Water heater T1661

Heatherdmc · 10-01-2023, 08:43 AM

All is great with a t-1661 sunline.except the hot water tank needs replaced. Any suggestions? Trying to find how big the tank is also.

**JohnB** · 10-02-2023, 12:24 AM

Can you give us your existing water heater's make and model number? See the sticker on the outside behind the drop-down door on the right facing it. And the year of your T-1661?

Sunline installed Atwood water heaters, and most were 6 gallons. But, if you are looking at a new tank, you have to get the right tank replacement; Atwood had many different tanks pending the model it was.

Pictures of the heater with the door down outside help, too. Especially if the sticker with the model number is faded beyond readable.

I hope this helps.

John

Heatherdmc · 10-02-2023, 02:42 AM

We bought an 85 anniversary addition. Pulled the heater yesterday. Pin holes like cheese. We actuarially are thinking of going thankless. But it won't be this season. Just buying the camper we will take it out one a maiden voyage but then be winterizing it.

**JohnB** · 10-02-2023, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heatherdmc

We bought an 85 anniversary addition. Pulled the heater yesterday. Pin holes like cheese. We actuarially are thinking of going thankless. But it won't be this season. Just buying the camper we will take it out one a maiden voyage but then be winterizing it.

Hi, I think you have a typo on the 85th-anniversary edition. Are you sure it is 85th? Sunline was not in business for 85 years. If you know the camper model year, that helps better.

They started selling tank kits again. There was a dry spell during early Covid, and you could not find a new tank almost anywhere. I'm making an "assumption" not knowing what you have; your older camper has the all-gas-only system. The gas valve runs the entire show, and no electricity is going to it. But, you may have a replacement in it also, and it has some level of electrical control.

And, pending the condition of the gas valve, etc., a whole new tank-type heater may be a better option than just buying a new tank kit. Dometic, who bought out Atwood, makes a tank type that will fit in the hole in the side of the camper. See this post for what it looks like installed in a Sunline. https://www.sunlineclub.com/forums/f...avy-20522.html

Going tankless, if you plan on going off-grid, (boondocking) or not on full hookups, let's talk about what you give up when going tankless. There are those who love their tankless heater and others who do not. It all depends on what style of camping you do.

Have a good campout!

John

Heatherdmc · 10-02-2023, 08:06 AM

Lol it's a 1985! ��

Casey1 · 10-03-2023, 07:32 AM

Hot water heater anod rods- Can't seem to find one that fits in right. They only turn in 1 thread or 2. Could these be metric? Thanks

**JohnB** · 10-03-2023, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casey1

Hot water heater anod rods- Can't seem to find one that fits in right. They only turn in 1 thread or 2. Could these be metric? Thanks

Hi Casey,

If your 2007 has the Atwood water heater installed (Sunline original), the aluminum tank does not require an anode rod, or does Atwood recommend adding one.

If you try using an anode rod in an aluminum tank, sooner or later, the odds are against you, as you can cross-thread the aluminum tank threads over time just draining the tank.

The tank is 1/2" NPT thread but can be very tight. They use a nylon drain plug so that if you cross thread when installing, you damage the plug, not the tank.

If your camper has been changed to a Suburban brand heater, they are steel tanks, which need the anode rod.

Hope this helps

John