Camco water heater parts are sourced through RV-specialty channels rather than residential plumbing supplies. Common wear items have universal RV equivalents; brand-specific parts (gas valves with proprietary control modules, specific anode threads) require OEM ordering.
Common Camco replacement parts
Heating elements (electric or hybrid models)
Camco electric elements run at 120V (some 240V on larger units) — different from residential 240V-only sizing. Verify voltage rating before purchase. Most Camco elements are 6-gallon-rated (1440W or 1500W at 120V) or 10-gallon-rated (2400W at 240V). $25–60 each.
Gas valve / propane controller
Camco (and Atwood-branded Dometic) gas valves are proprietary — must source OEM from Camco or authorized RV-parts distributor. $90–180 OEM. Generic propane valves do not fit and may not handle the unique pressure profiles of RV propane systems.
Anode rod
RV anode rods are typically 3/4" NPT but vary in length. Camco units may use 9.5", 11", or 13" depending on tank size. Universal aftermarket anodes for RV: Camco 11553 (Suburban-spec), Camco 11563 (different thread for Atwood) — $15–25.
Thermocouple / thermopile (gas models)
The thermocouple senses pilot flame and tells the gas valve to remain open. Failure mode: pilot lights, won't stay lit. Replacement: $25–45, RV-spec required (different threads from residential thermocouples).
T&P relief valve
RV T&P valves are 150 psi / 210°F standard. 3/4" NPT compatible. Camco and Honeywell make RV-spec valves; standard residential valves also fit but verify the discharge tube routing matches Camco's design. $15–30.
Bypass valve assemblies
Critical for winterization. Camco typically uses a 3-valve bypass system. Replacement kits: $30–60. Many RV owners upgrade to a 1-valve bypass for simpler operation — $40–80.
Door / access panel
Camco access panels on the exterior of the RV bay are replaceable. Damaged or distorted panels (often from impact) cost $80–180. Verify exact dimensions for your model.
Where to source Camco parts
RV-specific retailers
- Camping World: stocks most common Camco parts; in-store availability varies
- Tweetys: RV-parts specialist with broad Camco parts catalog
- Amazon: universal RV parts (anodes, elements, thermocouples) — fast shipping
Brand-direct
Camco customer service can ship OEM parts direct or refer to a local authorized RV-service dealer. Phone or email for parts orders.
Dometic (Atwood heritage)
If your Camco unit is Atwood-branded heritage hardware (purchased before Dometic's 2014 acquisition of Atwood), Dometic now services these parts. Provide the original Atwood model number.
Common parts mistakes
- Buying residential thermocouples (different threads, won't fit RV gas valves)
- Mixing Atwood-style and Suburban-style anodes (different threads; cross-thread damage to tank port)
- Installing 240V residential elements in 120V Camco units (wrong wattage, no heat)
- Skipping the bypass-valve kit replacement during routine repairs (single bypass-valve failure during winterization can destroy a tank)