Suburban Advance SAW6DE 6-Gallon Gas+Electric RV Water Heater
Suburban Advance SAW6DE 6-Gallon Gas+Electric RV Water Heater Review
The Suburban Advance SAW6DE is Suburban's premium-tier 6-gallon dual-energy RV water heater. The "Advance" line adds enhanced controls and diagnostic features versus standard SW6DE.
Specs: 6 gallons stored, 8,800 BTU propane burner, 1500W electric element, recovery ~11 gph propane or 6 gph electric. Porcelain-lined steel tank with magnesium anode rod. Electronic ignition with diagnostic display.
Advance positioning differentiates from standard SW6DE through: improved electronic control board, LED diagnostic indicators, slightly better cold-weather operation, 3-year warranty (vs 2-year on standard SW6DE).
About $550 unit, $250-$400 installed. Compatible with existing 6-gallon Suburban water heater cutouts.
Right buyer: full-timers or extended-stay RVers wanting premium features beyond basic SW6DE. For occasional weekend campers, the standard SW6DE is the cost-effective choice.
- No combustion, no venting required — installs anywhere with 240V electrical access
- 2-year warranty — well below the 8–12 year category average; extended warranty advisable
- Resistance electric has slower recovery than gas at comparable capacity — schedule heavy use to match tank recovery
- Small 6-gallon reserve — supplemental or 1–2 person use only
- Low 12000 BTU input — slower recovery than modern 40K+ BTU alternatives