Info: Hot Water Heater

[OldWest]

There's a lot of information about our hot water heaters in the USA, so won't go into too much detail.

1. Models:

The early Westies had a three (3) gallon, manual light (matchstick) Suburban hot water heater.

Later Westies apparently had a four (4) gallon Suburban hot water heater. Not clear whether these all had electronic ignition, with the control near the generator switch control (near closet).

If anyone has the four gallon heater with control, it'd be nice to have photos.

There was a poster who replaced their three gallon heater with a four gallon heater and control.

NOTE: The typical Suburban 6 gallon water heater may not fit. Also, the doors of the various Suburbans may have different dimensions--so double-check dimensions if replacing door.

2. James Cook:

The James Cook does not have a Suburban hot water heater with the big ugly door. Instead, the James Cook has a small propane Truma water boiler mounted behind the bathroom mirror in the fiberglass top area, with the exhaust going through the rear part of fiberglass top.

3. Suburban Maintenance:

The sacrificial anode rod should be replaced annually or as required.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ight=Hot+water

WARNING: Besides turning off propane, make sure to release water pressure BEFORE unscrewing anode rod--if not, the water pressure will launch anode rod like a missle.

WARNING: The water pressure valve should also be checked periodically for safety and replaced as necessary.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...5&postcount=10

QUIRK: The drain valve (underneath water heater, next to Kerstner black plastic box) may also act as a relief valve and drip.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ghlight=shower

Camco Water Heater Tank Rinser is handy to flush sediment out as water hose won't fit into tank, or can make your own.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...ds=Camco+11691

4. Hot Water to Outdoor Shower:

Several Westy owners have modified water lines so the outside shower has hot water.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...highlight=Carr

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ghlight=shower

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ight=Hot+water

Several posters found a source for the attachment to the outside shower at McMaster Carr, Amazon, etc.. Thread below has document showing how to make complete shower hose.

Airstream used to sell the outside shower hose and showerhead as an accessory, but apparently no longer available.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ghlight=shower

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ghlight=shower

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ghlight=shower

[OldWest]

5. Winterizing:

http://sprinterwestfalia.com/winteri...-water-system/

Some RVers install a bypass valve to the hot water heater. Thought a Westy owner did but can't find posts. Generic link below.

http://www.rverscorner.com/bypass.html

[OldWest]

6. On-Demand Hot Water:

Discus replaced Suburban with an on-demand instant hot water heater. Does require higher water pressure to activate tank. Discus has an external Shurflo water pump instead of the submersible pump

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ight=Hot+water

7. Mini-Hot Water Heaters:

To eliminate propane, need to get rid of cooktop, hot water heater, and generator.

Diesel hot water heaters are expensive.

If have an inverter, a small.electric hot water heater might be sufficient. There are also 12v tanks.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ight=Hot+water

[OldWest]

8. Additiion of Expansion Tank:

OneManVan added a small expansion tank to protect plumbing from excessive pressure.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...1&postcount=11

[Kiltym]

Just as a point of reference, we have a 4 gallon, with manual light pilot. We are # 182.

Model SW4P

[edfrompa]

Re: Info: Hot Water Heater
Why would anyone want to heat "hot" water

[OldWest]

For the replacement part for the drain valve under the hot water heater, see this thread:

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=60319

Truma part 70141-02

[Graphite Dave]

If you only want warm water for a shower and have a moderate climate then an inexpensive shower water heater works very well:

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...&postcount=159

[CaptnALinTiverton]

Originally Posted by OldWest

For the replacement part for the drain valve under the hot water heater, see this thread:

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=60319

Truma part 70141-02

I replaced the drain valve equivalent to the one that was there (OEM I guess) and the new one leaked too. I ended up making a tee with barbs front and back with a brass pipe down and a 1/4 lever shutoff below (ends up atop of wheel well). No more leaks problem anymore.

AL