TT Newbie has questions, help?

I always double check if the heater is full by pulling on the by pass valve on the tank it self. just me I guess, but I don't want to ruin my water heater by not making sure the tank is full. the water stays in until you either blow it out with compressed air or pull the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. access through the water heater door out side. if you notice a smell in the water when you leave the water in the tank for any length of time, then you have a water problem and it needs to be drained and cleaned. I don't think I would leave my heater, electric or gas, on while parked by the house. no need to leave it running all the time. it would be a waste of gas and electric if you do. if you have electric and gas heater, while camping I only leave on the electric and only turn on the gas just before bathing. the electric will keep the water hot enough for dish washing etc. while showering be sure to do the navy shower routine, wt down, turn off water, soap down, rinse. shut off water.