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Topic: Replacement for Atwood propane water heater (Read 528 times) previous topic - next topic

Replacement for Atwood propane water heater

Hi,

Just bought a used 2001 U270 and want to replace the existing Atwood HW. The problem as I see it is that the vent on the WH door must line up with the vent on the exterior door of the coach. Does anyone have any experience with changing out the Atwood to a newer, hopefully less expensive, brand. I'd like to go tankless propane if possible.

Regards,

John
John
Never trust a skinny cook!!!

2001 U270 Build 5833

Re: Replacement for Atwood propane water heater

Reply #1 –
Is it not working? We like ours and hope it keeps running for another ten years.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Replacement for Atwood propane water heater

Reply #2 –
Quote from: jlallen –
Does anyone have any experience with changing out the Atwood...I'd like to go tankless propane if possible.
Using the excellent Forum Search tool, I found the following threads:

Water Heater  (Reply #12 down to Reply #17)

Replacement for 10 gallon Atwood Water Heater  (Reply #10)

Replacing Atwood Water Heater  (Good general info on this subject - read the whole thread)
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Replacement for Atwood propane water heater

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Realmccoy –
Is it not working? We like ours and hope it keeps running for another ten years.
It is working but rusty. It seems at this point to be a potential problem I'd like to address when it's convenient to do so rather then while out on the road.
John
Never trust a skinny cook!!!

2001 U270 Build 5833

Re: Replacement for Atwood propane water heater

Reply #4 –
I took mine out to replace the hot water fitting that was leaking at the back. It's riveted, screwed, and triple caulked. Had to make a tool to remove caulk at top of tank and took about half a day of hard work to remove. . You can get lots of repair parts and the tank is aluminum and responds well to a thorough flush. Do what you want but a new tank is expensive, requires adapting the cover and won't be better than your current tank.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Replacement for Atwood propane water heater

Reply #5 –
I am working on replacing my leaking Atwood with a tankless propane. I have the tankless unit, but I haven't had time to do the swap yet.

The main issue I see is with the exhaust and the fresh air supply. Since the new tankless unit is quite a bit smaller than the Atwood, I know I can line the exhaust up with the existing opening in the door. However, the opening is much larger than needed for the exhaust, and I am concerned that without the metal exhaust/intake grill that extends into the opening from the Atwood, too much water will get inside when it rains. I am planning on installing it and seeing how that works out; if it is a problem I am sure I can find a solution.

The other issue I see is the possibility that the new heater will not get enough fresh air in since it will have to draw through that same opening. Again, I will see how it works out, and if it is a problem it would be very easy to install a louvered vent in the door at the level of the air intakes on the heater. I have already found a suitable stainless steel vent on Amazon.

I will let you know if I make any more progress in the near future; I may not because we will be parking the coach and going on a non-coach vacation starting the middle of this month. I would be glad to hear of any thing you might find out in the meantime or any progress you make.
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.

Re: Replacement for Atwood propane water heater

Reply #6 –
Check out Dyersonline.com
They have a door to use with a tankless water heater.
Item 82206
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Replacement for Atwood propane water heater

Reply #7 –
Quote from: John Duld –
Check out Dyersonline.com
They have a door to use with a tankless water heater.
Item 82206
That looks like the inner door for the heater itself, which comes with the heater I have. My concern is with the outer Foretravel bay door and whether the exhaust will line up and the heater will get sufficient air flow.
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.
 

Re: Replacement for Atwood propane water heater

Reply #8 –
Dave you might have to make one.
Make more than one!
Parts for sale😊
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'