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EmmyJ · 07-01-2013, 09:23 AM

Previous owner tells me that the hot water heater on my recently-purchased '78 Avion Class C is leaking, and when pulling the carpet and checking water damage, this seems to be the case. Looks to be the original heater, a big welded-metal box that fits into the space under the couch-bed. Am I better off getting this one repaired, or should I look for a new replacement? If the latter...where should I start?

njs42 · 07-01-2013, 09:37 AM

Whether or not it can be repaired in a cost effective manner depends on where it is leaking. It is not unusual for a fitting or pipe to leak and if that is it then fittings can be replaced fairly easily. If it is the tank then that means patching, welding etc; which may add up.

So first thing is to determine where the leak is coming from, who knows it may not be the HWH at all?

What brand of water heater is it? Start there and see if a similar water heater is made by the same company. This can be done on-line either at the manufacturers website or by goggling the brand name. You can also contact RV dealerships that do repairs for their assessment.

If you post the brand model and manufacturer I am sure their are many who know about that specific brand and can be very specific about the possibilities for you.

Skip426 · 07-01-2013, 09:43 AM

First thing would be to pin point the leak , there are many fittings and replaceable parts on the heaters, but if the leak is the main tank you're better off replacing.
Do you have a make and model on the heater, the box your seeing may only be a housing.
If you can post a picture of the heater from both the inside of the RV and outside . Members can describe the change.

EmmyJ · 07-02-2013, 05:46 PM

Photos acquired. The heater does seem to just be a big metal box, and there's no manufacturer's mark that I can see.

Skip426 · 07-02-2013, 11:22 PM

OK , that's bad enough, that replace is the way to go.
Measure the opening in the outside wall and take the measurements with you to the RV store, you may find a 6gal H/W heater that fits your opening. What you have may be an early model from the companies that are still in business, so maybe you can get away without major changes to the wall opening.
Turn off the propane, disconnect the wires inside, water lines already off,
remove all the screws in the flange on the outside wall , cut the sealant between the flange and the wall and slide the heater out.

The metal housing may come out with the heater, and you may end up fabricating a wooden surround for your new heater.

clyon51 · 07-03-2013, 06:08 AM

I agree with Skip, replace. It certainly looks like an early Suburban or Atwood WH. It certainly is an RV WH and these mfgs have not changed opening size over the years. Measure of course first.

The new WH will come as one complete unit and all you should need is a support under it inside the coach. It should come with a check valve for the inbound cold water line, if not, get one.

I just replaced my Atwood and I found a nice 6 gal with electronic ignition on Ebay for $300. You will of couse have to do some plumbing and the only wiring needed is to connect the two wires to a 12v switch.

AdvntureCats · 07-03-2013, 08:09 PM

Looks like a 6-gallon Atwood. The new Atwoods will fit the same opening. When you take the old one out, check for and repair any rot around the opening before installing the new water heater.