Hot water element replacement

[howdy35]

Need to replace the hot water heating element in my 1999 National Tradewinds. It looks as though it (hot water heater) is under the refrigerator. I'm thinking I may need to remove the unit from the MH to get to the element since I cannot easily get to it from the inside.

I have looked on u-tube but they only show changing out from the outside and my Atwood unit does not have access to the element from the outside. Bummer Looks like taking the unit out will be a chore. Any suggestions?

[Jim]

howdy35 wrote:
Old Biscuit Model Number GC6AA-9E Serial number 961424047657

Jim, you misunderstood the post. I have not yet found where the element is located, but thanks for the advice anyway.

I thought you were talking about a bad heater element in your Atwood tank that is installed at the factory, and wired up by the RV manufacturer? A device situated in the back of the tank so it's hard to get to?

If that's the case, I was suggesting a backup plan that for under $100 you can add an aftermarket heater element in the drain hole, accessible from the outside, powered with an extension cord, so you don't need to replace the OEM electrical heater element until it's convenient for you.

I'm a full timer and seldom stay in a town that has any RV service I'd want to use so having an option is important to me.

[Old-Biscuit]

GC6AA-9E Tune Up Kit $30
Element & T-stats


OEM element...1400W
Backside of WH Tank


Aftermarket element kit....450W
Thru drain hole.....which has to be disconnected/removed each time to drain/flush tank which S/B done routinely


1999 - 2017 ====== 18 years pretty good service life.

[howdy35]

Old Biscuit Model Number GC6AA-9E Serial number 961424047657

Jim, you misunderstood the post. I have not yet found where the element is located, but thanks for the advice anyway.

[Jim]

Perhaps just forget about the bad one, and install an aftermarket heat element in the drain hole?

[Old-Biscuit]

Yes the Atwood electric element is NOT easily accessed EVEN when one has access to backside of WH Tank

It is under a protective cover which being a 1999 vintage could have the on/off switch and set of t-stats there also.

So YES you will most likely have to pull WH out in order to change out the electric element
Mark/label all wires
Replace the electric set of t-stats
Check condition of OEM On/Off Switch....might replace just because you have access


Which model of Atwood do you have?