bypass valve is the most likely cause. The one that goes AROUND (not through) the water heater has been left open and MOST of the water takes the easy route instead of feeding from the heater tank.
    Your Roo most likely has a 2 valve bypass system and ONE of the valves is in the wrong position.
  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2013
    robsouth wrote:
    Check your water heater winterizing by pass valve to be sure it is in the correct position. Check the outside shower (if you have one) to be sure the water is turned off at the knobs and not just at the shower head. Both of these will cause water blending (cold and hot) and you will not get hot water like you should. Just a starting point.


    x2! these are by far the most common causes for your problem.
    there is no adjustable temp, just like your 21SS.
    seeing that you're from Fargo, i'm betting on the WH bypass valve, since it definitely was winterized.
  • robsouth's avatar
    robsouth
    Explorer II
    Jun 26, 2013
    Check your water heater winterizing by pass valve to be sure it is in the correct position. Check the outside shower (if you have one) to be sure the water is turned off at the knobs and not just at the shower head. Both of these will cause water blending (cold and hot) and you will not get hot water like you should. Just a starting point.

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