Water heater question

[chrischarles]

Is there a way to convert the water heater from GAS to GAS and Electric?

[Aage]

Not really.

There is a device called the "hot stick" (I think), which pokes into the innards of the unit to heat the water, but many people feel that it is unreasonably dangerous to use.

You can buy a new one that heats both ways...

[dznf0g]

Hott Rod, is the brand, I think. Many advise against it and I think some of the water heater manufacturers warn against it. I've never used one. My brother had one and never had a problem, but he only had the trailer for a few years.

[tinman1]

Our first AS was a 1993 25ft. Classic, which had a gas only water heater. We had the Hott Rodd installed shortly after purchase and used the unit without any problem for approximately 15 years.

I am not aware of any problems, as mentioned above, however, it has been over 3 years since we owned the unit, and maybe problems have occured since, that we are not aware of.

The Hott Rodd, in my opinion, was a good option at the time when considering the alternative of purchasing a new water heater.

Good luck on your decision.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Hott Rod, is the brand, I think. Many advise against it and I think some of the water heater manufacturers warn against it. I've never used one. My brother had one and never had a problem, but he only had the trailer for a few years.

Water heater manufacturers don't just warn against the Hott Rod, they void your warranty immediately if you use one. Plus, as I have said before, an LP gas-only water heater is rated as such, and an LP/electric water heater is also rated as such. Doing ANY modification to any rated RV appliance will not only void the rating (think RVIA or UL) but If you have a fire or other damaging incident after installing such an add-on to an RV appliance, you can bet your last dollar that your insurance company will deny any claim if they find that it was caused by your add-on.

Do it right.......just buy the complete appliance that you want and don't take chances with un-approved add-ons.