First Trip with new Montana HC 295RL

[RamMike]

Hi everyone, We took our first trip with our new RV and had some issues with the hot water heater. Is there some type of detailed instructions how to light it for gas ops and also any additional info on electric use? The last question is do you drain the hot water heater before departing camp? Other than the hot water heater issue, was a great first trip!

[432bartman]

I had this happen to me when I forgot I turned off the main switch on the outside of the rig. The on/off switch for the water heater is hidden and can easily be missed.

[Carl n Susan]

To operate on gas, turn on the gas water heater switch on the inside control panel. Everything after that is automatic. It lights itself, heats the water to the proper temp, and then shuts itself off until it needs to heat the water again. This is all you have to do as long as the Gas side of the system is working.

For electric operation, there are two steps. The first is to turn on the rocker switch pointed out by 432bartman (above) . This is a "master" on/off switch for the electric side. You only need to do this one time. Once On, leave it On unless you are working on repairing the electrical side of the system. The second step is to turn On the electric water heater switch on the wall panel. Much like the gas side, the electrical side heats the water (using the electric heating element) until it reaches the proper temp, then shuts off waiting until the water cools when it then starts heating again. There is nothing for you to do once you turn on the switch.

Do not drain the water heater when you leave camp. The only time you need to drain it is when you winterize. Having an empty water heater tank is a disaster waiting to happen should someone turns on the electrical side. The heater element lasts about 2 seconds in that case and then you get to replace it.

[RamMike]

Thanks Bartman!

[DutchmenSport]

If draining the water heater, make sure to flip the rocker arm switch on the outside of the heater. That way, IF the switch gets flipped inside the camper on the panel, the heater still will not come on. I drain my water heater when not in actual use. If using the camper every week-end, I won't drain it. I use to drain it on my previous travel trailers any time the trailer was on the road. But with my fifth wheel, it's so heavy anyway, an extra 80 pounds (10 gallons @ 8 pounds a gallon) doesn't impact the "feel" of the tow at all.

[nellie1289]

leave your hot water heater full for the season. As pointed above, turn the switch off when winterizing. Next spring, turn it back on ONLY after the tank is full. Or your first ice cold shower, whatever comes first lol.