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Topic ClosedNew 179 HRE Water Heater
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DHuse View Drop Down
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Joined: 30 Mar 2014
Location: Lakeside, CA
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Posts: 25 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: New 179 HRE Water Heater
    Posted: 22 Apr 2014 at 8:44pm
Picked up a 179 HRE a few weeks ago. Couldn't find the water heater electric on/off switch near the black reset buttons as many posts here indicate. Was beginning to think maybe they stuck me with a one dimensional propane only water heater.   Finally did what all men hate to do, I got the installation/operational manual out. My model is the SW6D and the switch is actually located in the lower left hand corner on the back of the water heater as you're lookin' at it. To make matters worse, they covered up the switch with a piece of white tape. WaLa! Removed the tape, flicked the switch and it actually worked. Hot water without using propane. Hopefully this helps somebody else out there before they get too frustrated.

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Posts: 1454 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Apr 2014 at 9:22pm
Manuals are useful sometimes!  Don't forget to turn the switch off whenever you aren't using the water heater.  Forgetting that it's on when you plug in and forget that the water heater is empty can be very inconvenient and expensive.

TT
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Posts: 672 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Apr 2014 at 10:24pm
I leave the switch on all the time at the heater and shut off the breaker on the inside, I find this more convenient than running out side to turn it on or off. We only turn the heater on just before doing the dishes in the morning and the water stays hot all day long till we need it at night. Goose
Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Apr 2014 at 8:11am
I also now just use the breaker inside.  The switch outside is hard to push, and doubly inconvenient when it is raining and I just want to get inside after setting up.  No worries about burning out the element if you keep the water heater filled all season.  
 
I used to try to conserve propane in our popup by leaving it off except when we needed showers in the morning or to wash dishes at night (using the carryover for hand washing, I agree it was plenty warm all day).  It didn't have the electric element.  Then one day I spent my day reading in a chair near the water heater and realized I only heard it light up once or twice all day.  After that I saved a bunch of "fiddle factor" and just left it on.  
 
DHuse, don't forget you can use propane and electric at the same time for a quicker recovery time.  The thermostat for the electric element is set higher than the propane so you can maintain your temps in-camp with electric and leave the propane on, which won't kick on until you do dishes or take a shower.  Then the propane will help to warm it up faster.  Again, less "fiddle factor".
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 6 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Aug 2016 at 10:10am
We just bought a new 2017 RPod 179. The dealer that did the walk through with us said it did not have the capability to switch to electric on the hot water heater. Everything I have read says otherwise. We haven't received the unit yet but I am trying to become familiar with how everything operates before we do. Does anyone know if they do or not. Is this an option? Thank you for any help you can offer. Also does anyone know where I can buy a R-Dome other than a dealer. They are so expensive from the dealer and I was hoping there was another way to find one. Maybe someone has one for sale. Thanks!
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Aug 2016 at 10:40am
Originally posted by knrgrm

We just bought a new 2017 RPod 179. The dealer that did the walk through with us said it did not have the capability to switch to electric on the hot water heater. Everything I have read says otherwise. We haven't received the unit yet but I am trying to become familiar with how everything operates before we do. Does anyone know if they do or not. Is this an option? Thank you for any help you can offer. Also does anyone know where I can buy a R-Dome other than a dealer. They are so expensive from the dealer and I was hoping there was another way to find one. Maybe someone has one for sale. Thanks!

Unless something changed yesterday, all RPODs have dual mode water heaters. An easy check is to read the WH model number on it's label. SW6DE is dual mode; SW6D is gas only. The dual mode heaters will also have a small black rocker switch on the lower left side inside the service panel and a 15Amp circuit breaker in the power panel. Maybe labeled, maybe not.

Unless something changed yesterday, most dealers don't know their product.
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Posts: 80 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Aug 2016 at 11:42am
Good Morning All, We just took out our 179 for the first time and I have a very fundamental question regarding the water heater. When I'm connected to city water, do I need to do anything else or will the water heater fill up? I don't want to make a mistake and burn out my heating element. Thanks, Marty

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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Aug 2016 at 12:19pm
Originally posted by M&M

Good Morning All, We just took out our 179 for the first time and I have a very fundamental question regarding the water heater. When I'm connected to city water, do I need to do anything else or will the water heater fill up? I don't want to make a mistake and burn out my heating element. Thanks, Marty


The WH will automatically fill from either city water or the FW tank/pump combo, but not until you use the hot water in the camper. After connecting, and before turning on the electric element, turn on a hot water faucet until all the air and sputtering cease. Then you can turn on the electric element. The tank will remain full until you intentionally drain it, such as winterization.
Charlie
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OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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Posts: 80 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Aug 2016 at 12:24pm
Good Morning Charlie, Thanks for the quick reply. No more cold showers for us! 
2017 179 "Big Sexy"
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Aug 2016 at 1:06pm
Just, please, be sure, the winterization valves are not set to bypass.
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