Recommended Replacement for Atwood GC6AA-10E Water Heater

Updated 04/28/2026 | Published 04/10/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Dometic RV Water Heater - 10,000 Btu - Propane/Electric - 6 Gallon Tank - 120V - Black Door

(151)

$778.26

Question:

I have a 2017 Lance 855s camper. The hot water heater is an Atwood GC6AA-10E. The tank is cracked and needs replacing. Do u have direct replacement that’ll go in place. It runs on battery, ac, and gas. Thanks BN Kurt

asked by: Kurt R

Expert Reply:

Hey Kurt, hate to hear that happened.

I checked the model number you provided and there isn’t a true direct drop-in replacement for the Atwood GC6AA-10E anymore because those units have been discontinued.

The closest option is a Dometic 6-gallon gas/electric water heater # DMC33RR, which matches your propane and electric operation. The Dometic water heater is 12 ¾” x 12 ¾” compared to the Atwood being 16” x 12 ½”. So, it will physically fit in the space, but it won’t fill the original cutout. This is normal for replacing older Atwood units. Dometic includes the conversion door as a replacement for water heaters with a 16 1/2" wide cutout.

What kind of camping do you enjoy with your Lance 855s, boondocking or full hookups?

expert reply by: James D

Tom

4/28/2026

Hey Kurt, I replaced an older Atwood 6-gallon water heater earlier this year in my 2010 Tiffin Class A motorhome. The Dometic replacement unit has been working fine. My problem was that the Dometic unit is oriented north to south (front to back in the motorhome). The Atwood was oriented east to west and is smaller than the Dometic. I had to expand the compartment where the unit is located by cutting adjusting the gray tank vent tubing (PVC). It was a pain but not difficult. Also, the access panel mounted on the inside in the bathroom had to be adjusted because the backside of the tank where the water lines are connected to the tank protruded out from the access opening. This last part is still a work in progress. Check your measurements and compartment closely so you will know what adjustments, if any, will be required. I am happy with the Dometic's performance. Good luck, Tom