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Water heater

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RKS

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Water heater
« on: August 26, 2026, 02:48:10 pm »
Currently at Acadia  National Park, Schoodic unit.  Water heater has sprung a leak, all fittings sound and appears to be originating on the bottom. Wondering if any one has replaced theirs and if so with what brand  and how the installation went. Suburban sells a unit that supposedly is direct replacement for the now defunct Atwood brand.  Any thoughts are appreciated.
Bob and Michele
Previously owned a 2350 Sprinter

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Water heater
« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2026, 05:48:52 pm »
I never had my 2007 HWT out, but I have serviced it.  One place of potential leakage/failure is the electric heating element.  It has plastic that just might have cracked.  If you are able to access yours like I am, it is at a low point close to the floor and faces towards the inside of the motorhome.  I had to remove the access panel to get to it.  If you decide to change it, first place as many towels as you can stuff because even with the HWT empty, 1/2 gallon of water still comes out, I assume to assure the element stays submerged even with an empty tank for protection from accidental turn-on during plug-in storage.

The electric heating element resembles this.  Maybe it cracked and is leaking.  As I recall, a new heating element was very affordable.
« Last Edit: August 26, 2026, 05:54:51 pm by Ron Dittmer »
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wideglide

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Re: Water heater
« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2026, 09:12:01 am »
A couple years ago my wife bought an old travel trailer and it was missing the water heater. I went with the Suburban 6 gal electric/gas and it fit the hole fine. Since it was a 1974 trailer i think it came with the atwood brand but i had no way to verify. It plumbed in with no problems and ive had no issue with it. Just be aware if you go with suburban it has a steel tank so you will be replacing the anode rod in it every year

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LRUCH

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Re: Water heater
« Reply #3 on: August 27, 2026, 05:45:53 pm »
I put in a suburban and a full write up is here:
https://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php?topic=5089.msg45549#msg45549

Larry

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RKS

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Re: Water heater
« Reply #4 on: Today at 03:12:04 pm »
Thanks for the replies to my issue.   Larry had decided on the Suburban issue and your detailed explanation (and issues) will be invaluable in this endeavor. Will post with a follow up, hopefully when successfully installed.
Bob
Bob and Michele
Previously owned a 2350 Sprinter