American Appliance Manufacture Company

[DND58]

New guy here.
I have a 1986 Alpenlite 5th wheel and the water heater has started leaking. That heater is American Appliance Model #E55RV6-R1. I can not find a cross reference as to what is compatible. I know they were bought by Sururban in 1986. I think the SW6DE may be a replacement, but would ask the collective if I'm correct. Also electrical and I are not the best of friends. Is this a DIY job? I have some skills.

Thanks in advance!
Dean

[Old-Biscuit]

You will need to measure the Water Heater cutout and compare it to the Suburban SW6DE which is a 6 gallon Gas & ELECTRIC direct spark model

Is your American Gas AND ELECTRIC??

SW6DE cutout dimensions........12.75" wide x 12.75" high x 19 3/16" deep



Installation Manual
https://forestriverinc.com/files/Com...n%20Manual.pdf

[DND58]

Thanks for the reply. I'll get a look at that opening today.

The american is both gas and electric. Gas was manual to light a pilot light outside, then turn gas valve to on. 110v was just a switch mounted on side of heater inside the camper, on/off. Power supply for the gas ignition and mounting a switch for control has me concerned.

DND58

[Old-Biscuit]

You can purchase a Suburban On/Off Switch with fault light for the Gas

Just need to run 12VDC POS FUSED wire to switch,
DC NEG wire to DC Junction Box and NEG from Junction Box to Switch
Red DC POS from switch to DC Junction Box
Blue wire from Junction Box to Switch Fault Light

120VAC ....OEM ON/Off Switch is in outside compartment
Just need 120VAC Black (HOT) from 15A Circuit Breaker to the OEM Switch AND a White (Neutral) from Element to Main AC Panel Neutral Buss Bar
*Should be able to use existing AC wiring/circuit breaker