Your problem(s) are that you have a 1997 model WH and trying to replace it with a 2014 model.
They are NOT the same.
Atwood changed designs in 2004.
Previous used 120V AC directly to electric element via On/Off switch and set of t-stats on backside of WH tank.
The design change uses 12V DC for electric & propane operation via relay, a circuit board and 1 set of t-stats for both heat sources.
You will need a DC fused wire to a new ON/OFF switch (Dual switch with fault light is better change out than 2 separate switches)
Then that electric On/Off (White wire) thru circuit board will power a relay that is in electric cover on back of WH tank where element is. Relay triggers 120V AC to element
Propane is from DC fused wire to On/Off switch then thru circuit board (orange wire).
Blue wire is DC from circuit board to Fault Light in On/Off panel
Green is 12V DC (-)
New Dual On/Off Switch
New DC wire run for electric (white)
Old 120V AC wire to element
Old Brown wire for propane (orange)
Old Blue wire for Fault Light
