Water Heating

Video # 5

Water and Heating Restoration

This episode of Classic rides deals with major appliances: heating, water heating and appliances. According to host Kevin Tetz, restoring and updating the appliances on the vintage 1970 Overlander Land Yacht is a big project. But rest assured, it can be completed if it is approached in a step-by -step manner.

Kevin calls this the first phase of the restoration, where he will do the upgrading of the water heater to an electric model, replacing the old furnace and getting rid of the old water pump.

According to Kevin, this trailer is similar to the other 1970's Airstream trailer models in that it has a rear bath. The water heater supplies hot water to the bathroom sink, shower and the kitchen sink.

Kevin wants to get rid of the old water heater as it is a residential type of unit. He stresses the importance of first turning off the main AC panel before starting. After, from the exterior access to the water heater, he removes the hold down straps and turns the water heater off. He also disconnects the toilet supply line. He uses a PVC cutter to the cut the inlet pipe. Then, he disconnects the water outlet pipe.

Kevin does a little maneuvering to remove the electrical panel door and the insulation. He then disconnects the power wires. After, he disconnects the ground wires as well. Next, he loosens the wire clamp on the housing and pulls the main power wire out of the water unit. Kevin says that it is always a good idea to put wire nuts backs in the exposed areas. And voila! A new unit can now be installed.

To help with the installation of the new water heater and furnace, Kevin calls on Neil Stultz from Suburban Manufacturing to help him out. Neil shows Kevin the new water heater he wants to install, saying that it is a gas electric model with an automatic ignition. Therefore, it can run on gas even if it is not plugged to an electrical outlet.

Neil adds that the water heater unit is six gallons and is the ideal size for this trailer. He also says that the heater is glass lined. This heater's anode rod reacts to the water in the tank so that the lining does not deteriorate. So, the only maintenance it needs is to drain the tank, flush the tank and change the anode rod.
Another great thing about this replacement heater is that it has an automatic ignition so no pilot light is needed, Neil says. All you do is flip the switch and its ready to go.

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Video #6 Plumbing