Water Heater on Propane
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10928
Printed Date: 22 May 2025 at 5:48am
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Topic: Water Heater on Propane
Posted By: Lakeway Rpod
Subject: Water Heater on Propane
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2017 at 1:41pm
| Hello out there. Just received my 2018 Rpod 178. So fun. For some reason the water heater using propane stopped working. I can heat water using electricity, so the heater works. One note, the DSI light next to the water heater switch in the unit stays on. Any ideas? Thanks so much! |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2017 at 1:49pm
|
That would indicate an ignition failure. If it is convenient for you to get back to the dealer, take it there and have them fix it under warranty. Otherwise, try the reset buttons that are behind the cover. I don't know if that will help, but it can't hurt. I'll take it for granted that you checked to see that you do have propane in the tank and that the valve is turned on. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Lakeway Rpod
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2017 at 2:13pm
|
Thanks so much. There is propane and it's on. I tried the reset as well. Still does not work. As it turns out, I called the dealer right after my post and I will be there tomorrow. I really appreciate the quick response!!!
|
Posted By: Larry-D
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2017 at 2:31pm
| Try unplugging the controller board, wait a few seconds and plug it back in. Our larger trailer had a bad board from the factory and with distance and aggravation it was cheaper to order a new board from Amazon and replace it. 5 minute job. |
Posted By: Lakeway Rpod
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2017 at 2:43pm
| I will check it out and bring it up to the dealer tomorrow. Thanks! |
Posted By: riotkayak284
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2017 at 4:00pm
| I have had to run my propane stove for a minute or 2 to remove air from the lines.... assume you have tried that. |
Posted By: Lakeway Rpod
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2017 at 4:33pm
| I did. It worked the first time I used it, then stopped. |
Posted By: MDPaddlersPod
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2017 at 4:53pm
|
Where is the reset button, I am having the same issue. ------------- MDPaddlersPod 2017 RPod 179 2002 Silverado1500 |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2017 at 5:16pm
|
The resets are on the left hand side of water heater, under a rubber cover. The interweb has many Suburban WH troubleshooting sites, if you don't have a warranty. Google is your friend :) ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2017 at 6:46pm
Check the simple things first. Is the gas on at the tank? You said the stove worked and then quit? Maybe you're out of propane??? TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Lakeway Rpod
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2017 at 7:25am
| All, thanks so much for all of the feedback. I now know what my issue is, and it may be yours if you have the same problem. I was at the dealer yesterday, and it's a bad "board". Quote, "the board is burnt." The dealer is requesting authorization to fix it from Forest River under warranty. |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2017 at 11:56am
| It always make me feel better when it really is somebody else's problem to fix. |
Posted By: Lakeway Rpod
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2017 at 12:28pm
No kidding 
|
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2017 at 6:18pm
|
The value of that warranty can't be overstated. I did not get one with my Pod, so it was live, learn and fix. Got it, use it. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2017 at 7:11pm
|
Glad you found out what the problem was.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Wepod
Date Posted: 18 Nov 2017 at 8:22am
|
Had the same problem with my water heater last month while in Utah. F/R Dealer in Helper Utah Carbon Emery replaced it free of charge. Took about an hour and we were on our way to Lake Powell
|
Posted By: Richand Cindy
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2017 at 8:18am
|
We also had the same problem so it appears that if the water heater worked on propane and suddenly stops and the DSL light stays lit, but still works on electric than it probably is a bad board (at least now you do not have to wonder what it is after all the usual checks are done and everything is fine)
------------- OLD 2017.5 RPOD 180 + 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk NEW: 2018 Passport Elite 23RB + 2017 Ram 1500 Diesel |
Posted By: Ruberu
Date Posted: 21 Nov 2017 at 12:25pm
| A kinked gas line from when it was built was the issue on my 2017.5 Rpod 180 |