Need help with water heater element

[Gilstan]

I know better but I turned on the electric to the hot water heater without first filling the tank. Now I need help with how to change it out. It is a Surburban heater. It looks like I would remove the white and black wires (yes I turned the electric off first) and unscrew what looks like a 1 1/2 nut which I assume is the element. Problem is the gas tube is in the way. It looks like I also have to unbolt this also. Not really sure about this. Also, will I be able to determine what type of element I need once it is out? My trailer is a 2010 Keystone Outback Sydney if this help. Any assistance would be helpful.

[hankpage]

The element does not have to come straight out. There are only a few threads and you can tip it to clear the gas line. That is if you have enough room to get the wrench on to loosen it and then spin off and on by hand. Buy an element from a hardware store or plumbing supply or even a "Home" store. It will be less then ½ the price of camping supply. Just be sure to get the same wattage and voltage as the one you are replacing. Most are 120v 1440 watt. Hope this helps, Hank ....... The wattage and voltage is printed or stamped on the insulator of the element.

[Bob Landry]

The manual that came with your WH should have a parts list showing a diagram of the WH and a parts list. If a hardware store can't supply you with what you need, any RV dealer should be able to get it for you. If worse comes to worse, you could probably buy it direct from Suburban or Atwood.
If you have to remove the gas line, that's not a biggie. It's a flare connection and when you put it back on, tighten and check with soapy solution for leaks and you're good.

[Gilstan]

Thanks for the assistance, I'll take it out tomorrow and let you know how it went.

[wyattphoto]

I recently had to replace my heater element for the same reason. I found I had to remove the gas tube and part of the shroud around the burner in order to get access. I'm sure you've got yours replaced by now, but this is for the benefit of others. You'll need a thin-walled 1.5-inch socket in order to remove the element. Unfortunately, I could not find a thin-walled one, so had to use a Dremel Tool to carve away the access hole a bit for it to fit. Once the socket fits, you're home free.