Diagnosing a Suburban RV Water Heater AC and DC Electrical Problems

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Diagnosing a Suburban RV Water Heater AC and DC Electrical Problems

Рет қаралды 263,346

Күн бұрын

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My RV Works, Inc. Certified Mobile RV Technician, Darren Koepp, diagnosing a Suburban RV Water Heater AC and DC Electrical Problems
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Suburban Water Heater Parts:
Suburban Thermostat/Hi-Limit Cover amzn.to/3l3dQjS
Suburban Gasket Thermostat Cover amzn.to/2EcfQps
Suburban Electrical Element Switch amzn.to/2CPBuiG
Suburban Electrode amzn.to/3hgpcil
Suburban Module Board amzn.to/31dS9G0
Dinosaur Electronics (UIB S) Small Universal Ignitor Board amzn.to/31kZl3j
Water Heater Cam Lock amzn.to/34gkRYN
Suburban 120 VAC T-Stat Assembly amzn.to/2FzTZZh
Suburban 12 VDC T-Stat Assembly amzn.to/2EfYFmK
Water Heater Element amzn.to/34nT1K3
Suburban Gas Valve amzn.to/2Eowhyu
Suburban Burner with Orifice amzn.to/3aGNxvc
Anode Rod amzn.to/2YlyeD2
Suburban Solenoid Kit amzn.to/3hcuw6a
3/4" Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve amzn.to/3hgTOAj
Service Tools:
Water Heater Tank Rinser amzn.to/3iVlGtS
Water Heater Element Wrench amzn.to/2Q9vUe5
Solder Seal Wire Connectors - Red amzn.to/34pZVi9
Solder Seal Wire Connectors - Blue amzn.to/2E3eZHJ

Пікірлер: 349

@Boz2131 27 күн бұрын

My boss asked me to look at his water heater on his Grand Design camper. I have never worked on a water heater in a camper , and took one look and started looking on line and Google sent me to you..... You just made me look good by saving my boss a trip to the RV shop. Thanks so much! I gave subscribed to you and saved you in my book marks.

@ljmedia1 3 жыл бұрын

Hands down, best of the best. Never seen another person come close to being this thorough.

@broadcastdepth3686 3 жыл бұрын

And he moves through the process instead of putting us to sleep. I agree, great work.

@RoelSanchez8 2 жыл бұрын

This man is my hero!

@larrywalden626 Жыл бұрын

Agreed

@Mynyel 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making this niche info available to the public at free of charge.

@kandyhays4787 Жыл бұрын

Omg! You’ve saved my first road trip in my new travel trailer. 3rd day of 30 day trip and my water heater stopped working. I called the dealership where I bought my trailer back in April and like other calls with other operational questions they were of no help to me. Once they got there money I became history. Watching your video gave me information and clarity of what might be wrong and confidence to continue on and look for a mobile rv repair or rv repair shop. Thank you so much for the video. I look forward to more and gaining rv maintenance and repair knowledge.

@johnr8586 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for doing this. When my wife screamed while in the shower I knew something was up. You have taught us to test and not just through parts at it. It turns out after testing my issue was the switch also. I happened to have a switch and now all is working.

@ez123ification 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve followed the trail to true professional diagnostics and it leads to this channel every time , keep up the good work 👍👍

@pafflyer2381 2 ай бұрын

Thank You for providing this gas/electric circuit troubleshooting course. The way u explain and show the process is supurb. Your Surname s/b Professor ! Keep up the great work ! The last camper propane w/htr I owned was manual pilot light with push/turn valve. A friend has a newer Suburban w/h needing fix. I used up my ammo with nothing fixed. You have me locked and loaded to attack the problems again. Thanks Professor !

@alfonsosuarez7949 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks to my rv works , I trouble shot my water heater issue and came to find out I was only getting 26 volts to my switch , problem being a short in the junction box (from the poorly manufacture)( wire nuts were not safely secure made contact and fried the wires upon contact with each other) that caused my breaker to trip..... I did replace the electrode and thermostat, prior to me finding this channel , went and bought me a ohmmeter and was troubleshooting the right way , thanks my rv works!!!!

@cartergiles4395 4 жыл бұрын

I stumbled onto your video. One of the best self help videos I have ever watched. I subscribed to your channel and will now go back and watch your historical videos. Thank you!

@nathanurick8320 2 жыл бұрын

Ok bud I’m not sure how to thank you for these videos, you are a mechanical genius and for those of us that are lacking in this field rely on you. Last year you taught me how to repack my wheel bearings on my rv and you didn’t even know it, thank you.

@GLAmore-cm7fy 3 жыл бұрын

I cant thank you enough I changed my stuck switch like you said and now the electrical portion of water heater is working again... THANK YOU SO MUCH... So much value in your video thank you for explaining in so much detail

@kimtown 2 жыл бұрын

Your video saved my water heater almost exactly a year ago and it’s saved me again. Last year it was the AC thermostat. This year it’s the switch. Thank you. It’s the video that keeps on giving! 😍

@buckevans2545 2 жыл бұрын

How do I access the junction box behind all the stuff on the outside do I have to pull the water heater completely out to get that or just the metal facing on the outside

@craigstadnyk4753 2 жыл бұрын

Hands down the best and most detailed step by step break downs I’ve seen to actually help a person out in finding hot water tank issues.

@josueayalallanas7142 2 жыл бұрын

Wowwwww what a great explanation! I feel like i absorbed like a month school worth of informarion in only half an hour video. This is great. Thank you very much! So useful!!

@roadboat9216 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! You helped me fix my problem. It was the thermostat. But I replaced the anode and the element, just because it was time. BTW. It found it easier and more thorough to flush from the element hole and let it flow our ot the anode hole OK. Next is test the LP side and see how that’s works. Took it all apart anyway. Thanks again. I am in E NC or I would call you for a few projects. And thanks too to Dacoda!

@burtburt1755 3 жыл бұрын

I'm 66 and I enjoy your videos. I love learning. I watch as many as I can even if I don't have a problem or the same equipment. Wanted to let you know that you are appreciated .

@triciamyrvworks8263 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Burt!

@robertallen7186 2 жыл бұрын

Never apologize for long videos.........the longer they are, the more we learn. Excellent video Darren and Dakota !!! Thank you....

@brandanlaura4110 2 жыл бұрын

I know everybody else has already said this, but this was excellent video. All of your videos are very good. They are very detailed and they explain everything in plain English. Thank you so much.

@Prairiedogs11 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for making this video! Living in a rural area makes it a bit difficult to find someone willing to come out here and this has been so helpful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

@Dr-wheel-barrow-opperator 2 жыл бұрын

You put so much effort into your videos. You make it easy for people to understand every detail of how things operate and I want to say THANK YOU!

@kentprice9912 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 1 year old RV Travel Trailer and I'm taking notes with your video. You are a great teacher, I'm suscribing and going to watch all of your videos. It's like going to RV Class 101 and I feel so much more confident about my own RV and understanding how to take care of things myself. Thank you so much!!!! Keep up the great work.

@tracimitchell6339 3 жыл бұрын

This video is awesome! My suburban sw12de stopped firing up on the gas side . Thanks to this video, I was able to diagnose that both solenoids had failed. I ordered the part on amazon replaced it and I’m back in business! Thank you Darren!

@dj-rm7bz 3 жыл бұрын

Superbly done! You sir, are a great teacher! Thanks for taking the time to do this video and for sharing it with us!

@flecciahall535 2 жыл бұрын

And now, I understand all the elements of my water heater and I can further troubleshoot mine. After flushing it to replace the anode rod, I am no longer getting hot water. You gave me the tools to fix this myself. I appreciate this so much!

@troypersonaltube5534 3 жыл бұрын

This is by far one of the best and helpful videos I have watched. I was able to use your teaching in this video to diagnose that I also had a faulty switch. I assumed right away that it was going to be an element but your tests all came back positive. That left the switch and sure enough while it looked fine there was no continuity. You just saved me hundreds of dollars for an $9.00 Canadian part at good old Canadian Tire. Thanks!!

@leedickinson7614 2 жыл бұрын

Well done. My Dometic gas/electric WH works on neither source. This is my first RV ever and it has been a full-on head scratcher to get all of the systems up on this 2005 5th wheel. The WH is the last one to whip and I now feel well-informed enough to check it out (minus head scratching). thx

@bullseye317 3 жыл бұрын

I have watched ten videos on testing hot water heater. I learned more from this video than all the others. Thanks.

@KenTheJeepGuy Жыл бұрын

Wow! So thorough. You are a great teacher. My stepson is renting our fifth wheeler from us, and the hot water heater quit. Now I have the confidence to go out there and see what’s going on.

@lyndapaff2143 3 жыл бұрын

This was a very helpful video. We had a power outage for 20+ hours and when the water and power came back on we had no hot water. We replaced a couple parts we knew how to, then watched the part on the on/off switch, and that was where we had no power coming in. Went to local dealer to pick up part and it works. Thanks for posting the viedo.

@mattb5630 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the super informative video, I chased all these wires down, wasn’t getting power at the water heater at all, found the relay, still no power. Turns out the wire was never pushed into breaker! The more you know, thanks for getting me to that point!

@billcarter1182 Жыл бұрын

I'm not getting power to my water heater either, suspecting the problem is the relay. Where did you find it?

@CrappieG3 4 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the time you take to explain how to diagnose a problem. Thank you!

@eugenekrieger4866 2 ай бұрын

He explained it so a 7 year old could understand being so thorough

@lifuchs1 3 жыл бұрын

That was one excellent video. It is the gold standard of the way videos should be presented. Thank you for taking the time to make this.

@tondabohannan9412 3 жыл бұрын

Ps. You are the best self help guy because of the way explain and breakdown...

@desertrat1206 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful, My RV Works, Inc.. Could not have fixed my Suburban SW10DE without your guidance. As a heads up to both you and anyone you sees this post: A 10~ ohm resistance does not necessarily mean that the element is good. I had that here but it took replacing the element to fix AC side of heater. Not only that, the replaced element was nasty, nasty, nasty, with a heavy caking of calcium carbonate.

@kmac1991 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video! I used this to go through and diagnose my Suburban water heater. Found it worked except some burnt wires in the junction box. Replaced some connections and back in business.

@journeyforfive2171 3 жыл бұрын

Great troubleshooting techniques! I have an issue with the A/C side. LP works fine. Checking that element and the switch first. Thanks!

@mackenziecarlson4559 7 ай бұрын

You explained everything perfectly and went above and beyond! Thank you for all that you do! What a teacher 👏

@jamesbeld3018 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. My electric switch was stuck and bad and my LP solenoid was bad. Now cant wait for the parts to come in!! Great Job!!

@davidbrooke5985 3 жыл бұрын

This is the most comprehensive video that I have ever seen, the proper way to diagnose each component on these dual energy water heaters. Great video, subscribed and will be using your links to fix and service my H2O heater, Thank you.

@brendonwolcott568 2 жыл бұрын

You saved me at least 250$ with this video. Thanks man. Life saver.

@djstep84 3 жыл бұрын

I have watched 11 different videos before I found yours. You helped so much and spoke well and presented the information in a way I wasn’t bored to death and didn’t drag out your words. I instantly subscribed and plan to watch a few others. From a field electrican thank you sir!! I

@Edwardsjourney 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and detail and camera work. I'll watch a few more times only because its a lot of information to adsorb for a RV newbie like me.

@cguilford8775 2 жыл бұрын

Very well done! I was a maintenance instructor for many years and could not have done a better job. As thorough as this video was I would like to have seen you discuss the circuit board. Mine got fried in a thunderstorm 2 days ago and I had nothing, AC or DC, so I knew to look there first. Sure enough the board was cooked, Q3 on the board to be exact. Keep up the good work!

@SteveBabcock-li7po 4 ай бұрын

Thanks!! I believe this was my EXACT issue! I've ordered the switch, and it'll be here Wednesday.

@soniaandcarolynmarcos5482 Жыл бұрын

Thank you again...seems like the on-off switch is bad. Love your easy to follow videos.

@ben3318 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely the most informative troubleshooting videos online! Thank you my good man, much appreciated!

@joepalm2823 Жыл бұрын

Excellent instructional video. I have a much better understanding of how my water heater works.

@jeffjones6541 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Fantastic step by step analysis. Just started trouble shooting the same heater, you have given a tremendous amount of information. Thank You!

@dakasgem9433 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! The clearest and simplest best self-help video for heater troubleshooting ever!!

@jimlandis6121 2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad your video turned into a long one thank you!

@PeteFolksinger 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, this video really aided my understanding. My SW6DE has a 120v side problem. There is a continuity between neutral and ground on the circuit that trips the shore tie if it is plugged into a GFCI. The housing on the electric element is cracked, and the reset button rubber guard is deteriorated and the reset post missing on the DC side (although the unit works fine on LP).

@billbowling1226 2 жыл бұрын

This was the best and most informative video! It really helped me to understand the works and operation of the water heater and now I can repair mine most easily! Thank you!!!

@tomasubach1717 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful video, particularly where you get into the technical details, voltages, amps, ohms. You explained briefly but effectively. Thanks for sharing such good info.

@mikeh4327 2 жыл бұрын

awesome! thank you so much! i was wondering if you can show how to get ride of the rust that build on the tank. also, i was wondering if it's possible to pain them so it looks a little better and maybe protects it better. thank you again!

@MyRVWorks 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike, not sure how to get rid of rust once it has started. The Anode rod is supposed to manage that. Anything put in the water heater can end up in the water lines of the RV (including rust) so I would be careful what was used in there. Think kitchen cooking water and shower water...

@gregcurry1502 Жыл бұрын

Great video this was very helpful to diagnose that my AC on and off switch is broken. I really like how you opened everything up so I know what to expect.

@thedaddechannel 2 жыл бұрын

Sir, you are a youtube how-to video rock star. Top-notch allowing someone with a wee bit of know-how to understand the pieces, parts, how's, and why's allowing them to tackle any RV service issue. Something about you and your know-how reminds me of Gene Hackman in Enemy of the State. Thank you for letting me get to know and tackle my used RV issues.

@acerview77ctre Жыл бұрын

This unit doesn't take up a lot of room under my kitchen sink. I love that I have instant hot water when ever I want! Has enough capacity for my dishwasher also.

@Wasa9191 Жыл бұрын

Excellent technical description of functionality of the unit. I'm in the electronics industry and I found it very informative as I have had my Fiat Ducato MH only a short while. Cheers

@timhicks6557 3 жыл бұрын

Such a great video! One of the most thorough I’ve seen.

@dreamlookautodetailingauto3353 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the informative video. Dont know if you're in Utah? Having one of the several problems you have pointed out. So many things it could be, and you pointed out most of them, if not all...I will check this problem out & see if I can get it working. Thanks again for taking the time to educate us!

@kathleenoliver5461 Жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial! I learned so much from it and best of all repairing a problem oneself is so much cheaper than a shop call or mobile tech!

@shawnsheesley1699 Жыл бұрын

What a great video. I learned so much about my heater. I hope my unit doesn't fail me or my wife again.

@kylekuriger5525 Жыл бұрын

very helpful. I am a newbie to RV life and needed to know about my water heater. thanks

@TheYoungnut27 Жыл бұрын

Dang super helpful thanks for the detail and explanations 👍🏼 after watching this video I successfully diagnosed my water heater thanks to you I now have hot water on the 12v side 🙌🏻👍🏼👍🏼 thank you much

@edenolguin2122 6 ай бұрын

WOW!!!! ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!! What a great video, the entire troubleshooting, repair and maintenance for these water heater! Plus added basic electrical explanations!!! Thank you!

@scottbuss3449 2 жыл бұрын

excellent video, i knew all this stuff a 1 time, and then forgot it from lack of use... great refresher, much thx

@bookooc5605 3 жыл бұрын

This is great, but I am surprised you don't mention safety, like turning off the breaker or even mentioning that there are high voltages present where you are casually touching wires.

@davidpickrel523 Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU for taking the time to do this. You are awesome. I feel confident to troubleshoot my daughter's WH now. It is not working on AC power. It's a 2021 model and I was going to just start replacing parts starting with the element etc. But now I can test them first. Also, I noticed you made a new screw hole for the thermostat. :) Well Done!

@erichaagen9973 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful as always. I am having an issue and now I will reference this video so I might be able to fix it myself, Thanks, and have a blessed day.

@scottsheffield2594 9 ай бұрын

That was a great video. I really like how you take the time to explain the theory of operation and explain and show how you are troubleshooting in great detail. Your videos have helped me diagnose and fix my furnace, ac, and now I, about to troubleshoot my water heater using this video. Thanks again for another great video.

@brendanwalsh1675 4 жыл бұрын

Great video on the step by step process! Excellent camera work! Easy to understand. Electric switch going into our spare parts bin! Would have liked to see you replace the solenoids. Thanks again!

@gerryvink1 3 жыл бұрын

Simpler to get rid off that switch all together and add switch inside vehicle.

@dkleath8697 8 ай бұрын

As with All your videos: VERY IMPORTANT Info presented and explained perfectly * Who needs Any other repair videos but Yours? Answer: No One! TY SO MUCH!!!

@kracer19 3 жыл бұрын

Thankyou so much! I went step by step and got my water heater working on electric again!

@cblair0608 4 жыл бұрын

I've taken about 40 pages of notes regarding various repairs on campers....THANKS!!

@PearlHiggins1 Жыл бұрын

Thank you thank you... this helped me figure out what was wrong with mine.

@MIdaffy502 3 жыл бұрын

My Suburban 12 Gal WH started acting up this past weekend, and I was looking for some information to collaborate some of my findings. When on LP, works fine, when on 120VAC, water is warm not hot. The Electric Switch is frozen in the ON position and the element is 10 ohms out of circuit, with water in the tank. AC Voltage at the element is 117VAC. I figured it was the switch or the element. However 1440 watt element should add up to 12.5 amps at 115 volts, I read 5.9 amps at the element. So after watching your video it has to be the stupid cheap 120V 16A switch that's my problem. Thing is I'm an 1.5 hours drive away from any parts dealer if I'm lucky, so I'll pick up both parts and start at the switch and go from there. Thanks for 1.2.3's

@MyRVWorks 3 жыл бұрын

You can fish that switch out of its steel rectangular hole and just connect those wires together until you get a replacement switch...

@kevinking4371 4 жыл бұрын

I have found on Newmar products an additional convience switch for the AC side of the water heater. Sometimes they are under the upper cabinet near the sink. Some are a single switch with a pilot light. They can fail, but most often they are forgotten or for the new to them owner they can be difficult to locate.

@kevinking4371 Жыл бұрын

You are correct. Our 1997 American Star 5th wheel has a switch/pilot light as you describe. We had difficulty locating it. Another Newmar owner suggested several possible locations. It is on the bottom of the upper cabinet next to the range. A logical location for ease of turning it off when using the microwave if hooked up to shore power of limited amperage.

@retrorich6991 21 күн бұрын

Awesome I have the exact heater, thanks for the in depth electrical problems

@cirrus820travelers9 5 ай бұрын

We have a Suburban water heater on our 2013 Montana. Really enjoy learning from your well trusted videos! THANK YOU & DAKOTA for the time you spend sharing such a wonderful information! Been experiencing issues with hot water. Doesn't work on 120v; does great on LP. Where can I share pics of melted wires to thermostat? The excessive heat affected the wire to the ECO wire too. Am replacing the switch, thermostat & wires. Thanks again Darren! Will try to contact you when we visit our son again stationed at NAS Whidbey Island.

@steadypoints 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video....parts list is much appreciated since this is a very common water heater configuration throughout the RV industry

@hazaellara9315 4 ай бұрын

This is the PERFECT video that I needed! Was able to diagnose the problem for my water heater. Great step by step video!

@MyRVWorks 4 ай бұрын

Great to hear!

@wladewig 11 ай бұрын

Thank you - helpful, and now I'm about to do some troubleshooting a propane fault condition where the flame does not stay lit long enough to heat the water.

@larrywalden626 Жыл бұрын

Pretty slick. Great info. You explained it troubleshooting very clear. Thank you.

@neilrankin9945 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video! The exceptional detail. Thank you for giving me the confidence to problem solve systems on my motorhome.

@blj859 2 жыл бұрын

Great lesson on how the water heater works!

@TheSimfixer 26 күн бұрын

Thanks for the info, got the heater working again.

@FreedomIsntFree2023 Жыл бұрын

Love your troubleshooting videos...thank you so much! About those scotch lock connectors...those are a horrible connector by design, as they tend to actually cut the conductor when crimped, and even worse when in an outdoor, exposed environment.

@johnmcguire5232 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely first class explanation. Please keep up your great work

@johnrussell448 10 ай бұрын

You are doing the lords work sir!!

@richieburrows7928 Жыл бұрын

Great video! This covers many points to this issue. Thanks!!!

@psygn0sis Жыл бұрын

Exactly the same as what was wrong with mine! Thanks for the step-by-step troubleshooting guide!

@jimcurry5458 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video! Your expertise is clear to see. I'm good at fixing things overall. But for some reason I've never learned electrical troubleshooting, especially how to use a testing meter. Now I really know that I know nothing about it! Normally I would have a level of skepticism if I had an issue and needed to call a mobile service technician. It seems you never know who/what you're getting. But I can say that seeing you work, anyone in your service area will be getting a thoroughly qualified expert level of service. Very impressive..........

@Pactolus240 2 жыл бұрын

Ataboy: Great Video. My Suburban Heater is the next project.

@chipmagnuson2034 2 жыл бұрын

New rig. Suburban 6gal both a/c propane side heat to thermostat turn off temp. But all water outlets will provide hot/warm water for about 4 minutes. Which then turns to tap water temp. Kind of like the winterization bypass was on. Have had numerous rigs with same heater and tank size. We do know that you can't expect A/C to keep water hot when using.

@MyRVWorks 2 жыл бұрын

If you confirm that it is not in bypass mode then you might want to look on the back of the water heater on the hot output side. You may find a check valve there which has fouled out. Another place to check is if you have a shower sprayer with the on-off button, make sure that your hot and cold valves are turned off - we have seen this with outside showers. The hot and cold are on and that acts as a blending valve.

@randal_gibbons 3 жыл бұрын

I replaced my dometic water heater with an instant hot water heater. It uses propane and 2 D cell batteries for ignition. It wasn't very difficult to install. I love it. $500.00 to replace the dometic. $80.00 for the instant one.