Water Heater
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6002
Printed Date: 16 Jun 2025 at 9:48pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Water Heater
Posted By: Belin
Subject: Water Heater
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2015 at 6:05pm
| Does the water heater on Rpod 178 need maintenance? |
Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2015 at 6:32pm
|
It needs to be drained at the end of the season, you need to check the anode and remove it for the winter storage, we got a plastic plug to screw into the hole so nothing crawls ( mice or spiders)in during storage. You also need to make sure the electric switch is off while setting up at a campground so you dont blow the heating element. You also need to use the bypass valve while winterizing. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Belin
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2015 at 6:38pm
| I didn't do that. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2015 at 8:05pm
|
You may not have needed to. Where did your pod spend the winter??
I suspect somewhere near the gulf coast. If so, then winterization is not as big an issue. ------------- |
Posted By: Belin
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2015 at 8:40pm
| Mandeville, Louisiana |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2015 at 8:35am
|
You live in an area where winterization is probably not needed.. "owners choice" sort of thing. However, I suspect you need to sanitize your freshwater system a little more often than owners who live in cooler, dryer, areas. ------------- |
Posted By: kandk920
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2015 at 8:58pm
Any reason why you can't just put the anode back in once the tank is drained? ------------- 2015 R-Pod 178 2008 Town & Country Fox Valley, WI |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2015 at 9:22pm
|
Probably can, our tech told us to take it out as part of winterizing. We use a plastic plug to close it up for the winter and then put the anode back in come spring. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2015 at 9:44pm
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I recommend putting it back in to prevent rust from forming on the threads. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: BillR
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2015 at 10:12am
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My 2-cents worth: I brought my (used) 177 home from the dealer last fall. When weather got colder, I dutifully studied up and winterized the unit. I drained the hot water heater, which I had noticed had the anode removed when I viewed the unit at the dealer. So I drained it, and aimed the hose inside. What an unpleasant surprise! I couldn't believe the slime and bugs and scale etc. that came out of there! It was really gross!! At the least, it was disgusting, at worst I could see it plugging pumps and faucets. The suggestion to put a plug in to prevent critters etc. is a good one, for sure. I will sanitize quite thoroughly this spring.
My unit had been mothballed at the dealer for most of the summer, having been traded in after very little use. They must have left the anode out all the previous winter and into August, when I purchased. So, even if you don't have a rigorous winter, I would recommend flushing the water heater once in awhile, for sure. Best! ------------- "Camp, or die trying!" 2013 r-pod 177 2008 Chry T&C 3.6 litre V6 - 6-speed BillR |
Posted By: ron_whitt
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2015 at 10:39am
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While winterizing, after taking out the plug, like you did Bll stick the water hose in the anode hole a few times to "flush" out the hot water tank. You will notice a lot of white chunk come out. I use a mixture of baking soda and water with a toothbrush to clean out the threads of the tank. I do this both winter and spring. I leave my anode rod out over winter BUT place a large plastic bag behind the compartment door as the last thing to do for the hot water tank. So far (fingers crossed) no unwanted guests come spring time sanitizing. ------------- Ron & Shirley 2020 Tacoma 2012 177 rpod |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2015 at 10:51am
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We bought a threaded plastic cap at the hardware store that screws into the anode hole. We still use the plumbers tape on it to keep it closed for the winter. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |