Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > MOC Technical Forums > Montana Problems, Problem Solving & Technical Help
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-23-2023, 06:22 PM   #1
Schmill
Established Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Peabody
Posts: 31
M.O.C. #4052
Suburban SW10DE Water Heater Replacement

Have a 2003 3290RK with the above gas/electric water heater.

Would appreciation any information regarding replacing this old leaking unit with the same model new water heater. The Suburban site says only a certified RV technician should due this but it doesn't look like the job is rocket science and RV service centers are charging a fortune for labor.

Thanks a bunch for any thoughts.

Montana owner since 2005!

Jacob
 
Schmill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-23-2023, 07:14 PM   #2
LeftOverParts
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 144
M.O.C. #32230
You might want to watch a number of youtube videos and see if you have the skill set and tools to do this.

Not making a recommendations to DIY or not but I would think and stating the obvious that the critical safety items include turning off power and propane, ensuring good ventilation. Also making sure you have absolutely no propane leaks, exhaust leaks, or water leaks at the new connections. Any propane and exhaust leaks would be dangerous and potentially deadly. For home, WHs, new gas supply lines and valve are used - you’d have to check on best practice for RVs and not go low budget. You may need a new gasket or whatever is used at the exhaust. You’ll also need to know how your water supply/exit lines are done - ie PEX or other.

Many things aren’t rocket science but could be done wrong with significant consequences if one doesn’t have the aptitude, skills, tools, etc. I don’t mean that to sound harsh but underestimating the complexity can lead to problems.

The above is probably a few of the reasons a mfr would state it needs to be installed by a certified RV tech. Also, you might check if your warranty would be honored if you don’t use a certified RV tech.
LeftOverParts is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 05-23-2023, 07:23 PM   #3
rohrmann
Montana Master
 
rohrmann's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,677
M.O.C. #12947
About seven years ago I replaced our 12 gallon Suburban, took maybe 2 hours, and no, it's not rocket science. The hardest part was accessing the water fittings on the back of the unit. Ours was leaking from a weld where the gas burner tube was welded to the front of the tank.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	leaking water heater.jpg
Views:	13
Size:	99.4 KB
ID:	14603  
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
rohrmann is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-23-2023, 07:35 PM   #4
BB_TX
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,133
M.O.C. #6433
The propane reconnect would be the primary area of concern. Improperly connecting electric would either result in it not working, or tripping a breaker. But improperly connecting the gas lines could result in a fire or explosion.

I would not hesitate to replace one. But I have replaced both gas and electric home water heaters. As well as many other electric appliances. As well as many other electrical and plumbing projects. So it is really a matter of how comfortable you feel you can safely do it.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
BB_TX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2023, 11:23 AM   #5
Schmill
Established Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Peabody
Posts: 31
M.O.C. #4052
SW10DE Water Heater Replacement.

Thanks to everyone for their posts regarding hot water heater replacement

Safe travels,

Jacob
Schmill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2023, 02:46 PM   #6
VagabondLove
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Full Timer
Posts: 117
M.O.C. #27665
Have you thought about an tankless endless hot water on demand replacement? From what I understand, they only use propane (a negative) but never run out of hot water (a plus) and should last longer (another plus). I also believe they are a drop in replacement for the suburban one…
__________________
Full-Timing since 2018 in a 2013 3625RE, 2023 Ford F450DRW with High Output Diesel,
Custom kingpin-mounted hitch receiver for bike rack 2019
MorRyde I/S with 8K Axles & Goodyear G114 Tires on 17.5” aluminum wheels 2020
FlexArmor roof 2021, Starlink
VagabondLove is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2023, 05:38 AM   #7
Emorin
New Member
 
Emorin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Granby
Posts: 2
M.O.C. #32877
Hi does somebody has actually replace his water heater by a tankless endless hot water on demand system?
__________________
Etienne M
Emorin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2023, 06:23 AM   #8
Mikendebbie
Montana Master
 
Mikendebbie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 2,390
M.O.C. #21044
Do a google search for “install tankless water heater in my RV”.
Dozens of videos come up that will be very helpful. It is not a difficult job.
Here is a screen shot showing bunches of videos…
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1561.jpg
Views:	13
Size:	216.2 KB
ID:	14780  
__________________
MikenDebbie Aggie ‘77 in the sticks near Austin TX
2019 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
2018 Montana 3921FB
Aussie Gus + Texas Heeler Jimmy
Mikendebbie is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:19 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.