Had a minor accident 8 months ago, and had to replace our Suburban hot water heater.
This was done under warranty (thanks CIL), and replaced by a reputable repairer (A1 Caravans, Midland WA).
Our water heater is not keeping up to water flow ie, just enough hot water for one fast shower. Then wait for the heat to build up for another fast shower.
I have contacted the repairer.
I just want to know if it is something simple, otherwise we have to leave our CP site, take 'van to repairer to be assessed, return to CP, return caravan to repairer for repairs, find alternative accommodation while it is being repaired (we live in our caravan and are on the road full-time), then get 'van from repairer and then try to get our great spot back!
We are still doing WA and are back in Perth. Can't wait to head East again.
On our van there is a temp valve under the van that you can adjust to increase/decrease the amount of cold water being mixed with the hot. We also turn on the gas as well as the 240v if we both have a shower then turn off the gas when we have finished.
I have tried gas and it is the same. I don't see why you have to use power and gas at the same time, maybe your system is failing also.
We have never had a problem before with hot water. It has always been enough for two showers and more, whether on power or gas.
I think we will claim another one under warranty.
I suppose that you have a water saving shower head.
SWMBO was always complaining about shortage of hot water ... washes her hair every morning .... so I changed to a water saving head and all good ever since.
No 4 minute showers for her!
Our gas only HWS has an adjustment on the system itself to adjust the water temp. We always have it on the middle setting.
On gas do you hear the burner start up as you use the water. Our pilot used to run but the burner wouldn't start up because of the lack of gas flow. Caused by a faulty regulator, gunked up with the additive to give gas a smell.
The suburban heater puts out water at about 55-60C (collect some water by lifting the pressure relief valve on the heater thru the service hatch) measure the temperature right out of the heater at the blow off pipe if it is not at least 55c your heater is faulty.
But its probably the temper valve as mentioned (add cold to hot under the van) often require the screw holding the knob to be loosened then the knob pulled out before the you can adjust the setting.
Most competent van repairers should be able to sort it in a jiffy.
Hope this gets you back to good hot showers, most have 22lt capacity so start using a bucket on the grey water outlet when SWMBO is using the shower to get an accurate check of volume used!
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Brian & Nada retired and > "Ready to live the Dream" Live in the Shire!
76 series V8 Landcrab with Jayco Starcraft Outback Poptop
