Forum Discussion

Mickeyfan0805's avatar
Aug 11, 2013

HWH - does it need to be powered off in transit?

I need to admit my ignorance as to the electrical set-up of the hot water heater (and most electrical in the trailer, for that matter). I always turn off the power switch on the HWH when I complete a trip because I plug in at home and don't want to run it and heat the water for no reason.

With that said, we're headed out on a trip where we'll be moving from one campground to another a number of times. I'm pretty sure I need shore power for the HWH to run, which would mean I could just leave it on while in transit (dsi off, of course) and it will power back on when I plug in at the next site.

Is this correct, or do I need to power it down for transit for some reason?

4 Replies

  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer III
    I turn off the propane burner whenever we aren't showering to save propane. I turn off the electric element before unplugging from the pedestal so there will not be a surge of current when I plug back in to the next pedestal. While plugged into the pedestal, I leave the electric element on all the time, since the CG is paying for the electricity.
  • Mickeyfan0805 wrote:
    I need to admit my ignorance as to the electrical set-up of the hot water heater (and most electrical in the trailer, for that matter). I always turn off the power switch on the HWH when I complete a trip because I plug in at home and don't want to run it and heat the water for no reason.

    With that said, we're headed out on a trip where we'll be moving from one campground to another a number of times. I'm pretty sure I need shore power for the HWH to run, which would mean I could just leave it on while in transit (dsi off, of course) and it will power back on when I plug in at the next site.

    Is this correct, or do I need to power it down for transit for some reason?


    We generally leave our HWH off all the time until it's getting close to dinner time or shower time. I am of the belief there's no reason to leave it on 24/7 when I'm not using it. When we travel, everything is switched off except for the refrigerator.
  • I would shut it off. Why? when you plug into shore power receptacle, you do not want a heavy load. Yes, this is one of the reasons you should turn off the breaker in the pedestal.

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