Water Heater "Hybrid Heat" Kit Installation

[JohnnyBravo]

To all who are awaiting my post on the water heater conversion. Wait no further and see below for steps and (I hope) pics. I purchased a kit called "Hybrid Heat" that would allow me to have hot water utilizing shore power as well as propane. My new jayco 264BHW has a propane heated only water heater. The kit cost about $90 with shipping. Being the impatient type, I could have found it cheaper. It is what it is. My water heater is manufactured by Atwood, btw.



1. First, all power off and disconnected.
2. Wait approximately 30 minutes for unit to cool. If water heater wasn't on, skip this step, obviously.
3. Open faucet(s) and bleed off pressures.
4. Verify pressure reduction by easing open over pressure valve on water heater.
5. Remove drain plug and drain unit. I opened faucets to facilitate a faster drain.
6. Install kit provided adapters in drain plug hole and tighten.
7. Install thermal probe (the kit calls this a heater cartridge) into drain adapter and tighten compression nut and knurl. Do not over tighten.
8. Apply water pressure and check for leaks. Tighten where needed.
9. Install thermostat directly to tank. You may have to remove some insulation.
10.Run the kit provided harnesses. They are very simple. Color coded and a simplified drawing/schematic will ensure you success.
11.Install switch in a sensible location.
12. Plug her in and power her up to test!

I ended up drilling 2 holes that were both inside the RV and out of eyesight. The kit provides a grommet if you require one. I used mine as I drilled one hole through the metal water heater inset panel for the ground and probe power wires. Within a half hour I can tell she was warming up. Now I have 2 options to heat the water. Also, I can utilize both for a faster heat up time. Thanks for reading! I hope my pics post!

JB

[Treatcg]

How do you drain the hot water tank now?

[JohnnyBravo]

Kit.

[JohnnyBravo]

To drain the water heater now, I just loosen compression fitting and slide out the probe. Viola!

JB

[JohnnyBravo]

Drain plug removed, probe installed.

JB.

[JohnnyBravo]

I installed my switch inside a storage area next to the water heater.

JB.

[norty1]

Well I never! Glad you got it going.
I sat in a Atwood seminar once at a rally and they did not recommend the option. Back then it was called "Hot Rod".

[spoon059]

I have electric and propane water heaters in my 2015 JayFlight. We actually used the propane for the first time last trip. Only used it because I realized we hadn't tried it yet and wanted to make sure it worked!

The electric option has worked great for us, providing plenty of hot water for showers, dishes and bath time for the kids. I love it!!! Even using electric for water and electric heaters, we still went through 30 lbs of propane this season with the fridge on during travel and cooking on the outdoor kitchen!

[JohnnyBravo]

Just an update. Took about 3 hours for hot water. I forgot to check at 2 hours. Could be less than 3 hours, not sure. Happy with the outcome this far.

JB

[gocarp]

Awesome!! I'm considering the same TT and thought of doing the same.

[Treatcg]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

Just an update. Took about 3 hours for hot water. I forgot to check at 2 hours. Could be less than 3 hours, not sure. Happy with the outcome this far.

JB

Where do you plug your water heater in at?

[JohnnyBravo]

On my particular model, I have it plugged in under the dinette. There's an outlet there. I drilled a small hole through the wall and bench seat base to plug it in there. It shouldn't be in the way of your legs or feet.

JB