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10-29-2009, 10:10 AM
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#1
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Master of the obvious
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 66
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H/W tank anode
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.
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10-29-2009, 11:01 AM
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
Posts: 9,280
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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.
__________________
Chap , DW Joy, and Fur Baby Sango
2017 F350 Lariat CCSB, SRW, 4x4, 6.7 PS
2017 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS
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10-29-2009, 11:03 AM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 19
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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. $18.50 from our dealer. The only catch that I had was that the biggest socket I had was 1", and that one needs a 1-1/16" socket. Figures!
- Al
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10-29-2009, 04:19 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 10,525
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How fast it deteriorates will vary greatly depending on your water,
how much you use your trailer and the alignment of the planets.
General consensus is if it's over half gone it's time and it's
cheap insurance
against rusting out your tank on a very expen$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.
__________________
Peace!
Dan & Rita D
2017 Nissan Titan 5.6L King cab 4wd
2016 Evergreen Everlite 242RBS
29' empty nest model. Blue Ox WD hitch
(1 queen bed, large main cabin and huge bathroom)
Camping days 2010-53, 2011-47, 2012-41, 2013-41, 2014-31, 2015-40, 2016-44, 2017-63, 2018-75, 2019-32, 2020-41, 2021-49, 2022-43, 2023-66
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11-02-2009, 01:12 PM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Clinton, MI
Posts: 83
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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.
__________________
2007 Surveyor SV291
Equil-I-zer hitch
2005 Durango Hemi
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11-06-2009, 11:59 AM
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#6
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Master of the obvious
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 66
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Thanks for the input! I think I'll just replace it in the spring.
__________________
Craig & Jennifer, plus 4 boys, a charcoal and a silver lab
Outside Boston, MA
2017 Coachman leprechaun 310BH
2018 Kia Optima Toad
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11-06-2009, 12:21 PM
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#7
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
Posts: 9,280
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigdaddy
Thanks for the input! I think I'll just replace it in the spring.
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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.
__________________
Chap , DW Joy, and Fur Baby Sango
2017 F350 Lariat CCSB, SRW, 4x4, 6.7 PS
2017 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS
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