Adding electronic ignition to water heater?

[essness]

I've done a lot of reading but have not been able to find anything about this. I have a 2012 Grey Wolf 21RR that came with a manual light Suburban 6 gallon water heater.
Does anyone know if you can add electronic ignition to this unit?

Thanks for your help!

[sherdep]

weird cause most of the new ones are coming with electronic ignition

I would think you could add it

what model water heater do you have?

[essness]

I think it's a SW6P. I wish I would have thought to have them upgrade it

[dirttracker18]

Following this for sure. My 06 Salem is also manual light and would be great to change to electronic ignition.

Anyone know?

[sherdep]

Here is one way - adding a Hybrid Heating element
Hybrid Heat Electric Add-on for Water Heaters - PPL Motor Homes

I have bought a few things from PPLmotorhomes and have had good look so far - might be worth to either call Suburban and ask or call PPL and see what they say as well

[dirttracker18]

Interesting idea but I think the OP wants an electronic lighter for his propane HWT. Meaning he can light the tank by the push of a button instead of having to go outside and light the tank manually.

At least that what I was thinking for myself.

Now that idea you posted is interesting too! Seeing as how I am going to be mostly parked at the parents cottage for the next two summers with full hook ups.

[sherdep]

Originally Posted by dirttracker18

Interesting idea but I think the OP wants an electronic lighter for his propane HWT. Meaning he can light the tank by the push of a button instead of having to go outside and light the tank manually.

At least that what I was thinking for myself.

Now that idea you posted is interesting too! Seeing as how I am going to be mostly parked at the parents cottage for the next two summers with full hook ups.

I was thinking he would also want to add the electric heating element as well.

According to the video I watched all three model's of the 6 gallon suburban are the same - I bet just buying the parts to convert it would do the trick but I would verify that before buying them - am just throwing some ideas out there since essentially all 3 6 gallon units are the same with the exception of how it heats / lights the pilot

[prof_fate]

the research I did on this (as I have the same water heater) is the best solution is to buy the electronic start model and change them out - about $350-400, plus labor - and wiring too.

The add on elec heater is $100 and only 400 watts- it will help keep the water warm 'for free' as the elec is included in most sites, but again, you need to do some wiring.

I don't mind lighting the pilot and turning it all off before moving, i just don't like that it blows out now and then.

If I had elec start i'd be turning it off and on more often I suppose to save on propane, so the elec element seems like the best fix.

[essness]

Thanks for the ideas folks. I forgot to order the gas/electric dsi model

[08flagvlite]

That sounds like the best solution to me, also. EVEN if you added a DSI gas ignition, you still would need to add the power wiring for that and add a breaker; and if you just get an electric or gas DSI water heater, you'll have the benefit of choosing your heating source. Hate to say it now, BUT that is why you should look over the list of standard features and optional accessories when purchasing a new rig. Those more expensive Forest River models include those type of things as standard features on their units. Look on e bay for a water heater. You can find deals on them there. Randy