New to RV

Thank you so much for all the replies! A lot of great advice there!
The water heater: I have found several tankless online that are half the cost of the Atwood 6g tank. The repair shop we are using instists that the entire unit needs to be replaced.
Majority says to stay with the original. Majority often wins! I will keep y'all posted with our progression. Ty so much!

I am not a fan of atwood products, esp water heaters, the parts for maintenance or replacement are so costly but in saying that and what I know about tankless heaters, several who changed over were not happy with them, I would make sure you need to replace the entire heater or just put on new parts.

Have fun but don't think this will be your only repair on an older MH. We have a 2003 we love but we break out the champaigns after any trip with no repairs or problems.

If it's not leaking and something like an igniter or burner, then just fix the one you have. At some point, replacing the entire unit will make more sense. I work part time at an RV parts store, and we sell a lot of parts for Atwoods. Read up on how to diagnose the problem. Parts are pretty cheap.

WE also contemplated going to a tankless hot water heater. We almost always stay in a campground with at least water and electric connections - trying to get one with full hookups. The more hot water you use, the faster your holding tank fills. The more propane you use if not relying on electric hookup from CG. Think tankless runs on Propane? Since yours is an older rig (like ours) I wouldn't spend more $ than necessary for its upkeep. If you find you really enjoy RVing, you will likely want to get something newer in the future. BTW, we decided not to change from our traditional tank. Instead, we got a new shower head, an aerator one, and it works GREAT! Better water pressure, uses less water so the shower lasts longer! Might think about that. Cost was less than $50!

Your first outing in your Rv should be in your driveway or a campsite very close to home. You will invariably forget something important, and it will be convenient to get it. I did not follow that advice, and for breakfast the next morning I had to fry eggs in a sauce pan!

If you always plan on staying in RV parks, maybe the tankless makes sense. Unlimited quantity of hot water is the draw, that means you also need an unlimited supply of water, and the means of draining it off, and in those ads they dont mention that they are usually on a supply of only 20 to 45 lbs of propane. Taking those long luxurious showers the ads claim, will have you running constantly to refill propane. And when you run out its not just hot water that you lose, its cooking and sometimes even heat.
The standard units which can operate by both propane and electric give you the ability to take showers and to complete other task, maybe not in "unlimited " fashion, but with a little experience, you will quickly become accustomed to it.

Are you sure the original heater needs to be replaced? It is easy to get parts for this unit so unless the tank is damaged or the repairs are extensive you might want to fix what is broken.

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your first RV.
I agree, keep the original type water heater. They do a good job.

For your first outing, if possible, camp in your (or a friend/relative's) driveway or yard. If not possible, go to a local campground.
That way you will be close to home when you realize you forgot something. It will allow you to become more familiar with the RV in a more familiar setting.

Also, check your roof. A small leak can cause a lot of damage if not repaired quickly. Look for missing/loose caulk or any holes/tears.
Sometimes a low hanging branch can cause a little damage.
They are easily repaired with Eternabond and Dicor Self Leveling Lap Sealant. You can find them on several websites and most RV stores sell the products. Shop around for the best prices.

Enjoy your travels.

Welcome to the RVing community, Niki. Concerning your water heater, the tankless would seem to be considerably more expensive. On your older Georgie Boy, I'd stick with a conventional water heater, which would be more cost effective. Seeing as how you are in Vegas, I'd go someplace close and COOLER for your first outing, like Great Basin National Park. Have fun on your maiden voyage!