Hot water education 101

Thanks guys for you input about my hot water problem. You provided a lot of checks. Somewhere between last use of the RPod and dewinterizing my heater element crashed. It cost me $102 to replace. Next time I can replace it.

Things I learned with the service departments help.
How to check for water in the hot water tank.
How to check to see if the electrical switch is on or off.
I had no clue how to do either so when you add advice dumb it down to basics for us newbies. There is no RPod troubleshooting manual. If so send it. I will pay if reasonable.

How check water in the hot water heater. Open the black panel outside. You will see a pressure relief valve. Looks like the one on your hot water heater in your house. Open it slightly. If water comes tank has water.
The other thing the electrical switch is not visible unless you get on your knees and look low. The gas line hides it.

Dealer verified both valves are accessible from inside without removing the mattress. My RPod is a 179 1/2. The wood panel is located right of the heater. Looks like 4 screws. May need a small person to access it. Not sure I could.

Wood River, hey I can identify with what you did.  And I would wager that many of us, including me have done the very same thing as well.  I did it my first year owning our 177.  

On you tube just type in replacing hot water element in travel trailer.  Pretty straightforward explanation on hot/what to do.  Elements run anywhere from 11 - 14 dollars depending on where you shop.  Takes about 10 minutes to replace, probably less if you have toasted yours more than once