did run now doesn't

road warriors wrote:
We have yet to be RV's but working towards.

I don't know what that means.

What is your rig that won't start? Maybe another member has one and is familiar with the problem.

You need to rephrase your question so we can understand but I'm gonna take a stab at it. I assume you are referring to the WH not working. Are you trying to use gas or electric?. If it is a Suburban there is an outside switch lower left corner. If you tried to use 120 volts with no water in it you burned out the heating element. If on electric there is a circuit breaker in the power box that may be tripped. Were you using gas and run out? Many reasons and to little info.

try again with year make and model of you RV. Trailer, 5th wheel, Motorhome etc.

When someone says "my rig" in the RV world they are usually talking about their RV. When they say "it won't start" they are talking about the motor in a Motorhome or a generator.

I would add motor home engine
Generator
or you mentioned working on the water heater.

Generally if you start it and run it for just a short time batteries die

Takes a fairly decent amount of time.. For starting batteries and an easy start perhaps 10 miles but for house batteries six hours of run time on the Genny

It is a numbers game. Starting for example draws 100-200 amps for 30 seconds (one hopes) or less that's around 1-2 amp hours and a 100 amp alternator can swiftly replace the charge. but repeated short runs will still deplete the charge.

House batteris often give up 100, 200 300 or more amp hours before they can not start the generator. TRakes 6-8 hours to fill 'em up with the proper size converter.. LONGER if the converter is smaller. .(mine is)

Welcome Kerry,
We can definitely help you figure out whatever is causing the trouble. Suburban and Atwood are two common water heaters (WH) on RV's and it would help us to know which you have in. Otherwise we might be running you in circles troubleshooting a part that doesn't even exist.

Open the outside door to the water heater and see if there is a name and model number. If no name, try looking at the drain plug. If it's plastic (nylon) you have an Atwood, It it's metal you most likely have a Suburban.

If you can give us the year make and model of the RV, we might be able to deduce what WH you have.

As far as the actual problem, many issues are the same across the brands.Can you describe everything that happens and any switches you are flipping? Do you hear any clicking when you turn the WH on? If so how many clicks and if they repeat, how many times do they repeat? Is there a whoosing or popping sound when it tries to light? Is there a trail of black soot up the side of the RV above the WH? If you flip the Temperature Pressure Relief valve does water spray out? Do you have enough propane? Do the burners on the stove top light?