Water Heaters - Propane Hot Water Heater

Hello,

My wife's grandmother needs to purchase a new hot water heater. The current one she figures has to be at least 15 years old and is in very poor shape. She would like to stick with propane. It seems that for a small house with one bathroom and two people living in it the forty gallon model should be fine. She would like me to pick up a water heater and bring it to her house. Can I lay a propane hot water heater down in the bed of my truck and drive 2 hours? Is a water heater from the local homestore a bad idea?

Thanks for your help!

Brad

Brad: Laying a water heater on its side can damage the exterior casing, but if properly packaged and cushioned, it should make a trip that way. You may want to consider a shorter version of the 40 gallon tank. That way, you could transport it upright. 40 gallons will be more than sufficient for 2 people in a smaller house. Water heaters from the big box stores are just fine. They have name brands and carry warranties just like anyone else's water heater. And they are probably cheaper, too. Consider installing the water heater on a pedestal to eliminate combustion possibilities at floor level. That is another reason for buying a squatty heater.