Water Heater Swap: Suburban SW6DE for SW16DE

[JnScattle]

All,

Can I do a one-for-one replacement with a Suburban SW6DE for a SW16DE? I assume I would have to do the install from inside of the interior space vice the exterior at the water heater door.

Thanks!

[CHICKDOE]

I would think so. I have not verified this but it wouldn't surprise me that the dimensions between the two are the same except the 16 would be deeper. if so it might just slide out and you could slide the new one into the same opening. you might need to extend the water lines a bit it they do not have enough slack. the electrical and gas hookups ought to be the same. not to pry but is there a reason why you want to lower the tank capacity?

[SeaDog]

Originally Posted by JnScattle

All,

Can I do a one-for-one replacement with a Suburban SW6DE for a SW16DE? I assume I would have to do the install from inside of the interior space vice the exterior at the water heater door.

Thanks!

Here is the info its a straight swap from what I read. 6 gallon to 16

Suburban SW16DE Direct Spark and Electric Water Heater 16 Gallon Trailer Camper RV

[JnScattle]

Originally Posted by CHICKDOE

I would think so. I have not verified this but it wouldn't surprise me that the dimensions between the two are the same except the 16 would be deeper. if so it might just slide out and you could slide the new one into the same opening. you might need to extend the water lines a bit it they do not have enough slack. the electrical and gas hookups ought to be the same. not to pry but is there a reason why you want to lower the tank capacity?

Chickdoe...not lowering but want to increase from 6 gallon to 16 gallon. Still troubleshooting the outage. I initially thought it was just the electric element but have since realized that it is not even attempting to light on propane.

[JnScattle]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

Here is the info its a straight swap from what I read. 6 gallon to 16

Suburban SW16DE Direct Spark and Electric Water Heater 16 Gallon Trailer Camper RV

Thanks Sea Dog! I figure if we need to replace it I might as well increase my capacity. Cheers!

[itat]

The ad says, "The new 16 gallon unit utilizes the same sidewall cut-out opening as the current 10 or 12 gallon water heaters." Note that's it says the 10 and 12 gallon WHs, not the 6 gallon WH you're looking to replace.

Here's a video to show the size difference. The bigger one is a 10 gallon model. Definitely requires a larger cut-out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5rnozYjEVQ

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by JnScattle

Chickdoe...not lowering but want to increase from 6 gallon to 16 gallon. Still troubleshooting the outage. I initially thought it was just the electric element but have since realized that it is not even attempting to light on propane.

Have you checked that you have 12VDC? Have you pushed in the temperature resets for both gas and electric?

Originally Posted by JnScattle

Thanks Sea Dog! I figure if we need to replace it I might as well increase my capacity. Cheers!

The American RV Co link says the 16 gal can replace a 10 or 12 gal unit, it's just deeper. However, I did not see that it would fit for a 6 gal unit. You may need to do some more checking.

[JnScattle]

Originally Posted by itat

The ad says, "The new 16 gallon unit utilizes the same sidewall cut-out opening as the current 10 or 12 gallon water heaters." Note that's it says the 10 and 12 gallon WHs, not the 6 gallon WH you're looking to replace.

Here's a video to show the size difference. The bigger one is a 10 gallon model. Definitely requires a larger cut-out.

Thanks Itat! I just found the same on my morning search. Appreciate you sharing!

[JnScattle]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Have you checked that you have 12VDC? Have you pushed in the temperature resets for both gas and electric?



The American RV Co link says the 16 gal can replace a 10 or 12 gal unit, it's just deeper. However, I did not see that it would fit for a 6 gal unit. You may need to do some more checking.

Thanks! I had an issue with resetting the gas side. Still t/s'ing the electric portion.