Home of the BrewNosers

I picked up a Camco 02923 4500w ULWD heater at a smoking price that I couldn't pass up. I'm in the process of converting to electric as you can probably guess and I'm just wondering if people have any experience with these elements that aren't directly marketed to homebrewers. I've heard that if it's not submerged for a prolonged period of time and if you dry it off the lifetime can be extended...any truth to that?

Thx in adv!