Need help choosing water heater...

[BradKW]

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?

The two I'm looking at are an Atwood for $345 and a Suburban for $350 ...but the Atwood comes with a door, a $50 value.

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!

[azrving]

When I replaced my attwood I believe it came with a new switch panel. It has 2 rocker switches. Propane or 120. If you just have propane it will be the same style plate with one switch. My rig has a dedicated breaker for the WH that runs over to a wall switch before going to the water heater. So the 120 volt wall switch has to be on then the small rocker switch would tell the control board to run on electric. WH also has 12 volts going to it. Rocker switch turns it on and off. Some people like to be able to use electric when they are not paying for electric and save propane.

If I recall there is a block of wood maybe 3/4 thick under mine that may support it. I'd have to look at it again but someone else may be more familiar. It's probably mentioned in the install instructions.

I paid $350 for mine on ebay with 120 volt option too.