Suburban RV Water Heaters

How do I identify which Suburban RV water heater I have?

Check the model number on the data plate inside the access door. Suburban uses a decoder system: SW = Suburban Water Heater, the number indicates gallon capacity (6 or 10), D = Direct Spark Ignition (DSI), and E = electric element. For example, an SW6DE is a 6-gallon DSI model with an electric heating element. Confirm your model number before ordering to ensure correct fitment. If you run a 10-gallon unit, our 10 gallon RV water heater collection covers full units and replacement parts.

Does Suburban make a tankless RV water heater?

Suburban's Nautilus tankless line delivers on-demand hot water without a storage tank, using LP gas to heat water as it flows through the unit. These are a good fit for full-timers and larger rigs where storage capacity runs out too quickly. Standard Suburban tank models (SW6DE, SW10DE, SAW6D) remain the most common replacement choice because they drop into existing 6 or 10 gallon cutouts without modification.

What replacement parts fit Suburban RV water heaters?

We stock anode rods, thermostats, gas valves, control boards, heating elements, thermal cutoffs, door assemblies, and burner tubes for the SW and SAW series. Suburban tanks are steel-lined and require an anode rod to prevent corrosion, plan on replacing it annually or whenever it is more than 75% consumed. For winter storage prep, pair anode and drain plug work with a kit from our RV winterizing kits collection.

Can I run my Suburban water heater on electric and propane at the same time?

Yes, on DE models (SW6DE, SW10DE) the electric element and LP burner can run simultaneously to cut recovery time roughly in half. This is useful when multiple people are showering back-to-back. Running both also draws meaningful 12V power for the control board and igniter, so confirm your converter is sized correctly. Our RV electronics collection has converters, monitors, and related power components.