Thread: Travel trailer

The gas valve on the water heater wouldn't light while camping. I tried it again when we got home, still won't light. I looked online and local dealers for a new gas valve and an electric element kit. $350 to $400 with sales tax or shipping added.
Does anyone have a tankless heater in their camper? Could one be installed in the same space as this 6 gallon heater?
We don't have plans to camp anywhere there isn't 110v power.

Originally Posted by canebreaker

The gas valve on the water heater wouldn't light while camping. I tried it again when we got home, still won't light. I looked online and local dealers for a new gas valve and an electric element kit. $350 to $400 with sales tax or shipping added.
Does anyone have a tankless heater in their camper? Could one be installed in the same space as this 6 gallon heater?
We don't have plans to camp anywhere there isn't 110v power.

Probably just a bad thermocouple

Originally Posted by "G"

Probably just a bad thermocouple

A bad thermocouple will let you light the pilot, it may not stay lit. It won't let the valve turn on.

The next day after we installed the plug and T&P valve I opened the door and smelled gas. Got my soap bottle and checked fittings. 3/8" copper tubing running the length of the 26 foot trailer. It comes off of the tanks in the center of the frame, swings to the right to a few T fittings. Stove, frig and heater, passes the rear axle and swings across to the left frame and water heater at the left rear. The flare nut at the water heater was the only fitting I found leaking. Haven't smelled gas since I tightened it.
Lighting instructions at water heater: Turn gas tank valve on, water heater valve turned off, wait 5 minutes before turning to pilot selection on valve. press down to light pilot.
Let's see here. A 3/8" hose is coming off of the top of a 20 lb. tank. 3/8" copper tubing runs (under) the trailer for 26 feet. The stove is the first in line and takes about 7 minutes before it will light. Bleeding air for up to the first minute. Water heater is last won't light after waiting 30 minutes, more like an hour. I could install a pet cock close to the water heater and not have to wait as long.