Community Forums

LJIII · 12-29-2022, 09:24 AM

We purchased a new to us 2017 Holiday Rambler Vacationer XE 36F back in June. This last week, week and a half has been a whirlwind of learning this RV. One of things I kinda thought I knew but is now 100% confirmed is this ATWood tankless water heater is an absolute piece of crap!!!!

That being said, I tried searching for this and apparently 'ATWood' brings up a bunch of results, but couldn't find anything specific, so if someone has this information or a link to other threads it would be helpful.

Needless to say I'm looking at replacing this and wondering what other Fleetwood Bounder / Holiday Rambler owners replaced theirs with. What fit, etc. Did you go tankless again or did you go to a normal water heater with a tank? If you went with a normal one with a tank, did you run an AC circuit to it or just using it with just propane?

One of the things I'm curious about is attaching a new one to the exterior of the coach. I'm sure screw holes aren't going to line up. Did you have the water heater cover painted?

Old-Biscuit · 12-29-2022, 09:39 AM

Atwood OD-50 (01cc).....50,000btu on demand tankless water heater

Installed in 6 gal standard water heater openings OR 10 gallon standard water heater openings with adapter plates

Service manual:
Pg 1 cutout dimensions
Pg 6+ troubleshooting
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/86...50.html#manual

EyezOpen · 12-29-2022, 11:56 AM

Before you toss that heater what are the issues? I've had a Girard for a few months and a few new to me issues...I will never go back to a tank in my life...tankless are priceless once setup properly

shootist · 12-29-2022, 12:17 PM

I'll agree tankless heaters are not very reliable. Their warranty periods for the home heaters are a dead give a way. Any burner that cycles a lot is going to be short lived. The expansion and contraction is hard on them. I do like the Atwood tank water heaters, simple to work on, Old Biscuit on this forum can make you feel like a pro repairman in one post. I don't know a lot about the suburbans. I would run a 110v circuit or just have an external plugin for a power post 20 amp hookup. Gives you water just like at home. And with the two on you can't hardly run them out of hot water. I like the upper end model with a mixing valve but it's one more item that may need maintenance one day. Most just set them and forget them so they freeze up in that position. I just saw a new tank of porcelain over steel. I don't think I would prefer it. If it cracks the porcelain it will rot through pretty quickly. If the price of a replacement tank is cheaper it still might be the way to go.

Old-Biscuit · 12-29-2022, 12:27 PM

Atwood 50(01cc) tankless

Which size cutout do you have
6 gal Atwood or Suburban
10 gal Atwood or Suburban
**Dimensions on pg 1 in Manual I linked

Suburban makes a Direct Fit replacement for Atwood 6 gal
Atwood no longer makes 6 or 10 gal....Dometic stopped support/production and came out with their own versions which are NOT direct replacements ---- different dimensions

If you are set on replacing it......
You need to verify the cutout dimensions so you can shop for correct size replacement

Old-Biscuit · 12-29-2022, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shootist

I just saw a new tank of porcelain over steel. I don't think I would prefer it. If it cracks the porcelain it will rot through pretty quickly. If the price of a replacement tank is cheaper it still might be the way to go.

Suburban uses a Steel Tank that is glass lined (like many residential water heater tanks) Hence the need for Anode rod

Atwood used Aluminum tank with aluminum/zinc cladding
Dometic same

Which replacement tank are you referring to?

shootist · 12-29-2022, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Suburban uses a Steel Tank that is glass lined (like many residential water heater tanks) Hence the need for Anode rod

Atwood used Aluminum tank with aluminum/zinc cladding
Dometic same

Which replacement tank are you referring to?

I didn't pay much attention, I am on an aquahot. I just work on them at times. But I see lots of Atwood's from the 90s still going strong. Sure wish home water heaters held up like that. No telling how many hours are actually on them though.