Make my water heater electric has anyone used these kits?

[jimandfam]

so on amazon I found the cheapest kit to be this one http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024ECCJW/ref=cm_sw_su_dp has any used this one? And if so how does it maintain water temp and how fast does it take to get to temp?

[gmctoyman]

I have the 400w unit and find it exactly what I need, may not fit your needs. I can use it with my Honda 1000 and charge batteries at the same time. I can use it with my solar panels (500w) after the batteries are up. Gives me 122° water most anytime I want it, if I want it fast...propane.

[cwit]

I' m putting one in my motor home this weak. I do not use gas unless I have to.

[Gjac]

I bought the lightning rod and it worked well. It needs to be removed any way to drain the tank for winterizing. The main draw back is that if it is turned on with out water in the tank it will burn out. The replacement elements are quite expensive $40 or more compared to $12 or so for the ones you would by at HD or Lowes that are used in regular water heaters. I have not been able to find a a cheap replacement element for it.

[jimandfam]

Thank you for all your help ,my motorhome is way out of warranty so no problems there and all places I stay at proved electricity when I'm not boondocking.So I think I will put this in and save on propane cost.

[apr67]

Used one on a class A. Set it up to run off the inverter. It was nice arriving at the campground with hot water ready to go after a day of driving. When we lived in the RV for a year it was also very helpful, if my wife and I both took showers back to back, we would just kick the LP on as well, otherwise it allowed us to sit for months with moving to fill the propane tank.

[mmiille]

I used one for years in our previous MH. Works great. Voided warranties are a concern if your unit is still under warranty. Otherwise I didn't worry about it. My thermostat attached to the pressure relief valve. If you use it in the winter you have to insulate it or it will heat the water more than you want.

[rvten]

Used them years ago. Called a Hot Rod.
You just screwed it into the drain plug hole. Had its own internal thermostat.
Taking it out at least once a year. Was a good inspection. As one of the Hot Rods cracked and had to be replaced.

[Old-Biscuit]

mthockeydad wrote:
Can a person "DIY" a retrofit with a 1400W element and a thermostat?

Seems pretty simple. :?

YES......a LP only WH could be swapped out for a one with dual heating capabilities

[mthockeydad]

Can a person "DIY" a retrofit with a 1400W element and a thermostat?

Seems pretty simple. :?

[Old-Biscuit]

Don't know what year your rv is....but both Suburban & Atwood will void their warranties if used.

That being said....
They work but have drawbacks
1) Have to be installed in drain hole which means they have to be removed every time you drain/flush tank (which needs to be done) so they can be a PITA disconnecting/removing.
2) Very slow recovery time....heating element is only 400W vs OEM element 1400W
3) IF you have a Suburban Brand you are doing away with your anode rod which is a MUST to protect tank. Some of the aftermarket heating kits have a small anode rod BUT OEM rod is 9 1/2" vs the very small rod on end of heating element.

So YES that can be useful but know the limitations/issues

[pianotuna]

Hi,

The add on kits are generally pretty slow--but if the campground is providing the power as part of the site rental, they make a good deal of sense.