Suburban RV Water Heaters

Shop Suburban RV water heaters for motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, truck campers, and other recreational vehicles. Suburban offers one of the broadest selections of RV water-heating products, including traditional tank-style water heaters, gas and electric models, direct-fit replacements, fully electric water heaters, and high-output tankless systems.

Available Suburban water heaters range from compact 4-gallon tanks to large 16-gallon models. RV owners can also choose from propane-powered tankless water heaters designed to provide continuous hot water without the capacity limits of a conventional storage tank.

Suburban Tank and Tankless RV Water Heaters

Suburban manufactures several types of RV water heaters for new installations and replacement applications.

Current product categories include:

• Suburban Advantage tank water heaters

• Gas-only RV water heaters

• Gas and electric RV water heaters

• Direct-spark ignition models

• Motor-aid water heaters

• Direct Fit Atwood and Dometic replacements

• E-Series electric water heaters

• Suburban Advantage tankless water heaters

• Suburban ST-42 tankless water heaters

• Suburban ST-60 tankless water heaters

The correct Suburban water heater depends on the original model, available installation space, desired hot-water capacity, propane and electrical connections, RV control system, and exterior-door requirements.

Suburban Advantage Tank Water Heaters

Suburban Advantage water heaters use porcelain-lined steel tanks designed similarly to residential water-heater tanks. These models are available in several capacities and heating configurations.

Current Suburban tank sizes include:

• 4-gallon water heaters

• 6-gallon water heaters

• 10-gallon water heaters

• 12-gallon water heaters

• 16-gallon water heaters

Depending on the model, a Suburban tank water heater may include propane heating, a 120-volt electric element, direct-spark ignition, an interior electric-control relay, a factory-installed power cord, or motor-aid connections.

Suburban 4 Gallon RV Water Heaters

Suburban 4-gallon RV water heaters are designed for compact campers, small travel trailers, specialty vehicles, and applications where installation space is limited.

A 4-gallon model provides a smaller and lighter alternative to the more common 6-gallon water heater. It may be appropriate for one-person use, limited hot-water demand, or RVs that cannot accommodate a larger tank.

Installation compatibility should be confirmed using the complete model number, cutout dimensions, depth, heating configuration, and exterior-door requirements.

Suburban 6 Gallon RV Water Heaters

Suburban 6-gallon RV water heaters are commonly installed in travel trailers, motorhomes, fifth wheels, truck campers, and other recreational vehicles.

Available configurations may include propane-only heating, gas and electric operation, direct-spark ignition, interior electric controls, and motor-aid capability.

Common Suburban 6-gallon model families include:

• Suburban SW6D

• Suburban SW6DE

• Suburban SW6DEL

• Suburban SW6DEC

• Suburban SW6DELC

• Suburban SW6DEM

The letters following SW6 identify important differences in the water heater’s ignition system, electric element, relay, power connection, and motor-aid features.

Suburban 10 Gallon RV Water Heaters

Suburban 10-gallon water heaters provide greater stored hot-water capacity for larger RVs, families, full-time travelers, and applications with heavier daily demand.

Common Suburban 10-gallon model families include:

• Suburban SW10D

• Suburban SW10DE

• Suburban SW10DEL

• Suburban SW10DEC

• Suburban SW10DELC

• Suburban SW10DEM

A 10-gallon model normally requires a larger opening and additional interior space compared with a 6-gallon water heater. Always measure the RV and confirm the exact model specifications before ordering.

Suburban 12 Gallon RV Water Heaters

Suburban 12-gallon water heaters are designed for larger motorhomes, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and other RVs with substantial hot-water demands.

These models provide additional capacity for multiple occupants, consecutive showers, dishwashing, cleaning, and full-time RV living.

Depending on the model, available features may include:

• Direct-spark propane ignition

• 120-volt electric heating

• Interior electric-element controls

• Factory-installed power cords

• Motor-aid heat exchangers

• Combined gas and electric operation

The complete SW12 model number should be used when selecting a replacement because models with the same tank capacity may have different wiring and plumbing requirements.

Suburban 16 Gallon RV Water Heaters

Suburban 16-gallon RV water heaters provide the largest storage capacity in the current Suburban tank-style lineup.

These water heaters are intended for large motorhomes, luxury fifth wheels, specialty vehicles, and high-demand installations where smaller tanks may not provide enough hot water.

A 16-gallon water heater requires significant interior depth, structural support, plumbing clearance, and sidewall space. Replacement compatibility must be verified carefully before ordering.

Gas-Only Suburban RV Water Heaters

A gas-only Suburban water heater uses propane as its source of heat. Most current models use direct-spark ignition rather than a manually lit pilot flame.

Propane operation makes these water heaters useful for:

• Boondocking

• Dry camping

• Overnight stops

• Travel without shore power

• RVs without a dedicated 120-volt water-heater circuit

• Owners who prefer propane heating

Although propane supplies the heat, direct-spark models still require 12-volt DC power for the ignition system, control board, gas valve, and safety components.

Gas and Electric Suburban RV Water Heaters

Gas and electric Suburban water heaters can heat water using propane, a 120-volt electric element, or both heat sources when properly installed.

Propane can be used when shore power is unavailable. Electric operation allows the RV owner to use campground or generator power while conserving propane.

Using both heating methods together can improve recovery time on compatible models.

A gas and electric model may be ideal for:

• Full-time RV living

• Frequent campground stays

• Families and multiple occupants

• Faster recovery between showers

• Owners who want both propane and electric flexibility

• Replacing an existing dual-energy water heater

Understanding Suburban Water-Heater Model Numbers

Suburban model numbers identify the tank capacity and included features.

The number generally indicates the physical gallon capacity. For example:

• SW6 models have 6-gallon tanks

• SW10 models have 10-gallon tanks

• SW12 models have 12-gallon tanks

• SW16 models have 16-gallon tanks

Letters following the capacity identify additional features. Common designations include:

• D for direct-spark ignition

• E for a 120-volt electric heating element

• L for an electric-element relay

• C for a factory-installed power cord

• M for motor-aid capability

A model such as the SW10D should not automatically be replaced with an SW10DE, SW10DEL, or SW10DEM. The complete model number must be compared with the RV’s wiring, controls, plumbing, and available connections.

Direct-Spark Ignition Suburban Water Heaters

Direct-spark ignition allows the propane burner to be activated electronically from inside the RV.

When the water heater is switched on, the control board begins the ignition process, opens the gas valve, and produces a spark at the burner. A flame-sensing system confirms successful ignition.

Direct-spark ignition eliminates the need to manually light a standing pilot flame. The system requires both propane and 12-volt DC power.

Suburban Motor-Aid Water Heaters

Some Suburban water heaters include motor-aid capability. A motor-aid system uses heat from a motorhome’s engine-coolant system to help warm the water while the vehicle is operating.

Engine coolant circulates through a heat exchanger connected to the water-heater tank. This can provide hot or partially heated water upon arrival at a campsite.

Motor-aid models have additional coolant connections that are not found on standard water heaters.

Before replacing a motor-aid water heater, determine whether the engine-coolant feature will be retained, rerouted, capped, or removed. A conventional replacement may not support the original motor-aid plumbing.

Suburban Direct Fit Water Heaters

Suburban Direct Fit water heaters are designed to replace certain older Atwood and Dometic 6-gallon aluminum-tank water heaters.

Traditional Suburban and Atwood-style water heaters normally use different sidewall openings, exterior doors, and mounting systems. The Direct Fit series allows a compatible Suburban tank water heater to be installed in select Atwood or Dometic openings without enlarging the original cutout.

A complete conversion may require:

• Suburban Direct Fit water heater

• Replacement exterior panel

• Vent cap

• Power switch

• Mounting hardware

• Wiring modifications

• Plumbing adjustments

Verify the original Atwood or Dometic model number and the required Suburban installation components before ordering.

Suburban E-Series Electric Water Heaters

Suburban E-Series water heaters provide fully electric, flameless water heating using 120-volt AC power.

These models do not require propane combustion, an exterior flue, or the same venting clearances as a gas-fired water heater.

Suburban offers versions designed for internal installation and versions installed through an exterior sidewall opening with an access door.

An electric-only water heater may be appropriate for:

• Park-model RVs

• Destination trailers

• Campers regularly connected to shore power

• Specialty vehicles

• Installations where propane is unavailable

• Owners who prefer flameless water heating

The RV must have a properly sized 120-volt electrical circuit capable of supporting the water heater’s power requirements.

Suburban Tankless RV Water Heaters

Suburban tankless water heaters heat water as it flows through the unit rather than storing a limited supply inside a tank.

These systems provide continuous hot water as long as the RV has sufficient freshwater, propane, 12-volt power, water pressure, and wastewater capacity.

Current Suburban tankless options include:

• Suburban Advantage Tankless Water Heater

• Suburban ST-42 Tankless Water Heater

• Suburban ST-60 Tankless Water Heater

Tankless models are especially useful for families, full-time travelers, consecutive showers, and RV owners who frequently run out of hot water with a conventional tank.

Suburban Advantage Tankless Water Heater

The Suburban Advantage Tankless Water Heater uses self-modulating burner technology to adjust heat output according to water demand and incoming water temperature.

It operates across a broad BTU range and includes a small internal water reservoir. Its dimensions allow it to replace several common Suburban tank water heaters and select competitive aluminum-tank models.

Replacement applications may include openings previously occupied by:

• Suburban 6-gallon water heaters

• Suburban 10-gallon water heaters

• Suburban 12-gallon water heaters

• Suburban 16-gallon water heaters

• Select Atwood or Dometic 6-gallon water heaters

• Select Atwood or Dometic 10-gallon water heaters

The correct exterior panel, vent, controller, and installation components must be selected for the original opening.

Suburban ST-42 Tankless Water Heater

The Suburban ST-42 is a propane-powered tankless RV water heater with a maximum burner output of approximately 42,000 BTU per hour.

It heats water only when a hot-water fixture is opened and includes a wall-mounted digital control center for selecting the desired outlet temperature.

The ST-42 is designed to provide continuous hot water without the recovery delay of a traditional storage tank.

Suburban ST-60 Tankless Water Heater

The Suburban ST-60 provides greater maximum burner output than the ST-42 and is designed for applications with heavier hot-water demand or colder incoming water temperatures.

Like the ST-42, it uses propane for heating and 12-volt DC power for its controls, ignition system, sensors, gas valve, blower, and safety features.

A digital wall controller allows the desired outlet temperature to be selected from inside the RV.

Suburban Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters

A Suburban tank water heater stores a fixed amount of heated water. Once the stored supply is depleted, the tank must recover before a full supply is available again.

A Suburban tankless water heater heats water continuously as it passes through the unit. Hot-water use is limited by the RV’s water, propane, battery power, and wastewater capacity rather than by tank size.

A tank-style model may be preferable when:

• Stored hot water is desired

• Electric heating is important

• The RV has inconsistent water pressure

• Low-flow operation is common

• A direct replacement is preferred

• Minimal installation changes are desired

A tankless model may be preferable when:

• Longer showers are important

• Multiple people use hot water consecutively

• Tank recovery time is a frequent problem

• Lower installed weight is desired

• Continuous propane-fired hot water is preferred

Suburban Porcelain-Lined Steel Tanks

Suburban Advantage tank water heaters use porcelain-lined steel tanks.

The porcelain lining provides a protective barrier between the water and the steel tank. Because small areas of steel may still be exposed, Suburban water heaters also use a replaceable sacrificial anode rod.

This construction differs from the aluminum tanks traditionally used in many Atwood and Dometic water heaters.

Do Suburban RV Water Heaters Need an Anode Rod?

Suburban porcelain-lined steel tank water heaters require a sacrificial anode rod.

The anode rod is designed to corrode before the steel tank. It also serves as the water heater’s drain plug.

The anode should be inspected regularly and replaced when significantly deteriorated. The proper replacement must have the thread size and material specified for the exact Suburban model.

Suburban tankless water heaters and certain fully electric products may use different draining and maintenance procedures. Always follow the instructions for the exact model.

Suburban Water-Heater Recovery Rates

Water-heater recovery refers to how quickly the unit can heat incoming cold water.

Recovery performance depends on:

• Tank capacity

• Propane burner output

• Electric-element wattage

• Incoming water temperature

• Propane pressure

• Electrical voltage

• Whether gas and electricity are used together

• Mineral buildup

• Burner and flue condition

Propane generally provides faster heating than the electric element alone. Compatible gas and electric models can provide their fastest recovery when both heating sources are operating.

Suburban RV Water-Heater Doors

Replacement Suburban water heaters may be sold without an exterior access door.

Door requirements depend on:

• Water-heater capacity

• Model family

• Sidewall opening

• Original water-heater brand

• Flush or radius-corner design

• Exterior color

• Tank or tankless configuration

• Direct Fit conversion requirements

Available door colors may include Polar White, Arctic White, Black, and other finishes.

Verify whether the door, vent cap, trim panel, switch, controller, and mounting hardware are included before ordering.

Replacing an Older Suburban Water Heater

The complete model number from the original water heater is the most important information needed when selecting a replacement.

Before ordering, confirm:

• Complete Suburban model number

• Product or serial number

• Physical tank capacity

• Gas-only or gas and electric operation

• Pilot or direct-spark ignition

• Electric-element configuration

• Relay requirements

• Power-cord requirements

• Motor-aid connections

• Exterior cutout dimensions

• Available installation depth

• Exterior-door dimensions

• Propane connection location

• Water-line locations

• 12-volt DC wiring

• 120-volt AC wiring

• Interior controls

• Required installation hardware

Two Suburban water heaters with the same gallon capacity may have different electrical connections, switches, relays, power cords, or motor-aid plumbing.

Replacing an Atwood or Dometic Water Heater with Suburban

A conventional Suburban water heater does not automatically fit an opening designed for an Atwood or Dometic model.

Suburban offers Direct Fit and tankless replacement products for select Atwood and Dometic applications. The correct product depends on the original water heater, exterior opening, available depth, and desired heating system.

Replacement may require a new exterior panel, vent, switch, trim kit, wiring, plumbing, or mounting hardware.

Never select a replacement based only on gallon capacity.

Suburban RV Water-Heater Parts

Replacement parts are available for Suburban tank and tankless RV water heaters.

Common Suburban water-heater parts include:

• Control boards

• Gas valves

• Ignition electrodes

• Burner assemblies

• Thermostats

• Limit switches

• Electric heating elements

• Element switches

• Relays

• Wiring harnesses

• Anode rods

• Drain components

• Pressure-relief valves

• Exterior doors

• Door latches

• Tankless controllers

• Flow sensors

• Temperature sensors

• Blower motors

• Tank replacement cores

Use the complete water-heater model and original part number when selecting replacement components. Similar-looking parts may not be compatible across all Suburban models.

Find the Correct Suburban RV Water Heater

Browse Suburban RV water heaters for motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, truck campers, and other recreational vehicles.

Choose from 4-, 6-, 10-, 12-, and 16-gallon tank water heaters, gas-only models, gas and electric units, Direct Fit replacements, electric E-Series water heaters, and high-output tankless systems.

For the most accurate replacement match, locate the data label on the existing water heater and record the complete manufacturer, model number, and product number. Compare its dimensions, heating sources, wiring, controls, plumbing, exterior door, tank construction, and installation requirements before ordering.