anode wearing strange--thoughts??

I change mine once a year.....only 10 bucks and teflon tape also! It is cheaper then a new water heater.

As most have already stated, it 's just normal wear and there is lots of sacrificial material left; bit of Teflon tape and put it back.

mlts22 wrote:
I generally chuck and replace the anode rod yearly, using Teflon tape. Better safe than sorry.

As for rods, is magnesium or aluminum better?

For a trailer I'd say Aluminum or Aluminum/Zinc. Magnesium can have odor issues depending on the source water. For a home water heater magnesium will give the best protection if it doesn't cause odor issues with your particular water. If your water is free of bacteria and sulfur compounds the Magnesium rod should work fine.

Replacing yearly is tossing money down the drain, IMHO. I really don't see a need to pull them before 3 years.

I generally chuck and replace the anode rod yearly, using Teflon tape. Better safe than sorry.

As for rods, is magnesium or aluminum better?

Steel rod should also be protected from corrosion at least until it lightens up.
Tape it up and put it back.

cbshoestring wrote:
Sport45...what do you mean by "LINE OF SIGHT"

Since current flows in essentially straight lines the anode has to "see" the metal to protect it. That's why we use multiple sacrificial anodes in industrial heat exchangers, boat hulls, etc. If there's something in the way that "shadows" the metal from the anode it will not be protected.

Chris Bryant wrote:
That is entirely normal- the galvanic action is greatest near the point where it's screwed in to the tank, plus it has more area contacting the steel- the plug as well as the rod. Every anode "wears" like that, and the steel rod in the center will not break. Worst case is the magnesium will come off in a big chunk. Nothing that will not flush out though.

Residential water heater anode rod....notice similar 'wear'
Very typical---normal

riven1950 wrote:
Not to steal the thread but I used Teflon tape on mine. Is that okay. Threads seem to be corroded and I am afraid that it will be hard to remove. 2014 model so not too old.

I've never used Teflon tape on my anode rod. But, I also drain my tank after every trip, so the rod is constantly being pulled. The threads may be rusted up a bit, but they are not rusted solid.

Yes, it drips, just slightly, but I also don't like to risk over tightening either.

I guess it's just me, but when I see the metal rod in the middle, I replace it. FYI, I've had my current camper for 3 years now, and still on the original rod. It still looks good. Previous camper 8 years and think I changed it only once then too.

Teflon tape is fine, and does make removal easier. The threads cut through the tape to make enough contact.

Jerry

Not to steal the thread but I used Teflon tape on mine. Is that okay. Threads seem to be corroded and I am afraid that it will be hard to remove. 2014 model so not too old.