Hal

The anode rod is removed from the outside of the TM.  You remove the cover to the water heater and the rod is unscrewed from the bottom of the tank.  It primarily serves as the drain plug for the Suburban water heater.  An aluminum anode rod is built into the plug.  It is easy to get to for checking and replacement.  I think it took a regular 1 1/16 inch socket to remove.  You may want to check it if you have this type of water heater.

Ed