Community Forums

pledbett · 01-24-2018, 07:37 PM

I have a 2003 Tradewinds LE375. I need to access the back of my water heater but cannot find any access panels. I checked in the bedroom closet, which is where I thought it should be but nothing there. The reason I need to access is it seems my tank is leaning backwards. In fact the front sheet metal panel where the exhaust port exits is split and has allowed the exhaust port to move back so that is barely rests past the sheet metal panel. I assume I need to replace the heater.
Any help would be appreciated.

BFlinn181 · 01-24-2018, 09:17 PM

Have you looked underneath to see if access is possible in the back of the heater? You might have to first remove the WH from the RV to see if the support that holds the assembly is bad or needs rebuilding. If you have to remove it, often there is enough slack in the wires and hoses to pull it out a bit, disconnect things, then pull it the rest of the way out.

Walter5555 · 01-30-2018, 10:33 PM

I have a 1997 36' Dolphin M.H. and I had to remove the hot water tank because a Hot Stick broke off inside.
In order to disconnect the water piping system I went under the stove area to see what was what I then proceeded to turn off the water supply to the tank and disconnect the P.V.C. from the back of the water tank after you turn off the on and off lever to let the water bypass and the rest you can remove the screws that hold the Water heater in place

Old-Biscuit · 01-30-2018, 11:03 PM

Your Atwood water heater is held in place via: Two methods
*4 steel retaining rings
Two go around exhaust port
Two go around combustion chamber port

They are press fit...have to be hammered on.....hold tank to the 'drawn pan' (metal plate that exhaust/combustion ports stick out of....plus what all the parts are attached to)

Atwood part number 96010

*Then water heater tank assembly is held in place against side of RV via the 20 screws that go thru outer edge of drawn pan (with sealant between RV on drawn pan)

Ken C · 01-31-2018, 04:32 PM

Assuming your WH is in the Curb side below the closet, it is likely the same as my 2003 LTC. While it has been at least 5 years since I accessed the back side of mine, I seem to recall the floor in the bottom shelf is removable. I can't recall if it was attached with screws or not, but could have just been help in place with Velcro and just required prying it up.

m.elliott63 · 02-02-2018, 09:57 AM

I have a 98 Sea Breeze so I'm sure this will not exactly apply. I have a closet and bathroom sink on the inside behind where the water heater is mounted on the outside. I have to pull out and remove the drawers in the lower part of that closet to access. If you have some cabinetry behind where your exhaust is, look there. Good luck.