Community Forums

casaazul · 03-16-2019, 06:58 PM

We have started working on our 1977 Nomad Travel Trailer. Mostly will be used for NPS/NFS type camping in campgrounds and some electric hookup places in state parks. This is our first rv (other than when growing up) as we have finally outgrown tent camping. We are not afraid to just heat up a pot of water to wash our hands!

Should we keep the original or get an on demand electric unit under the kitchen sink? I know without hookups we can't use it, but don't know if the original water heater is worth replacing the infrastructure. We are working on a small budget!

Any ideas, tips etc?

Mr Lars · 03-16-2019, 08:38 PM

Does the current one work? Gas or electric?
If you are rebuilding in the area of the water heater anyway,,, I personally would go ahead and replace, if its the original. But given the age of your unit it may not be as old as you think. Try and locate the model and serial number of the water heater.

Old-Biscuit · 03-16-2019, 10:42 PM

I think Normads of that vintage used a Suburban Water Heater....gas only

Parts should still be available .....not much has changed

Post the model number or a photo of it.

Under sink Instant Hot need AC and are good for cup hot water to make instant coffee or cup of noddles soup

casaazul · 03-16-2019, 11:25 PM

Thanks. We don't know if it works or not. I'll get spec's and name etc in the morning.

casaazul · 03-17-2019, 05:08 PM

Didn't see a name other than Unitrol on the control

Cliffy · 03-17-2019, 06:02 PM

Have you tried it yet? We had a 78 TT and the H2O htr was fine. I just cleaned out the tubes with a puff of air (dust, dirt and spiders) Adjusted the air control for a clean flame and we used it for 4 years. You might pull out the anode rod and replace it. Be careful you don't strip the threads. If it won't move easy leave it alone. Use teflon tape so you can seal it without too much torque.

casaazul · 03-17-2019, 08:16 PM

We had to remove it to rebuild the front of the trailer, but we were told it worked when the last owner bought it. It was a hunting trailer here in NM so most likely it did work. THanks for the input and when we get the front done, will try it out!

Old-Biscuit · 03-18-2019, 10:36 AM

YEP...that is a Suburban Water Heater.....pilot gas only
Anode rod will need replacing....probably not much left of it

Unitrol (Robertshaw) gas control........ might be a 161101 part number
Might be available ......??

casaazul · 03-19-2019, 11:53 PM

Thanks for the id of the heater. We've decided to replace it back into the trailer after we fix it up.

BA-in-Mich · 03-24-2019, 09:10 AM

My only concern would be if the unit has a crack/split somewhere on it. If it holds water, repair it.

Waiter21 · 03-24-2019, 09:17 AM

Even when we have full hookups, we normally only use our water heater when taking a shower. i.e. turn it on about 10 minutes before, then turn it off before getting in the shower.

As for dishes, tea, etc, we heat water on the stove.