Locate the water heater port. Water heater locations vary as do some replacement instructions, but the basics are the same.
Shut off everything flowing into the water heater. Turn the water connection off and make double sure your propane tank is shut off at the tank source. There should be no open flame near you, at all, for this job.
Locate the rear access to the water heater from inside the trailer or motorhome. The rear access is likely beneath your kitchen sink.
Remove the screws that hold down the cover to the rear access. A screwdriver may be easier than getting a drill under your sink as space is tight in RVs.
Push the new unit into the exterior port.
Via the rear/interior access, wrap your yellow Teflon tape to thread around the two water connections onto the back of the tank. Be sure to notice which is the intake and which is the outtake. Secure the connections but remember not to secure them too tightly as the plastic is soft.
Test the water connection. It may take a bit of fiddling to make sure the connections are flush and don't leak. Another wrapping of Teflon tape might be needed.
Screw in the 16 or so screws that hold the unit in place on the exterior.
Reattach the copper propane line. Wrap the threads in Teflon tape. Make the connection snug but not overly tight as the copper tubing is soft.
Test the propane connection by turning on your tank and make sure there is no smell of skunky propane.
Reattach the hinged door or new hinged door that may have come with the unit.
Test the unit by turning on the water intake and lighting the pilot.
