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lincolnmatthews's avatar
lincolnmatthews
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014

OBSOLETE WATER HEATER-93 LANCE, ANY IDEAS>

Earlier I started a thrd about fixing or selling my old Lance, (with a broken out rear tie down). Well I had to fix it anyway before I sold it at least IMO. So I opened up the drivers side up to the side window to see whats involved in fixing it. Kind of a mess, it broke the main frame where the tie down bolt goes thru it. Kind of a weak design I think, (sorry no pics) I'm going to put a clear fir 3/4" 2" "beam" & epoxy the whole works above the old frame. And have new anchor plates fabricated to go over the whole works & longer. Also I'm not going to run the eye bolt up thru the wood like lance did, this makes it so weak.
Anyway thought I should replace my water heater being its 20 yrs old & out of the camper. But can't find any that has the outer flange ring around the outside that screws to the outside of the camper. The new ones have no flange & are kind of a flush fit.
I've done a search with no luck, & Camping World has no listings for my old part #'s Any ideas where to buy this old style?? thanks for any help!
Truck Campers
  • Simplygib's avatar
    Simplygib
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2014
    Had the same problem on a 10 gal Suburban I replaced a couple of years ago. The flanges (with door) were available but for an additional $50 I think. The original one was all one piece, which kind of irked me that the new ones aren't that way too. I just cut the old one off and used it with the new water heater. Had to seal it with caulking where the two meet but it works fine that way and from the outside you can't tell any difference.
  • Redsky's avatar
    Redsky
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2014
    I would phone Atwood and ask what current model they suggest using instead. Then you have a new heater with new controls that will last you for many years and help the resale value.
  • AnEv942's avatar
    AnEv942
    Nomad
    Mar 17, 2014
    What heater brand/modle do you have? The newer 6 gal atwoods are still flange mounted- the 10 gal (which looking at a trailer probably was) has a bit different pan mount. Its possible your old door would even transfer over if you wanted- on the 6gal. If Suburban I dont know.

    Atwood manual
    Covers 4,6&10 gal water heaters
    Your exact modle number may no longer be listed but an equivalent available. An email or phone call to Atwood or one of may retailers should get you there. When I had mine out a while back breifly thought about changing it out-inside starting would be nice but she still heats water.
  • lincolnmatthews's avatar
    lincolnmatthews
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2014
    Mine was still working but after 20 yrs I figured I should replace it. Just looked at a 8yr old TT, the new heaters are flush mnt then has a separate flange that holds the cover. Not a good system IMO because it can leak if they don't seal real good the flange to the heater body. Besides I will have to have the paint matched to match the old Lance color, oh well!.
    If & when the heater goes out do they start to leak usually or just not fire off, (electrical etc). Wouldn't want it to leak all over the place. Thanks
  • niftypkg's avatar
    niftypkg
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2014
    On the same subject. Any one install a WH is a Sunlite 10 footer w/toilet? Where is a good spot?
  • calamus's avatar
    calamus
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2014
    I just replaced one in our 98 layton that has the flange ordered it online out of a dealer somewhere in Texas $250 10 gal free shipping Only had a gas before the new one is dual gas/ele but never use the ele I guess with propane the way it is I might though.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 16, 2014
    I had one in an old TC that was 30 years old and still worked great. Is yours dead? If not then it may have many more good years in it!
    If you do replace it then the new one (6 gallon) should fit in the same hole - just check out the install instructions on-line for Suburban and Atwood WH's to see what size opening they take. (I think they're all the same?)

    Good luck,
    Scott

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