Forum Discussion
3,114 Replies
- vwovalExplorerMy front hitch came in the mail today . Was going to install it before camping this weekend but its rained all day. I bought the wrong one off ebay (seller said it fit my truck but it fits hd not standard version of my truck and I would have to pay shipping back to seller,always read the small print) so I will be selling a front hitch. also installed some hubcaps I had laying around on my little trailer
- KenBobExplorerFor TC:
Added Dish satellite (Tailgater) :)
For Utility trailer:
Customized it by removing the tread from the right side tire, thus, permanent removal of the fender :(
...Murphy's Law? - ggadwaExplorerKerry,
Appreciate your comments on the Hot Water Tank...I just figure the water doesn't stay in the tank very long to give it a chance to eat away at the tank. I could be wrong but that's what I've done on the this Camper for three years and the last one for 10 years. The Camper before that one I did have the Anode Rod and used to pull it out every drain time....do recall replacing it once though.
Maybe I'm just lucky but we've been all over the west and western Canada and Alaska.
Thanks,
GARY - Mello_MikeExplorer
- Reddog1Explorer III may have missed it, but I did not see anyone mention the fact Atwood water heaters not only do not use the anode rod, they also state not to on their heaters. The Atwood and Surban use different materials in their tanks. The Surban's use a steel tank, and the Atwood's aluminum, as I recall.
I think most residential tanks are steel, and use the anode rod. How often do you drain your water heater tank at home? How often do you change the anode rod?
Wayne - kerry4951Explorer
ggadwa wrote:
Mello Mike and Dak,
I have been using a Drain Petcock instead of an anode rod in the Hot Water Tank on my previous camper for nearly 10 years and on my present Camper for 3 years now. I always drain the Hot Water Tank upon returning from every outing whether its a three week trip or a three day trip. I am wondering if the inside of the Hot Water Tank is OK or what your thoughts might be.
I know this is not a what you did to your Truck Camper today topic....
Its much to cold to work on the Camper today minus 19 this morning and finally above zero here now.
GARY
Draining your hot water tank after every time out is OK to do,but that practice isnt really giving you any protection while using the hot water heater. The purpose of the anode rod is that it allows the corrosive elements in the water to eat away at the rod and not the walls of your tank. Every time you take water on at different locations, or at any CG, there is always a chance that the water has corrosive elements in it. If your HW tank came with an anode rod than I would use one. We had an anode rod chewed away very quickly during the 2 month trip we made thru Alaska.
For me its a yearly maintenance issue. I change out to a new anode rod every spring whether it needs it or not. They aren't that expensive. - Mello_MikeExplorer
dakonthemountain wrote:
Wow! Looks like your anode rod is doing it's job! How long did it last?
Dak
Dak,
Two years. I didn't always flush it out after use. I'll be better about that from here on out. - ggadwaExplorerMello Mike and Dak,
I have been using a Drain Petcock instead of an anode rod in the Hot Water Tank on my previous camper for nearly 10 years and on my present Camper for 3 years now. I always drain the Hot Water Tank upon returning from every outing whether its a three week trip or a three day trip. I am wondering if the inside of the Hot Water Tank is OK or what your thoughts might be.
I know this is not a what you did to your Truck Camper today topic....
Its much to cold to work on the Camper today minus 19 this morning and finally above zero here now.
GARY - dakonthemountaiExplorer
Mello Mike wrote:
Performed some much needed maintenance on my Suburban water heater.
RV Water Heater Maintenance
Wow! Looks like your anode rod is doing it's job! How long did it last?
I winterized my camper again after the trip to San Simeon State Park. I use it for a guest house, but without water during the winter..
Dak - portscannerExplorerSet things up for a visit to Camp Driveway.
SWMBO will be getting her new hardwood floors and everything painted in the house. Moving all furniture to the garage for the duration.
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285 PostsLatest Activity: May 01, 2026