The anode serves as a "sacrificial zinc" in the Suburban water heater so that the tank does not get "eaten" away by the chemical reaction that takes place within the tank. The liner or tank material in the Suburban is made from a material that will corrode if the anode were not there. The anode gets eaten away instead of the tank. If you have a Suburban heater, you need an anode which should be checked on a regular basis and replaced when necessary. In some areas where the water is heavily mineralized, it will corrode faster.
In the Atwood, the tank is made from a different material and does not require the use of an anode since there is no chemical reaction taking place between the tank liner and the water.
I hope this answers your question.
Richard
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2008 Cougar 5th Wheel 27RKS
2005 2500 GMC Duramax
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