• Click here to access some of the presentations made during the 2022 National Rally

Tankless HW and freezing temps

azreddot

Member
Looking for best practices regarding the tankless water heater.

We’re camping where over night temps are dropping in low 30’s. I’ve been turning on the holding tank heater pads when I go to bed but wondering should we leave the tankless water heater ON to prevent possible freezing or turn it OFF to save propane? I can see pros annd cons of both options. And what about during summer camp trips? Does everyone turn it on when you arrive at camp and off when you depart? Just curious.

Thanks
 

BryanValRox

Elite Member
Looking for best practices regarding the tankless water heater.

We’re camping where over night temps are dropping in low 30’s. I’ve been turning on the holding tank heater pads when I go to bed but wondering should we leave the tankless water heater ON to prevent possible freezing or turn it OFF to save propane? I can see pros annd cons of both options. And what about during summer camp trips? Does everyone turn it on when you arrive at camp and off when you depart? Just curious.

Thanks
Most have antifreeze logic built into their operation. So they will cycle on and off to prevent freeze up.

Another watch out to be aware of, is when you are in storage, be sure the unit is completely disabled. Or you could experience cycling which could be disastrous in the right circumstances, ie you cover your rig.
 
Upvote 1

azreddot

Member
Most have antifreeze logic built into their operation. So they will cycle on and off to prevent freeze up.

Another watch out to be aware of, is when you are in storage, be sure the unit is completely disabled. Or you could experience cycling which could be disastrous in the right circumstances, ie you cover your rig.

So if ours has this antifreeze logic this will work whether the internal WH thermostat is on or off?

So we’re in AZ and don’t usually have freezing temps at home. Planning to shut solar and battery master switches off, maybe propane too while parked next to the house but keep the rig plugged in to shore power. Almost killed the new lithium batteries before we left without realizing it.
 
Upvote 1

BryanValRox

Elite Member
So if ours has this antifreeze logic this will work whether the internal WH thermostat is on or off?

So we’re in AZ and don’t usually have freezing temps at home. Planning to shut solar and battery master switches off, maybe propane too while parked next to the house but keep the rig plugged in to shore power. Almost killed the new lithium batteries before we left without realizing it.
Might be best to identify your make and model and track down a copy of the manual.
My guess is that it would protect against freezing regardless of the internal t-stat position.
We have a tank style, so others with tankless experience would be better suited to share their actual experience.
 
Upvote 1

azreddot

Member
Good suggestion Bryan. I looked at the system earlier today and it’s a GE model #PR60PTLWBU01. Also discovered the main on/off switch has been on since we picked up from the dealer after the PDI Walk through. Downloaded the owners manual and will attach it in case anyone else needs it.
 

Attachments

  • Tankless water heater .pdf
    2 MB · Views: 2
Upvote 1

BryanValRox

Elite Member
Good suggestion Bryan. I looked at the system earlier today and it’s a GE model #PR60PTLWBU01. Also discovered the main on/off switch has been on since we picked up from the dealer after the PDI Walk through. Downloaded the owners manual and will attach it in case anyone else needs it.
Glad you identified the correct make and model ! Even more thrilled you located the correct manual and have shared it here ! Thank you for your research and sharing your find.
 
Upvote 1
Top