RV hot water heater

[Fentonite]

I'm definitely interested in the progress of this project, please keep us posted.

I started posting in the Lastest Purchase thread, but figured I’d move updates here. The old RV has more right with it than wrong (so far), but not without projects. I’ve replaced the house a/c and tires already. I’m still pretty thrilled that the propane fridge and furnace work. I thought that the hot water heater only had a leaking connection, but the leak persisted after I replaced the connector, so I removed the entire tank/heater today. The hot water tank was apparently allowed to freeze while full, and split like a melon. I’ll be replacing the unit, and probably some of the plumbing with Sharkbite material, anticipating future repairs.

[Great-Kazoo]

That tank is worth a few $$ in scrap.

[Fentonite]

That tank is worth a few $$ in scrap.

I was gonna just put it in the alley for the scrappers, but maybe now I’ll take it to the recycler. Where should I send your commission?

[Irving]

Whoa, that's the baddest freeze break I've ever seen.

Kazoo's commission will be less than the postage.

[fairrpe86]

Yeah, that is a good freeze break! Mine was only a few inches near a welded bung, my own fault on that one. First year I had my 5th wheel, I didn't know I needed to pull the plug and drain the thing...oops!

[Colorado Osprey]

When you go to replace it for not much more money you can install an on demand water heater for campers. The two models you can buy are Suburban Nautilus or the Atwood On Demand. Unlimited hot water. Other units are available but have to be dealer installed like Truma AquaGo. The Truma is the #1 water heater for campers in Europe. The Atwood On Demand is a popular factory option in newer campers followed closely by the Suburban Nautilus. The Nautilus is the easiest to convert from any make or model.

[BPTactical]

When you go to replace it for not much more money you can install an on demand water heater for campers. The two models you can buy are Suburban Nautilus or the Atwood On Demand. Unlimited hot water. Other units are available but have to be dealer installed like Truma AquaGo. The Truma is the #1 water heater for campers in Europe. The Atwood On Demand is a popular factory option in newer campers followed closely by the Suburban Nautilus. The Nautilus is the easiest to convert from any make or model.

Damn, just checked those out and your right, really not much more than a standard RV water heater. If mine ever craps out that is the direction I will go.

Enjoying the day re caulking all the roof fixtures / seams on mine today.
Good times.

[brutal]

Yeah, that is a good freeze break! Mine was only a few inches near a welded bung, my own fault on that one. First year I had my 5th wheel, I didn't know I needed to pull the plug and drain the thing...oops!

Friend had an rv storage/repair business. that's pretty much the MO for water heater splits.

[Fentonite]

When you go to replace it for not much more money you can install an on demand water heater for campers. The two models you can buy are Suburban Nautilus or the Atwood On Demand. Unlimited hot water. Other units are available but have to be dealer installed like Truma AquaGo. The Truma is the #1 water heater for campers in Europe. The Atwood On Demand is a popular factory option in newer campers followed closely by the Suburban Nautilus. The Nautilus is the easiest to convert from any make or model.

Of course. I already ordered the original (antiquated) replacement. This is pretty typical for me - I jump into a project (not knowing what I don’t know), then get good advice on how to do something right, but after I’ve already paid for or done it in a dumber fashion. Oh well, hopefully this will still be a simple chore, that functions ok.

Striving for mediocrity.

[Fentonite]

Got it finished today, running SharkBite plumbing at the heater. I was thinking I’d re-plumb the whole thing with PEX and Sharkbite, but my motivation waned, and I decided not to fix what isn’t broken yet. No leaks, and the water is hot! Good enough for now.





Next, to replace the busted fender skirt