Suburban RV Water Heaters

How do I choose the right Suburban water heater replacement for my RV?

Start with the data plate on your existing Suburban water heater. It is usually visible behind the exterior access door. The model number tells you the tank capacity (6, 10, 12, or 16 gallons), the ignition type (DSI direct spark or pilot), and whether the unit has a 120V electric element (the "E" in models such as the SW10DE). Measure the wall opening as well, because the cutout size decides whether a new tank slides into place without trimming. For 10-gallon units such as the SW10DE, compare options in our 10 gallon RV water heaters collection. If your data plate is unreadable, text or call 817-984-1852 with your RV's year, make, and model and we will help you confirm the correct fit.

Does Suburban make a tankless RV water heater?

Yes. Suburban's IW series is a tankless RV water heater that heats water on demand with an LP burner instead of storing it in a tank. A Suburban tankless water heater gives you continuous hot water for back-to-back showers, but it has different gas, 12V, and venting requirements than a tank-style unit. Before you swap a tank model for a tankless model, confirm your opening dimensions and check whether a retrofit door or mounting kit is needed. Kits are sold separately where they apply.

Can a Suburban RV water heater run on both gas and electric?

Models with "DE" in the part number, such as the SW6DE and SW10DE, run on LP gas, on a 120V electric element, or on both at the same time. Running both sources together shortens recovery time after the tank has been drained by heavy use. Pilot ("P") and DSI-only ("D") models run on LP only. Electric elements can fail after voltage spikes at campground pedestals, so many owners pair a gas/electric unit with one of our Southwire Surge Guard RV surge protectors.

Do Suburban water heaters need an anode rod?

Yes. Suburban tank models use a porcelain-lined steel tank, and a sacrificial anode rod protects that tank from corrosion. Inspect the anode rod at least once a season and replace it when it has worn down to roughly a quarter of its original diameter. A worn anode rod is one of the most common Suburban RV water heater parts to replace. Dometic and Atwood tanks are aluminum and do not use an anode rod. If your RV has one of those units, browse our Dometic 6 gallon RV water heaters instead.

Is the exterior access door included with a Suburban RV water heater?

It depends on the listing. Some Suburban RV water heaters ship with a matching exterior door, and others are sold as the tank assembly only, with the door sold separately. Check the product description before ordering. If you are reusing your existing door, confirm that the new unit's frame matches your current opening dimensions.