Need help choosing water heater...

Old-Biscuit wrote:

BradKW wrote:
Hello! I'm building a DIY RV from a box truck platform and I've decided to go with a 6 gal RV-style heater instead of tankless on demand. At least I think I've decided that. I have narrowed it down to these two...both are 6 gal, propane with DSI (direct spark ignition).

Oh, one question I can't find in specs...on these units, you ignite with the switch, but then what turns the heater off so it doesn't just sit and heat water for hours?
Both Brands use 'set of thermostats' to turn on/off

Atwood uses a 140*F t-stat for routine operation and a 180*F high t-stat (ECO---Energy Cut OFF) to shut down heating IF normal t-stat fails.
Atwood also uses a 'thermal fuse' to shut down propane flame should it blow back out of combustion chamber due to obstructions ---one time device set for 190*F

Suburban uses a 130*F t-stat with a 180*F high temp t-stat.
Suburban does NOT use the 'thermal fuse' blow back protection device.

I've never so much as touched an RV heater before, so any input welcome...and it's not like those 2 choices are anything more than the result of a few nights googling + Amazoning, so open to other choices...

Thanks!

Suburban uses a STEEL tank......glass-lined so an anode rod has to be used. If tank leaks etc---have to replace whole water heater (no replacement tanks
High temp t-stat has manual reset if it trips.

Atwood uses an ALUMINUM ALLOY tank so no anode rod needed. Tank can be welded or replaced if it should leak. Swap parts.
High temp t-stat will auto reset once water cools off

Why just 6 gallon and not go higher capacity......10 gallon?
Why propane ONLY...never going to be hooked up to AC Shore power?


Both gas only water heaters are just 12V DC systems......main feeder FUSE (7.5A fuse is sufficient), a DC ON/OFF Switch with indicator light and 18 ga. wire

Thanks for the detailed information!

I figured 6 gal would be good because space is tight and that seems like a sufficient amount to take a shower and/or do dishes...and propane-only because I've been told that these type of units are very efficient and just sip propane. Combined with being "one less thing" to wire into a 1k watt solar off-grid system that I'm finding a bit overwhelming already, and...

Do any of these units have adjustable t-stats, or is mixing cold water in to get right temp always a part of the equation?