Hot water bypass

look for a removable access panel, typically near water in line on ext of unit

The placement of the power centre and water heater valve in a 2005 Coachmen Freelander motorhome may differ based on the particular model and floorplan of your RV. Nevertheless, I can offer you some general details on where these parts are usually located and how to use them.

RV Power Center:
The power centre in a recreational vehicle (RV) typically contains the electrical distribution panel, fuses, and circuit breakers. It is usually situated within the RV, often in a cabinet or utility area.

• Search for a panel that has a door or cover that can be opened. Inside, you will discover the circuit breakers and fuses that regulate the electrical systems in your RV.
• To activate or reset circuit breakers, locate the one that corresponds to the specific area of the RV you wish to power, and switch it to the "ON" position. If a circuit breaker trips, it will be in the "OFF" position, and you will need to reset it by moving it to "ON."

Water Heater Valve:

• The water heater valve for an RV's hot water system is usually located near the water heater unit itself, which is often found in an exterior access compartment.
• You'll typically need to access the water heater compartment by opening an exterior access panel or door on the side of your RV. The water heater will be a rectangular or cylindrical unit.
• Once you locate the water heater, look for the water supply lines connected to it. You should find a bypass valve system nearby that allows you to control the flow of water into the water heater.
• The valve positions may vary depending on the RV, but in general, there are typically three positions: "Normal," "Bypass," and "Winterize." To use the water heater, you'll want to set the valves to the "Normal" position. In the "Bypass" or "Winterize" positions, the water heater is either bypassed or prepared for cold weather storage.

Conclusion.
Different models and years of RVs may have variations in the location and functioning of these components. To obtain accurate instructions for your Coachmen Freelander model, it is crucial to refer to your RV's owner's manual. If you have any doubts about any aspect of your RV's systems, it is advisable to seek help from a professional RV technician or contact the manufacturer's customer support.

Make sure all bypass valves are open and blender valve between hot and cold water feed is closed when demand is there for hot water

Hi Terry,

Based on the location of the water heater on the outside, I would believe the by-pass valve is located under your gas range. The wood panel below it should be removable to access.

Locating the water heater bypass on a Forest River RV, specifically the Forest River Georgetown 398 model, can vary based on the specific layout and design of the RV. However, in most RVs, including Forest River models, the water heater bypass valves are typically located near the water heater unit itself. Here are some general steps to help you locate the water heater bypass on your Forest River Georgetown 398:
1. **Identify the Water Heater Unit:**
- The water heater in your RV is usually located inside a cabinet or compartment, either inside the RV or accessible from the exterior.
- It is commonly found in the kitchen area, bathroom, or an exterior compartment.
2. **Access the Water Heater Compartment:**
- Locate the compartment where the water heater is installed. This could be inside the RV or in an exterior storage compartment.
- Open the compartment door to access the water heater.
3. **Look for the Bypass Valves:**
- Once you have located the water heater, look for the bypass valves near the water heater unit.
- The bypass valves are used to redirect water flow during winterization or maintenance to bypass the water heater.
4. **Check Behind the Water Heater:**
- In some cases, the bypass valves may be located behind or on the backside of the water heater unit.
- You may need to remove a panel or access door to reach the bypass valves.
5. **Identify the Bypass Valve Configuration:**
- The water heater bypass system typically consists of three valves: a cold water valve, a hot water valve, and a bypass valve.
- The bypass valve should be set to bypass the water heater when winterizing the RV or performing maintenance.
6. **Consult the RV Manual:**
- if you have one, refer to the owner's manual or documentation provided with your Forest River Georgetown 398 for specific information on the location and operation of the water heater bypass system.
If you are unable to locate the water heater bypass valves or have difficulty accessing them, it may be helpful to consult with a Forest River dealer or RV service center for assistance.

The bypass values are usually located behind the water heater. Usually one going to the input and output of the water heater (so 2 valves), and then should be a cross pipe before these with a valve. Summer mode you want the 2 valves to the water heater open, and the one on the cross pipe closed.

If you don't have a hot water heater winterizing bypass kit installed,get one before going any further.
Next, drain the water out of the hot water tank. Add POTABLE (not automotive) anti freeze to the water system Run run faucets one at a time both hot and cold, toilet and shower head until you see the anti freeze . Next, shut off the water pump and open the faucets. This saves any chance of cracked water lines. When you want to use the trailer again, close the bypass valves on the hot eater tank and run the pump long enough to remove the antifreeze solution from the system. Fill the water tank and run the faucets for a few minutes. Potable antifreeze won't make you sick so there's no worry if you don't get it all out of the system.

Todd, hot water by-pass valves are usually installed behind the water heater. There are probably 3 valves that need to be operated.
1. - Close the cold water valve TO the water heater.
2. - Close the hot water valve FROM the water heater.
3. - Open the by-pass valve. It's the one between the other two.

At the back of the water heater there will be a series of valves. One on the bottom, sometimes one on the top and then one in a line that connects the top to the bottom lines. Make sure the middle valve is closed and the top and bottom valves are open. If there is not a valve on the top that can be manually opened and closed then there is a check valve installed. This check valve will allow the hot water out of the tank but will prevent the back flow of cold water during the winterization bypass. If the valve on top is closed it will not allow hot water out. If the middle valve is opened it will allow the cold water to mix with hot water and defeat the purpose having a water heater. Close the middle open the top and bottom. If there is not one on top then the check valve is probably clogged or has failed and need to be cleaned or replaced.

You don't need to find the water pump. Make sure your water tank is empty before adding RV winterizer to the water tank. Run each faucet in the RV with bypass valve NOT in winterize position until you see the antifreeze begin to come out of the faucet. Do this for both cold and hot water side for each faucet. Then move bypass valve to winterize position and run for a few seconds.