Jayco Eagle Fifth Wheels 2023 Draining and Winterization User Manual
Draining and Winterization
If the recreation vehicle is to be stored over the winter months, the water heater must be drained to prevent damage from freezing. Damage to the water heater caused by freezing is not warrantable. It is recommended the water heater be drained and bypassed during the winterization process, particularly if introducing RV antifreeze into the plumbing system. Never drain the water heater when it is HOT or UNDER PRESSURE.
To drain the water heater:
- Turn off electrical power to the water heater either at the switch from the electrical element of at the breaker.
- Shut off the propane supply to the water heater.
- Turn off the water pump.
- Open both hot and cold water faucets.
- Remove the anode rod from the tank.
For detailed information see the Winterizing the Plumbing System.
Tankless Water Heater (if so equipped)
The tankless water heater uses less LP gas than storage tank model water heaters since it only uses energy when hot water is demanded. There is no pilot light to burn when no hot water is needed. The tankless water heater supplies an unlimited supply of hot water on demand (once lines are purged of standing water). As hot water is used, the cold water enters the heater. A water flow sensor detects the flowing water and automatically ignites the burner. Water circulates through the heat exchanger and is heated to the set temperature. When the tap is closed, the unit shuts down. The tankless water heater does not require an anode rod to prevent corrosion, or a by-pass. valve for winterizing. It is not affected by high altitudes. The output temperature of the water depends on the temperature of the inlet water AND the amount of hot water that is drawn. If the inlet water temperature is over 65 º F, the tankless water heater will generate water in the range of 105°F to 120°F (on low flame) depending on the water flow selected by the user.
Operating Tips
- Purge air out of ALL hot and cold water lines.
- Open the water heater door and turn the power switch “ON”.
- Set GMC (gas modulator dial) to appropriate setting.
- Normal weather – set dial to the middle area.
- Extreme cold weather – set dial to the extreme right (large flame).
- Extreme hot weather – set dial to the extreme left (small flame).
- Open hot water faucet to a medium water flow. It may take a few seconds for the water to travel from the water heater to the faucet.
- To reduce temperature:
- Turn GMC dial “counter-clockwise”.
- Increase hot water flow.
- Gradually add cold water.
- To increase temperature:
- Turn GMC dial “clockwise”. NOTE: Use caution not to increase the dial too much which could cause the hot water temperature to rise to the point the water heater “limits’ and turns OFF the flame (flame shut off is approxi-mately 131° F).
- Reduce hot water flow.
Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for detailed operating and safety information.
Winterization
Freezing of the water heater and its plumbing components will result in severe damage not covered by warranty Follow the recommendation(s) below if the unit is to be stored in a freezing environment for a long period of time. At the start of the winter season or before traveling to a location where freezing conditions are likely, the unit must be winterized. The very small amount of water present in the heat exchanger DOES NOT require the in-stallation of a bypass kit. Refer to the Winterization section for details.
Pressure – Temperature Relief Valve
WARNING
SCALDING INJURY-EXPLOSION
- Valve is not serviceable; if defective it must be replaced.
- Tampering with valve will result in scalding injury. Do not place a plug or reducing coupling on outlet part of valve. If you use a discharge line allow complete drainage for both valve and line.
- Tampering with valve will void the warranty.
THIS VALVE IS A SAFETY COMPONENT AND MUST NOT BE REMOVED FOR ANY REASON OTHER THAN REPLACEMENT. THE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE SHOULD ONLY BE REPLACED BY A QUALI-FIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN.
Maintenance
Inspect your water heater monthly and have it serviced at least once a year by the manufacturer’s recommended service technician. If you have questions, contact your RV dealer, the manufacturer, or Customer Service.
Outside Shower (if so equipped)
A handheld shower assembly with both hot and cold water may be included for use outside of your recreational vehicle .It may be located in a separate outside shower compartment or at the utility center (if so equipped).
- Be sure the water heater is ON and had sufficient time to heat the water.
- If dry camping, be sure the 12-volt water pump is ON.
- Remove the handheld shower from its holder.
- Turn ON the hot and cold faucet knobs, and adjust the water temperature as desired.
- To activate the handheld shower turn ON the sprayer head attachment (some models). To turn off the water always close the hot/cold control (faucet) knobs. The lever on the shower head will not completely stop the flow of water (this is intentional to allow for draining). After the water has been allowed to drain from the shower head, return it to the outside shower storage. Any remaining water in the shower hose will drip or run out; this is not a leak but performs as intended. If you are dry camping, turn the water pump OFF. Turning off the water with the shower head lever can also create a condition where the hot and cold water will mix through the outside shower faucet, thereby reducing the temperature of the hot water and give the appearance that the hot water heater is not working properly.
- NOTE: The shower head may be removed from the hose so that it will drain faster. If you remove the shower head, be sure to reassemble it prior to stor-age.
- NOTE: When putting the shower assembly back into the storage compartment, make sure the hose is not pinched or the shower head is positioned in a way it can be damaged.
Faucets
The bathroom, kitchen and outside shower faucets operate much the same way as the faucets in your home. Make sure there is sufficient water available and the 12-volt water pump is turned ON before operating.
NOTE: There may be air in the water plumbing lines which needs to be bled out before a steady stream of water comes from the faucet.
Bathroom Tub Shower
Keep the water heater and holding tank capacities in mind when using the fresh water system. The used water will drain into the grey water holding tank.
- Be sure the water heater is ON and had sufficient time to heat the water.
- If dry camping, be sure your 12-volt water pump is ON.
Unlike your home, the recreational vehicle does not contain a water pressure balance valve. If someone is using the shower, it is recommended that the fresh water system NOT BE USED until they are finished.
WARNING
Water temperatures over 125°F (49°C) can cause severe burns instantly there-fore, be careful when using hot water. Always test the water temperature before showering or washing. The shower faucet may include a vacuum breaker for the shower.
There are two purposes for this breaker:
- To prevent siphoning water through the hose from another fixture.
- To prevent water from being retained in the hose.
The showerhead DOES NOT have a complete shut-off valve (the complete shut-off is at the faucet). The showerhead may drip slightly in the OFF position after use; this is normal and does not indicate a leak or defect.
Maintenance
Refer the manufacturer’s user guide or label instructions for detailed cleaning information. The tub/shower walls are made of ABS plastic material. Use a mild detergent soap and warm water to clean. Do not use gritty or abrasive particle soaps or scouring compound to clean ABS plastic. Avoid using “Citrus” or biodegradable cleaners which contain “D-Limonene.” They will damage plastic materials.
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Reference Links
View Full User Guide: Jayco Eagle Fifth Wheels 2023 User Manual
Download Manuals: https://www.jayco.com/manuals