Community Forums

Hawkeye Bob · 10-06-2021, 06:33 PM

Atwood water heater sprung a leak in my 2015 Winnebago Vista 35F. Looking at the Dometic replacement VS Truma hybrid, as Atwood is not available. Waiting for the $ numbers from my mobile RV tech. Appreciate any constructive suggestions or comments?
I did get a number from Lichtsinn in Forest City, IA. Pricey!

Jgeib · 10-06-2021, 06:44 PM

I would go with the Truma AquaGo. It’s a tankless water heater, very even temp, low gas usage.

dabrooks · 10-07-2021, 05:36 AM

I had the tank on my neighbors trailer repaired at a local metal shop. It Cost $30. The heater was not difficult to remove on his trailer. That was 4 years ago.

AKIQPilot · 10-07-2021, 07:58 AM

Pull the water heater out, locate the leak, weld it up and reinstall it. If a leak is the only problem with it and it functions fine then just repairing the Atwood would make the most sense to me.

jacwjames · 10-07-2021, 08:08 AM

My Suburban sprung a pin hole leak during our trip to AK, turned the water pump off to stop it from cycling which got progressively worse.
Pulled the water heater out and found the leak but decided to replace. In hind sight I should have just went and had it welded. Could have save me $$$$ and probably been better then new. The leak was at a weld.

ColoradoBnd · 10-07-2021, 09:16 AM

Truma is the way to go. This was our first year with one and there were zero defects. One of our favorite upgrades so far! It is a little more expensive, but well worth it.

Ljwt330 · 10-07-2021, 09:23 AM

Just a caution.

In another thread I read that the replacement heater does not have the same dimensions as the original, and you will need a new outside door and adjust the opening, slightly. That would probably mean a new paint job to make it match. I cannot remember to which brand, Atwood or Suburban, this difference applied, but just be aware.

If you go with a Truma, the solid painted door will also be a point to consider.

Hawkeye Bob · 10-07-2021, 07:55 PM

Thanks for all of the great info.

Best ones were to fix the old tank but........
We just bought the 35F recently from a private party and it has a 4 year extended warranty.
My tech pulled the tank and the leak was at the weld on the heating element inlet. Good news.....only $100 deductible and the insurer is replacing the heater. However,we decided to upgrade to the Truma for additional $600 per Coloradobnd and Jgeib recommends and some online research....plus owning another coach and a 5th wheel with 6 gallon tanks.
Ljwt330 meantioned the paint match. I'm going to see if I like the Truma cover first.

Hawkeye Bob · 10-24-2021, 05:36 PM

Just an update....
The Truma door did not fit and I did not want to have my wall cut into. Disappointing news as I liked the hybrid idea.
Now I have a 6 gallon Dometic to be installed this week and the door appears to be a fit. It is still black......I'll probably not paint it.......
Hopefully this replqcement heater works.