water heater

Does the WH make a snapping sound when you try to start it? If not you might not have 12 volts to the ignighter. Also check for bug nest and spider webs in the gas burner. Just things I have had happen with mine. Chuck

If it has 2 reset buttons it's a Suburban Brand WH (no resets on Atwood)

The resets are for the ECO (high temp t-stats should they Open)
Left one is for the electric element
Right one is for the propane

Whether using electric or propane their 'normal' t-stats are pre-set to Open at 130*F (The ECOs are pre-set to Open at 180*F should normal fail to open)
When the normal t-stats Open the water in tank has to cool to roughly 100*F for the -t-stats to Close again.

Try the propane when water has cooled......open hot side faucet and use the hot water.

you are correct. the electric kicks on before the gas heating does. If the water is cool and you still have no gas heating my bet would be on a solenoid. Mine is a 2011 and i have been through 2.

I been in the same situation. If I recall correctly, should the water in the tank be already hot - the gas option will not/or may not start. Once the water is cool/cold and the electric option is shut down - it should be fine. Good luck.