Suburban SW10DE 10 Gallon Gas/Electric RV Water Heater – 5243A

The Suburban SW10DE 5243A is a 10-gallon RV water heater with Direct Spark Ignition and a 1,440-watt electric heating element. It can heat water using propane, 120V electric power, or both at the same time for faster recovery.

With a 12,000 BTU LP burner and 10-gallon porcelain-lined steel tank, the SW10DE is a strong choice for larger RVs that need more hot-water capacity while still offering the convenience of campground electric power.

Model & SKU

Model: SW10DE
Current Suburban SKU: 5243A
Legacy SKU References: 5143A / 5143F
Tank Capacity: 10 Gallons
Fuel Type: LP Gas + 120V Electric
Ignition: Direct Spark Ignition
Gas Input: 12,000 BTU/hr
Electric Element: 1,440 Watts

Gas & Electric Operation

The SW10DE can operate using:

• LP gas only

• 120V electric only

• LP gas and electric together

Using both heat sources at the same time provides the fastest recovery and is especially useful after showers or periods of heavy hot-water demand.

Direct Spark Ignition

The propane side of the SW10DE uses Direct Spark Ignition (DSI).

When gas operation is selected, the 12V control system automatically:

• Opens the LP gas valve

• Produces spark at the burner

• Ignites the propane

• Monitors the burner flame

• Cycles the burner as needed to maintain water temperature

There is no standing pilot flame to light manually.

1,440-Watt Electric Heating Element

The SW10DE includes a 1,440-watt 120V AC heating element.

This allows the water heater to use campground shore power or generator power instead of propane when 120V power is available.

The electric element can also be used together with the propane burner to improve recovery time.

SW10DE vs. SW10D

SW10D – 5242A

• LP gas only

• Direct Spark Ignition

• 12,000 BTU burner

• No electric heating element

SW10DE – 5243A

• LP gas

• 120V electric

• Direct Spark Ignition

• 12,000 BTU burner

• 1,440-watt electric heating element

• Gas and electric can be used together

The SW10DE is the better choice for RV owners who regularly camp with shore power and want to conserve propane.

SW10DE vs. SW10DEL

The SW10DE and SW10DEL both use propane and electric heat, but the electric controls are different.

SW10DE – 5243A

• LP gas + 120V electric

• Direct Spark Ignition

• 1,440-watt electric element

• Electric mode controlled at the water heater

SW10DEL – 5244A

• LP gas + 120V electric

• Direct Spark Ignition

• 1,440-watt electric element

• Includes a 12V relay

• Allows electric mode to be controlled from an interior RV switch

If the RV is already wired for an interior electric-mode switch, the SW10DEL may be the better match.

10 Gallon Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank

The SW10DE uses a porcelain-lined steel tank with a replaceable anode rod.

The larger 10-gallon capacity is well suited for:

• Larger travel trailers

• Fifth wheels

• Motorhomes

• Multiple occupants

• Longer showers

• Back-to-back hot-water use

The replaceable anode rod helps protect the steel tank from internal corrosion and should be inspected regularly.

Common Replacement Parts

Common service parts for the SW10DE include:

• 520900 – 120V / 1,440W Heating Element

• 525002 / 232306 – 120V AC Thermostat / Hi-Limit

• 525007 – 12V Thermostat / Hi-Limit

• 525022 – Thermostat / Hi-Limit Cover

• 525005 – Ignition Electrode Kit

• 520814 – Ignition Control Board on applicable production ranges

• 233514 – Magnesium Anode Rod

Gas valves, burner assemblies, and some ignition components may vary by serial number, so verify the complete model and serial number before ordering those parts.

Recovery Performance

The SW10DE provides approximately:

Gas Only: 10.1 gallons per hour
Electric Only: 6.1 gallons per hour
Gas + Electric: 16.2 gallons per hour

Using both heating sources together gives the fastest recovery.

Exterior Access Door

The exterior access door is typically sold separately depending on the package.

The SW10DE uses the larger Suburban door family for 10-, 12-, and 16-gallon tank water heaters.

Verify the existing door style, finish, and opening before ordering.

Maintenance

Routine SW10DE maintenance should include:

• Inspecting and replacing the anode rod as needed

• Flushing sediment from the tank

• Inspecting the burner and orifice

• Checking the ignition electrode

• Testing the 120V heating element

• Inspecting the AC and DC thermostat circuits

• Checking wiring connections

• Verifying proper LP gas pressure

• Inspecting the pressure-relief valve

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: Suburban / Airxcel
Model: SW10DE
Current SKU: 5243A
Legacy SKU: 5143A / 5143F
Tank Capacity: 10 Gallons
Fuel: LP Gas + 120V AC Electric
Ignition: Direct Spark Ignition
Gas Input: 12,000 BTU/hr
Electric Element: 1,440 Watts
Gas Recovery: Approximately 10.1 GPH
Electric Recovery: Approximately 6.1 GPH
Combined Recovery: Approximately 16.2 GPH
Tank Construction: Porcelain-Lined Steel
Anode Rod: Yes
Application: RV / Fifth Wheel / Travel Trailer / Motorhome

Important Fitment Note

The SW10DE is a 10-gallon gas/electric water heater without the 12V relay used on the SW10DEL.

If your existing unit is an SW10D, it is propane-only. If your existing unit is an SW10DEL or SW10DELC, those models use a different electric-control configuration.

Verify the full model number on the original water heater data plate before ordering.