Thanks for the replies. I called the RV place that sold us our trailer, as expected, they advised to simply replace the anode. I'm in agreement with prior info from repeated sources that that isn't the answer, as the reaction will continue. I suspect the RV place (which I'll leave unnamed as I'm in general very happy with the trailer and their co.)has to say that as they sell the trailers with Suburban water heaters.
The guy at the RV place, however DID suggest if I wanted answers re: iron in the water, to talk to ---- who deals with that sort of thing. That call was productive: he advised NO you do not want an anode in. (I advised him it was a steel tank/glass(ceramic)coated) and he says we'll get a good long life out of the water heater without the anode, but more buildup so a flush every 6 mo is a good thing to do to get material that had built up out of it.
As far as cleaning up the incoming water from direct water hook up: he says there is no way to change that - am I'm used to finding iron-smelling water in other campgrounds in SK so no big deal. He says they DO have a system to remove iron but it's for a house, and the system is indoors (and my guess is it wouldn't be inexpensive). So that has nothing to do with the well at the campsite.
So thanks for everyone's replies, I'll consider this closed now, and will not put the anode back in. (hey, maybe I'll come back to this forum in a few years and advise the state of corrosion of the water heater, but sounds like it'll be fine).
and thanks, Don R - hey have you retired from "tuna-ing"? (I don't have my piano anymore but curious.) :)
