Hot water heater conversion

[CrossCountry]

Well, I started to dewinterize my alpine 3220rl with the suburban iw60rl tankless water heater. The recirculating pump must have frozen and cracked. I realized this when the water pump kept pulsing. I noticed water dripping from underneath. The failed valve sprayed water all over the circuit boards inside the tankless heater. So now I’m at a crossroads. Do I replace the current water heater with the iw60 which does not have the recirculating pump, or replace it with an old school tank type? I’d have to run ac power and swap the controls, but the idea of a common serviceable system is appealing. Has anyone swapped from tankless to tank?

 

[CrossCountry]

I decided to replace the iw60rl with the iw60. I chose this because I could reuse the existing control panel and the wiring. The swap was easy. I used a Pex ball valve instead of capping off the hot recirculating line so I can bleed it off the winterize in the future. The new unit runs quieter than the rl model.

 

[workinonit]

I must have the IW60. I know mine doesn't recirc.

 

[workinonit]

What year model is your Alpine. I have a '22 and mine has a Girard water heater.

 

[CrossCountry]

Mine is a ‘21

 

[Martian-KEY]

I might be old school but a safe bet is to put in a double fuel unit with propane and electric capability. No more intricate winterizing that may or may not work. Open plug and drain. Good luck with your choice no matter which you put in.

 

[Viper02]

What you could do ( since the IW60RL you have ) turns on and runs but leaks is:

Remove the cracked recirculation pump and replace it

Suburban Recirculating Pump for IW60 Water Heaters • 521299 | Uncharted USA | RV & Marine Parts

USA owned and operated provider of Marine & RV parts, RV appliances & Marine & RV accessories for all sizes and types of boats & recreational vehicles.

unchartedusa.com

** Of course dry out the circuit board and water laying in the bottom of the WH before firing back up after replacing the pump

 

[Viper02]

But personally I much prefer the dual mode (Elec/LP) Suburban SW12 DEL series.... It is very reliable, you dont burn up LP when you have shore power available, parts are readily available if needed...

It is also very easy to troubleshoot and fix any issue that might occur...

Running a Romex wire , junction box, would not be that big of a deal if you have the skill sets....