Recent content by Mtn Mike

There's a couple of websites with references to "free" camp spots. I really enjoy using this one: http://www.campendium.com/  . You can set the filter to "free" and search whatever area you're in. No affiliation but I've used the site many times to find spots to stay the night. 

Often sites with 50 amp service also have an adjacent 30 amp receptacle. If not get an adaptor and don't sweat it.

Could be true in a lot of applications. With my new heater I thought that it stayed on continuously when set to high and cycled on/off or between low and high when using the thermostat feature. And if I'm heating the trailer up after its been cold, its going to need to stay on high until it...

Yeah a continuous 1500 watt/12 amp draw is a lot for a 15 amp circuit. Using an appliance for a short time, like a coffee maker or toaster is one thing, but running a heater all day can sure warm your wires and connections. I built my trailer so I know for a fact that that circuit is 20 amp...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hunter-24-in-1500-Watt-Digital-Ceramic-Tower-Heater-with-Remote-Control-HPQ15C-EA/205200354?MERCH=RV-_-rv_nav_plp_rr-_-NA-_-205200354-_-N We picked up this for our trailer from Home Depot a few weeks ago. It's got some nice features including a digital thermostat, Hi...

Got it, thanks again for the information Gary and everyone else who responded.

hmm, trying to remember how a relay works...Does that mean I will draw 12 volt current to keep the 120VAC circuit in the closed/"WH on" position? 

Thank you for that description. I don't have a separate WH circuit, but there is a 20 amp circuit nearby that I could branch off of.  I'm still debating between this and a relay.

Thank you very much Gary. Thats exactly what I was starting to realize and I'm glad you confirmed it. Im not yet sure whether I'll go the route of a 120vac switch or a 12v -120v relay.  It sounds like the Atwood relay is integrated into the unit internally and therefore not something I could...

I don't think a 120VAC switch will fit in the Atwood switch holder. There's no way it could meet code, or be safe. I'm not totally opposed to using the switch with a 12-120 volt relay but I haven't seen one available. I'll probably configure mine exactly like yours is.

Thank you very much! That's exactly what I needed to know. I guess one could just use the provided external 120VAC switch and forgo the internal switch, but that's not desirable to me considering the LPG switch is conveniently in the coach. Regards and happy RVing.

This is the schematic for an Atwood tank, and there's a relay included: http://www.panther-rvproducts.com/media/Combo%209E-10E%20Conversion(1).pdf This is the schematic for the suburban, with no reference to a relay or 120VAC switch...

Okay, so I upgraded my old pilot light water heater to a DSI ignition/1400 watt/120VAC model (SW6DE). The online retailer was very helpful with most of my questions before my purchase. They sent me a dual switch that controls the 12v DSI ignition AND apparently the 120VAC element. It's an Atwood...

Interesting information.  My dual detector came with a gas shut-off solenoid that shuts off the flow of LP in the event of CO or LP detection. I thought it was a slick feature. However, after installing the solenoid, I realized it draws a little over 1 amp continuously on the 12v circuit. It's...

I understand the difference in weights of the gases, but I think that concern is unjustified. My understanding is that CO dissipates fairly evenly within room air. If you look at the instructions for standard household CO detectors, they pretty much say that they can be mounted anywhere. Propane...