How to Choose a Replacement Anode Rod for RV Water Heater
Updated 11/06/2026 | Published 11/04/2026
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2017 Forest River Salem 27DBK, need to replace the Anode Rod. I see several rods that fit my camper, but they are different sizes. Can I get some guidance please? thank you.
asked by: Ben R
Expert Reply:
Hi Ben,
What anode rod you'll need is determined by what water heater you have. Unfortunately, I'm not able to tell by the year, make and model of your camper what water heater was installed in it. You'll need to check to see if there's any branding and a serial number on it to determine what it is. Or you can call the manufacturer with your trailer VIN and they should have a list of everything that was installed in the camper. The anode rods that we currently carry are listed below:
-Camco RV Water Heater Anode Rod - Magnesium -1/2" Diameter x 9 1/2" Long part # CAM11593 for 10-gallon Atwood water heaters
-Camco RV Water Heater Anode Rod - Aluminum 3/4" Diameter x 9 1/2" Long part # CAM11563 for Suburban (Mor-Flo) water heaters
-Camco RV Water Heater Anode Rod - Magnesium - 1/2" Diameter x 4 1/2" Long part # CAM11553 for Atwood 6-gallon water heaters
-Camoc RV Water Heater Anode Rod w/Drain - Magnesium - 1/2" Diameter x 4 1/2" Long part # CAM11533 for Atwood 6-gallon water heaters and includes a built-in drain valve if you want to replace your plastic factory one.
Do you know what size your water heater is?
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Camco RV Water Heater Anode Rod - Magnesium - 1/2" Diameter x 9-1/2" Long
- Accessories and Parts
- RV Water Heater
- Anode Rods
- 1/2 Inch Diameter
- Magnesium Rod
- 9-1/2 Inch Long
- Camco
more information >
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Ken
11/6/2026
The 1/2'x4 1/2" anode rod worked great on my 2016 Suburban 6 gallon aluminum water heater. The water heater has a 3/4" fitting so I went to a home improvement store for a 1/2" to 3/4" bushing. The bushing is a standard plumbing part for a couple of dollars. Don't buy a stainless steel bushing because of galvanic properties will be problematic between aluminum and stainless steel. A steel fitting works fine.