Water heater replace?

I Imagine it will see as the old one is 20 yrs. old, I don't heat up as fast either.
I usually turn it on in the eveing then shut it off. Don't use the shower as it's way small. If weather permits might use the outside one, but usually a 5gal. solar shower is used. We usually hit a campground after a week to empty tanks and fill water and get a shower.

Yes you can add a reignitor kit......Suburban part #520569.
But dang.....it costs almost half of that new pilot WH LINK

I'm not sure you can get a retro re-lighter kit for the water heaters.

Oh no- the emperor has new clothes...
Pretty sure though if you do end up with neighbors you can get a retro relighter kit for it. It just reads pilot flame, if it goes out tries to relight. Its a nice function. Mostly because, having it disabled for a few months because it was constantly trying to relight (dirty sensor), I dont realize its blown out until water is cold.

tuna fisher wrote:
Reddog 1. Thanks for your suggestion but it's ordered and I understand where your coming from. I just kept it simple, I can live with it. Where we camp I won't have to get dressed to go outside, LOL.

You will scare the animals away. :B

I was amazed as to how fast the water heated with the new water heater.

Reddog 1. Thanks for your suggestion but it's ordered and I understand where your coming from. I just kept it simple, I can live with it. Where we camp I won't have to get dressed to go outside, LOL.

Give a little more thought to the GAS W/DIRECT SPRK IGN. I admit to being lazy for some things, but this is one that has value even if you are not lazy. I prefer to only have the water heater on when I want hot water. Easy to simply flip the switch on. If I shower just before going to bed, flip switch to turn off, no need to get dressed to go outside.

Before my GAS W/DIRECT SPRK IGN, I have camped in strong winds that would blow the pilot out several times before the water got hot. I couple of times I even moved the TC it was so bad. One time it was wind and rain, and real cold. Wind blew pilot out several times, I was wet and cold to the bone before I got my warm shower. I guess I am not only lazy, but a sissy also. I will not go back to the non-DIRECT SPRK IGN. It cost a tad more, but I think well worth it.


EDIT: If I am reading it correctly, you can get the Direct spark for an additional $15.

80-1321 - # SW6D W/ DIRECT SPARK IGNITION. On Sale for Only $279.99

Only requires a 12 wire and ground wire and a switch. Very simple to install.

Super_Dave wrote:
tuna fisher, you sound like a smart guy so I'm probably telling you something you already know so consider it just a reminder. Put some teflon tape on your drain plug threads so it won't seize. My Suburban goes through anodes about every couple of years and I drain the tank a couple times a season via the main plug.

Thank's for the reminder Dave, I probably wouldn't have thought of that although you think I'm a smart guy. Good idea or I'd end up with one like I have now, can't budge it.

tuna fisher, you sound like a smart guy so I'm probably telling you something you already know so consider it just a reminder. Put some teflon tape on your drain plug threads so it won't seize. My Suburban goes through anodes about every couple of years and I drain the tank a couple times a season via the main plug.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Take it your current WH is a Suburban.......????

Atwood WH's have slightly different cut out measurements/requirements.

Either one would work.....just might have to do some modifications if not same brand/size

Yes it is a Suburban SW6P the same as the new one, should just slide in. Doesn't look that diffcult to do.