Preferrred Water Heater

https://truma.net/water-systems 1st choice
But I've never had an issue with my current and previous Suburban's

Depends on your preference; anode rods or soft plastic drain plugs.

Both have pros/cons

Suburban
PROs
Major components are accessible via outside compartment (Both sets of T-stats, gas valve, electric element, anode rod)

CONs
AC & DC Junction Boxes on backside along with circuit board which does not have a Fuse and combustion/exhaust 'U' Tube is stacked so unequal surface contact for heat transfer, Steel glass-lined tank which can not be replaced, NO air shuttle to adjust air/fuel ratio


Atwood
PROs
Aluminum Tank/no anode rod, gas valve accessible, thermal fuse protection, air shutter, diagonal combustion/exhaust 'U' Tube for better heat transfer, Fuse protected circuit board, NYLON Hi Temp/Press drain plug, replacement tanks available
CONs
Only one set of t-stats for both AC/Gas operation, DC Relay and AC Element on backside of WH Tank


Both Brands are functional, do what they were designed to do and are roughly equal in easy of use
For me it's a toss up
Whichever one comes in the RV I purchase is fine!

Old-Biscuit wrote:

Atwood

CONs
Only one set of t-stats for both AC/Gas operation, DC Relay and AC Element on backside of WH Tank

That's the only thing I don't like about the Atwood/Dometic HW Tank. Having things on the backside that might need to be replaced. That can be a difficult task by some RV Owners.

RobWNY wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:

Atwood

CONs
Only one set of t-stats for both AC/Gas operation, DC Relay and AC Element on backside of WH Tank

That's the only thing I don't like about the Atwood/Dometic HW Tank. Having things on the backside that might need to be replaced. That can be a difficult task by some RV Owners.

Especially when the 'RV Engineer/Designer' designates WH Location that requires REMOVAL to get to element etc

STUPID!

Lynnmor wrote:
Depends on your preference; anode rods or soft plastic drain plugs.

I'll take the soft plastic drain plug any day !

We don't need to ever change a anode on our residential water heaters, so why should we have to in a RV

Guy

Guy Roan wrote:

Lynnmor wrote:
Depends on your preference; anode rods or soft plastic drain plugs.

I'll take the soft plastic drain plug any day !

We don't need to ever change a anode on our residential water heaters, so why should we have to in a RV

Guy

Standard tank-style residential water heaters do have anode rods, and one is well-advised to replace them as they get consumed so that the tank doesn't rust out and start leaking too soon. How rapidly they are consumed or caked up in deposits does, of course, depend a good deal on the nature of one's water supply.

DrewE wrote:

Guy Roan wrote:

Lynnmor wrote:
Depends on your preference; anode rods or soft plastic drain plugs.

I'll take the soft plastic drain plug any day !

We don't need to ever change a anode on our residential water heaters, so why should we have to in a RV

Guy

Standard tank-style residential water heaters do have anode rods, and one is well-advised to replace them as they get consumed so that the tank doesn't rust out and start leaking too soon. How rapidly they are consumed or caked up in deposits does, of course, depend a good deal on the nature of one's water supply.

Yep, one of the most neglected items in home maintenance. The big home centers stopped stocking them since sales were so low and they would rather sell new water heaters every few years. My anodes need replaced every three years. The water heater in my shop doesn't even have access to the anode, the top needs to come off.

RobWNY wrote:
Which brand water heater do you prefer? I've had both the steel Suburban and the aluminum Atwood/Dometic. They are both excellent water heaters. Personally, I prefer the Atwood/Dometic but which do you prefer?

Well I have an Atwood. and am happy with it. I like that it is very easy to choose Gas or Electric.. WIth some suburban models you need to go out side to do that. With my Atwood two switches on the inside control panel side by side.

DrewE wrote:

Guy Roan wrote:

Lynnmor wrote:
Depends on your preference; anode rods or soft plastic drain plugs.

I'll take the soft plastic drain plug any day !

We don't need to ever change a anode on our residential water heaters, so why should we have to in a RV

Guy

Standard tank-style residential water heaters do have anode rods, and one is well-advised to replace them as they get consumed so that the tank doesn't rust out and start leaking too soon. How rapidly they are consumed or caked up in deposits does, of course, depend a good deal on the nature of one's water supply.

You might want to tell that to my 25 year old electric water heater that I have never had a problem with

Guy