Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Keystone RV Forums > Keystone Fleet | Keystone RV Models > Travel Trailers
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 03-12-2017, 03:41 AM   #21
14george
Senior Member
 
14george's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 1,271
Post a picture of the hot water tank
__________________
Navy 1980-1984
14george is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 06:08 AM   #22
ratowles
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Berthoud
Posts: 24
Water heater pictures. This one does have a reset mechanism I don't think I have seen before. Two rubber coated reset switches. Could this be it's dual powered? There is also something attached to the water plug. Is this possibly an electrical heating element?
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	20170312_075328.jpg
Views:	201
Size:	254.5 KB
ID:	12004   Click image for larger version

Name:	20170312_075338_001.jpg
Views:	174
Size:	186.8 KB
ID:	12005   Click image for larger version

Name:	20170312_075344.jpg
Views:	179
Size:	185.3 KB
ID:	12006   Click image for larger version

Name:	20170312_075414_001.jpg
Views:	179
Size:	282.1 KB
ID:	12007  
ratowles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 06:10 AM   #23
ratowles
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Berthoud
Posts: 24
Thanks again for all your help.
ratowles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 06:27 AM   #24
ratowles
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Berthoud
Posts: 24
As an aside, the only time I have seen an illuminated red switch previously was in my Class A pusher, the switch started the onboard generator. Could this lead to someone's solution for starting a generator?
ratowles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 06:37 AM   #25
canesfan
Senior Member
 
canesfan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Tidewater Area Virginia
Posts: 1,271
I can't tell from the picture, is there a little black switch behind where the end of the anode rod is laying? In the bottom left hand corner of the HTW, hidden behind everything, maybe with a small piece of tape over it?
__________________
2014 Raptor RP300MP w/ Rear Patio Party Deck, Folding Side Ladder, 6 Point Level Up, Carlisle Radial Trail HDs
2004 2500HD D/A CC SB - TTT Mirrors, Prodigy BC, 18K Pullrite Superglide, NEW Fuel Injectors 11/2015 (ouch)
canesfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 06:39 AM   #26
canesfan
Senior Member
 
canesfan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Tidewater Area Virginia
Posts: 1,271
Illuminated red switches generally control 1. the water pump 2. the LP side of the HTW and 3. sometimes the electric side of the HTW. Where that switch is located I would guess it's one of them.
__________________
2014 Raptor RP300MP w/ Rear Patio Party Deck, Folding Side Ladder, 6 Point Level Up, Carlisle Radial Trail HDs
2004 2500HD D/A CC SB - TTT Mirrors, Prodigy BC, 18K Pullrite Superglide, NEW Fuel Injectors 11/2015 (ouch)
canesfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 06:42 AM   #27
canesfan
Senior Member
 
canesfan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Tidewater Area Virginia
Posts: 1,271
The "something" attached to the water plug is the anode rod. It keeps your tank from disintegrating.
__________________
2014 Raptor RP300MP w/ Rear Patio Party Deck, Folding Side Ladder, 6 Point Level Up, Carlisle Radial Trail HDs
2004 2500HD D/A CC SB - TTT Mirrors, Prodigy BC, 18K Pullrite Superglide, NEW Fuel Injectors 11/2015 (ouch)
canesfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 06:47 AM   #28
chuckster57
Site Team
 
chuckster57's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,235
On some older water heaters, the switch for the electric element is on the back of the unit. My '97 Jayco had it. Water heater was under the sink and a PITA to reach.
__________________

2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.

Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
chuckster57 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 06:59 AM   #29
Thundershorts
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 28
It is hard to tell from the picture, but I don't see a spot for the electric heating element. The one I had, the element had a black plastic cover over it in the middle of the tank, with the switch behind the gas valve. IMO this looks like it is only gas with direct spark ignition.
__________________
Doug & Tracy
2016 Ford F-350 Diesel
2017 Avalanche 370RD
Thundershorts is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 07:17 AM   #30
JRTJH
Site Team
 
JRTJH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,839
The switch for the electric heating element is visible in the first picture. It is directly behind the LP solenoid valve and the "anode rod end" is almost directly in front of the switch. If you look at the "circular gas tube" and put your finger through that circle, you'll be putting your finger on the electric heating element switch. And, if you enlarge the picture, you can see the word "ON" located on the bottom part of the actual switch.

The actual heating element is attached to the dark circular "thing" that is also located in the first picture. It is between the "circular gas tube" and the hole where the anode rod is screwed into the tank.

My "guess" would be that with the tank heating element switch turned off, even if that "not OEM illuminated switch inside" is activated, nothing will happen.

It's "for sure" that the switch inside is NOT factory installed. My guess would be that the previous owner "MIGHT HAVE" (who really knows without asking him) installed a remote water heater switch so he didn't have to go outside to turn off the electric element.

At any rate, the OP's water heater does have an electric element, it is located as described, and the switch is visible in the first picture. Whether it's been burned out by turning on that "extra switch" or not is anybody's guess. I'd start by filling the water heater, turn on the "outside switch" that's behind the gas solenoid, turn on the "inside switch" and see if the water gets got in an hour or so. If it does, then turn the inside switch off, run enough water to cool the tank's contents and wait an hour or so to see if it gets hot again. If it does, that switch isn't for the water heater. But, if the water stays cool, you've found your function. Another way to test it is to get behind the water heater with a voltmeter and have someone turn the inside switch off/on. If you get voltage to that point, you'll know where the wires are connected.

Bottom line, it's a gas (DSI) electric water heater. The switch is behind the solenoid.

ADDED: To answer another question, yes the anode rod is still serviceable. Just use a wire brush to knock off the excess "corrosion" wipe the rod down with some "bleach water", wrap the threads with Teflon tape and reinstall. Tighten enough so it doesn't leak, but don't overtighten so you can still get it out at the end of the season.

All of the comments about the "owner installed switch" controlling the water heater electric element is purely speculation. It may control just about anything ranging from a hidden electric outlet that the previous owner installed under the trailer floor, a "furnace fan switch" so he could filter the air without heat, a second refrigerator switch, fans behind the refrigerator to help cooling, an outside light, or any one of a thousand "what if's" .... But I'd guess it "could be" for the electric water heater element. At least I'd start there.
__________________
John



2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
JRTJH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 08:42 AM   #31
zuley
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Guelph, On
Posts: 308
Not wanting to further confuse the issue but my first thought when looking at the picture was the control for an add on inverter mod by the previous owner.
zuley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 08:56 AM   #32
hankpage
Site Team
 
hankpage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Venice
Posts: 5,346
What JRTJH said plus .... the two spots marked reset .... most likely only one actually has a switch under it. If you press it gently you will feel a click if it is tripped. JM2˘, Hank

If you have been turning that switch on and off with the tank empty, the electric element has blown and resets will do nothing.
__________________
Hank & Lynn
2007 Cougar 290RKS, E-Z Flex, 16" XPS RIBs ( SOLD .. Gonna miss her ... looking for new 5r)
2004.5 Dodge 2500 QC, LB, 5.9HO, WestTach gauges, Ride-Rite
hankpage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 09:08 AM   #33
Javi
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Waco, Tx
Posts: 5,456
If I was a guessing man.... I have to put my money on water pump...

My reasoning is... back in '82 or '83 I installed a switch just like that one for an older couple who didn't want to have to walk over to the wall mounted pump switch every time they wanted to wash a glass or get a drink when dry camping...

But it could also be for the electric water heater since Suburban makes you walk outside to flip the switch...
__________________
2015 Ford F350 DRW 6.7 Diesel XL
2020 Avalanche 313 RS
Javi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 09:17 AM   #34
PARAPTOR
Site Team | Emeritus
 
PARAPTOR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Western PA
Posts: 2,732
Picture may help This is a suburban tank
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	20170219_144001.jpg
Views:	109
Size:	118.2 KB
ID:	12008   Click image for larger version

Name:	20170219_141007.jpg
Views:	129
Size:	181.5 KB
ID:	12009  
__________________
2013 RAPTOR 300MP w/Rear Patio Deck NO Folding Side Ladder
2013 Silverado 3500HD LTZ CC LB 4X4 DRW
Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel; Allison Trans
Reese 20K; Carlisle Radial Trail RH/HD; TPMS (12 Tires)

Veteran


PSU (GO LIONS)
PARAPTOR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 09:30 AM   #35
ratowles
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Berthoud
Posts: 24
Thanks all for your help. Especially, those that suspected a connection to the water heater
John has nailed it with his information about the electrical aspects of the dual powered water heater. Thanks John for getting my head on straight. I will do future testing once the weather permits, but I am about 90% sure that is what this switch controls. Thanks again everyone.
ratowles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 09:34 AM   #36
PARAPTOR
Site Team | Emeritus
 
PARAPTOR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Western PA
Posts: 2,732
if suburban
__________________
2013 RAPTOR 300MP w/Rear Patio Deck NO Folding Side Ladder
2013 Silverado 3500HD LTZ CC LB 4X4 DRW
Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel; Allison Trans
Reese 20K; Carlisle Radial Trail RH/HD; TPMS (12 Tires)

Veteran


PSU (GO LIONS)
PARAPTOR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 09:38 AM   #37
ratowles
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Berthoud
Posts: 24
Thanks for the link. This will come in handy.
ratowles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 09:51 AM   #38
PARAPTOR
Site Team | Emeritus
 
PARAPTOR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Western PA
Posts: 2,732
If we are talking about the 110 VAC section of the HWT(see picture) I would think if you looked at the back of this mysterious switch you would see a romex wire for the 110VAC rather than a 12 VDC rip cable. Of course could be that switch closes a 12V relay applying 110 VAC to the tank but do not think so.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	AC diagram.jpg
Views:	117
Size:	69.7 KB
ID:	12011  
__________________
2013 RAPTOR 300MP w/Rear Patio Deck NO Folding Side Ladder
2013 Silverado 3500HD LTZ CC LB 4X4 DRW
Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel; Allison Trans
Reese 20K; Carlisle Radial Trail RH/HD; TPMS (12 Tires)

Veteran


PSU (GO LIONS)
PARAPTOR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 10:07 AM   #39
ctbruce
Site Team | Emeritus
 
ctbruce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 3,878
When you test it, be sure to let us know what you find out.
1. It will surely help someone else at some point in time.
2. We give out prizes to whoever guesses right.





3. Not really, but may have had you going for a second.

Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Fuzion Impact 312
2017 3500HD Silverado LTZ
__________________

Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Impact 312
2017 Silverado 3500HD SRW
ctbruce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2017, 10:23 AM   #40
PARAPTOR
Site Team | Emeritus
 
PARAPTOR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Western PA
Posts: 2,732
Smile

Levels of complexity or should I say insanity

1. What in the world did the factory do here

THEN the harder One

2. What did the previous owner do here

Guess we know where this one stands, this could be one of the most interesting
__________________
2013 RAPTOR 300MP w/Rear Patio Deck NO Folding Side Ladder
2013 Silverado 3500HD LTZ CC LB 4X4 DRW
Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel; Allison Trans
Reese 20K; Carlisle Radial Trail RH/HD; TPMS (12 Tires)

Veteran


PSU (GO LIONS)
PARAPTOR is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 08:33 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.