Dometic Gas-Only RV Water Heaters

Shop Dometic gas-only RV water heaters for motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, truck campers, and other recreational vehicles. A propane-only water heater is a practical choice for RV owners who frequently camp without electrical hookups or want a straightforward replacement for an existing gas-only Atwood or Dometic water heater.

The current Dometic gas-only water heater lineup includes the Dometic WH-6GA, a 6-gallon propane water heater with electronic ignition and a lightweight aluminum tank. It provides dependable hot water without requiring a 120-volt AC heating element.

Current Dometic Gas-Only Water Heater

Dometic currently offers the WH-6GA as its gas-only tank-style RV water heater. This model uses propane to heat the water and 12-volt DC power to operate the electronic ignition, control board, and safety system.

The WH-6GA is designed for RV owners who primarily rely on propane, regularly boondock, or do not need an electric water-heating option while connected to shore power.

Dometic WH-6GA 6-Gallon Gas Water Heater

The Dometic WH-6GA is a 6-gallon propane RV water heater featuring a 10,000 BTU gas burner and direct-spark electronic ignition. The electronic ignition allows the burner to be controlled from inside the RV without manually lighting a pilot flame.

Its aluminum tank is lightweight, corrosion resistant, and does not require a sacrificial anode rod. This reduces routine maintenance compared with RV water heaters that use steel tanks and replaceable anode rods.

The WH-6GA is commonly used for new RV installations and as a replacement for select older 6-gallon Atwood and Dometic gas-only water heaters.

Dometic WH-6GA product number: 9600024378.

Benefits of a Gas-Only Dometic Water Heater

A gas-only Dometic RV water heater provides hot water without relying on campground electricity or a 120-volt generator. This makes it especially useful for boondocking, dry camping, overnight stops, and RV travel in areas where electrical hookups are limited or unavailable.

Propane water heating can also reduce the electrical load inside the RV. Because the WH-6GA does not contain a 120-volt heating element, it does not compete with air conditioners, microwaves, battery chargers, and other high-demand appliances for available AC power.

Additional benefits include:

• Reliable propane water heating

• Electronic ignition

• Compact 6-gallon tank

• Lightweight aluminum construction

• No sacrificial anode rod required

• No 120-volt heating circuit required

• Suitable for boondocking and dry camping

• Replacement potential for select Atwood models

Does a Gas-Only RV Water Heater Need Electricity?

A gas-only water heater does not use a 120-volt electric heating element, but it still requires 12-volt DC power. The 12-volt system operates the ignition controls, circuit board, gas valve, and safety components.

The propane burner supplies the heat. The RV battery supplies the low-voltage electricity needed to control the water heater.

This means the Dometic WH-6GA can operate without shore power as long as the RV has propane and sufficient 12-volt battery power.

Gas-Only vs. Gas and Electric Dometic Water Heaters

A gas-only Dometic water heater uses propane as its only heat source. A gas and electric model can heat water with propane, a 120-volt AC heating element, or both sources when properly installed.

The WH-6GA is the gas-only option. Models such as the WH-6GEA, WH-9GEA XT, WH-10GEA, and WH-16GEA XT add electric heating capability.

A gas-only model may be the better choice when:

• The RV does not have an existing 120-volt water-heater circuit

• The owner primarily camps without hookups

• Propane operation is preferred

• A simpler replacement is needed

• Electric water heating is unnecessary

• Available campground power is limited

A gas and electric model may be preferable for RV owners who regularly connect to shore power and want the option to conserve propane.

Replacing an Older Atwood Gas Water Heater

Dometic acquired Atwood’s RV water heater product line, and the Dometic WH-6GA may replace select older Atwood 6-gallon gas-only water heaters. However, replacement compatibility should always be confirmed using the complete model number from the original unit.

Older Atwood gas water heater model numbers may begin with G6A and include additional letters or revision numbers. These characters can identify differences in ignition systems, controls, dimensions, and production versions.

Do not choose a replacement based only on the 6-gallon capacity. Before ordering, verify:

• Complete Atwood or Dometic model number

• Original product or SKU number

• Gas-only operation

• Electronic ignition requirements

• Sidewall cutout dimensions

• Available installation depth

• Exterior access-door dimensions

• Propane connection location

• Hot and cold water-line locations

• 12-volt control wiring

• Interior water-heater switch

• Required mounting brackets or adapter kits

Changes to the exterior door, mounting hardware, propane line, plumbing, wiring, or interior switch may be required when replacing an older Atwood water heater.

Dometic WH-6GA Dimensions

The Dometic WH-6GA requires an approximate installation cutout of 12.75 inches high by 12.75 inches wide by 19.875 inches deep.

Always measure the existing opening and available interior depth before ordering. Plumbing fittings, propane connections, wiring, structural supports, and surrounding RV components can affect whether a replacement will fit properly.

The exact product specifications should be compared with the existing water heater rather than relying on exterior appearance or tank capacity alone.

Does the Dometic WH-6GA Require an Anode Rod?

The Dometic WH-6GA uses an aluminum tank and does not require a sacrificial anode rod. Anode rods are typically used to protect steel water-heater tanks from corrosion.

Use the drain plug specified by Dometic rather than installing an aftermarket anode rod. The water heater should still be drained, flushed, inspected, and winterized according to the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.

Is the Exterior Access Door Included?

The exterior access door is not included with the Dometic WH-6GA water heater. A compatible door must be purchased separately when the existing RV water-heater door cannot be reused.

Verify the correct door size, color, mounting system, and compatibility with the RV opening before ordering. A new door or adapter hardware may be required when replacing an older Atwood water heater.

Find the Correct Dometic Gas-Only Water Heater

Browse our selection of Dometic gas-only RV water heaters for propane-powered hot water in motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, truck campers, and other RVs.

The Dometic WH-6GA is a compact 6-gallon gas-only water heater with electronic ignition, a 10,000 BTU propane burner, and an aluminum tank that does not require an anode rod.

For the most accurate replacement match, locate the data label on the existing water heater and record its complete model number and product number. Confirm the dimensions, ignition system, wiring, propane connection, plumbing locations, and exterior door requirements before ordering.