I now have an '02 American Eagle Pusher. My water heater is leaking and I'm planning to replace it. The Atwood model #GC10A-3E on the front of the heater says its a DSI gas only heater. There's a 15 amp water heater breaker in the breaker box. I have 2 switches in the coach. 1 turns on the gas heater and it lights. The other switch looks aftermarket (not like the others) and doesn't light the burner but I get hot water. There's a 110v wire going into the back of the heater. Also There's 2 fittings w/spade plugs in the back of the upper tank (thermostats?) and 1 large round fitting near the middle of tank with heavier wires on it (electric element?).I don't think I'm "real dumb" but this heater has to be gas/electric, right?

Yes, it is gas/electric. Does the sticker say "Propane only"? That is probably to differentiate it from running on Natural gas.

Took me at least 10 seconds to Google that:http://www.americanrvcompany.com/Atwood-GC10A-4E-GC10A4E-DSI-Gas-Propane-Electric-110V-Combo-10-Gallon-RV-Trailer-Water-Heater-94022-94018-Camper-Trailer-RV

BFL13 wrote:Took me at least 10 seconds to Google that:http://www.americanrvcompany.com/Atwood-GC10A-4E-GC10A4E-DSI-Gas-Propane-Electric-110V-Combo-10-Gallon-RV-Trailer-Water-Heater-94022-94018-Camper-Trailer-RVI realize you may be fast with Google but if you read my question, I stated I had a GC10A-3E. You linked me to the GC10A-4E which I've already found in 10 seconds.

Since you say "looks aftermarket", perhaps someone has added a "hot rod" element to your water heater, thus making a "gas only" both gas and electric.

Be aware that the -3E is no longer available and the -4E is the newest model. They are both Gas and 120VAC electric. You will need to fully understand the different wiring requirements to install the -4E. The -3E had two sets of thermostats and the -4E has one set of thermostats and a 12VDC relay for control of the electric element.Atwood Installation Instructions

Gas only water heater??? | Good Sam Community

captjohn57
Explorer
Apr 09, 2015
Thanks Biscuit! The only way it would be easier is if you came down and helped me! :W
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Apr 09, 2015
Atwood combo ON/OFF switch......mount it where it's convenient LINK

Wiring for switches

WH wiring
captjohn57
Explorer
Apr 09, 2015
Instead of pulling wires to the old DC switch location, I may mount the switch in a cabinet near the WH and disconnect the other switches. Didn't like the AC switch location anyway and the DC was in a different location ;)
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Apr 09, 2015
YES the '3E' version was a combo gas/electric. The electric element is a direct wire design......AC CB to ON/OFF switch to/thru set of t-stat (located on back of tank) to element.
Propane was DC with it's own set of t-stat

In 2004 Atwood changed designs.
Electric and propane use DC for control via circuit board and a relay to activate the AC to electric element. This also allowed for just one set of t-stats for both electric/propane.

Change can be done just need to use DC on/off switches, run some DC wiring for electric on/off---relay.
Still use the AC CB and wiring..just needs to be triggered by the DC relay
captjohn57
Explorer
Apr 09, 2015
Apparently the old 3E WAS a gas/electric unit and is replaced with the 4E that's wired differently. I'll have to do some looking at my coach tomorrow as how I'll do the changes.
Here's the instructions for the change I found on a seller's website. jetcare's post has more detailed info. Looks like I'll be pulling some new wires and deleting the 110V switch.
Thanks guys!

http://www.panther-rvproducts.com/media/Combo%209E-10E%20Conversion%281%29.pdf
captjohn57
Explorer
Apr 09, 2015
BFL13 wrote:
I apologize for not noticing the 4E vs 3E. Also for smart-ass reply, no excuse possible.

It seems they replace the 3E with the 4E when necessary, and there are instructions for doing that.

Accepted.
BFL13
Explorer II
Apr 09, 2015
I apologize for not noticing the 4E vs 3E. Also for smart-ass reply, no excuse possible.

It seems they replace the 3E with the 4E when necessary, and there are instructions for doing that.
captjohn57
Explorer
Apr 09, 2015
jetcare wrote:
Be aware that the -3E is no longer available and the -4E is the newest model. They are both Gas and 120VAC electric. You will need to fully understand the different wiring requirements to install the -4E. The -3E had two sets of thermostats and the -4E has one set of thermostats and a 12VDC relay for control of the electric element.

I saw someone else had a problem with the 3E to 4E switch. I'll check it out when it gets here.
Thanks for the heads up!
wildtoad
Explorer II
Apr 09, 2015
Robsouth seems to have your answer. It is quite common to add a hot rod add on element to provide electric power. It is a very low amp element, takes a little longer to get the water hot, but it will get it really hot. I have on in my wh.
Almot
Explorer III
Apr 09, 2015
captjohn57 wrote:
I have 2 switches in the coach. 1 turns on the gas heater and it lights. The other switch ... doesn't light the burner but I get hot water...

this heater has to be gas/electric, right?

I think you've answered your own question :)

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