Suburban SW10D 10-Gallon LP-Only RV Water Heater
Suburban SW10D 10-Gallon LP-Only RV Water Heater Review
The Suburban SW10D is a 10-gallon LP-only RV water heater (propane only, no electric mode). The "10D" reflects 10-gallon capacity with direct gas operation. Sister model to the SW10DE (dual energy) without the electric heating element.
Specs: 10 gallons stored, 12,000 BTU propane burner, recovery rate ~17 gallons per hour at 70°F rise, 12V DC ignition control. Porcelain-lined steel tank with magnesium anode rod, brass drain valve.
The LP-only configuration is the cost-saving choice for RVers who don't use shore power AC for water heating. Common in:
- Smaller RVs without 30A electrical service capacity
- Boondock-focused use where shore power is rarely available
- Budget-constrained replacements where the $100 savings versus SW10DE matters
Trade-off: without AC electric mode, recovery during shore-power stays consumes propane rather than leveraging campground electrical. For frequent campground users with hookups, the SW10DE provides materially better operating economics.
About $450 unit, $200-$350 installed. Parts widely available through Camping World. Service items: heating element area (gas burner serviceable, no electric element), thermostat, gas control valve.
- Natural gas combustion — faster recovery than electric resistance at comparable tank size
- Below-average UEF 0.62 — modern standard models reach 0.65+, condensing 0.95+
- 2-year warranty — well below the 8–12 year category average; extended warranty advisable
- Small 10-gallon reserve — supplemental or 1–2 person use only
- Low 12000 BTU input — slower recovery than modern 40K+ BTU alternatives