H/W tank anode

[bigdaddy]

Good day,

I am winterizing my Wildwood 26TBSS and upon pulling the drain plug for the water heater I was surprised to find a long anode on the inside... This is my first season with this unit and the prior owner did not turn over the manuals. Does anyone know how often this anode should be replaced or what the tolerances are that would warrant replacement? As always your thoughts and comments are appreciated.

[MtnGuy]

If the anode rod is pitted and looks like crap, then it is doing it's job. If most of it is about the size of your little finger, then you are good to go for awhile. If it looks like mostly a thin wire (maybe 10 guage??), then you might need to replace it before the next camping season.

Unless you have unusual water, with a 2009 Wildwood you should be good to go for the next 5 years or so, but make sure by checking it once a year.

[algilson]

If it's anything like our unit, we replace the anode every year. I'm always surprised how much the anode has deteriorated over the year because of our water quality. The thing ends up a little thicker than a coat hanger and I believe it starts out at 3/4". I always pop a new one in in the spring. $18.50 from our dealer. The only catch that I had was that the biggest socket I had was 1", and that one needs a 1-1/16" socket. Figures!

- Al

[KyDan]

How fast it deteriorates will vary greatly depending on your water,
how much you use your trailer and the alignment of the planets.
General consensus is if it's over half gone it's time and it's
cheap insurance
against rusting out your tank on a very expen$ive appliance.

FYI there is a guy on Ebay who sells anodes for both atwood and
Suburban for $8 plus 3 shipping.
But if you buy 2 or more the shipping is only $1.50 each after
the first one.
Just go to Ebay and type in anode rod.

[gregm59]

I picked up two spares for my Suburban WH this summer on sale at Camping World for around $9.00 each. As stated above, it's cheap insurance.

[bigdaddy]

Thanks for the input! I think I'll just replace it in the spring.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by bigdaddy

Thanks for the input! I think I'll just replace it in the spring.

Replacing it is the best way to be sure. But if I can stretch the life of an anode rod for 5 years or better, then I am saving $50 if I had replaced it every year. My wife calls me tight.

I took my anode rod from a previous 3 year old camper into the local RV shop to get another one......I thought it looked eat up. The lady behind the counter said she would sell me one, but that I had plenty of life left in the 1 I had. It is still sitting there and deteriorating with the present owners........and it is now 6 years old......but he is planning on finally replacing it next spring. Just because it looks bad, that doesn't mean it isn't doing it's job any less than a new unit.