suburban on demand water heater

[art m]

quick question guys. we have a new trailer that comes with the on demand water heater after set up do you just leave it on like the 6gallon ones either on propane or electric or do you just turn it on right before your going to use it

[chuckster57]

I would leave it turned on.

[Mikendebbie]

I agree with Chuckster.
My process when we setup and tear down is I light the stove burners to get air out of the lines, let them run maybe 30 seconds. Turn on the water heater on the control, open the kitchen sink faucet hot water valve and let it run until you feel hot water. You will hear the water heater fire and run.

When you are ready to leave - turn the heater off at the control panel. I generally turn the gas off at the tanks also.

[martybmw]

I am curious as why you are recommending leaving it on? I am off the grid a 100% but if water isn't running I understand no propane is being using but if in recalculation mode
not sure what is happening?

[chuckster57]

Can you show me the documentation that says it’s in “recirculation” mode if it’s turned on and not being “used”?

[martybmw]

I was just assuming as there is that symbol on the gauge when you put it into recirculation?
I never hear the propane fire up unless I open a faucet. Still would like to know the advantages of just leaving it on vs turning it on when wanting hot water.
Chuck thanks you have been very helpful with several of my issues
Marty

[ChuckS]

Read the manual.. If you have the IW60RL ( Assuming your RV is an Alpine or Montana ) then Yes the recirculation pump will run even if there is NO demand from the hot water faucet.. You can turn this off ... And I WOULD

https://library.suburbanrv.com/wp-co...03-01-2023.pdf

[ChuckS]

I would also STRONGLY recommend you become very familiar with how to properly winterize the IW60RL water heater... If you do not winterize correctly you will:
1. Freeze the recirculation pump.. it will crack and when you go to use next spring you will have mega water gushing out of the inside of the WH
2. The small heating core will freeze and crack.. same results when you go to use the following spring... mega water leaks

** Parts for the IW60RL are scarce and you can't buy most of the parts over the counter for the RL model .. it is an OEM Factory item only

[chuckster57]

Thanks for the information Chuck. I haven’t dealt with a suburban on demand water heater. Currently doing lots of collision work and “normal” work on older units that nobody else wants to work on.

[art m]

Originally Posted by ChuckS

Read the manual.. If you have the IW60RL ( Assuming your RV is an Alpine or Montana ) then Yes the recirculation pump will run even if there is NO demand from the hot water faucet.. You can turn this off ... And I WOULD

https://library.suburbanrv.com/wp-co...03-01-2023.pdf

thank you just read your attached file. i knew id get great answers from the group

[ChuckS]

Additional Suburban IW60 and IW60RL Tips:
1. On the Main circuit board is a RESET switch that can be pressed to clear "glitches" that prevent the water heater from operating correctly.
2. There is also a "fuse" mounted on that main circuit board that can (and often does) blow and if it does you will have no power to the water heater and NO DISPLAY

** to access either 1 or 2 you have to remove the access inspection panel located on the side of the water heater where the water lines and electrical leads go into the unit.

** removing that panel gives access to the reset button and fuse PLUS access to the manual over ride for the freeze protection circuit

3. The display control panel is powered directly from that main circuit board via two wires... if that connection loosens or gets corroded you will have intermittent operation or NO operation of WH...

[ChuckS]

Here are a few pics you might wanna save and have handy for a rainy day