Hot Water Heater in 1991 Pace Arrow RV is not working

one of the elements has burnt out and needs replaced . call a local plumber to save you the headache of diy

Generally, if a RV water heater is self igniting, then it is not designed to be lit manually. If you remove the outside vent cover door, then the unit can be observed. The self igniter should be visible at a point of where the pilot light is located. The problem with trying to light the water heater manually is that the circuit that activates the igniter also turns on the gas at the same time. If the igniter is not getting power, then most likely the valve to turn on the gas is not getting power either. If the problem is that the igniter itself has failed, then it may be possible, but unlikely, that with someone inside activating the turn on switch and a flame being applied to the pilot light area, at the same time, the pilot may light.

http://fleetwoodrv.com/partsandservice/manuals/1987_pace_arrow_eleganza.pdf The service manual should be able to guide you on this and more

check first if you have good water flow to and from heater. lift pressure release valve on inlet and allow few sec to flow, same with outlet hot water safety valve.

remove front cover from the heater, you should see your gas connection and thermostat knob.

check if gas is burning evenly and on whole surface, check for leaks on the heater and on the lines to and from the heater.

if you did not find any faults, no leaks, safety valves work correctly, check thermostats settings,

wind it down to minimal, then turn it to about 1/4 value (you did not specify model but this should do, widening arrow or numerical values ar self explanatory), lift hot water safety valve for few seconds, then open any hot water tap (faucet if you are an american...) and check if gas ignites and burns.

set thermostat to about 2/3 value and again, lift hot water safety valve for few seconds, then open any hot water tap. check if gas ignites and if water is sufficiently hot, if too hot - wind it down to say 1/2 way, if too cold, wind it till resistant and then back off a bit, DO NOT EVER LEAVE VALVE OR THERMOSTAT ON MAX!.

if none of these help - you need either, change the thermostat or heater itself.

if works - you solved the problem, close the tap, close the cover and use the system as you normally do.

i am always recommending use of insulation on the hot water system, it saves heaps of money over the life of the system.

hope this will help you - do not forget to vote... :-)

You need to check 2 things. First, go outside and carefully open pressure relief valve at top of tank,(careful in case hot water spurts out) and make sure there is water in it. Second, look at back of tank inside RV and check your by-pass valves(s) for proper positioning. Cold water enters the water heater at the bottom fitting, so that valve has to be open, as well as leaves water heater at hot fitting at top of tank (the highest fitting) so that valve as well needs to be open. Any valves that may be in between those 2 water lines need to be closed. I am assuming that the heater starts runs, shuts down etc, just not running any hot water through hot side of taps, correct?

You need to check by-pass valve(s) on back of tank for proper position. You need cold open going in to bottom tank fitting, and hot open at top. If any valves in between those 2 lines via "T"'s, turn them to off position.

Hi and welcome to Fixya.

Here are 2 manuals that should help you in troubleshooting your RV hot water problem.

Multiple times there is a ref. to resetting the reset switch for 30 seconds on the unit (cover removal required)

For the ignition:

http://www.atwoodmobile.com/manuals/waterheaters/MPD%2093757%20PS%2011.19.07.pdf

For the water heater:

http://www.atwoodmobile.com/manuals/waterheaters/MPD%2093050%20PS%204.9.09.pdf

The manuals as written are full of warnings mixed in with meaningful text. (Not user friendly)

THERE USUALLY A PANEL OF SORTS SOMEWHERE AROUND THE GALLEY, ON THE WALL, STOVE HOOD, BEHIND THE CUPBOARD DOOR ABOVE THE ENTRY DOOR OR BESIDE IT.

The first question is this
From the outside of your RV is the water heater square or is it longer than it is tall?

If it is square it is a Suburban
If it is longer than it is tall then it is an Atwood
Forest River mostly uses Suburban

How long do you let the unit burn/run before you try the hot water? From a cold start it will take - depending on the outdoor temp. & the gallon size of your water heater, 15 to 30 minutes for the water to get hot.

If you have waited this long then I would suspect the bypass valve is in the wrong position

Mixing Valve Malfunctions
(if applicable)
● Check and replace if necessary.
Water inlet filter clogged. ● Clean water inlet filter.
Fixture aerator is clogged. ● Clean aerator.
http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aabh_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-Appliance-Site/Sites-CompactAppliance_Primary/default/v1234353428348/pdf/ownersmanuals/rheem/RTG42-53_IndoorOutdoor_owners.pdf
Here is the owners manual. It will show you where those parts are to check and possibly repair