Suburban SW6P 6-Gallon LP-Only RV Water Heater

The Suburban SW6P is the LP-only (propane-only) version of the popular SW6DE — a 6-gallon RV water heater that runs exclusively on propane without the AC electric option. The "P" identifies the propane-only configuration; the "SW6" identifies the 6-gallon Suburban tank family. Common in older RVs (manufactured pre-2005), camping trailers without 30-amp shore power capability, and pop-up campers with simplified electrical systems.

Specs: 6 gallons stored, 8,800 BTU propane burner, 12V DC ignition control. Recovery rate roughly 11 gallons per hour at a 70°F rise. Porcelain-lined steel tank with magnesium anode rod, brass drain valve. Outer dimensions match the SW6DE — drops into the same cutout in any RV originally fitted with a 6-gallon Suburban.

The propane-only configuration is the cost saving and the limitation. Without the AC electric element, the unit cannot use shore power for recovery during campground stays. At a typical campground with 30-amp shore power, this means relying entirely on propane consumption to refill the tank between showers. For weekend campers using one tank per shower with overnight intervals between, this works fine; for longer stays with high hot-water demand, the dual-energy SW6DE consumes less propane by leveraging shore power.

Replacement: drops directly into existing 6-gallon Suburban cutouts. For owners considering an upgrade from SW6P to SW6DE during replacement, the conversion requires adding a 120V AC supply to the unit's electrical compartment (10 amps dedicated). Most RV manufacturers wired this circuit during build even on SW6P-equipped trailers, anticipating upgrades; verify by inspecting the existing electrical panel.

About $350 for a replacement unit, parts widely available through Camping World and RV-specific suppliers. The propane gas valve is the most common service item on SW6P units in their second decade.