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SilverGate · 02-15-2007, 01:00 AM

Attention Modern Atwood Water Heater Users:

(I’ll give the answer before the question this time.)

My 2007 23’ Safari SE was made in December 2006 and has Atwood L.P. Gas Heater, Model G6A-8E.

At my Airstream Dealer, the service tech, during his walk-through with us, suggested it would be a good idea to remove the hot water drain plug and replace it with an Anode Rod to prevent corrosion. (We reviewed our videotape of walk-through to confirm what he said).

At least our Atwood Operation and Maintenance Manual was not one of the 20 or so missing manuals from our Delivery Case. On page 2 of this manual it says, "DO NOT MODIFY WATER HEATER IN ANY WAY."

On page 4 it continues, "Atwood's written warranty states - 'failure or damage resulting from any alteration to our water heater is the owner's responsibility'. Any alteration... will void the warranty".

So I called Atwood - Division of Dura Automotive Systems, Service Department this morning: 574-264-2131 about this issue.
They said, "Yes, removing the water heater drain plug and replacing it with an anode rod would void their 2-yr. warranty!"

They said the tank is built to resist corrosion and that I should just follow the Preventative Maintenance instructions in my Atwood Operation and Maintenance (Literature Number MPD 93756) Manual.

So it looks like it is not a good idea to use the anode rod until after your 2-yr warranty is up!

And another good reason to ensure that you have all manuals, operating & care instructions for all components of your trailer. And it would be ideal to make sure you receive them from your dealer when picking your trailer and signing off that you received the manuals!

SilverGate

lewster · 02-15-2007, 04:12 AM

are found in every water heater made by SUBURBAN due to different tank construction and alloy. Atwood claims that the alloy mix they use does NOT require the use of an anode.

They WILL NOT HONOR their warranty, and I had a situation last year where the owner installed a 'Hot Rodd' electric heating element into the drain as a heating booster. When the board failed and was to be replaced, the presence of the aux. heater voided the claim.

The company literature claims that an anode is not required. I haven't seen many Atwoods that had tank failure. Just be sure to drain and flush out the tank once a year and you should be fine.