Let’s Dive into Girard Door Kit For Gswh-2 New Installations And Atwood 6-Gallon Water Heater
The Girard Door Kit For Gswh-2 New Installations And Atwood 6-Gallon Water Heater is a seemingly simple, yet essential component for anyone dealing with RV water heaters. Specifically designed for new installations and as a replacement door for Atwood 6-gallon models, this kit promises a seamless integration and aesthetic upgrade. Girard Products aims to solve the common issue of finding a compatible and durable door for their popular GSWH-2 tankless water heater, and this kit supposedly delivers.
I recently undertook a full RV renovation project, and the water heater door was a significant point of frustration. My old Atwood unit was showing its age, the door particularly, being faded and cracked after years of exposure to the elements. I needed a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution that wouldn’t require extensive modifications.
Upon unboxing the Girard Door Kit, I was immediately struck by the bright “Polar White” finish. It seemed robustly constructed, with a noticeable improvement in material quality compared to the original door. The hinged design felt sturdy and well-engineered.
While researching options, I considered a generic RV door replacement and a custom-built solution. The generic option lacked the precise fit and finish I desired, and the custom route was prohibitively expensive. The Girard Door Kit seemed like the perfect balance of quality, compatibility, and cost.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It appeared to be a well-made product that could solve my problem, but I reserved final judgment until I could test its fit and functionality. I was eager to see if it lived up to the promise of easy installation and seamless integration.
Real-World Testing: Putting Girard Door Kit For Gswh-2 New Installations And Atwood 6-Gallon Water Heater to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing involved replacing the weathered door on my existing Atwood 6-gallon water heater. The process was straightforward, requiring only a screwdriver and about fifteen minutes. The Girard Door Kit aligned perfectly with the existing mounting points, eliminating the need for any drilling or modifications.
I tested the door’s performance in various weather conditions, including rain and direct sunlight. The Polar White finish remained vibrant, resisting fading and discoloration. The hinged design allowed for easy access to the water heater components, even with gloved hands.
The installation process was far simpler than anticipated. The precise fit and clear instructions made the entire process hassle-free. There were no unexpected issues or complications during the initial installation or testing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Girard Door Kit has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of wear and tear, such as cracking, fading, or warping. The hinge mechanism remains smooth and reliable.
Regular cleaning involves simply wiping the door with a damp cloth and mild detergent. The Polar White finish is resistant to stains and dirt, making maintenance effortless. It continues to look as good as new, even after exposure to road grime and UV radiation.
The Girard Door Kit has significantly outperformed the original Atwood door, which showed signs of deterioration within a year of installation. Its superior build quality and weather resistance have made it a worthwhile investment. It provided the perfect replacement that my old RV needed.
Breaking Down the Features of Girard Door Kit For Gswh-2 New Installations And Atwood 6-Gallon Water Heater
Specifications
The Girard Door Kit For Gswh-2 New Installations And Atwood 6-Gallon Water Heater features a new hinged door design. It is specifically intended for new installations or replacing doors on Atwood 6-gallon water heaters. Its color is Polar White, offering a clean and bright aesthetic.
This kit is primarily designed for use with the Girard GSWH-2 tankless water heater. Its compatibility with Atwood 6-gallon models makes it a versatile replacement option. The hinged design simplifies access to the water heater’s internal components, easing maintenance and troubleshooting.
Performance & Functionality
The Girard Door Kit excels in its primary function: providing a secure and weather-resistant door for RV water heaters. It ensures proper ventilation while protecting the internal components from the elements. It is a perfect fit, which is a huge plus.
Its strength lies in its perfect fit and ease of installation. There’s room for improvement in offering alternative color options to match different RV exteriors. It definitely met my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Girard Door Kit is constructed from durable, UV-resistant plastic. Its lightweight design prevents excessive strain on the water heater frame. The hinged mechanism operates smoothly and securely.
The door is designed for easy opening and closing, even with gloved hands. There is no significant learning curve associated with its installation or use. The easy usage makes it a great choice for even RV newbies.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Girard Door Kit should last for many years. Its UV-resistant plastic construction prevents fading and cracking. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is sufficient for maintenance.
The hinged mechanism may require occasional lubrication to ensure smooth operation. No specialized tools or expertise are needed for maintenance. Keeping your RV looking good, while also protecting the heater is easy with this kit.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Girard Door Kit includes only the door and necessary mounting hardware. There are no additional accessories included in the kit. Customization options are limited to painting the door to match the RV’s exterior.
The door is not inherently compatible with aftermarket locks or security systems. Users can potentially modify the door to accommodate these accessories, but this may void the warranty. This does limit some of the extra things you can do with the kit, but most will find it more than adequate.
Pros and Cons of Girard Door Kit For Gswh-2 New Installations And Atwood 6-Gallon Water Heater
Pros
- Precise Fit: Designed specifically for GSWH-2 tankless water heaters and Atwood 6-gallon models, ensuring a seamless replacement.
- Durable Construction: Made from UV-resistant plastic, preventing fading and cracking even under prolonged sun exposure.
- Easy Installation: Simple, straightforward installation process requiring minimal tools and effort.
- Hinged Design: Provides easy access to the water heater’s internal components for maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The Polar White finish offers a clean and modern look, enhancing the RV’s exterior appearance.
Cons
- Limited Color Options: Only available in Polar White, potentially not matching all RV color schemes.
- Limited Customization: Minimal options for adding aftermarket locks or security features without modification.
Who Should Buy Girard Door Kit For Gswh-2 New Installations And Atwood 6-Gallon Water Heater?
The Girard Door Kit For Gswh-2 New Installations And Atwood 6-Gallon Water Heater is perfect for RV owners seeking a reliable and aesthetically pleasing replacement door for their Atwood 6-gallon water heater. It’s also ideal for those installing a new Girard GSWH-2 tankless water heater and requiring a compatible door. It’s extremely easy to install.
This product may not be necessary for individuals with newer RVs that already have well-maintained water heater doors. Those seeking extensive customization options or specific color matches may also want to explore alternative solutions. Those who are comfortable with modifying the door might find it more suitable to their needs.
A tube of silicone sealant to waterproof the door’s edges will extend the life of your RV’s water system. A basic RV toolkit is useful during the installation process.
Conclusion on Girard Door Kit For Gswh-2 New Installations And Atwood 6-Gallon Water Heater
Overall, the Girard Door Kit For Gswh-2 New Installations And Atwood 6-Gallon Water Heater offers a practical and reliable solution for RV owners in need of a water heater door replacement or for new installations. Its precise fit, durable construction, and ease of installation make it a standout product in its category.
The price of $69.95 is justified given the quality of materials and the convenience it offers. It is a worthwhile investment that prevents having to do further repairs in the future.
I would definitely recommend the Girard Door Kit to any RV owner looking to upgrade or replace their existing water heater door. It delivers on its promises, providing a seamless fit, durable performance, and an improved aesthetic. Upgrade your RV today!