RV Water Heater Parts & Accessories

Which RV water heater replacement parts fail most often?

Most RV water heater problems trace back to one failed component, not the tank. The parts replaced most often are thermostats, ECO (energy cut-off) switches, heating elements, anode rods, igniters and electrodes, control boards, and exterior doors. This collection has 185 replacement parts for both gas and electric systems, so you can usually replace the failed part instead of the whole water heater. Before ordering, read the model and serial number from the data plate on your water heater.

How do I find the right RV water heater thermostat for my unit?

RV water heater thermostats are brand-specific and model-specific. A Suburban thermostat will not cross over to a Dometic or Atwood water heater. Many units also have two separate thermostats: one controls the gas burner and one controls the electric element, which is often paired with an ECO high-limit switch. The usual signs of a failed thermostat are water that never gets hot, water that gets too hot, or a burner or element that will not cycle off. Match the part number printed on your existing thermostat before you order. If the part number is worn off, text or call 817-984-1852 with your water heater model number and our team will confirm the correct replacement.

Do you carry gas and electric RV water heater parts?

Yes. Gas-side parts include igniters, electrodes, burner components, and DSI (direct spark ignition) control boards. Electric-side parts include heating elements, electric thermostats, and ECO switches. For a combination gas/electric unit such as the Suburban SW10DE, first confirm which mode has stopped working. Then replace the parts for that side only. If the tank itself is leaking, a part will not fix it, and you will need a complete unit from our 10 gallon RV water heaters collection.

How do I choose a replacement RV water heater cover, door, or tankless hood?

RV water heater covers and doors are not universal. Suburban and Dometic doors use different dimensions and hinge designs, and a 6-gallon door will not fit a 10-gallon opening. Before ordering, measure the height and width of your existing door and confirm the water heater brand and gallon capacity. For Dometic and Atwood 6-gallon units, see our replacement doors for Dometic 6 gallon water heaters. A tankless water heater replacement hood must match the brand and model of your tankless unit, so check the model number on the unit before you select a hood.

Does my RV water heater need an anode rod?

It depends on the tank. Suburban water heaters use a porcelain-lined steel tank, and that tank needs an anode rod to slow corrosion. Inspect the anode rod each season and replace it when it is worn to about 75% of its original size. Dometic and Atwood water heaters use an aluminum tank that does not need an anode rod. If an aluminum tank has corroded through, replace the whole water heater. See our Dometic 6 gallon RV water heaters for direct replacements.