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How to Add Electric Element to RV Water Heater While Keeping Anode Rod Intact
Propane Medium 2-3 hours 110 👍

How to Add Electric Element to RV Water Heater While Keeping Anode Rod Intact

Three tools deep into this project and I'm determined to add electric capability to my Suburban water heater with cast iron tank myself — where's the best starting point? Problem is, most conversion kits I'm seeing want to replace the anode rod port with the heating element. That seems like a bad idea for a cast iron tank - pretty sure I need that anode rod to keep things from corroding, right?

Anyone know if there are kits out there that let you keep the anode rod? Maybe something that goes in the drain port instead, or one of those combo deals where the element also acts as an anode? Just want to make sure I'm not setting myself up for a rusty mess down the road! …more
How to Fix Suburban SF-42 Furnace Rumble and Backfire Issues
Propane Medium 2-3 hours 105 👍

How to Fix Suburban SF-42 Furnace Rumble and Backfire Issues

I looked everywhere online for answers but as a first-time RV owner, I'm completely lost why my 2003 Alpine coach's Suburban SF-42 furnace keeps rumbling and backfiring nonstop! This thing fires up fine initially, but then it starts making these awful rumbling sounds and actually backfires through the intake - scared the hell out of me the first time it happened. The worst part is it's not heating worth a damn even though it runs constantly.

I've already cleaned what I could reach and checked for obvious blockages, but I'm wondering if this could be an air-fuel mixture issue? The unit is over 20 years old now, so I'm prepared for the possibility that major components might need replacing. Could this be related to gas pressure problems, or maybe the igniter is going bad and causing delayed ignition? I really need to understand what's actually causing these rumbling and backfire symptoms so I know what to focus on next. …more
Water Heater Hot When Empty - No Safety Protection Issue
Propane Medium 2-3 hours for inspection and potential repairs 102 👍

Water Heater Hot When Empty - No Safety Protection Issue

Finally asking what's probably a dumb question, but why is my RV water heater getting scorching hot even when it's completely empty? After 10+ years of RV ownership, I somehow managed to leave my water heater running while empty and connected to shore power. When I opened the access panel today, that sucker was HOT.

I'm honestly amazed I haven't burned anything down yet - or at least fried the heating element. I always assumed there was some kind of built-in safety feature that would shut things down if the tank went dry, but apparently my water heater didn't get that memo.

So here's my slightly embarrassing question: Do most RV water heaters actually have dry-fire protection, or am I supposed to rely on my apparently non-existent common sense? And more importantly, what can I do to prevent my future self from making this same bone-headed mistake again? …more
RV Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve Leaking: Normal or Problem?
Propane Easy 30 minutes to diagnose 100 👍

RV Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve Leaking: Normal or Problem?

Our brand new 2025 Flagstaff Super lite's Suburban water heater has this annoying steady drip-drip-drip sound coming from the pressure relief valve on the outside. Been living in this thing since August and just noticed it last week.

The thing is, it's not constant - sometimes it's bone dry, other times I'll see a drop or two. We keep the electric heater running pretty much 24/7. My dealer mentioned something about draining and creating an air pocket, but honestly I'm not sure if this is just normal behavior for a new unit or if I've got a legit problem on my hands.

Anyone know if a little PRV dripping is just part of the deal with these water heaters, or should I be looking at a warranty claim here? Don't want to be that guy complaining about nothing, but also don't want to ignore something that could turn into a bigger issue down the road. …more
RV Air Bags Dropping But Tanks Hold Air: Complete Diagnosis Guide
General Medium 2-3 hours 87 👍

RV Air Bags Dropping But Tanks Hold Air: Complete Diagnosis Guide

Air bags on my coach keep deflating overnight even though the air tanks hold pressure perfectly. Compressor runs fine, tanks stay at 120 PSI, but by morning the rear is sitting on the bump stops. Something between the tanks and the bags is leaking and I can't pinpoint it. …more
Robert, RV Mechanic
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