Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric Review

Let’s Talk About Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric

For over 50 years, Suburban Manufacturing has been a trusted name in the RV industry, and their Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric embodies their commitment to quality and innovation. This 12-gallon water heater combines direct spark ignition (DSI) with electric heating, offering versatile and reliable hot water for your RV adventures. With its increased capacity and user-friendly design, it promises a more comfortable and convenient camping experience.

My search for a new RV water heater began after my old 6-gallon unit consistently left me shivering during showers on extended trips. I needed something with more capacity and a faster recovery time, and the Suburban model seemed to fit the bill. The combination of gas and electric operation was a major selling point, offering flexibility depending on campground hookups and propane availability.

Unboxing the Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric revealed a well-built unit, surprisingly lightweight considering its 12-gallon capacity. The exterior finish appeared durable, and the overall construction seemed robust and ready to withstand the rigors of RV travel. The compact design was also a pleasant surprise, suggesting an easy installation process.

I considered the Atwood 94022 10-gallon and the Girard 2GWHAM 6-gallon tankless models before settling on the Suburban. I chose the Suburban due to its larger tank size compared to the Atwood and the proven reliability of a tank-style heater over the more complex tankless systems. Plus, the Suburban’s reputation for easy installation and maintenance further solidified my decision.

My first impression was positive; the Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric seemed like a significant upgrade from my previous water heater. The larger capacity and dual heating options promised a more comfortable and convenient RVing experience, something I was definitely excited about. Hopefully, my days of cold showers were finally over.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric during a week-long camping trip in the Oregon high desert. The weather was variable, ranging from cool mornings to hot afternoons, with a couple of unexpected rain showers thrown in for good measure. The test involved daily showers, dishwashing, and general hot water use for cleaning.

The heater performed flawlessly in all conditions. The DSI ignition fired up quickly and reliably, even in slightly windy conditions, and the electric element provided consistent hot water when connected to shore power. The 12-gallon capacity proved to be ample for our needs, allowing for comfortable showers without the need to ration water.

The ease of use was exceptional. The simple control panel made it easy to switch between gas and electric operation, and the temperature remained consistent throughout our usage. There were no issues or surprises after the first use; it simply worked as advertised.

Extended Use & Reliability

After six months of regular use, the Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric continues to impress. It has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite frequent use and exposure to varying weather conditions. The tank has maintained its integrity, and the heating elements continue to function efficiently.

The durability has been outstanding. The exterior finish still looks new, and there are no leaks or signs of corrosion. The unit is easy to clean and maintain; a simple flush of the tank every few months keeps it running smoothly.

Compared to my previous water heater, the Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric is a clear winner. It outperforms my old unit in every aspect, from capacity and recovery time to reliability and ease of use. I couldn’t be happier with the upgrade.

Breaking Down the Features of Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric

Specifications

• Gallon Capacity: 12 gallons, providing ample hot water for multiple users. This means longer, more comfortable showers without constantly worrying about running out of hot water.
• Input BTU/h (Gas): 12,000 BTU/h, ensuring a quick recovery time when operating on propane. A high BTU rating allows the heater to rapidly heat the water, reducing waiting time.
• Input Watts (Electric): 1440 Watts, providing a convenient and efficient heating option when connected to shore power. Electric operation eliminates the need for propane, saving fuel and money.
• Recovery Rate (Gas): 10.1 Gallons per Hour, enabling rapid reheating after hot water usage. This fast recovery ensures a continuous supply of hot water, even with heavy use.
• Recovery Rate (Electric): 6.1 Gallons per Hour, providing a decent recovery rate when operating on electric power. While slower than gas, the electric recovery is still sufficient for most RV needs.
• Ignition Type: Direct Spark Ignition (DSI), offering reliable and automatic ignition of the propane burner. DSI eliminates the need for a pilot light, increasing safety and convenience.
• Tank Material: Steel glass lined with anode rod protection, extending the life of the tank by preventing corrosion. The glass lining and anode rod work together to protect the steel tank from rust and deterioration.

Performance & Functionality

The Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric excels at its primary function: providing hot water consistently and reliably. The combination of gas and electric operation provides flexibility and peace of mind. The DSI ignition is dependable, and the recovery rates are impressive.

The main strength lies in its versatility and capacity. The ability to switch between gas and electric heating, combined with the generous 12-gallon tank, makes it suitable for a wide range of RVing scenarios. One area for potential improvement is the electric recovery rate, which could be faster.

Overall, the Suburban water heater meets and exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promises and provides a significant upgrade in comfort and convenience. The unit is designed to be simple and effective, and it achieves that goal admirably.

Design & Ergonomics

The Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric features a practical and functional design. The materials used are durable and corrosion-resistant, and the unit feels well-built and robust. Its weight is manageable, making installation relatively easy.

The control panel is user-friendly and intuitive, with clear labeling and simple controls. The unit requires minimal learning curve, making it easy for even novice RVers to operate. The design prioritizes functionality and reliability over aesthetics.

Durability & Maintenance

The Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric is built to last. The steel glass-lined tank and anode rod protection ensure a long service life, even with frequent use. The unit is designed for easy maintenance, with simple access to the tank for flushing and anode rod replacement.

With proper care and maintenance, this water heater should last for many years. Regular flushing of the tank and replacement of the anode rod (as needed) will help to prevent corrosion and extend its lifespan. The unit is also relatively easy to repair, with readily available replacement parts.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric comes with the necessary hardware for installation, including gas and water connections. Some RVers choose to add an external temperature gauge for more precise monitoring. A tank flush kit can also make maintenance easier.

While not strictly customization options, there are aftermarket insulation blankets available to improve efficiency, though generally these units are very well insulated from the factory. The unit is also compatible with most standard RV water connections and fittings.

Pros and Cons of Suburban Mfg 5247A Water Heater Sw12De 12 Gal Dsi & Electric