The Suburban 233516 Aluminum Anode Rod is specifically designed for Suburban porcelain-lined water heaters—at least according to the manufacturer's product description. Its main job is to protect your RV's water heater tank by soaking up corrosive elements that could otherwise cause damage.
It's made of aluminum and has a commercial-grade stainless steel core, which should help it last longer, especially in areas with high pH and soft water.
When it comes to putting it in, it seems to be a pretty straightforward task. From what we've gathered, quite a few people were able to do the installation themselves in about 15 minutes with just a wrench. That's good news if you like handling your RV maintenance.
Now, compatibility-wise, it's a good fit for Suburban water heaters, and our research indicates that folks appreciate how well it fits and how easy it is to swap out their old anode rod. That's a plus if you're looking to do this upgrade yourself.
As for how it performs, it's got quite a good reputation. It seems that both users and professionals rate it well for durability and effectiveness. While directly comparing it to cheaper alternatives might be tricky, that 4.8 out of 5-star average rating we've seen suggests most people are satisfied with it.
For maintaining your water heater's performance, it's a good idea to check the anode rod annually. If it looks pretty corroded, then replacing it is wise. Some folks even suggest keeping a spare, just in case.
While the Suburban 233516 comes in an aluminum model, there are magnesium ones available too, like this Magnesium 2 Pack if you're interested.
These also focus on corrosion protection and can help extend the life of your Suburban water heater tank. Keeping your RV's water heater running smoothly doesn't have to be tricky with the right parts on hand.
