RV Repair: Atwood hot water heater, limit thermostat, hot water heater

Question
I just returned from a camping trip with my Jayco Feather camper.  While camping, the hot water heater did not heat up the water like it normally did.  I had it on the hottest setting and got it only fairly warm.  What might be the problem?

Bob

Answer
Hi Bob:
Sounds like your thermostat is not working right or has come lose from the holder. There are two contact thermostats ouside under the cover. They sit about in the middle of the heater under a black foam type cover. The foam is glued on and you have to peel it off to expose the thermostats. Two wires go to each. The one on the left, red wires, is a high limit thermostat and cuts of the gas flow at 190 degrees or so. The other one controls the water temp, brown wires,  and cuts off at about 135 degrees this is the one that is either loose or needs to be replaced. There is a spring that holds it up against the alumunum tank. If that mounting is ok then you need to get a new thermostat, should be able to find one on the internet. If you cannot, I have some and would mail it to you, I think they are about $37.00. Good luck.
Bill
907-883-5750