1979 bigfoot hot water tank

[blacklab]

This is going to be my first of many questions. I got a steal of a deal on a 79 bigfoot model 1600. I has some issues as it should after 30 something years.
My first priority is to find the source of a major water leak I believe is from the hot water tank.
How does one get the tank out? I can't get at the plumbing behind the tank, without taking out some glued in cupboards.

[Jack L]

Pictures would be a really big help. All of the water heaters I've seen install from the outside of the trailer Everything comes out as a complete unit Not just the tank

[blacklab]

I've got all the screws out and the propane unhooked. I can only get the assembly out about 4 inches then it hangs up.
How do I post pictures?

[ZachO]

Posting photos - 6th post

[blacklab]

I can't find a way to access the water lines to disconnect them from the tank. I don't want to cut into the wall or cupboard. How hard is it to remove the oven/ stove?

[blacklab]

Well I cut an access to the back of the water tank and found a broken hose. I think I'll update the plumbing while it's open.

[ZachO]

Glad you figured it out. I haven't looked closely at mine but from what I remember it looks like it could easily come out from the outside access, or from inside under the dinette seat. And all the plumbing is easily accessible from under that seat. Can't really picture how they must have installed yours.

[blacklab]

Mine is to the left of the stove. It would have come out with enough force. It was hanging up on the water lines that have hardened with age. I now have easy access to all the plumbing, which give the age of the trailer may be helpful in the future.

[ZachO]

Cool. Yeah mine is a 91 and the previous owner had to do some repairs on the water heater plumbing on one trip. I'm sure the rest of the pipes he didn't replace are ready to go soon...

[blacklab]

I replaced the missing parts, and got everything hooked back up.
It doesn't look like the tank is leaking. It is hard to tell with water spraying from every fitting I can see and I'm sure from some I can't.
Looks like I'll be replumbing everything.

[ZachO]

Yikes. Well...one thing about trailers that need some work. You get all new stuff. And learn how it all works.

[blacklab]

I am replacing all the lines with flexible line and brass fittings. I have the tank out, it looks 100%.