Anode Rod for Atwood

Do you have one now? If so, do you know when/if it was ever changed?
Not much of a problem to change but for an upgrade not sure i would mess with it.

Yes, the purpose of the anode rod is to take the corrosion rather than your tank. They're inexpensive compared to replacing your tank and easy to install and replace.

Suburban water heaters require an anode rod due to their construction (steel tank). Atwood water heaters are aluminum and do not require an anode rod. They typically have a plastic drain plug that can break when the plastic gets old and brittle. I'd suggest you pick up a spare drain plug the next time you're in an RV parts store and carry it as a spare.

TucsonJim wrote:
Suburban water heaters require an anode rod due to their construction (steel tank). Atwood water heaters are aluminum and do not require an anode rod. They typically have a plastic drain plug that can break when the plastic gets old and brittle. I'd suggest you pick up a spare drain plug the next time you're in an RV parts store and carry it as a spare.

What TJ said. That's all you need.

Ozlander wrote:

TucsonJim wrote:
Suburban water heaters require an anode rod due to their construction (steel tank). Atwood water heaters are aluminum and do not require an anode rod. They typically have a plastic drain plug that can break when the plastic gets old and brittle. I'd suggest you pick up a spare drain plug the next time you're in an RV parts store and carry it as a spare.

What TJ said. That's all you need.

What TJ and Ozlander said. You do not need an anode in a new Atwood. I remember reading that the old (many years old) Atwoods used a steel tank and needed an anode but that was many, many years ago.

As stated above, not needed in an Atwood. In fact the owners manual says not to use one.

That reminds me, I have to change one out in my Suburban tank. Thanks.

TucsonJim wrote:
Suburban water heaters require an anode rod due to their construction (steel tank). Atwood water heaters are aluminum and do not require an anode rod. They typically have a plastic drain plug that can break when the plastic gets old and brittle. I'd suggest you pick up a spare drain plug the next time you're in an RV parts store and carry it as a spare.

I just picked up two things at the RV store, a kit that had two plastic plugs and a wrench with the two different socket sizes on it, and a brass fitting that has an opening allowing you to drain the tank without removing the plug. getting that plug out that is behind the copper tubing has always been a PITA.
bumpy

Guess I should have read the manual! I'll forgo the anode. Thanks to all.
jor

I remember now camp host on last camping trip, telling me about the aluminum water heater tanks not needing anode rods. We have a Suburban.

Handy how the manual is right!