Suburban SW6D 6-Gallon LP-Only RV Water Heater
Suburban SW6D 6-Gallon LP-Only RV Water Heater Review
The Suburban SW6D is a 6-gallon LP-only RV water heater. Direct-fired propane operation without electric backup. The "D" suffix indicates the dedicated LP configuration versus the "DE" dual-energy variant.
Specs: 6 gallons stored, 8,800 BTU propane burner, DSI ignition control, 12V DC operation. Porcelain-lined steel tank with magnesium anode rod, brass drain valve.
The LP-only configuration is the cost-saving alternative to the SW6DE. Common in: smaller RVs and travel trailers without 30A electrical capacity, boondock-focused use, budget-constrained installs.
Trade-off versus SW6DE: at campgrounds with shore power, the LP-only unit must use propane for all hot water (no electric mode). For frequent shore-power users, the SW6DE saves propane via electric mode.
About $400 unit, $200-$350 installed. Direct replacement for existing 6-gallon Suburban LP-only units. Parts widely available through Camping World.
- 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 6-gallon reserve — supplemental or 1–2 person use only
- Low 12000 BTU input — slower recovery than modern 40K+ BTU alternatives