Water heater - keep it or replace???

Bryanhu · 07-13-2003, 05:40 AM

I am repairing the bath floor on my 68 Globe Trotter and have most of the interior removed. I DO NOT have LP yet so can't verify if the water heater works. I see no signs of leakage however around the tank, but looking in through the access cover, some of the pipes look rusted...

I would like a few opinions as to whether I should just go ahead and replace with a new one now that the interioir has been gutted and it is easy to get to? Kind of a dumb question not knowing if mine even works but considering the age of the trailer I am wondering how much life I can expect from the present one even if it worked. I know there are no clear answers here but would like others opinions and insight. Like many, I would rather not spend the $$ if I do not have to but do not want to make a decision I will regret later when everything is back together.

How difficult is the 10 gal Atwood to install? Would it be a good replacement with regard to fit in a GLobe Trotter?

Thanks - again!
Bryan

**Pick** · 07-13-2003, 06:36 AM

I say go ahead and replace it. I did mine because the bottom rotted out of the tank. The hardest part of water heater replacement for me was hooking up the water lines. It was hard to get my body into a comfortable postition to access the water lines, and get the copper lines bent so they lined up properly. Would be a heck of a lot easier with the interior gutted. I put the 10 gallon model in mine, with electric element, that I never hooked up.

Pahaska · 07-13-2003, 07:04 AM

I question whether you would want the additional weight of the 10 gallon heater vs the 6 gallon heater in a '67 Bambi.

I am on my 3rd trailer in 15 years and I have never run out of hot water with the 6 gallon tank.

Rog0525 · 07-13-2003, 08:57 AM

I wouldn't put the horse before the cart until I knew if the heater works. A new Atwood 6 gal heater will cost up to $500 and the access door won't match your exterior. Replacing the pipes is no biggy.
I bought a kit from Inland RV for a previous Overlander I owned. It included the heater, aluminum panel, caulk and rivets. It was pricey but convenient.

Rog

Bryanhu · 07-13-2003, 09:45 AM

Thanks all for the replies. Food for thought anyway. I may give the unit I have a try and if a new one is decided upon, maybe a 6 gal would be in the picture.

Bryan

Bryanhu · 07-21-2003, 05:42 PM

With the interior gutted, I have decided to replace the water heater. I am going with the Atwood 6 gal gas only model. I assume this is a fairly easy task but have questions about the face plate. I do not know why I can't use the one from my old heater? Is there anyway to get around this or to modify my old cover to work?

Does the new Atwood protrude or something prohibiting me from using the old cover?

Thank you

Bryan

**Pick** · 07-21-2003, 07:02 PM

I simply riveted the old door hinge to the new heater. I also had to "adjust" the flue, so it lined up with the opening in the door. Then I riveted the latches on.

59toaster · 07-22-2003, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bryanhu
With the interior gutted, I have decided to replace the water heater. I am going with the Atwood 6 gal gas only model. I assume this is a fairly easy task but have questions about the face plate. I do not know why I can't use the one from my old heater? Is there anyway to get around this or to modify my old cover to work?

Does the new Atwood protrude or something prohibiting me from using the old cover?

Thank you

Bryan

PLEASE take pictures if you modify the door to fit the new heater. I'm in a simular boat. Our unit was pretty well convertetd to a park model as LP appliances failed. So I have a 110 water heater. I plan to convert it back. The camping I intend to do I will not always have 110 available.

I'm pretty sure I will go with the Atwood 6 gallon. It will get my wife and kids out of the shower faster. My wife can empty the 40 gallon gas at home. LOL

I'm still up in the air if I want to also have the 110v capability.

Silvertwinkie · 07-22-2003, 07:38 AM

I'd be inclined to replace while the coach is apart.

Eric

Forrest · 07-22-2003, 08:28 AM

Is your old water heater a Bowen, and does it have the solid welded aluminum tank? If so, it is far superior to any of the new ones and well worth keeping. I kept mine and it is the best appliance in my Globe Trotter. I wouldn't go with the ten gallon heater because of the weight and it isn't necessary because the old one heats the water very quickly.

Here's a photo of the bare tank after I'd taken it out of its casing. It would be a sin to discard such a work of art.

Forrest · 07-22-2003, 08:34 AM

If your tank is the welded aluminum one, it is practically indestructable. All the rest of the heater is made of things that are easily replaced. The jacket or outer casing is just galvanized sheet metal and can be repainted or you can replace those parts that have rusted too badly. Here's a photo of mine after doing that, partially reassembled and with new fiberglass batting insulation.

**Pick** · 07-22-2003, 08:34 AM

My old one had a welded aluminum tank. It was completely rotted out on the bottom. Someone must have had some acidic water. The new one is also aluminum, 10 gallon, and has an electric element. It was a "pull out" from somones RV factory. Got it for $269 with a 1 year warranty.

Silvertwinkie · 07-22-2003, 08:51 AM

Those are some cool looking water heaters!

Eric

Bryanhu · 07-22-2003, 05:40 PM

What a great forum!
You all are the best, I really appreciate the thoughts about my water heater.

After I saw the pictures Forrest added, I changed my mind-again. I went outside and popped the lid and the tank looks so clean - and retro! Wow, I love that. Last week, I had already removed and replaced the pilot light, and cleaned what I could see and now I am curious if it will work.

My biggest issue with this thing is I get a little overwhelmed becasue there is so much to do. I know what the answer is. Stay focused on one area/project at a time. I have replaced several inches of the bath floor and used the Rot Dr products which I am really happy with. The floor is rock solid. Help me stay focused everyone! Next issue will be to re-install the vents and pipes I removed to work on the floor.

My new black water tank from all-rite will be arriving this week and I will be dying wanting to get that in!.

Thank you all again. I always look forward to your thoughts.

I LOVE MY GLOBE TROTTER!