Community Forums

joshproducts · 03-06-2015, 09:18 AM

atwood lp. gas/electric 10 gal. part # 94022. My question is I have a 6 gal now. I want to replace this unit with this 10 gal. Will this work in my 1997 Dolphin?

Skip426 · 03-06-2015, 12:05 PM

The change over will require a larger hole in the outer wall of the RV; and depending on the wall structure could weaken the wall.
You will need to carefully examine the wall for stud location, one vertical flange of you current heater will probably be attached to a stud, maybe even both, if both vertical flanges are attached to studs in the wall, do not enlarge the hole. Stick with the existing size heater.
If only one flange is attached to a stud, then you will need to check every dimension of the larger heater against the rest of the wall and all internal cabinetry and structure, using the attachment stud as the starting point for all your measurements. Remember to allow space for plumbing clearances.

Karlos · 03-17-2015, 09:26 AM

Atwood makes a 6 gallon verson of the LP/electric water heater if you can't squeeze the 10 gallon unit in.

joshproducts · 03-17-2015, 09:54 PM

I have thought about this change. I am going to put the same model in the hole. I have found out putting a bigger water heater in is not going to give me more hot water or for longer time period.

Belgian · 03-17-2015, 11:02 PM

One trick to more hot water is to run the electric and gas at the same time. On ours we can take continuous showers (us the kids and grandkids)with plenty of hot water.

Mr_D · 03-17-2015, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshproducts

I have thought about this change. I am going to put the same model in the hole. I have found out putting a bigger water heater in is not going to give me more hot water or for longer time period.

Umm, why do you say that? Rather then 6 gallons you have 10 to start with. Kind of like going from a 30 to 50 gallon WH in your stick house, you definitely will have more hot water.

wa8yxm · 03-18-2015, 07:22 AM

It is rather hard to fit a 10 gallon heater in a six gallon hole.

That said Atwood makes one that does just that.. It has faults though.

It is a six gallon heater, but instead of heating to 120 it gets hotter like 180 perhaps... This means it is far far less efficient (Burns way more propane/electric) Then using a thermostatically controlled mixing valve it mixes the super hot with cold to make 120 degree 10 gallons.

This adds a layer of complexity, and thus failure.

But so long as it works, it works well.