replacement water heater

[h. keith mizell]

Just purchased a 1973 painted desert, nearly everything original. Water
heater has developed a sizable leak. Given that it has 25 years of
service
on it I want to replace the entire unit. Would like to replace with
identical; electric only (see no need for gas/elec, don't like the looks
of
the gas access panel on the ext. of the coach). The only supplier I
have
found that claims to have identical unit is Gateway. I have not been
able
to reach Cinnabar. Does anyone have any experience with the unit from
Gateway? Is it the same size, capacity, watts, gallons? Can you do the
exchange through the access panel under the bathroom sink or do you have
to
pull the bathroom module, if so what kind of job is that. Does Cinnabar
carry a replacement? Any replies/advice would be greatly appreciated.
I
am pure novice when it comes to motorhomes but am also very excited and
proud to now own a GMC.

 

[patrick flowers]

>
> Just purchased a 1973 painted desert, nearly everything original.
> Water heater has developed a sizable leak. Given that it has 25
> years of service on it I want to replace the entire unit. Would like
> to replace with identical; electric only (see no need for gas/elec,
> don't like the looks of the gas access panel on the ext. of the
> coach). The only supplier I have found that claims to have
> identical unit is Gateway. I have not been able to reach Cinnabar.
> Does anyone have any experience with the unit from Gateway? Is it
> the same size, capacity, watts, gallons?

Hi Keith,

I would imagine the Gateway unit wouldn't be identical, but would be
compatible. These are basically just marine water heaters. I had the
same problem, but instead of replacing the entire unit, I bought a
stainless steel tank from Jim Damaere(sp?) - he advertises in GCMMM.
I'm just now putting it back together(cleaned the rust off the enclosure
and repainted, replaced insulation with polystyrene foam) and hope to
have some pic's on the web site this week.

> Can you do the exchange through the access panel under the bathroom
> sink or do you have to pull the bathroom module, if so what kind of
> job is that.

It's nearly impossible to remove the water heater through the vanity
without damaging it. Just pull the back panel off the bath module.
You'll need to take down the upper cabinet first and there's about six
wood screws that hold the back panel to the side panel. I also cut the
vent line and put it back together with a "no-hub" coupling.

> Does Cinnabar carry a replacement?

Yes. Price is around $350 IIRC.

> Any replies/advice would be greatly appreciated. I am pure novice
> when it comes to motorhomes but am also very excited and proud to
> now own a GMC.

Welcome to the group!
Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com