Suburban SW6DEC 6-Gal RV Water Heater | Gas/Electric DSI | 1440W

Replace or upgrade your RV water heater with the Suburban SW6DEC 6-Gallon Gas/Electric Water Heater (Part 5323A) — a dual-fuel, 6-gallon unit running on LP gas, 120V electric, or both at once for faster hot-water recovery. Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) on the gas side and a 1440-watt electric element on the AC side. Available at The RV Surplus.

⭐ What "DEC" Means in the Model Number

Suburban uses letters after the gallon size to spec the unit:

• SW — Suburban SW platform
• 6 — 6-gallon tank
• D — Direct Spark Ignition (auto-light, no manual pilot)
• E — Electric heating element (120V AC, 1440W)
• C — Corded (plug-in power cord, not hardwired)

⭐ Run on Gas, Electric, or Both

• LP only — for boondocking or dry camping (12,000 BTU/h input)
• Electric only — for shore power/generator use (1440W)
• Both together — fastest recovery during peak use (long showers, dishes back-to-back)

⚠️ "Electric" Refers to the Heating Element — Ignition is DSI

The "E" in the model name is the dual-fuel 1440W electric heating element, which lets the unit run on 120V AC power. Ignition on the gas side is Direct Spark (DSI) — no pilot to light manually.

⚠️ Access Door and Switch Sold Separately

The exterior access door and on/off switch are NOT included — required for a complete install. Compatible 6-gallon flush-mount access doors:

• Suburban 6255ACW — Colonial White
• Suburban 6255AEB — Black

⭐ Fitment — Standard 6-Gallon Cut-Out

The SW6DEC uses a standard Suburban 6-gallon opening — direct replacement for older Suburban SW6D, SW6DE, SW6DM units. Measure your existing opening before ordering.

⭐ Porcelain-Lined Tank with Replaceable Anode Rod

The porcelain lining resists corrosion; the anode rod is sacrificial and consumable — inspect at least once per season and replace when substantially eaten away, or the tank starts corroding next. This is one of the most-skipped RV maintenance items.

⭐ Before Calling It a Warranty Claim

If the unit won't fire on gas or won't heat on electric, work through basics first:

• Gas side: check LP tank pressure, listen for the DSI board clicking, confirm 12V DC at the board
• Electric side: confirm 120V AC at the plug, check the reset button on the thermostat, then the element continuity
• Tank empty of air: open a hot faucet inside the coach before switching on — never fire a dry tank

See our RV Water Heater Replacement Guide for a full walkthrough.

What's Included

• (1) Suburban SW6DEC water heater (Part 5323A)
• NOT included (sold separately): Access door and frame, on/off switch

Manufacturer Warranty

Backed by Suburban Manufacturing's standard water-heater warranty. Register with Suburban after install to activate.

Specifications

• Brand: Suburban Manufacturing
• Model: SW6DEC
• Part Number: 5323A
• Capacity: 6 gallons
• Power Type: Gas/Electric (dual fuel)
• Ignition: Direct Spark Ignition (DSI)
• Electric Element: 1440W
• Electrical Connection: Corded plug-in, 120V AC
• Gas Input: 12,000 BTU/h
• Overall Dimensions: 12.6" W × 12.6" H × 19.1" D
• Tank: Porcelain-lined steel, replaceable anode rod
• Access Door / Switch: NOT included (order 6255ACW white or 6255AEB black separately)