1960 Hot water heater...keep or replace?

[azflycaster]

[Overlander & Sea]

I just replaced ours. It was working, but just didn't want to take that chance.

[silverleeper]

Originally Posted by [LEFT

crdouger[/left]]I'm curious about reactions to this. The exterior furnace and hot water heater vents, in my opinion, look odd and ugly hanging out on the side of the trailer. How much of a shame is it to pull them out and smooth the side?

Great question! It's all about keeping the look of the original trailer, but upgrading to new. On my 60' I didn't have the option of keeping the look of the old tank. I fit the new tank into the space that the old one was in and used the new hardware to complete the outside. I even had to bend the cover slightly to match the contour of the body and painted it silver with high temp paint. Bottom line it's you're trailer do what suits you best.

[crdouger]

Sorry, that was unclear. I was refering to the big furnace and water heater vents hanging on the outside of the trailer. I don't think I like the look of them. I was just curious what others thought.
- Doug

[Sugarfoot]

Hi Doug, I agree with Silversleeper. It's your coach and it's your choice regarding the exterior vents. You need to be happy with all aspects of your Airstream. Make it yours!

Some vintage owners choose to keep them including myself. There is no advantage to keeping the old vents, it's just a choice on appearance. If you decide to replace them with updated vents or access panels, keep the originals stashed somewhere if you have the space. If you ever decide to sell your Safari, many potential buyers would appreciate having them back.

I'm still using my 1960 Bowen water heater. It works very well, but know I'm facing replacement very soon with the burner tube slowly rusting. If you have the resources and the opportunity to replace yours now, go for it. You will have to eventually and parts aren't available. Like others have said, it would be easier now and you won't chance failure on the road.