Problems with Suburban Hot Water Heater

[rafcar]

I will add this to my list for sure, I just wish I had known all this before we started using the trailer. I hope this electrical element is not burnt up. I guess I'll find out soon.

[rafcar]

Well, finally got some time to check the water heater. As I suspected, the element is bad. I'm assuming it burned up even before we got a chance to use the trailer. It was covered with junk and it even broke when I pulled it out. Anyway, the element is 120v and 1440watt, and I'm currently wating for the dealership here in town to get some in, which should be in a day or two. I was wondering if anyone here had replaced this element with a 1500 watt one, which are made by camco and are sold at Home Depot and Lowe's. I was going to do that but I have read conflicting reports on this. If anyone out there has had to deal with this, I would love to hear opinion or experince.

[KyDan]

No experience but I always have an opinion.
The heater at Home Depot is 1500 watt 240v.
The heater at your RV dealer is 1440 watt 120v.
The heater at the home store would work but I believe it would
be slow to heat since it would be running at 1/2 rated voltage.
At least that's what I "think" would be happening.

Good luck!
KyDan

[milzat]

I replaced the element in my first camper(Suburban WH) with a 1650 Watt/ 120 Volt replacement from Do-it Best. It worked fine.

You can locate a store HERE.

[Bama Rambler]

I replaced mine with a 1550 watt 120V model from Lowes. It works fine. The amp draw isn't going to increase enough to trip the 15amp breaker it's fed from and the length will fit fine.

FYI

1440 Watts / 120 Volts = 12 Amps
1500 Watts / 120 Volts = 12.5 Amps
1550 Watts / 120 Volts = 12.9 Amps

[rafcar]

I'll pick one up from HD on my way home today. Thanks guys.