My last trailer must have had an Atwood heater because there was no anode, just a plastic plug. I bought a socket for that and had a dedicated ratchet (mini one) to drain the tank after everry trip. My new rig has an anode rod. Somewhere, but I cannot find where on the forum, someone had mentioned what sized the head of the anode rod. I want to go buy a socket but am not sure of the size. Was it 1 1/16?

Just checked my suburban and it is 1 1/16 .

Because its a tight fit,I use a deep 1 1/16 socket with a 1/2" drive 4" extension and breaker bar.

Sounds like it is going to be fun :)

Socket size for anode rod | Good Sam Community

Campinfan
Explorer III
May 21, 2014
Just took out the anode rod, drained the tank and put the rod back in. The worst part was putting the anode rod back in and trying to get it "started" threading it in that is. Hard to get it in straight because of the gas tube and it wasn't easy to manipulate it. Once I finally got it started, it was easy. I used teflon pipe dope but I may use tape next time...not as messy.
Sport45
Explorer II
May 21, 2014
Is the rod corroded when you take it out? If so, it's working fine. If it looks like new, it's not.
john_bet
Explorer II
May 20, 2014
Mine is 1 1/16 and I have used tape for the last 9 years without a leak and the rod is working just fine.
Campinfan
Explorer III
May 20, 2014
II have the paste too. There is tape on it now.
restlesswind
Explorer
May 20, 2014
Rather than Teflon tape,I have better luck using the teflon paste (Plumbers paste)
Sport45
Explorer II
May 20, 2014
If you use too much Teflon it won't work. It has to be electrically bonded to the tank to protect it. Use a metal filled product and keep it off the lead threads so it doesn't get in your water.
Jim-Linda
Explorer II
May 20, 2014
A dab of anti-seize works wonders.
larry_barnhart
Explorer
May 20, 2014
dlk wrote:
Use a little teflon tape on the threads, helps seal the threads and makes removal easier

Little is the best because more is not better.

chevman
dlk
Explorer
May 20, 2014
Use a little teflon tape on the threads, helps seal the threads and makes removal easier
Campinfan
Explorer III
May 20, 2014
I figure if I take it out often, it won't corrode in place ans seize up. I will be making a trip to Lowe's soon for the socket.