Atwood Water Heater Element Access Issue

[hvillerot]

I have a 2013 36ft LaCrosse TT. My water heater is an Atwood GC6AA-10E. Access to the heating element is, I believe, behind a black plastic cover on the back of the tank, inside the trailer. The space is very small and situated east to west so I cannot exactly see the face of the plastic cover. I can barely get my hand in there. The back of the tank unit is just inches away from another luan cabinet wall.
And so, before I consider building an access door through that adjoining cabinet, I want to take a shot at getting at the heating element after removing the cover.
My question. Is that cover bolted on? Screwed on? Or is a press fit that can be pried off? I cannot see the face of the cover and cannot feel any fasteners.

Thanks in advance

[TURBS]

Yes it's accessed from the inside or back of water heater.


TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[TURBS]

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[hvillerot]

Just wondering, though, how it's fastened to the tank? I'm wondering if I can just get a screwdriver in there and pry it off from the side? But obviously, that's not going to work if it's screwed/bolted on.


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[TURBS]

If it was me...... I'd pull the wh.


TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by hvillerot

Just wondering, though, how it's fastened to the tank? I'm wondering if I can just get a screwdriver in there and pry it off from the side? But obviously, that's not going to work if it's screwed/bolted on.


Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

The pictures I sent show you how the element is attached.
Either four screws or it screws in.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[TURBS]

Just curious since your unit is only a year old or so, did element just quit working or was there no water in the tank when it got turned on?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[hvillerot]

I believe it just quit. The electric side of the combination unit. I've been pretty religious about making sure I didn't cook the element by running the system dry. I can take it in for warranty work but I have a 2 week trip on the east coast coming up and thought that maybe for the cost of the element ($36) and the fact that the dealership will keep the rig forever, I'd try to replace the element myself. But the location issue.....
I've already made 2 other access doors for plumbing and the water tank. I think my wife is getting tired of modifications.
Removal is from the outside I assume? Removing the facing plate that attached to the coach?


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[TURBS]

Yes it would pull out from the camper.


TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"