Community Forums

Skygeezer · 07-03-2017, 06:59 PM

Hi

We have a 1989 Rexhall Airex that needs a new water heater. I pulled the old one out and gave the numbers to the local RV dealer. It is a Morflow American, Series 05-30 DSI (propane only). I have looked everywhere on the unit ( including on the inside of the door ) but can't find any other model or serial number.

Of course Morflow is no longer in business. The parts books cross this heater to the Suburban series of heaters but there are hundreds of them and the Morflow numbers don't cross to any Suburban heater. The dealer isn't getting anywhere on finding a replacement. I am getting a bit desperate since we leave next week on holidays. I didn't think this would be such a big deal.

Does anyone have any idea of a way to get a replacement heater figured out for this old bus?

Thanks
Don

WILDEBILL308 · 07-03-2017, 08:22 PM

I don't see why you can't get a Suburban heater the same size and just install it. You may be able to upgrade to a duel propane /electric unit. The Suburban website should show dimensions.
Bill

BFlinn181 · 07-03-2017, 08:24 PM

Since RV water heaters are all self-contained, I don't see the need for an exact replacement. The old one had in and out water lines, a gas line, and 12v power. Get one of the same tank capacity of the old one and install it.

DENSHER · 07-03-2017, 09:02 PM

Measure the opening in your coach then find a model that fits or close to it. You will likely need to order the outside door due to exact size, hinge and latch style.
I agree with getting a dual heat (propane & electric) for the little extra cost. You don't need to connect the electric now, but can always do it later.

Skygeezer · 07-20-2017, 11:11 AM

Hooray, thanks to a knowledgeable RV tech I found the Suburban replacement for the old MorFlow heater in our RV. The big time RV lot said there were too many Suburban models and they couldn't find a replacement. So I went to the little place down the road and The Old Guy Who Knows Everything (TOGWKE) not only knew which one would work, he had one on the shelf.

So in the interests of archiving this info, here is the dope on the new water heater

The old heater was a MorFlow American, Series 05-30 DSI ( propane only ). This crosses to a Suburban SW6 D ( propane only ). You need to buy the flange kit for it to allow mounting the same as the old Morflow. And you need to make up a short copper propane line to reach from the front of the Suburban water heater to the back of the unit where the old MorFlow supply comes out of the floor.

The electrical is exactly the same as the MorFlow. Keep track of the what colour wire from the RV goes to which colour wire on the old water heater. The Surburban has exactly the same coloured wires as the Moflow, so just hook them up exactly as they were.

That's it. Wonderful hot water and lots of showers!

Don

iamblum · 07-22-2017, 03:36 PM

Them old guys are pretty darn smart. I wonder why🤔

hohenwald48 · 07-22-2017, 06:45 PM

I'm really hoping you just have the pictures oriented wrong. If not, you're gonna' have some problems for sure.

dennis45 · 07-22-2017, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hohenwald48

I'm really hoping you just have the pictures oriented wrong. If not, you're gonna' have some problems for sure.

I suspect these pics were taken with an Apple device. Apple has there own version of right side up.

Skygeezer · 07-23-2017, 07:15 AM

Yes these are iPhone photos. The weird thing is that the first series of photos showing the old water heater were also taken with my iPhone. They came out fine, but the new ones are cockeyed.

DonM