we have a lance truck camper that works just great for us. one problem, the hot water stinks, bad! i have flushed out the entire system several times, cold water is fine, hot water is so bad you cant wash your hands. we do lots of dry camping, "boondocking" as you call it, is it possible the enamel has burned off inside the water heater and now we must replace the water heater? we both believe the water heater is set way too hot, is it possible the water pump was off and the water heater on, creating an air bubble at the top thus burning the enamel? i have no other explanation for this. when i winterize i switch the valves so no antifreeze enters the water heater. but i do not blow out anything either. just the normal rv antifreeze. do i have a bacteria growing in there? any suggestions for getting that out? clorox maybe?

What does it smell like? Burnt? Sulfer??

like a pan left on the oven with the burner on.

That ''could be'' the problem.

so, how difficult is it to lower the setting. i would like to try that before condemning the water heater.

On mine, It has a ''dial with a B on it, and I set it to the desired setting.

Doesn't yours have that ??

i called lance directly, and then atwood (they make the water heater), i was told to remove the pressure relief valve, pour 3 gallons of white vinegar 3 gallons of water directly into the water heater. reinstall the valve, heet up and cool down the water several times. flush the entire system several times and then see what happens. if the water is too hot i will need to replace the digital non adjustable thermostat.