There are three manufacturers of RV hot water heaters, Suburban, Atwood and Rheem. RV water heaters come in several different sizes, capacities and models.
Suburban RV water heaters are available in 3-, 6- and 10-gallon capacities. Our standard gas models have become the industry standard, while Suburban's optional gas-electric model provides the added performance of a 1,440-watt element at campsites. Certain models are available with a motor aid heat exchanger, which utilizes heat from the motorhome's engine to help heat water during operation.
There are different ignition options on Suburban RV water heaters, the standard pilot system offers simple and reliable operation. The pilot has to be lit manually.
In poor weather conditions, owners might prefer Suburban's automatic models with direct spark ignition, which features a remote switch that electronically controls the water heater. On pilot reignition models, a reignitor eliminates the need to relight the pilot and sounds an alarm when the pilot is extinguished or the gas supply is turned off.
Suburban water heaters have a longer life. 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, tank life may double or triple its three-year limited warranty, saving owners the cost of premature replacement. In addition, every Suburban tank is pressure tested twice during the manufacturing process to ensure its integrity.
Suburban RV water heaters offer faster recovery. Suburban also uses a copolymer insulation jacket specially molded to fit the tank. This does a better job of retaining heat than the "cardboard" style used on some competitive models.
Atwood RV water heaters are available in 6 and 10 gallon models.
Atwood also offers different ignition options for its line of RV water heaters. Pilot ignition has economical time-tested performance. The pilot is manually lit when the destination is reached and hot water is available in less than 30 minutes.
Electronic ignition offers a simple flip of the switch from inside the coach turns the water heater on or off. Electronic ignition offers convenience and safety.
Pilot relight ignition offers light it once and forget it if wind or other conditions extinguish the pilot it automatically relights itself.
Dyers RV Supplies carries replacement parts for Atwood, Suburban and Rheem RV hot water heaters.