Bowen water heater

[John Greenlee]

Well,

I finally gave up on my old Bowen Water Heater. I had installed a new gas valve, but never could get the pilot to work satisfactorally. I know it has to have something very small wrong with it, but I got more interested in actually using my trailer rather than working on it. So, I installed a brand new 6 gal Atwood heater. I haven't tried to fire it up yet as I am out of propane, but hope to try it at least by tomorrow.

Now then. What to do with the old Bowen? It is complete, with original covers, etc, and even the remnants of the owner's manual. Should I throw it away? Does it have value? Would a restorer buy it? Should I offer it on e-bay? Advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

JMG

[sovereignrwe]

When installing our waterheater (Camping World wouldn't do it), I kept the old door. I wanted to avoid the white door on a silver trailer look. I don't know the age of your trailer or the size of your heater, so I don't know if it is a valid comment for your situation.

[NorCal Bambi]

Would you post some pictures of your Bowen. I might be interested.
Thanks Don

[John Greenlee]

Well, I don't have any pictures yet. I am in process of painting the new door in an aluminum color. BTW, my trailer is a 1966 Overlander 26'.

JMG

[AYRSTRM2]

If you go to the vintageairstream.com site you can see how he used the old door on the new water heater. I have my old parts too, but haven't used them. You also can paint your Atwood door grey or aluminum to match the AS. Mine came from an AS dealer and it was already colored right.

[sovereignrwe]

Getting the old door to fit the new Atwood wasn't that difficult. It does, however, require some cutting of the metal exaust channels coming from the water heater to the vent screen in the door. It isn't a significant job, but it does take some confidence. You are cutting a brand new water heater after all.

[gregjudy]

Ours is a 57 Overlander. The water heater is electric only, and appear to be toast. I can't get it apart to fix it, however, we don't "plug in" very often so want an LP one anyhow. No door on ours, so will have to cut one. Bummer. We have looked at tankless ones, too.

[Fyrzowt]

You could offer it in the classified section here on the forums, someone may want all or some of it if Don doesn't.
Dave

[yukionna]

Originally Posted by John Greenlee

Well,

I finally gave up on my old Bowen Water Heater. I had installed a new gas valve, but never could get the pilot to work satisfactorally. I know it has to have something very small wrong with it, but I got more interested in actually using my trailer rather than working on it. So, I installed a brand new 6 gal Atwood heater. I haven't tried to fire it up yet as I am out of propane, but hope to try it at least by tomorrow.

Now then. What to do with the old Bowen? It is complete, with original covers, etc, and even the remnants of the owner's manual. Should I throw it away? Does it have value? Would a restorer buy it? Should I offer it on e-bay? Advice would be appreciated.

What model/year Airstream do you? What type of Bowen is it? Would it be possible to post a picture? If your Bowen is the large round type, those can be rebuilt and there are threads in this forum on that very topic. That type of water heater is worth something to some people who prefer to rebuild/restore the original Airstream appliances.