I'm just tearing into my (new to me) 1960 safari and fixing it up. I've put a one year old furnace into it, new flooring, replaced a few pieces of wood and next on the list is the hot water heater and fridge. Is a 47 year old hot water heat worth trying (po said it worked) or is something that old that runs on gas a menance worth replacing instead. Any advice? I am trying to keep this on a pretty tight budget.
I'm just tearing into my (new to me) 1960 safari and fixing it up. I've put a one year old furnace into it, new flooring, replaced a few pieces of wood and next on the list is the hot water heater and fridge. Is a 47 year old hot water heat worth trying (po said it worked) or is something that old that runs on gas a menance worth replacing instead. Any advice? I am trying to keep this on a pretty tight budget.
Thanks.
Doug
Hi Doug, If it still works keep it...I eventually replaced the tank in the 67' after the old one gave up. I was able to use the old cover with a little modification, so it still looks like the original from the outside. I purchased a tank with an igniter. No pilot light, just through a switch on the inside. It's nice. Welcome to the forums!!!
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Lee
The more I learn the less I know!!
1973 F-250 4X4 390
1965 Chevy Suburban 454 AIR 6030 WBCCI 4258
IMHO, (and professional opinion as well) I would NOT take a chance on using a 47 year old water heater. It is a propane appliance with a water tank that is probably well on it's way to corroding thru, and the LP components are marginal at best!
Please do yourself a favor and splurge for a new, DSI (direct spark ignition) model. You will sleep better at night knowing that the heater is operating at peak efficiency without the possibility of a leaky tank or worse yet....a propane leak. And besides, pilot lights are so yesterday!
You can probably save the cover and still have the vintage look with modern innards. It's your trailer and your bucks, but it will be money well spent~!
Ouch, that hurts!
And thanks for re-lighting the water heater for Jan while at the Balloon Rally
Hey Richard,
Your trailer IS from yesterday, isn't it?
Anyway, you might look into a battery operated re-igniter device that attaches to yout pilot system and will re-ignite the pilot if it goes out. Simple, eficient and above all.....CHEAP!
I replaced my orginial Bowen beast with a Suburban ten gallon dsi. It has worked flawlessly for the past four years. whenever I need hot water it is just a click away and only takes about ten minutes to get hot. Why have another thing to worry about while on a vacation? If I did it again I would just get a six gallon as I do not use that much hot water. I also got the electric element feature but have not used it.
I was able to use the vintage exterior vent cover also. Spend it now or spend more later!
Gary
I recently replaced our 42 year old Bowen. It was working fine but the burner was falling apart. I could not find another burner. Good thing too because when I pulled the Bowen for a new Atwood I discovered a leak in the bottom. Enough of a leak to rot the floor where it sat.
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Neil and Lynn Holman
FreshAir #12407
Replace it now while you have the Airstream torn apart. If it isn't leaking now, it most likely will start leaking in the not too distant future. My 1963 Overlander decided to wait until I was ready to sell it to start leaking. I guess the new owner got a lot of good use from the new water heater. I didn't.
completely agree with last post- Replace now, while it is "easier". They don't cost all that much, and you'll be good to go for another 20 years. The Atwoods and Suburbans are available at RV places and many websites (including ebay). Good luck!
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?
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