{"product_id":"camco-11553-magnesium-anode-rod-for-atwood-heaters","title":"Camco 11553 Magnesium Anode Rod for Atwood Heaters","description":"\u003cp class=\"nvn-hero\"\u003eThe Camco 11553 is a magnesium anode rod made to thread into Atwood RV water heaters. It's the sacrificial part that takes on corrosion so your tank doesn't. At 4-1\/2 inches with a 1\/2 inch NPT thread, it drops straight into the Atwood drain port. Cheap insurance against a rusted-out water heater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Camco 11553 is a magnesium anode rod built to thread into Atwood RV water heaters. It's a small part that does a big job. Screw it into the tank's drain port and it quietly takes the corrosion that would otherwise eat at your heater. We've swapped a lot of these on the bench and out at the campground, and the story is always the same. An inexpensive rod protects a water heater that costs a whole lot more to replace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's how a sacrificial anode works. Magnesium is more reactive than the metal of your tank, so the corrosive elements in your water go after the rod first. The rod gives itself up, bit by bit, and your tank stays clean on the inside. That's the whole idea. You're trading a cheap piece of magnesium for the long life of the tank behind it. When the rod is mostly gone, you thread in a fresh one and start the clock over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular rod is sized for Atwood water heaters. It measures 4-1\/2 inches long and 1\/2 inch in diameter, with a 1\/2 inch NPT tapered thread. Atwood tanks are aluminum, so they don't ship with a factory anode the way steel tanks do. A lot of owners still add a magnesium rod like this one for extra protection, especially if you camp where the water runs hard or smells of sulfur. It threads into the same 1\/2 inch NPT port, so you're not drilling or modifying anything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstalling it is straightforward. Kill the power and the propane to the heater and let the water cool. Shut off the water supply and relieve the pressure by opening a hot tap. Pull the drain plug or the old anode with a 1-1\/16 inch socket. Let the tank drain fully and flush out any sediment while you're in there. Wrap the new rod's threads with a few turns of PTFE tape, thread it in by hand, then snug it down with the socket. Refill the tank, check for leaks, and you're done. Fifteen minutes start to finish, once you've done a couple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy magnesium and not aluminum? Magnesium is the more active metal, so it protects harder and it's the better choice for most fresh water. It does sacrifice itself faster, which just means you check it more often. Aluminum rods last longer in hard water but don't protect quite as aggressively. For the average RV owner filling up from campground spigots and the occasional questionable well, magnesium is the safe pick. That's what you get here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlan on pulling the rod once a season to see how it's doing. If it's down to the steel core wire or it's lost most of its diameter, replace it. A rod that's completely consumed isn't protecting anything anymore. Some owners in soft or aggressive water go through one a year. Others stretch it to two seasons. Pull it, look at it, and let the rod tell you. It's cheap insurance either way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's a bonus to running an anode too. Every time you pull it to check it, you've got the tank open to flush. Sediment and mineral scale settle at the bottom of any water heater, and that gunk cuts into your hot water capacity and makes the burner work harder. So the yearly anode check doubles as your yearly flush. Two jobs, one socket. Your hot showers stay hot and your heater runs the way it should.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne note on this version. It's the without-drain configuration, so the rod itself doesn't have a built in drain valve. You drain the tank through the same port before you remove it. The packaging is printed in English and French. If your Atwood heater uses the standard 1\/2 inch NPT anode port, this is the rod that fits. It's not for steel tank heaters that use a larger 3\/4 inch anode, so match the thread before you order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho's this for? Any Atwood owner who wants to get ahead of tank corrosion instead of chasing a rusty tank replacement later. First time RV owners like it because the install is genuinely simple and the payoff is easy to understand. Full timers and folks who boondock on well water like it because they're the ones who see the worst water quality, and this is the part that takes the hit for them. Keep a spare in the storage bay and you'll always have one ready at your next flush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"nvn-features\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMagnesium rod. The active sacrificial metal pulls corrosion away from your tank so the tank lasts longer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e4-1\/2 inch length by 1\/2 inch diameter, sized to drop into Atwood water heater tanks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1\/2 inch NPT tapered thread screws straight into the Atwood drain port with no adapters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWithout-drain configuration threads in clean and works with your existing tank drain routine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFits Atwood aluminum RV water heaters as a direct anode for the 1\/2 inch port.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCamco part 11553, the rod Atwood owners add for extra corrosion protection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEnglish and French packaging for easy part identification in the US and Canada.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-trust\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from NVN Marine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAuthorized Camco reseller, full manufacturer warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSame-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-faq\"\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eDo Atwood water heaters need an anode rod?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eAtwood tanks are aluminum, so they don't ship with a factory anode the way steel tanks do. You don't strictly have to run one. That said, plenty of Atwood owners add a magnesium rod like this for extra corrosion protection, especially on hard or sulfur-heavy water. It threads into the existing 1\/2 inch port, so there's no downside to the added insurance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eIs magnesium or aluminum the better anode rod?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eMagnesium is the more active metal, so it protects harder and it's the better all-around choice for most fresh water. It does wear down faster, which just means you check it more often. Aluminum lasts longer in hard water but protects less aggressively. This is the magnesium version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat size socket do I need to remove the anode rod?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eA 1-1\/16 inch socket fits the hex head on these RV anode and drain plugs. A deep socket and a breaker bar make it easier if the old one is stuck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat thread size is the Camco 11553?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt's a 1\/2 inch NPT tapered thread, the standard anode port on Atwood water heaters. Wrap the threads with PTFE tape before you install it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow long is this anode rod?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt measures 4-1\/2 inches long and 1\/2 inch in diameter, sized specifically for Atwood tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow often should I replace the anode rod?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eCheck it once a season. If it's lost most of its diameter or you can see the steel core wire, put in a fresh one. Some owners on aggressive water replace it yearly, others get two seasons out of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWill this fit a steel-tank water heater?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eNo. This rod is threaded 1\/2 inch NPT for Atwood aluminum tanks. Steel-tank heaters use a larger 3\/4 inch anode, so check your port before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eDoes this version come with a drain valve?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eNo, this is the without-drain configuration. You drain the tank through the same port before you remove the rod. If you want a combined anode and drain, that's a different part.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eDo I need thread sealant to install it?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes, wrap the tapered NPT threads with a few turns of PTFE tape before you thread it in. Hand-tighten, then snug it with a 1-1\/16 inch socket and check for leaks after refilling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"nvn-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTitle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCamco 11553 Magnesium Anode Rod for Atwood Water Heaters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCamco\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eManufacturer Part Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11553\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUPC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e014717115537\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Heater Anode Rod\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAnode Material\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMagnesium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLength\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4-1\/2 Inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDiameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 Inch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eThread Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/2 Inch NPT\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDrain Valve\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWithout Drain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAtwood Water Heaters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePackaging Language\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEnglish \/ French\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Do Atwood water heaters need an anode rod?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Atwood tanks are aluminum, so they don't ship with a factory anode the way steel tanks do. You don't strictly have to run one. That said, plenty of Atwood owners add a magnesium rod like this for extra corrosion protection, especially on hard or sulfur-heavy water. It threads into the existing 1\/2 inch port, so there's no downside to the added insurance.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Is magnesium or aluminum the better anode rod?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Magnesium is the more active metal, so it protects harder and it's the better all-around choice for most fresh water. It does wear down faster, which just means you check it more often. Aluminum lasts longer in hard water but protects less aggressively. This is the magnesium version.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What size socket do I need to remove the anode rod?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"A 1-1\/16 inch socket fits the hex head on these RV anode and drain plugs. A deep socket and a breaker bar make it easier if the old one is stuck.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What thread size is the Camco 11553?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It's a 1\/2 inch NPT tapered thread, the standard anode port on Atwood water heaters. Wrap the threads with PTFE tape before you install it.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How long is this anode rod?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It measures 4-1\/2 inches long and 1\/2 inch in diameter, sized specifically for Atwood tanks.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How often should I replace the anode rod?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Check it once a season. If it's lost most of its diameter or you can see the steel core wire, put in a fresh one. Some owners on aggressive water replace it yearly, others get two seasons out of it.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Will this fit a steel-tank water heater?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"No. This rod is threaded 1\/2 inch NPT for Atwood aluminum tanks. Steel-tank heaters use a larger 3\/4 inch anode, so check your port before ordering.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Does this version come with a drain valve?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"No, this is the without-drain configuration. You drain the tank through the same port before you remove the rod. 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