Camco's RV water heater conversion kits convert standard gas-only RV water heaters to gas/electric dual-fuel operation. The kit adds a 110V electric heating element that supplements (or replaces) the propane burner for shore-power operation — saving propane when plugged in at a campground, and providing backup heat if the gas burner fails.
What's included in a typical Camco conversion kit
- 120V AC heating element (typically 750W or 1500W rated)
- Element gasket and installation hardware
- Thermostat with high-limit safety cutoff
- Power switch (often illuminated indicator)
- Wiring harness with proper gauge for the element load
- Mounting hardware for the switch and any additional components
Compatible RV water heater models
Camco kits primarily fit Suburban and Atwood-style RV water heaters that have an unused element port or a removable drain plug at the right size for retrofitting. Most 6-gallon and 10-gallon RV gas tanks accommodate the conversion. Verify your existing model with Camco's compatibility chart before purchasing — some smaller or older units lack the required port.
Installation procedure
- Shut off propane, electric, and water to the unit
- Drain the tank completely
- Remove the existing drain plug or unused element port plug
- Install the new electric element with included gasket, tightening to spec
- Mount the switch in an accessible location (typically near the RV's power panel)
- Route wiring per the kit instructions, following RV electrical code
- Connect to a 15A 120V circuit (verify circuit capacity)
- Refill the tank fully before testing
- Test on shore power; verify element heating without gas burner running
Operating modes after conversion
- Gas only: propane burner heats water (default RV operation)
- Electric only: 120V element heats water (shore power campground use)
- Both: faster recovery during heavy demand (rare; consumes propane while plugged in)
Why RVers add conversion kits
- Propane savings: at full-time campground use with shore power, conversion saves $80–200/year in propane
- Backup capability: if the propane burner fails far from service, electric mode provides hot water until repair
- Quieter operation: electric element produces no exhaust gases or burner noise
- Off-gassing concerns: for indoor/closed campsite scenarios, electric eliminates propane combustion exhaust
Limitations of electric mode
A 1500W element provides about 5,100 BTU/hr — meaningfully slower recovery than the 8,000–12,000 BTU/hr typical propane burner. Electric mode is appropriate for campground stays where slower recovery isn't a problem; for high-demand mobile use, propane remains the primary heat source.
Warranty considerations
Adding a Camco conversion kit may affect the OEM warranty on the underlying Suburban or Atwood water heater. Many manufacturers explicitly allow third-party element conversion if installed correctly; others void warranty for any modification. Verify with the OEM warranty terms before installation if the unit is within warranty period.
Maintenance after conversion
The added element follows standard residential electric water heater element maintenance — annual inspection for mineral buildup, terminal connections checked for tightness, anode rod (in the gas tank's original mount) inspected at typical intervals. Adding electric operation doesn't eliminate the propane burner maintenance requirements.