Suburban SW6DE 6 Gallon Gas/Electric RV Water Heater – 5239A

The Suburban SW6DE 5239A is a 6-gallon RV water heater with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) and a built-in 1,440-watt electric heating element. It gives RV owners the flexibility to heat water with propane, 120V electric power, or both at the same time for faster recovery.

Suburban’s current catalog lists the 5239A as the current SKU for the SW6DE. The unit combines a 12,000 BTU LP gas burner with a 1,440-watt Incoloy electric element, making it one of Suburban’s most common 6-gallon gas/electric water heater configurations.

Model & SKU

Model: SW6DE
Current Suburban SKU: 5239A
Legacy SKU References: 5139A / 5139E
Tank Capacity: 6 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 SW6DE can heat water using:

• LP gas only

• 120V electric only

• LP gas and electric together

Using both heat sources at the same time provides the fastest recovery rate.

Suburban rates the SW6DE at approximately:

• 6.1 gallons per hour on electric only

• 10.1 gallons per hour on propane only

• 16.2 gallons per hour using gas and electric together

Direct Spark Ignition

The propane side of the SW6DE uses Direct Spark Ignition, eliminating the need for a standing pilot.

When propane heat is selected, the 12V control system automatically:

• Opens the LP gas valve

• Produces spark at the burner

• Ignites the main burner

• Monitors the burner flame

• Shuts the burner down when the thermostat is satisfied

This allows the gas side of the water heater to be controlled from an interior ON/OFF switch.

1,440-Watt Electric Heating Element

The SW6DE also includes a 1,440-watt Incoloy 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.

On the standard SW6DE, the electric element is controlled by the switch located on the water heater itself. If you want both gas and electric controlled from an interior switch, the SW6DEL adds a 12V relay for that function.

SW6DE vs. SW6D

The main difference between these two common 6-gallon Suburban models is the electric heating capability.

SW6D – 5238A

• LP gas only

• 12,000 BTU burner

• Direct Spark Ignition

• No 120V electric heating element

SW6DE – 5239A

• LP gas

• 120V electric

• 12,000 BTU burner

• 1,440-watt electric heating element

• Gas and electric can be operated together

For RV owners who regularly stay at campgrounds with shore power, the SW6DE provides more flexibility and faster recovery than the gas-only SW6D.

6 Gallon Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank

The SW6DE uses Suburban’s porcelain-lined steel tank, similar in construction concept to residential water heaters.

A replaceable anode rod helps protect the steel tank from corrosion and also serves as the tank drain.

Routine inspection and replacement of the anode rod is one of the most important maintenance items for extending the life of a Suburban tank water heater.

Dimensions

Suburban lists the 6-gallon tank water heater dimensions at approximately:

Unit Dimensions: 12.69" H x 12.69" W x 19.19" D
Cutout Dimensions: 12.75" H x 12.75" W x 19.19" D

Always verify the existing opening before ordering a replacement water heater.

Exterior Access Door

The exterior access door is available separately in several configurations.

Current Suburban 4- and 6-gallon door options include:

• 6255APW – Polar White Flush-Mount

• 6255ACW – Colonial White Flush-Mount

• 6255AEB – Black Flush-Mount

• 6261APW – Polar White Radius-Corner

• 6287AEB – Black Radius-Corner

Verify the existing door style and color before ordering.

Common Replacement Parts

The SW6DE uses many common Suburban SW-Series service parts, including:

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

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

• 525007 – 12V Thermostat / Hi-Limit Switch

• 525022 – Thermostat / Hi-Limit Switch Cover

• 525005 – Ignition Electrode Kit

• 520814 – Ignition Control Board on applicable production ranges

• 233514 – Magnesium Anode Rod

Some gas valves, burner components, and control parts have serial-number-specific applications, so always verify the complete model and serial number before ordering replacement parts.

Recovery Performance

The combination of propane and electric heat is one of the biggest advantages of the SW6DE.

Electric Only: approximately 6.1 GPH
Gas Only: approximately 10.1 GPH
Gas + Electric: approximately 16.2 GPH

Using both heat sources together can significantly reduce recovery time after showers or other heavy hot-water use.

Maintenance

Routine SW6DE maintenance should include:

• Inspecting and replacing the anode rod as needed

• Flushing sediment from the tank

• Inspecting the burner tube and orifice

• Checking the ignition electrode

• Inspecting the 120V heating element

• Checking the AC and DC thermostat circuits

• Inspecting wiring and electrical connections

• Verifying proper LP gas pressure

• Checking the pressure-relief valve

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: Suburban / Airxcel
Model: SW6DE
Current SKU: 5239A
Legacy SKU: 5139A / 5139E
Tank Capacity: 6 Gallons
Fuel: LP Gas + 120V AC Electric
Ignition: Direct Spark Ignition
Gas Input: 12,000 BTU/hr
Electric Element: 1,440 Watts
Electric Recovery: Approximately 6.1 GPH
Gas Recovery: Approximately 10.1 GPH
Combined Recovery: Approximately 16.2 GPH
Unit Dimensions: Approximately 12.69" x 12.69" x 19.19"
Cutout Dimensions: Approximately 12.75" x 12.75" x 19.19"
Tank Construction: Porcelain-Lined Steel
Anode Rod: Yes
Warranty: 2-Year Limited Warranty / 3-Year Limited Tank Warranty

Important Fitment Note

The SW6DE is a gas/electric water heater.

If your existing model is an SW6D, that unit does not have the 120V electric heating system. If your existing model is an SW6DEL, it includes an additional 12V relay that allows the electric heating circuit to be controlled from inside the RV.

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