electric heating element

[Khans Keeper]

My SLX came with a gas only 6 gal Atwood water heater. I recently installed one of the aftermarket 400w upgrade elements. It produces hot water but takes slightly over an hour to recharge the tank vs 20 min on gas.

Has anyone else installed one of these elements on a 6 gal tank and monitored recharge times?? Are you seeing similar recharge times of 60-70 min while using the element??

[hoppers4]

The built in element on my 6 gallon water heater is 1340 watts and takes about 20-25 minutes to recover on electric only. An hour or more for a 400 watt element is about right.

[CraigBorden]

I've added one on my last two trailers. It's great for low use but if we're showering I run the propane as well to keep up with the demand. Never had an issue.

I've also used the propane if I'm in a hurry for some hot water then run it just on electric after.

[RogerR]

Sounds interesting to have warm/hot water for hands, dishes, etc. without going out and lighting my heater.

Where did you get yours and how hard to install?

Pictures are great!

[Khans Keeper]

Hoppers, thanks for the reply. You were correct when you said 70 min seemed about right. After my post I found some small print in the included booklet stating the recovery time should take 45-90 min.

RogerR, It works really well and I'm very happy with it. The element produces hot water not just warm, it just takes a while to do so. Kit includes an adjustable thermostat which can be set as high as 150. There are several brands available I bought mine on amazon. Installation was straightforward, and took about an hour not including a drive to rv parts shop because I chose to add a 120v receptacle.

[CraigBorden]

Originally Posted by RogerR

Sounds interesting to have warm/hot water for hands, dishes, etc. without going out and lighting my heater.

Where did you get yours and how hard to install?

Pictures are great!

I'll try and take some pics this weekend of my install. the unit I used was this one (although I got it from Amazon here in Canada)

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Camco-Hot...6-gal/29764283

[CraigBorden]

Sorry I can't get any pics of the thermostat that I attached to the tank itself but here's the basics.


Here's the outside view, the element goes in through the drain, the wires run through the side through a hole I drilled.

From there there's some connections to the thermostat controller, you cut a little of the insulation away and stick it right to the tank.


I then ran to the backside of a plug, i make a jumper and plug off it to connect the heater power. I simply measured where it was on the inside, removed it and used a hole saw to make an access hole.


Using the same access I mounted a switch plate above the plug to mount the switch for the element.



I honestly can't say enough good things about this kit. This was my second one, both worked great. Once they've heated the tank I have no problem getting enough water to bathe a toddler. When the grownups shower I just add the propane.

It's nice just having hot water at the ready, especially is you're at a site and the power is included.


EDIT - Sorry the photos are all rotated wrong. Apple phone

[CraigBorden]

edit - sorry the photos are all rotated wrong. Apple phone

Here are the pics above facing the proper direction

[norty1]

I think it's called a Hot Rod.

https://www.campingworld.com/hott-ro...n-kit-6-gallon

[RogerR]

CraigBorden.

Did you wire it so the switch lights up when power is on? I have some switches in the house that light up so you can find them but go off when the ceiling light is turned on.

Did that switch come with the kit you bought? If it did, where did you get it?

I would like to have the switch lighted to show power is being sent to the heater. I am studying where to find the power and put the switch in my 195RB.



PS nothing more fun than shaving in cold water LOL

[CraigBorden]

The light up switch comes with the kit, I did add the cover plate so it would match (dremel or xacto a switch plate) The kit has a standard 3 prong plug so if need be you could just run an extension cord to it when camping

Originally Posted by RogerR

CraigBorden.

Did you wire it so the switch lights up when power is on? I have some switches in the house that light up so you can find them but go off when the ceiling light is turned on.

Did that switch come with the kit you bought? If it did, where did you get it?

I would like to have the switch lighted to show power is being sent to the heater. I am studying where to find the power and put the switch in my 195RB.



PS nothing more fun than shaving in cold water LOL

[RogerR]

I looked around and there is no power anywhere nearby. I guess the only thing is to take out the WIFCo power station and adding a tap to the main bus. Maybe change out the single 20 for a double 20 so it is on it's own breaker. No open spaces on the panel.

Not sure if it would be good to sister up on the microwave breaker. Another 425 watts on a 20 amp circuit would not be too much load.

Also, when you bored out a hole to the side did you hit anything or can I just poke the wire through there in to the area where the water heater lives.