Recommended Replacement for Atwood GCH6A-10E RV Water Heater

Updated 06/03/2026 | Published 07/30/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Dometic RV Water Heater - 10,000 Btu - Propane/Electric - 6 Gallon Tank - 120V - No Door

(151)

$680.56

Double-Panel On/Off Switch for Dometic Gas / Electric Combination Water Heaters - White

(51)

$18.22

Question:

Hi I am looking to replace my Atwood GCH6A-10E water heater mine is leaking and I can’t seem to find a direct replacement is there one that you could recommend that would fit into my opening without doing any modifications??

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, but there is not an exact size replacement available for your Atwood GCH6A-10E water heater, which looks like was 16" wide x 12-1/2" tall x 20" deep. With that said, the closest match is theDometic RV Water Heater - Gas and Electric - Automatic Pilot - 120 Volt - 10,000 Btu - 6 Gal Tank Item # DMC74FR. which is 12-3/4L x 12-3/4W x 19-7/8 Inch deep and offers both gas and electric water heating. The Double-Panel On/Off Switch # AT91230 will allow you to power the electric and gas components on and off individually. It mount in your coach for easy operation.

I've linked a review video of this heater for you to check out.

expert reply by: Erik B

Leon

10/29/2024

The Suburban Advantage SAW6D 6 gallon Water heater will fit right in there with no changes. I do like the new Dometic WH-6GEA with the heating element out front, but you do have to have more room on the depth, the Atwood heater is only 17.5" deep and so is the Suburban Advantage.

Kate F.

10/29/2024

@Leon Yes, that is correct. The Dometic RV Water Heater - Gas and Electric - Automatic Pilot - 120 Volt - 10,000 Btu - 6 Gal Tank Item # DMC74FR is 19 7/8" deep so it would require more room.

Brian

6/1/2026

@Leon is the SAW6D a direct plug and play unit?

Kate F.

6/2/2026

@Brian Hi Brian, The Suburban Advantage # SAW6D is designed as a replacement for many 6-gallon Atwood water heaters and uses the same 12" x 16" cutout, so it is often considered a direct-fit replacement from a mounting standpoint. However, it is not always completely "plug-and-play." Depending on your existing Atwood model, you may need to adapt the gas connection, water lines, and wiring during installation. The # SAW6D includes a conversion kit to help with many Atwood replacements, but I would recommend confirming the model number of your current water heater to verify exactly what modifications, if any, will be required.