Just purchased a hot rod from CW, have a question.

I've had my Hot Rod for over 12 years and it works great and it will produce hot water in 30 to 45 min or so and save all that gas.
You should install the T-Stat in the middle of the tank for best results, I just leave mine plugged in and use the switch I have to turn it on. My T-Stat is set at 125 deg which is plenty.
One additional note : I do not have it on if I'm on inverter, it does draw amps.

mchero - If it is in the 400WATT range I would try and use it on my inverter for when camping off the power grid. Would sure beat using up my propane to keep hot water going... Once the heat is up to temperature the gas furnace doesnt kick on very much here... Probably same deal with an electric element.

I need it for a PLAN B in my setup for sure.... My hot water may be my source of HYDRONIC HEAT for my trailer soon so will need HOT WATER all the time when camping off the power grid. I have got to get rid of my trailer propane heater and its high current 12VDC fan for sure...

Of course if the HOT ROD is high current then my INVERTER will be too small to run that... I need to run down the specs on it. I have seen lower wattage elements available in the 400-500WATT range.

I did see something hiding behind the propane igniter - didnt know if that was your HOT WATER drain plug or not. Hopefully the photo is making its location looking like its behind the igniter. My Suburban Model is definitely out of the way of anything on the bottom like I showed in my photo. I remove this plug to drain my hot water heater when winterizing.

What you got sounds interesting...

My entire water heater is of course covered with a heat pad so if the temperature sensor has to touch the metal case of the hot water heater than you will have to cut some of the padding out to attach the sensor. Sure don't want to drill a hole through the outer case hehe...

Roy Ken

One reason I supersized the picture is so that users can see the drain valve, It's just to the left of the gas valve. I'll have to remove & insert the Hot Rod.

I will NOT try & use the Hot Rod on my inverter. As stated above I'll ave full hookups. I'd never try & run off the inverter.

I am assuming this is the HOT ROD kit you are referring too... How many WATTS is this device... Hopefully something you can run from an INVERTER when you are running off the power grid.


This will have to inserted into the HOT WATER HEATER and from the photo you posted I don't see the bottom unused drain port my Surburban model has. It may be hidden by your propane pilot light assy and I cant see it.



My water drain port shown on the very bottom here is a standard size port where you would screw in the HOT ROD element.

Where are you going to insert the electric element into your hot water heater.

Roy Ken

If it were me, I would return that hot rod. They do not heat the water that quickly, unlike the factory electric tanks. For the money you paid for that hot rod, you can buy a good amount of propane to heat your water. Also, you have an old heater...my experience is when you start messing with something old it starts to break.