Connect the RV to a city or campsite water supply. Verify that the hot water heater is off. Check to see that the RV water heater tank is full. Turn on a hot water faucet and let the water run until there is no sputtering. If no water runs out, fill the hot water heater tank before proceeding.
Turn on the propane tanks and make sure that the water heater is connected to the LP system.
Plug the RV into a shore electrical system (a house outlet or campground hookup).
Turn on the RV water heater. Newer RVs have electronic starters that are turned on by a switch in the RV main control panel. Older models may have a manual pilot light or starter. To start a manual system, open the access panel to the water heater and turn on the unit. This is usually done with a push-button starter. Higher-end motorhomes may not have a water heater. Instead they have an on-demand hot water system that does not require a hot water tank. This type of unit turns on with a switch located in the RV main control panel.
Wait for the water heater to bring the water up to the proper temperature before using it. RV water heaters are smaller than those for household use. The average RV water heater does not exceed 30 gallons, therefore the water heats up quickly.
