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Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A

  • Based on 4,646 reviews
Condition: New
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Availability: In Stock.
Fulfilled by Legendary RV Parts

Arrives Nov 19 – Nov 21
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Size: 6 Gallon


Style: Direct Spark Ignition


Features

  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Engineered with a porcelain-lined steel tank, the Suburban 6 Gallon Tank Water Heater is designed for durability, mimicking the longevity of residential tank water heaters, ensuring years of reliable hot water.
  • ADVANCED CORROSION PROTECTION: Equip with a replaceable anode rod and this water heater provides enhanced protection against tank corrosion. The anode rod also doubles as a drain, simplifying maintenance and extending the lifespan of the unit.
  • FLEXIBLE POWER OPTIONS: Featuring an optional electric element, this allows you to utilize campsite or generator power for heating water, offering unmatched versatility.
  • EXCLUSIVE HEAT TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY: Suburban's exclusive flue tube design slows the combustion process, optimizing heat transfer and ensuring the water in the tank heats efficiently, saving energy and providing hot water faster.
  • SPECIFICATIONS: Product Dimensions - 12.69" x 12.69" x 19.19"; Cutout Dimensions - 12.75" x 12.75" x 19.19". BTU/h - 12,000. Optional electric element input - 1,440. Recovery rate electric only (Gallons/Hour) - 6.1; Recovery rate gas only (Gallons/Hour) - 10.1. Backed by a 2-year limited warranty and a 3-year tank limited warranty.

Description

The best water heaters on the road today, Suburban's line of water heaters includes high recovery gas, gas-electric and motor aid models with sizes and features to match the requirements of almost any RV. Heated water attacks all metals, but not porcelain. That's why Suburban uses a porcelain-lined, steel water heater tank with an anode rod to "absorb" the electrolytical action - just like your water heater at home. In fact, when a Suburban porcelain-lined tank is properly maintained, it saves the owners the cost of premature replacement. In addition, every Suburban tank is pressure tested twice during the manufacturing process to ensure its integrity. Fast recovery means more hot water and fewer cool water cycles. Six gallon Suburban gas water heaters feature 12,000 BTUH input and a recovery rate of 10.2 gallons per hour - that's the fastest in the industry. The insulation is available for this product. Also light indicator is available for this product.

Brand: Suburban


Product Dimensions: 12.75"W x 12.75"H


Special Feature: Direct Spark Ignition


Color: Steel


Wattage: 3.52 watts


Brand: ‎Suburban


Product Dimensions: ‎12.75"W x 12.75"H


Special Feature: ‎Direct Spark Ignition


Color: ‎Steel


Wattage: ‎3.52 watts


Maximum Flow Rate: ‎0.17 Gallons Per Minute


Heat Output: ‎12000 British Thermal Units


Efficiency: ‎Energy-efficient


Style: ‎Direct Spark Ignition


Mounting Type: ‎Floor mount


Is Electric: ‎No


Manufacturer: ‎Suburban


Item Depth: ‎19-3/16 inches


UPC: ‎755790706280


Global Trade Identification Number: ‎80


Part Number: ‎5238A


Item Weight: ‎34 pounds


Item model number: ‎5238A


Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: ‎No


Size: ‎6 Gallon


Item Package Quantity: ‎1


Special Features: ‎Direct Spark Ignition


Included Components: ‎Suburban Mfg Co 5238A Sw6D W/H 6 Gal Dsi


Batteries Included?: ‎No


Batteries Required?: ‎No


Warranty Description: ‎2 Year Limited Warranty


Date First Available: January 12, 2017


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Nov 19 – Nov 21

This item is non-returnable:

Non-returnable. Transportation of this item is subject to hazardous materials regulation

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Great upgrade to an old RV
Size: 6 Gallon Style: Direct Spark Ignition, Incoloy Electric ...
I bought and installed this water heater in my 1999 Fleetwood Bounder 36S in August of 2020. So far, it's been working flawlessly. I love the fact that I don't have to worry about propane tank levels when I'm parked long term. The new water heater wasn't an exact fit/replacement for the old water heater - the new one is narrower than the old one was. I used the cover off the old water heater to blank off the larger hole, and I think it turned out great. My RV had a garbage disposal, which I removed a few years ago. I used the receptacle for the garbage disposal to power the water heater. Bonus of this setup is, there is a three position switch that was originally intended to allow switching between the garbage disposal and the microwave. The switch gives a way to shut off the electricity to the water heater, and also to ensure that the water heater and the microwave aren't on at the same time. Saves on tripped circuit breakers. (This water heater has a built in relay to allow low voltage control of the 120V power, but I bypassed the relay as I provided power from the old garbage disposal receptacle.) I bought the white outer trim for this (it's not included) and painted it to match my coach. I had bought the remote switch panel as well, but ended up wiring in the switch and lights from the old water heater to work with the new one. This wasn't a direct replacement in my case, but it still only took a day to install and get running once I made sure I had all of the necessary parts to put things together. It helped to be experienced with mechanical/electrical installation, but most people could figure this out. The instructions were adequate to complete the installation. When running on electric and gas together, you can take a nice long shower with no problem. Very happy with this purchase. 5 stars. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2022 by LOS Lover LOS Lover

  • water heater
Size: 6 Gallon Style: Direct Spark Ignition & Incoloy Elec...
Works great updated from a piliot light unit ,direct fit no problems
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2025 by D Dawson

  • Good dependable unit
Size: 6 Gallon Style: Direct Spark Ignition & Incoloy Elec...
This water is exactly the same as the one I was replacing, The old one lasted 19 years and I hope that this on lasts that long. It was a DIY installation. It took 3 hours to get the old one out and about 1 hour to install the new one. I took pictures of the DC wiring so that I could get it right. The only issue I had was with the DC wiring. It would make it so much easier if they would make the 3 DC wires about 6 inches longer. it is very tight quarters to work in that part of the installation. I would recommend adding a 6 inch extension to each wire before sliding it in place. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2025 by John Nickless

  • Water heater pressure valve leaking already
Size: 10 Gallon Style: Direct Spark Ignition & Incoloy Elec...
The water heater works great and replaced the Atwood I had very easy. The problem was getting the water line adapters that screw into tank not to leak, and after 5 months of use the water pressure blow off valve went out and started leaking already.
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2025 by Rick

  • Good heater
Size: 6 Gallon Style: Direct Spark Ignition
Works perfectly
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2025 by Scottaw

  • Perfect fit
Size: 6 Gallon Style: Direct Spark Ignition, Incoloy Electric ...
My original Suburban water heater was old (2012) and rust was showing in the faucets when I commissioned the water system in the spring. A LOT of rust. I always winterize properly. I knew it was time and wanted to avert a disaster in the camper. This one fits perfectly. It went right back in and mounted the same way. All the screws matched up. The only thing I had to change was to install a Switch inside the camper for the AC heating option. The old one had the switch mounted to the water heater itself. You had to go outside to turn on the AC heating option. I did not like this and this fixed that. The wiring was easy. It is a 12-volt switch that controls a relay for the AC side heating. There were only 4 wires to connect in total. Just make sure you map out the original wiring as the manufacturer did not match the wire colors on the heater that were wired to the switch in the Galley. The Propane connection was a snap. Very easy. Just know that it takes time for the propane gas to purge the air from the system before it will fire. The pilot light is a very small jet. Be patient and keep trying. This heater will try to fire it 3 times and then stop for safety. Just Turn the propane switch off and try again. It fired on the 5th try for me. I have a propane gas detector to check for leaks. You should too. This does not come with a door or mounting frame. You will have to use the original ones or purchase new ones. If you are handy and good with tools you can do this. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024 by Rick

  • Be aware that Suburban's service and warranty policy is terrible.
Size: 10 Gallon Style: Direct Spark Ignition & Incoloy Elec...
Bought this brand new unit to replace old corroded one. Installed it and the AC heating element works fine. Went to connect the gas side of the heater. The module opened the gas solenoid, but would not operate the piezo lighter. Smell gas, but no click. Yes, temp is below 110 and wiring is correct. Suburban was closed for Labor Day weekend. Bought a replacement module from Amazon. Then, the spark clicker runs until it times out, but won't open the gas solenoid. Nobody could tell me if the module on Amazon is the correct one. Great. Out of curiosity, I pull the old nasty module out of the removed old water heater and everything works fine. Obviously just a bad module. It happens. But for that much money, think I deserve a new module. I wait until after the holiday and call Suburban. I found out that they have absolutely nothing to do with answering questions, service or warranty. All done through local dealers. The head office girl did say that I would have to remove the whole heater and take it to their dealer or they would not warranty it. Seems pretty stupid in this case, but doesn't matter, since the 3 local dealers given to me by Suburban refused to look at it or talk about it since I didn't buy it from them! Is this for real? If Ford or Chevy or Toyota did that, nobody would buy their cars. There are other companies making RV water heaters out there, I suggest you look at one of them. Ridiculous that the manufacturer won't even SELL you a warranty part. Run away. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024 by Aurum Farms Llc

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