water heaters 101

[projector]

I don't know anything about these things. Anyone know where I can get a manual for the water heater in our '72 Safari? It has what looks like a retrofitted electrical cord running from the rear bumper storage to the tank. Did this replace something original or is it maybe not the original heater? Everything looks complete in the exterior access door. Any literature or pics would be appreciated. thanks.

[projector]

I don't have a picture, but let me add that it looks like a small keg in Styrofoam insulation. Is it original? thanks again

[dbj216]

Hi projector. A picture of your water heater from the outside with the cover down would help. Some water heaters are electric, but not original 1972 water heaters. Maybe yours was replaced, and that would not surprise. You mentioned the styrofoam insulation and beer keg shape. I that would describe a later version of Atwoods water heater.

Maybe your water heater isn't working? The manufacturer will likely posts manuals on the internet. A photo would provide a lot of information.

David

[Bill M.]

The heater is not original if it has the styrofoam insulation. You need to check to see if the retrofitted cord goes to a element built in to the water heater. I installed a Atwood WH in my trailer that uses both gas and electric. I retrofitted the cord and keep it in the storage unit. If you look in your bathroom and there are 2 switches in a little panel for the WH then you have the gas-electric unit. One switch has a picture of a gas flame and the other has a picture of an electric bolt. Most campgrounds have an extra 15 amp GFI outlet now for plugging in an extra appliance like a WH. I would suggest going to the Atwood website and looking for a manual. To run a dual gas-electric WH on electric you plug in the lead for the WH and then turn on the switch for the electric. If it is a direct spark gas heater then you turn on the switch for the WH. If it does not light in 30 seconds or so the light by the switch will come on. It is a fault light that tells you it is not working. I do not know how to operate a pilot light WH if that is what it is.

There are also some add on electric elements for a gas only WH. Look to see if it has a drain plug or if there is a heating element with a wire to it going into where the drain plug was. My trailer had a rig like that on it when I bought it. Not a very good system in my opinion.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

The heater is not original if it has the styrofoam insulation. ...... If you look in your bathroom and there are 2 switches in a little panel for the WH then you have the gas-electric unit. One switch has a picture of a gas flame and the other has a picture of an electric bolt.

There are also some add on electric elements for a gas only WH. Look to see if it has a drain plug or if there is a heating element with a wire to it going into where the drain plug was. My trailer had a rig like that on it when I bought it. Not a very good system in my opinion.

I agree styrofoam = replacement, but the switch may not have been installed as described.

Is there a plate with WH make and model?

[projector]

I'll look at it during lunch. thanks