Hott Rod Kit for Atwood Heater = Doesn't fit my Minnie?

GulfCoastFighter0 · April 21, 2009, 03:48 PM

I ordered the Hott Rod kit designed for Atwood 6 gallon heaters, but when I removed my drain plug, the hole was too small for the rod to fit in. I hate to drill and tap the hole, if it's not needed. I cleaned the drain pipe that is exposed and there doesn't seem to be another connector to remove. Any suggestions?

89Elanden · April 21, 2009, 04:44 PM

Is the threaded part the drain plug was threaded into removable? What I mean I guess, is that part threaded into the tank and the drain plug threads into that???

GulfCoastFighter0 · April 21, 2009, 05:45 PM

Quote from: GulfCoastFighter0 on April 21, 2009, 03:48 PM
I cleaned the drain pipe that is exposed and there doesn't seem to be another connector to remove. Any suggestions?

No, there is a pipe that extends about 4" from the tank itself that the drain plug threads into. There are no other removable parts in this pipe, not even a cap that can be removed.

Froggy1936 · April 25, 2009, 01:11 PM

Hi GCF I think someone has installed the pipe to keep drain water from running down into heater compartment. (so it would drain onto the ground) I think if you remove the pipe all will make sense (remember i can not really see what you have) Frank

GulfCoastFighter0 · April 27, 2009, 12:29 PM

Yep, same exact thing as mine, but the rod doesn't fit in the drain hole. It's not even close. I'm going to drill and tap it so I can use it anyway I guess. The company isn't much help either. They say the warranty is voided if the thermostat isn't mounted to the tank (how would they know really) as the water volume is not sufficient in the small pipe to get the reading. I bet you have some hot water though!

Froggy1936 · April 28, 2009, 06:06 PM

I installed this tank when i purchased veh (due to PO not winterizing) And i remember that there was a fairly large reinforced area around where the drain petcock screwed in so i think you shod be able to drill if you find that the pipe is part of the tank (but i think not) as the tank is all aluminum (is the pipe aluminum) or do you possibly have a steel tank ?

After thinking about your comment on the thermostate i went and got my installation instructions (mine is made by Lightening Rod) And there instructions are to install thermostate on the relief valve (my tank is wrapped with insulation and in a cardboard container) Which would make attaching to tank impossible i have used the electric for 2 camping seasons and have not had to turn on the propane fire at all Not even for a shower the electric makes hot water that is to hot to hold your hand in and its only set at 1/2 of maximum temp. Also noticed in the instructions that it came with 2 different size bushings 1 for Atwood & 1 for Suburban Tank Frank

GulfCoastFighter0 · April 28, 2009, 08:15 PM

Yep, it's aluminum and looks just like yours. On the instructions, I guess that's just another difference between the two! I wonder what the "Bandit" says? Yeah, same casing with my tank, but I have to remove a section and mount to the tank. Maybe I should return this one and get the lightening rod kit! I got both bushings too, but they are for the large fittings which we don't have.

GulfCoastFighter0 · October 04, 2009, 02:41 PM

I finally got around to drilling and tapping the drain for the 'Hot Rod" electric water heater element. I ran the cord through the existing hole next to the gas line (we won't be using gas for the water heater), cut the hold in the cardboard cover, and installed the thermostat! I have to get a switch before I finish hooking it up. It will be nice to have hot water on board!