Installing a water heater

[geomuf]

New to the forum here. Looks like a wealth of information along with some great fun.
  I have a 1995 Jayco 1006 model which currently does not have a water heater in it. I have the opportunity to purchase an Atwood 6gal heater at a fair price. Has anyone here tried to install a water heater in a PU? I have some ideas where I would place it, I am just unsure of any unforseen challenges plus cutting a large hole in the side.

Thanks,
   George

[Recumbentman]

something like this would be easier to have water heater

good luck

[SpeakEasy]

I did it on our Cheyenne.

It's a fairly big job, but it isn't all that difficult. Cutting the hole in the side was a bit of a "gulp," but only for a moment.

You have to be able to do basic plumbing - both for gas and for water. If your popup doesn't have a water pump, you'll need to install one of those too. Now you're into wiring too.

If you know your way around these various types of work, you'll be fine. It was the most rewarding mod I've done!

-Speak

[CAPEd CODger]

Back when we had the Cape Cod, I added a water heater, but mine was a small electric type. It was "hooked up" to the plumbing via the outside.
The link in my signature shows some pictures of the results.
I opted for the non-permanent arrangement because we didn't want to lose any storage space that was there.
When we broke camp, we drained the tank and stored it in the aisle of the camper floor.
If you only have a galley sink to hook up, the job's not hard to do.
We didn't install a pump, but 99% of our camping was at W/E sites.
Best of luck in your project.
Happy Camping!

[geomuf]

Thanks for the reply everyone. I feel comfortable with the work since my work experience is in the construction field (electrician) and I have done a fair amount of carpenter and plumbing work mostly out of necessety. Cutting a large hole in the side of my camper is somehwat daunting. Between that and the fact that I am not sure I want to give up the storage space for the convienence, I am still unsure I want to do this.
  I went to my local RV sales lot and looked at some installations in new PU's and the installation is not that bad, but the water heater is a bit larger than I had thought due to the insullation.
  I plan to install a pump regardless probably a Shur-flo 2.8gpm on-demand unit. They seem a little costly for what they are but look to be the best option.

  The water heater that CAPEd CODger shows in his picture is an interesting option. Where can I find information on something like this? Is it a tankless heater?

Thanks again,
  George

[CAPEd CODger]

Thanks for the reply everyone. I feel comfortable with the work since my work experience is in the construction field (electrician) and I have done a fair amount of carpenter and plumbing work mostly out of necessety. Cutting a large hole in the side of my camper is somehwat daunting. Between that and the fact that I am not sure I want to give up the storage space for the convienence, I am still unsure I want to do this.
  I went to my local RV sales lot and looked at some installations in new PU's and the installation is not that bad, but the water heater is a bit larger than I had thought due to the insullation.
  I plan to install a pump regardless probably a Shur-flo 2.8gpm on-demand unit. They seem a little costly for what they are but look to be the best option.

  The water heater that CAPEd CODger shows in his picture is an interesting option. Where can I find information on something like this? Is it a tankless heater?

Thanks again,
  George

George,
It's an elecrtric water heater, 4 or 5 gal. (can't recall)
Tiny Titan was the brand name. I think we got it at Lowes.
It plugged into the 20 amp circuit at the CG hook-up box.

Hope that helps.

Bob