Community Forums

janieD · 03-03-2016, 03:28 PM

I'm considering replacing my Atwood GE16-ext hot water heater this summer. Mine is still working but it's going on six years. Anyone know how long these things normally last? The install looks like you just jack out the old one from the outside after disconnecting the services. Easy peasy, right?
- John

BFlinn181 · 03-03-2016, 07:50 PM

Two questions: Why replace something that is still working? Also, why do you heat hot water?? (it's a water heater, not a HOT water heater)

rockintom · 03-03-2016, 09:44 PM

Man that was helpful!!!

John,

The water heater will usually last a good long time (10-12 years) if;

*you don't let it freeze and crack the tank
*you keep it flushed/serviced 3 to 4 times a year
*use a water softener to minimize mineral deposits
*prolly missing some else but can't remember right now!

I wouldn't replace it just because it's 6 years old. I know of folk who have 15 year rig and the Atwood water heater has been trouble free throughout it's life.
rockin'

BTW, replacement is super easy-peasy on most Excels.

Mr_D · 03-03-2016, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janieD

I'm considering replacing my Atwood GE16-ext hot water heater this summer. Mine is still working but it's going on six years. Anyone know how long these things normally last? The install looks like you just jack out the old one from the outside after disconnecting the services. Easy peasy, right?
- John

The one in our 2002 Dutch Star was still working fine and it was 13 yrs old when we traded the rig off last year.

janieD · 03-05-2016, 07:34 PM

Looks like I get to skip this project for awhile. Even if the water heater failed, it shouldn't be a huge disaster, more of an inconvenience until I could get it fixed.
Some things like tires and shocks should be replaced before they fail, but their life is a little more predictable. I wish I had replaced the leaf springs when a friend on the forum, who had the same year trailer as I had, broke one of his. We broke a spring last year while towing and almost burned the trailer down before we noticed it. I waited until the Jamo all-in-one receiver amp CD player failed before I replaced it. Now I wish I had done it sooner. The new amp and speakers sound so much better. I'm looking at my 32 inch Panasonic TV wondering if I should replace it with a 48 inch 4K Samsung. I'm pretty sure it would fit. And it would go great with the new sound system.
- John

Deny · 03-08-2016, 04:51 PM

I am replacing my 2008, newly acquired trailer Water Heater because the gas valve leaks gas (when the Heater is turned off)

I chose not to repair the existing Heater because I do not know what else is wrong with it (if anything)

Amazon is sending me a new one for $333. I would not spend that if my existing heater worked.