Maiden Voyage - No Electric Water Heater - Montana Owners Club

Jewels · 12-17-2013, 02:18 AM

On our first trip out and parked for 3 months, our water heater will not work on electric.
I have:
Checked circuit breaker
Pushed the reset buttons, although it doesn't feel like there is anything being pushed under the black rubber spots so I am not sure about this?
Checked it on propane and it does work.

Went through my mounds of documentation and I have nothing on the water heater -must not have been provided?

Any help is very much appreciated as there is not repair facility close by and will have to use mobile repair.

tweber502 · 12-17-2013, 02:23 AM

Not sure if yours is the same as mine but on my 2010 model there is a switch inside the water heater compartment that must be switched on. Then you turn on the electric switch inside the coach. Hope this helps. Tim

bncinwv · 12-17-2013, 02:50 AM

Ditto on the dual switches. Another warning is that there must be water in the heater tank before the electric element is energized. They will fail practically instantly. Replacements are available at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. The element can be checked for continuity to determine if it bit the dust.
Bingo

1retired06 · 12-17-2013, 03:07 AM

Hope it is an easy fix for you with just the on/off switch at the tank.

**DQDick** · 12-17-2013, 01:00 PM

Same thing happened to me. As others have said, a little black switch with a tiny cotter pin thru it right at the bottom of the water heater compartment.

bncinwv · 12-17-2013, 01:06 PM

May not have the cotter pin anymore, our new one does not, still a black toggle switch though.
Bingo

K0LCB · 12-17-2013, 03:30 PM

I have a 2013 3750FL. I have switch in wh cabinet and coat closet for elect wh

h2ojocky · 12-17-2013, 04:43 PM

My switch at the heater was no good. It would not turn on. Got a new one from a hardware store.

WeBeFulltime · 12-17-2013, 11:02 PM

Was it working when you did PDI?

Jewels · 12-18-2013, 12:35 AM

So there is a switch inside the closet but there is also a switch in the water heater compartment as well? I will look for that, but as of now I haven't seen it.

It did have water in it before trying it. The propane side works fine. I believe it did work fine during the inspection, but neither of us can firmly remember - old age?? I know after the inspection they installed the washer and ran it, so we were wondering if maybe they turned it on without water? At any rate it is a pain and pricey running off propane!

In addition we lost the handle to our galley tank dump valve while traveling. Can just the handle be ordered and would I get it from Keystone (so it matched) or are they pretty universal?

Thanks to you all for your suggestions and wisdom!!

bncinwv · 12-18-2013, 01:32 AM

To access outside switch, remove the cover from the water heater and the switch is partially hidden behind the propane feed tube at the lower left corner of the unit. Black toggle switch. Once water is in the heater, it will remain filled until you drain it by removing the rod at the bottom. Dealer should be able to get you a replacement handle or about any rv supply store.
Bingo

Jewels · 12-18-2013, 02:06 AM

Good news!! Found the switch in the water heater compartment. It was covered by a piece of black tape. Switched it on and have switched to electric. I think chances are good that it will work!

Can't thank you all enough!!

mhs4771 · 12-18-2013, 02:49 AM

Not to disagree with anyone, but to be Politically correct the switch is a "Rocker Switch" at least that's what we've had in all past RVs, and very cheap design at that.