The Carver Cascade gas-fired h2o heater was a revelation when it was introduced in the 1980s. Information technology was efficient and fitted neatly under seats. Rather than unsightly, 'on demand' wall-mounted water heaters (that supplied hot h2o to a single tap where it was mounted), the Carver Cascade sent it to caravan kitchen sinks, washroom basins and, practically unheard of before, caravan showers! (See a divide commodity for our guide to caravan water systems.) Years afterwards, the GE version added an electric heating element — a useful feature at a time when touring sites were fitting electric hook-up.

The Carver Company was bought by the giant German language firm Truma, and inevitably production of the Cascade (GE) ceased considering it was in competition with Truma's ain water heater. Today, Truma retains the lion's share of the market, just many upmarket caravans have the Alde organization, and some manufacturers fit the neat Whale unit of measurement.

Although the Cascade GE hasn't been produced for several years, in that location are still many caravans that have them, because they've proved to be robust and reliable. Indeed, the one that nosotros're going to have a await at here is of 1999 vintage, and, apart from having a plastic union replaced when it was less than a twelvemonth old, has required no repairs since, despite regular utilize.

While generally dependable, the gas burner tin occasionally exist a little difficult to ignite. I've institute that cleaning the burner cures this (assuming in that location'southward plenty of gas in the cylinder, of course). It'south surprising the amount of clay and rust particles that collect on its top and in some cases cake the burner holes, thus making information technology hard for the gas to flow. Clearing information technology is a simple chore for DIYers.

Shut fuel flows

During the post-obit procedure, neither the gas nor electrical supplies are existence touched. In the interests of safe, notwithstanding, it is strongly advised that you lot disconnect the gas supply, disconnect or turn off any mains electricity supply, and disconnect the 12V battery before starting.

Tools required for the job are minimal:

  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A crosshead screwdriver
  • A wire brush
  • A vacuum cleaner with nozzle attachment and/or a paintbrush

We started with a tuckered unit and, although this isn't necessary to complete the burner cleaning, it's probably worthwhile doing simply to make sure that the various parts still operate freely.

Starting inside the caravan, open at least i of the hot taps. Then, using the flathead screwdriver, remove the bleed plug at the bottom-left corner of the Carver Cascade unit of measurement when viewed from outside the caravan. At the superlative-left corner, turn the Fast Drain valve through 90˚ (until the screwdriver slot is horizontal).

The water is probable to take a proficient v minutes to bleed completely, and sometimes information technology's astonishing how much grit escapes with it.

One time the water has drained, undo the 4 crosshead screws that hold the external cover in place. Once they take been removed, the cover tin but be taken away. If there is any resistance, it is probable that it is existence gripped past a flake of wayward sealant from when the unit was first installed.

Before dismantling any further, use a wire brush to clean surface corrosion from around the edge of the unit. Exist careful while doing this, though, to avoid damaging the caravan's paintwork. And then, using either a vacuum cleaner or a paintbrush (if you're not near a mains supply to use a vacuum), articulate away loose dirt from behind the cover.

Careful cleaning

Next, undo the ii crosshead screws that hold the vertical plate over the bottom one-half of the Cascade and remove it. You'll probably discover that yous need to pull out the bottom border first.

This will expose the gas burner and, unless that's been cleaned recently, you'll probably be surprised at the amount of debris there is on top of the burner.

Carefully clean abroad the debris using either the vacuum cleaner or paintbrush, but exist conscientious not to harm the ignitor or its ceramic insulation.

Once you've cleared out as much debris every bit possible, replace the plate and its screws, followed past the external cover, making certain that it slots over the Fast Drain valve. Then plow the Fast Drain valve through 90˚ so its screwdriver slot is vertical.

Before you return the bleed plug to its place, check that the rubber 'O' ring on it is in good condition. If non, it will demand replacing considering it is likely to allow water to leak out of the heater. New ones are nevertheless available.

Next, close the hot tap that had been opened for draining purposes. Yous'll at present need to reconnect the 12V battery, the gas supply and the water, via a pump from your Aquaroll.

Make full the h2o heater fully (to ensure a good flow of water through the hot tap). Finally, plow on the water heater (on gas and not electricity) and check to make sure that information technology is operating correctly; the green light on the control console must remain lit, while neither of the others illuminate. Wait for the water to reach the correct temperature. If all's well, don't forget to drain off the water once more, especially if it'due south over the wintertime.

If there is a error and the unit doesn't ignite, information technology is highly unlikely that what you accept just done is the issue. Obviously make sure that there's a proficient gas and 12V supply, but if there is, the problem is more likely to be with the burner's control module.

If that is the case, you may be lucky and find a dealer who has one in stock. There are also a few companies that specialise in spares/repairs for the Carver Cascade (GE), simply information technology may exist more cost-constructive to source a secondhand function from a caravan disassembler (read our communication on sourcing spare parts for caravans).