16 Gallon Water Heater labeled 10 gallon

[tedward1555]

I just bought an 08 providence from Fleetwood. All the literature from FW says they have 16 gallon water heaters, and the listing on eBay from the dealer I bought it from said 16 gallon. However, I had a tech out to replace the electric element and he showed me where on the outside panel it stated "10 gallon". I'm sure this will sound like a stupid question, but could it be that the labeling is wrong and it is in fact 16? I have looked in the space provided for the Wh and there doesn't seem to be much room for a larger one anyway. Just wanting some feedback before I go back to the dealer I bought it from.
Thanks
Ed

[TXiceman]

I have never heard of a 16 gallon RV water heater. It was probably a typo and the 10 was mis-read and 16 typed.

HERE is a 16 gallon

and HERE is a 10 that is rated like a 16 gallon.

A 16 gallon will certainly be larger than a 10 gallon and you may not have room for it.

Can you post the model number for the water heate ryou have installed?

Ken

[Hikerdogs]

There was an article in Motorhome Magazine about this style water heater some time ago. The one they covered was an Atwood brand, but I'm guessing they all work in a similar manner.
According to the article your 16 gallon water heater does not actually heat 16 gallons of water, but rather provides 16 gallons of water at approx 140*F. It actually heats 10 gallons of water to around 180*F. When you call for hot water at the tap it uses a thermostatic mixing valve to mix enough cold water to bring the temperature down to 140*F. The net result is that it gives you 16 gallons of water at 140*F.

[Route 66]

Hikerdogs is correct.

I have one of those water heaters in my rig.

[tedward1555]

Thank you all... that makes total sense... Because Fleetwood is still saying it on all high end models 08 thru 10.... and atwood does not even make one that is 16... but it is model G16EXT which must mean it provides 16 gallons at any given usage. I'm so relieved. I'm going to attach photos to the first of the thread so you all can see what it is and maybe help someone else in the future.
Thanks again my always helpful friends.
Ed

[tedward1555]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tedward1555 I just bought an 08 providence from Fleetwood. All the literature from FW says they have 16 gallon water heaters, and the listing on eBay from the dealer I bought it from said 16 gallon. However, I had a tech out to replace the electric element and he showed me where on the outside panel it stated "10 gallon". I'm sure this will sound like a stupid question, but could it be that the labeling is wrong and it is in fact 16? I have looked in the space provided for the Wh and there doesn't seem to be much room for a larger one anyway. Just wanting some feedback before I go back to the dealer I bought it from. Thanks Ed

Photo of the atwood label

[powerboatr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hikerdogs There was an article in Motorhome Magazine about this style water heater some time ago. The one they covered was an Atwood brand, but I'm guessing they all work in a similar manner. According to the article your 16 gallon water heater does not actually heat 16 gallons of water, but rather provides 16 gallons of water at approx 140*F. It actually heats 10 gallons of water to around 180*F. When you call for hot water at the tap it uses a thermostatic mixing valve to mix enough cold water to bring the temperature down to 140*F. The net result is that it gives you 16 gallons of water at 140*F.

yup x2
thats what we have
and let me tell you with both a/c and propane on I can take a LONG LONG LONG HOT shower