Recommended Replacement For An Atwood GC6AA-9E RV Water Heater In A 1999 Airstream Travel Trailer

Question:

I question whether an existing door can be re-used. Doesnt this model water heater need adapters for the size opening in my Airstream which has the GC6AA-9E water heater. Also is the 19 7/8 inch depth including the mounting ports on the rear of the water heater for water connecction? The current water heater in my trailer was installed in 1999 before everything else in the bathroom and then the vanity was installed over it. I had to cut an opening to even access it which I later covered with same oak wood and stain. As close as I can measure I may need to extend the front of the vanity to allow room to hide the new water heater. It may protrude past the opening. There is also a sliding bedroom door that currently comes very close to the old water heater. Can you tell me how wide/diameter the tank? It doesnt appear to as wide as my old heater with the tank going side to side. Sorry for this long question. I would realluy like to make the new model work. Thank you

asked by: Terry W

Helpful Expert Reply:

The problem with reusing the same door is that the vents in the door may not line up with the new water heater exhaust vent and the way the door attaches can possibly be different. In all honestly the best replacement for your old Atwood GC6AA-9E water heater is going to be a tankless model like the # FR93FR.

This unit features a heating capacity of 13,000 - 60,000 Btu, well above that of your Atwood GC6AA-9E. The on-demand hot water and ability to set the temperature to a specific degree instead of the old fashioned arrow knob will make camping much more enjoyable.

It has similar dimensions at 12-5/8" L x 12-13/16" W x 19-3/16" D so you can plan exactly how it will fit inside of your cabinet.

It comes in three different door sizes so you can make sure the new door fully covers the cutout:

16" x 16" # FR98SR
16" x 18" # FR48SR
18" x 18" # FR68SR