By Dustin Simpson
An RV owner in one of my Facebook groups asked, “Any idea what caused this?” One of the most important reasons why we write these articles is to help you and to help protect others in the campground. It is very important to learn all you can when it comes to RV maintenance and why… especially when it comes to preventing RV fires!
How pests can cause RV fires
So, with that being said, let’s talk about propane. Did you know that LP gas has a garlic byproduct in it that attracts bees, spiders, mud daubers, and other pests into your appliances? This can cause damage to your appliances, and can even cause a fire.
This is caused by something getting into the burner chamber and causing it to burn incorrectly. I would advise that you take the unit in for service if you see any signs of this on your side wall.
Just like a chimney can catch on fire, so can your RV. So, if you see this, please stop using your RV until you have it corrected.
It’s important to know what you own!
Should you need to troubleshoot or order any parts for your water heater, you’ll need to have the right information to take care of your investment. Check out the pictures to know your water heater basics:
• Know your water heater brand.
• Know where to locate your model and serial number.
• Identify basic water heater parts.
It’s a good idea to take pictures of your appliance model and serial numbers and send them to yourself. This information is very important for you to get any replacement parts if needed.
Depending on your use, your water heater should be serviced every 6–12 months to keep it maintained and to prevent costly replacement and damage.
In the above picture, this could have burned the unit to the ground! It could be at your house or your favorite campground! Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for all your appliance services.
Our Facebook groups
These Facebook groups were created to help educate owners about parts, problems, repairs, fixes, and upgrades on RV units. We will be sharing videos that include WHAT’S IN THE SHOP? and SHOP TALK episodes with information on accessories and products that we use and install on the units from the shop.
We try and help as time allows to answer questions and problems. We encourage others to share their experience so we can build a resource page to help everyone.
Make sure you check out our website, California RV Specialists, and our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and see our published articles on RVtravel.com and other social media pages.
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RVDT2746
Install bug screens on water heater and heater openings. Propane frig vents also.
Wish I could give this both thumbs up! These stainless steel additions are not cheap and may take a little time to properly install. However your 1st insect infestation cleanup will make them look inexpensive. Mud dauber nests are as hard as rock and can be tough to remove.
I installed some aluminum mesh screen on the inside of my water heater door.
Works as well as the ones sold, but does not stick out.
Used some copper wire to secure it.
The problem with the ones you can buy, is they are attached by springs which allow them to be bumped and fall off.
The problem with most mesh is it restricts airflow (both directions) I had installed it and my HW & heaters sputtered. The mesh opening MUST be large enough to allow enough air to feed the flame and to not restrict the exhaust yet small enough to block the bugs. Also, the exhaust may corrode/melt the aluminum screen. You need stainless steel.
The screens made for RV’s are stainless and won’t restrict the airflow. But, those fiddly little attachment springs that come with them are worthless! I used stainless safety wire instead.
And almost impossible to install. .I could only get one on my rig. I tape them over when parked for the winter. I also place tape over the thermostat on switch as a reminder to remove the outside tape.
Our Dometic water heater thermal fuse popped while visiting the Big Bend National Park region in southern Texas. It was HOT and probably hotter behind the sun baked black exterior panel. 5 minutes of additional heat from the burning propane was all it took. I bypassed the fuse long enough to watch and confirm there was no other issue with the heater. (whew!)
No replacements available locally, but luckily an RV tech was able to hand-build a replacement for $20. You can order a 2-pack from Amazon for $9. I now carry spares.
One of the first things I did after my wife and I bought our brand-new camper this year, was to put bug screens over the furnace and water heater vents! Fridge is 12v, so no worries there…
Just before heading out on a memorial day weekend, many years ago, I could smell propane coming from my 16′ Alladin TT.
Squirrels or Chip and Dale decided they wanted some propane for breakfast..Aaarg!
Try and get a replacement hose on a Friday afternoon before a holiday…
Whew!..I did….