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RV Water Heater Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit: Thermocouple Troubleshooting Guide
Propane Medium 30 minutes 166 👍 2

RV Water Heater Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit: Thermocouple Troubleshooting Guide

Three different RV shops quoted me $400+ to fix my Suburban water heater's pilot light that won't stay lit and I'm wondering if I can tackle this thermocouple issue myself. the pilot lights up just fine, but the second I let go of that button it dies. I can hold it down for like a minute and think I've got it, but nope - releases and it's gone.

I'm wondering if this is one of those thermocouple things I keep hearing about? Like, is that the little sensor thingy that's supposed to keep the gas flowing when there's a flame? Pretty sure that's what's acting up but want to make sure before I start messing with it. …more
Atwood GC6AA-10E Replacement Guide: Compatible Water Heaters & Installation Tips
Plumbing Medium 3-4 hours 115 👍

Atwood GC6AA-10E Replacement Guide: Compatible Water Heaters & Installation Tips

Atwood GC6AA-10E water heater finally died after 18 years and I need a direct replacement that'll bolt right into the same cutout without modifications. Every RV parts site shows different "compatible" models and I'm not confident any of them actually fit. What drops right in? …more
How to Add Electric Element to RV Water Heater While Keeping Anode Rod Intact
Propane Medium 2-3 hours 110 👍

How to Add Electric Element to RV Water Heater While Keeping Anode Rod Intact

Three tools deep into this project and I'm determined to add electric capability to my Suburban water heater with cast iron tank myself — where's the best starting point? Problem is, most conversion kits I'm seeing want to replace the anode rod port with the heating element. That seems like a bad idea for a cast iron tank - pretty sure I need that anode rod to keep things from corroding, right?

Anyone know if there are kits out there that let you keep the anode rod? Maybe something that goes in the drain port instead, or one of those combo deals where the element also acts as an anode? Just want to make sure I'm not setting myself up for a rusty mess down the road! …more
Suburban SW6D Water Heater Won't Stay Lit: Quick DIY Troubleshooting Guide
Propane Medium 45 minutes 106 👍

Suburban SW6D Water Heater Won't Stay Lit: Quick DIY Troubleshooting Guide

This Suburban SW6D water heater pilot light keeps going out every single time I try to fire it up. The flame keeps going out after lighting, but only when the access door is closed. When I leave the door open, it stays lit just fine.

This seems like it could be dangerous - I don't want to cause a gas leak or explosion by trying random fixes. Is this likely a combustion air problem or some kind of safety switch issue? I'm hesitant to start taking things apart without knowing what I'm dealing with, but I also don't want to keep running it with the door open if that's unsafe too. …more
How to Fix Suburban SF-42 Furnace Rumble and Backfire Issues
Propane Medium 2-3 hours 105 👍

How to Fix Suburban SF-42 Furnace Rumble and Backfire Issues

I looked everywhere online for answers but as a first-time RV owner, I'm completely lost why my 2003 Alpine coach's Suburban SF-42 furnace keeps rumbling and backfiring nonstop! This thing fires up fine initially, but then it starts making these awful rumbling sounds and actually backfires through the intake - scared the hell out of me the first time it happened. The worst part is it's not heating worth a damn even though it runs constantly.

I've already cleaned what I could reach and checked for obvious blockages, but I'm wondering if this could be an air-fuel mixture issue? The unit is over 20 years old now, so I'm prepared for the possibility that major components might need replacing. Could this be related to gas pressure problems, or maybe the igniter is going bad and causing delayed ignition? I really need to understand what's actually causing these rumbling and backfire symptoms so I know what to focus on next. …more

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Suburban SW6P Water Heater Tank Replacement: Why You Need a Complete Unit
Propane Hard 4-6 hours 104 👍

Suburban SW6P Water Heater Tank Replacement: Why You Need a Complete Unit

Planning what I thought would be a simple fix for minor rust in my Suburban SW6P pilot light water heater, but now metal chunks pour out every flush. The rust is definitely coming from inside the tank.

Before I go dropping cash on a whole new unit, I'm wondering - is it possible to just swap out the tank itself? Like, can I buy just the tank part and keep my existing housing and all the fittings? And if so, where the heck would I even find a replacement tank for this thing?

Really hoping I don't have to replace the entire water heater, but I'm not sure what my options are here. Anyone dealt with this before? …more
RV Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve Leaking: Normal or Problem?
Propane Easy 30 minutes to diagnose 100 👍

RV Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve Leaking: Normal or Problem?

Our brand new 2025 Flagstaff Super lite's Suburban water heater has this annoying steady drip-drip-drip sound coming from the pressure relief valve on the outside. Been living in this thing since August and just noticed it last week.

The thing is, it's not constant - sometimes it's bone dry, other times I'll see a drop or two. We keep the electric heater running pretty much 24/7. My dealer mentioned something about draining and creating an air pocket, but honestly I'm not sure if this is just normal behavior for a new unit or if I've got a legit problem on my hands.

Anyone know if a little PRV dripping is just part of the deal with these water heaters, or should I be looking at a warranty claim here? Don't want to be that guy complaining about nothing, but also don't want to ignore something that could turn into a bigger issue down the road. …more
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