Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: hot water bypass

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hot water bypass

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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=13256
Printed Date: 21 Jun 2025 at 12:03pm
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Topic: hot water bypass

Posted By: Hi-Line
Subject: hot water bypass
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2019 at 3:13pm

Since I camp at remote sites without city water, I never use my hot water tank. I'm wondering if it is okay to just leave the hot water bypassed year-round as I do when I winterize my r.pod. If so, should I leave the anode rod installed or take it out?

Replies:

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2019 at 3:46pm

You could leave it bypassed I guess. Shut off the ac heating element so you don't accidentally burn it up if you do plug in.

I would leave the anode in so you don't get bugs in there. if you're worried about seeping water past the bypass valves you could leave it screwed in loosely or open it once in awhile to be sure it wasn't getting any water in it.

But why does boondock camping preclude you from using the hot water tank? i use mine all the time and I rarely have a water hookup.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: texman
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2019 at 5:22pm

+1 to offgrid on using hot water tank boondocking. you can turn it off when not needed. it reheats fairly quickly when you are ready and does not seem to be a fuel hog IMO. Hot water is very nice out in the boonies.

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TexMan 2015 182g
2018 Sequoia
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9122&title=texman-182g-mods - TexManMods

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2019 at 5:43pm

+2 to offgrid. We have been using our 177 for nearly 9 years and usually camp where there are no hookups and that includes electric. I enjoy not having to heat hot water over a fire or over a propane stove especially when washing dishes, my hair (what's left of it) and myself in the shower. Agree with texman, "hot water is very nice out in the boonies."

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: crankster78
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2019 at 5:44pm

Greetings:

I have mine bypassed and don't use it. I find I can heat up a pot with the water I need much quicker with less waste on the stove. I left the anode out and stuffed some Stainless steel wool into the opening. I take showers in the parks where I stay or take a sponge bath at the sink. I travel alone so this works for me.

Crankster78 R-179

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Crankster 78 R-179 2015

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2019 at 6:13pm

Never have bypassed the WH. Handy when I have city water or fresh tank. Never bypassed when I winterize with air pressure, never an issue. 5 years, never bypassed.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: Hi-Line
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2019 at 6:37pm

Thanks to all for the thoughtful answers and advice. I just got to think when I winterized last week, I've had my r.pod 5 years (spent more than 100 nights in it) and have never used the hot water...so why am I switching it back and forth every spring and fall? Truth be told, most of my camping is on a friend's property where I have access to electricity, hot water and hot showers...nothing fancy but nice to have. I'm kind of in Crankster78's situation where I travel alone (with 2 dogs) and don't need much in the way of hot water. I just wanted to be sure I wouldn't screw something up by leaving the hot water tank bypassed. Thanks again.

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2019 at 7:28am

As was pointed out, won't hurt a thing.

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Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2019 at 7:49am

Ha! And I thought I was a Dark Sider.. LOL

Guess I'm right in between here. Rarely is the Hot Water turned on (twice a week..), yet it does get used. I also find dish / body washing is much less wasteful when stovetop heating water.

I do like the connivence of a nice hot shower! Mine will stay inline..

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways
2017 Tacoma
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build
2004 F150 My Overlander

Posted By: Hi-Line
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2019 at 11:38am

Hey Olddawg, I didn't know I was a "Dark Sider" but I'll plead guilty LOL! I started out tent camping about 100 years ago, so my r.pod, even without hot water, seems like the lap of luxury. Who knows, someday I may emerge into the 20th century (or is it the 21st?) into a world of bright sunlight and hot water...but I doubt it. They say a certain amount of suffering is good for the soul!

Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2019 at 2:41pm

Originally posted by Hi-Line

Hey Olddawg, I didn't know I was a "Dark Sider" but I'll plead guilty LOL! I started out tent camping about 100 years ago, so my r.pod, even without hot water, seems like the lap of luxury. Who knows, someday I may emerge into the 20th century (or is it the 21st?) into a world of bright sunlight and hot water...but I doubt it. They say a certain amount of suffering is good for the soul!

Welcome brother to the Dark Side! I found I was when I posted on the Facebook site when someone was looking to spend $1K on a composting toilet and I explain if you Wag-Bag you essentially already have one. OMG did that bring out the 'bees'.. Okay, okay, I might have kicked the nest a couple times to see what would happen..

Yup.. I'm a Dark Sider and dam proud of it. You might wish to post it over there for S&G's and see if the 'bees' come out. It can be entertaining.

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways
2017 Tacoma
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build
2004 F150 My Overlander