Best Water Heater?

**Andy R** · 05-08-2002, 12:01 AM

OK time for a new water heater prior to putting Bambi back together. I currently have the original 10 gallon Bowen. What should I replace with? This is a 14' interior trailer with 1 sink and 1 tiny shower/head. My hot water consumption will be much less a boondocker with a 31' trailer. What model would you suggest?

Atwood vs. Suburban or other?
6 Gallon, 10 gallon or tankless/instant?

BobbyW · 05-08-2002, 05:54 AM

I bought an Atwood 6 gallon LP (formerly Bowen). It fit right in the hole. A Suburbun is 13 X 13 and will require you to do some exterior sheet work and Olympic riveting.

Save your door. They are rare.

-BobbyWright

**Pick** · 05-24-2002, 08:24 AM

I replaced mine with an Atwood 10 gallon, electric/gas combo unit. It fit in the hole exactly, but I had to move the vent up and over, (to match the opening in the original door)which required some drilling and repositioning. I also took the original stainless door and riveted it to the new heater. This also requires moving and riveting the spring latches. I got a "pull out" heater that was brand new for $269.00, from Sands RV in Madison, Ohio.

83Excella · 05-24-2002, 04:17 PM

Andy,
A 10 gal. water heater in a Bambi? doesnt sound right to me, even the longer trailers usually only have a 6 gal.

John

Inland RV Center, In · 05-24-2002, 05:35 PM

Most of the older trailers had 10 gallon water heaters. Andy

Darryl · 05-27-2002, 04:27 PM

My Argosy 28 has a 6gal Atwood that was installed in 1990 according to the paperwork I have found. My question is how warm should the skin of the trailer get around the water heater? Mine get pretty hot! What is the norm and what should I be looking for?