Thanks

where would the switch be for change from propane to electricity?  I have the switch in the bath that turns it on.

Maybe something has changed, but my 2017 has a switch outside the camper. If you open the large black metal cover over your water heater, it should be located in the lower left corner of the opening. You might need to bend down to see it. You can leave that switch turned on, and turn off the breaker from the inside if going outside seems silly to you. On mine its switch number 5, but yours should be labeled.

Originally posted by onazip So, if I understand correctly.  The interior WH switch on the panel is only for heating with Propane and the exterior switch is only for Electric?  This was NOT explained to me by the dealer during my walk-thru.  And, I didn't know to ask.

This is correct. They are independent of each other.

Also, for fastest heat up or recovery, if both sources are available, you can run/use both at the same time.

1)  Why does the propane igniter fire when I have selected electric as the water heater method, e.g. the outside water heater panel is set to "On"?  I would expect the igniter "NOT" to active and try to ignite the propane.

2)  If number 1 above is normal, then if I have my propane value open "and" electric selected it would seem to me that both the electric and propane trying to heat the water.  Perhaps the propane finally senses that "electric" is the chosen heating method and just stops.

3)  What the hey does DSI stand for?

Thanks for indugling my ignorance.

Originally posted by Halibut57 2)  If number 1 above is normal, then if I have my propane value open "and" electric selected it would seem to me that both the electric and propane trying to heat the water.  Perhaps the propane finally senses that "electric" is the chosen heating method and just stops.

No connection. The two heating systems (electric and propane) are independent, and neither "knows" about the other. If they are both on, then the water will just heat faster.

Originally posted by Halibut57 3)  What the hey does DSI stand for?

I think it means Direct Spark Ignition.

GG has your answers.

The two heating systems are completely separate. Neither system "talks" or is connected to the other. They even have separate thermostats. In fact the propane thermostat is set a few degrees lower then the electric, so if both are available, and it's just "maintaining" water temperature, it will only use the elec. side, so as to save your propane.

The DSI tries to light, because you turned it on. With no gas turned on, you are guaranteed to get a "DSI Fault", because the system couldn't ignite.

And yes DSI means Direct Spark Ignition, which means it doesn't have a "pilot light", but ignites as needed.

Actually.. getting water out of the faucet does not tell you the WH has water in it. If the valves are set to "bypass" the very thing they do is send water through the system.. bypassing the water heater.

Also, when "testing" the WH, A) it may take a few attempts to light before it does. Don't assume because it doesn't light in the first attempt, that it has failed. Give it a few tries. and B)Generally, if it doesn't light, it's because of issues in the burner tube due to bugs or wasps. Occasionally, the brain goes bad.

The water also needs to be "coldish" when testing, otherwise the DSI won't ignite, because the thermostat isn't calling for heat.

You didn't hurt the water heater by turning of the gas at the tank.  What to do about the water in the water heater between trips really depends on your own preferences and concerns.  If you are filling your tanks with well water (not chlorinated) you might want to drain or flush between trips.  If it's chlorinated water you have more leeway.  Many people don't drink pod water, they just use it for washing dishes, showers, and flushing the toilet.  Again, you have more leeway then. 

I flush my tank, including the water heater, probably twice a year, once at the beginning of the season, after winterizing, and probably again in July or August.

TT