Water Heater

[ragster_ga]

Howard,

When I purchased my 1986 PT-40 about a month ago, I was aware that it
has a failed hot water heater. I did a casual inspection of the
heater, but not through enough. While I did plan on replacing the
HWH, I was not aware nor did the prev. owner enlighten me that the
HWH has been leaking for a very long time.

When I went to replaced the HWH and disassembled the right rear
corner for access, I discovered wood decay in the sub flooring under
all the rear cabinets and under the raised deck portion of the queen
bed. The area was covered so that is was not evident by casual
inspection. I believe the unit was stored with a forward slope so
the leaking water drained forward and caused the problem.

A long story short, I removed all of the rear cabinets and replaced
all the decking on the bed and under the rear cabinets. I replaced
the HWH with the Atwood Stainless Steel HWH hoping that it will have
a longer life that the standard unit.

While the effort was time consuming, I was impressed with the way
BlueBird built the area in the back. The decayed wood was on top of
steel plate. Because of the primer and coating on the steel plate,
there was no rust anywhere the water had been. The only thing I do
not like, is the access to the HWH. Also, the rear cabinets are a
real pain to remove and install.

I received a quote from Camping World to replace the HWH with a
standard HWH for about $800. This would not have included replacing
any damaged sub-flooring. I would hate to even try to guess at the
bill to do the work the I did myself. My total cost using my labor
and including the upgraded HWS was about $500.

In hind sight, the area under the HWH should have a drain pan with a
drain going below the coach to avoid such problems.

Regards,

Glenn Allen
Marietta, GA
1986 PT-40


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Howard O. Truitt"
wrote:
>
> Thanks all for location of water heater.
> Sounds like a job for a pro.
> Howard
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Scott Forman
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 6:10 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Water Heater
>
>
> It is beneath the street side closet on the back wall.
>
> Scott Forman
> 86 PT38
> Memphis
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Howard O. Truitt"
> wrote:
> >
> > I'm looking for my hot water heater. I have a 1986, 8V92, PT40
with a
> queen island bed. I found the water tank under the bed. But where
is
> the hot water heater?
> > Howard T., Sowega
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
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> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>