Let’s Dive into Girard Door/Flange Assembly Conversion Kit – Atwood/Suburban 10-Gallon Water Heater
The Girard Door/Flange Assembly Conversion Kit – Atwood/Suburban 10-Gallon Water Heater promises a simple solution to a common RV problem: replacing aging or damaged water heater access doors. Offered by Girard, this kit aims to bridge the gap between different water heater brands, specifically allowing users to potentially replace doors on Atwood and Suburban 10-gallon models with a Girard GSWH-2 compatible option. The promise of a direct conversion, ease of installation, and a fresh, modern look make it an appealing upgrade for RV owners looking to maintain or enhance their rig’s functionality and appearance.
My RV’s original Suburban water heater door had seen better days; faded, cracked, and generally an eyesore. I needed a durable, aesthetically pleasing replacement that wouldn’t require a complete water heater overhaul.
Upon unboxing, the kit appeared robust, constructed of what seems to be durable plastic. The black finish gave it a contemporary feel, a definite improvement over my rig’s aged, yellowed door. Initial inspection revealed a well-molded flange and a securely latching door.
Several similar conversion kits exist, but I chose this Girard model primarily for its claimed direct compatibility with both Atwood and Suburban 10-gallon tanks. Some competitors focused on specific brands or required more extensive modifications, making the Girard kit seem like the simplest, most straightforward solution. I was hopeful that the claims would hold true.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The kit looked and felt like a quality replacement, but the real test would be the installation process and how well it actually fit. I was eager to get it installed and see how it improved the look of my RV.
Real-World Testing: Putting Girard Door/Flange Assembly Conversion Kit – Atwood/Suburban 10-Gallon Water Heater to the Test
First Use Experience
The installation took place in my driveway, a typical pre-camping season upgrade. I replaced my old Suburban water heater door with the Girard Door/Flange Assembly Conversion Kit.
The RV sat under the harsh summer sun during the install. The black finish of the new door already appeared to be heat resistant and the latch felt very strong compared to the old one.
Installation required only basic hand tools and about an hour of my time. The instructions were clear, and the door fit surprisingly well with only minor adjustments to the opening of the flange.
Initially, the latch was a bit stiff, requiring a firm push to close completely. After lubricating the latch, I had no problems after the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several camping trips spanning a few months, the Girard Door/Flange Assembly Conversion Kit has held up admirably. It has traveled over several states and various climates.
There are no signs of fading, cracking, or deformation despite exposure to sun, rain, and even a minor hailstorm. The door still latches securely, maintaining a tight seal around the water heater compartment.
Cleaning is incredibly simple; a quick wipe down with soap and water keeps it looking new. The plastic material resists dirt and grime effectively.
Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket RV parts, this Girard kit exceeded expectations. It installed easily, functions reliably, and enhances the overall appearance of my RV.
Breaking Down the Features of Girard Door/Flange Assembly Conversion Kit – Atwood/Suburban 10-Gallon Water Heater
Specifications
The Girard Door/Flange Assembly Conversion Kit – Atwood/Suburban 10-Gallon Water Heater is designed as a direct replacement door and flange for select RV water heaters. It’s specifically intended to replace the doors and flanges on Atwood and Suburban 10-gallon water heater models.
The kit’s primary function is to convert existing Atwood or Suburban setups to be compatible with Girard GSWH-2 tankless water heater doors. The color of the door and flange is black, offering a modern and clean aesthetic.
The Girard doors are not compatible with earlier Girard water heater models like the GSWH-1 and GSWH-1M. It is crucial to confirm compatibility with your specific water heater model before purchasing.
These specifications matter because they directly impact fitment and functionality. The kit must match the dimensions and mounting points of your existing water heater.
Performance & Functionality
The Girard Door/Flange Assembly Conversion Kit performs its job admirably. It provides a secure and weather-resistant closure for the water heater compartment.
Its strength lies in its relatively simple installation and improved aesthetic. The weakness, as with many aftermarket parts, is that installation requires some adjustments.
It meets my expectations by replacing a worn-out door with a durable, attractive alternative. It also offers an easy conversion for those potentially upgrading to a Girard tankless system in the future.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is surprisingly good for a plastic assembly. The material feels robust and resistant to the elements.
The latch mechanism is simple and effective, providing a secure closure. The design is functional and aesthetically pleasing, offering a clean, modern look.
There’s minimal learning curve involved, making it user-friendly for most RV owners. Installation is straightforward, and operation is intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The kit appears to be built to last, with durable materials and a well-designed latch. Long-term reliability will depend on the specific environmental conditions it faces.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning. The material is resistant to most common RV cleaning products.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit includes the door and flange assembly only. There are no additional accessories included with this kit.
Customization is limited to painting the door, if desired. It’s designed as a direct replacement part, not for extensive modification.
It is not compatible with the old style latches. However, it can work with some aftermarket locksets with slight modification.
Pros and Cons of Girard Door/Flange Assembly Conversion Kit – Atwood/Suburban 10-Gallon Water HeaterPros
- Provides a fresh, modern look to your RV. The black finish is a significant aesthetic upgrade over older, faded doors.
- Offers relatively easy installation with basic tools. Most RV owners can complete the replacement themselves with minimal effort.
- Durable construction resists fading, cracking, and weather damage. The plastic material appears to be UV and impact-resistant.
- Serves as a convenient conversion door for potential Girard tankless water heater upgrades. It offers a pathway to modernize your water heating system.
- Improves the seal around the water heater compartment, protecting against the elements. It protects from water, dust, and pests.
Cons
- Fitment may require minor adjustments. Some users might need to trim or modify the flange for a perfect fit.
- The initial latch can be stiff. Lubrication may be required for smooth operation.
Who Should Buy Girard Door/Flange Assembly Conversion Kit – Atwood/Suburban 10-Gallon Water Heater?
Pros
- Provides a fresh, modern look to your RV. The black finish is a significant aesthetic upgrade over older, faded doors.
- Offers relatively easy installation with basic tools. Most RV owners can complete the replacement themselves with minimal effort.
- Durable construction resists fading, cracking, and weather damage. The plastic material appears to be UV and impact-resistant.
- Serves as a convenient conversion door for potential Girard tankless water heater upgrades. It offers a pathway to modernize your water heating system.
- Improves the seal around the water heater compartment, protecting against the elements. It protects from water, dust, and pests.
Cons
- Fitment may require minor adjustments. Some users might need to trim or modify the flange for a perfect fit.
- The initial latch can be stiff. Lubrication may be required for smooth operation.
Perfect for RV owners looking to replace a damaged, faded, or otherwise unsightly Atwood or Suburban 10-gallon water heater door. This kit is also ideal for those considering a future upgrade to a Girard tankless water heater system.
This product isn’t ideal for those unwilling to perform minor adjustments during installation. Also, those with Girard GSWH-1 or GSWH-1M water heaters should skip this product due to incompatibility.
A tube of silicone sealant is a must-have for ensuring a watertight seal during installation. Some users may also want to consider purchasing a new latch or lockset for added security.
Conclusion on Girard Door/Flange Assembly Conversion Kit – Atwood/Suburban 10-Gallon Water Heater
Overall, the Girard Door/Flange Assembly Conversion Kit – Atwood/Suburban 10-Gallon Water Heater is a worthwhile investment for RV owners needing to replace their water heater door. It will also work if you are interested in upgrading to a Girard system.
The price of $79.95 is justified by the improved aesthetic, durable construction, and ease of installation. I found that it provided an easy way to modernize an RV with a great looking latch and door.
I would absolutely recommend this kit to anyone looking for a direct replacement or a stepping stone to a Girard tankless system. Replace that old eyesore and give your RV a fresh, modern look!