Suburban SW12DE (5247A)
#2 in TankFull review
A 12-gallon steel tank heater that runs on propane and electric for a straight swap in an RV with the matching cutout.
Amazon $690.92$690.92
The Suburban SW12DE (5247A) is the better RV water heater overall, rated 3.5 to 2.8. The Suburban SW12DE (5247A) leads on value. The Suburban SW12DE (5247A) costs $229.27 less ($690.92 vs $920.19).
Prices were last checked November 4, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Dometic WH-16GEA
#17 in TankFull review
A 10-gallon aluminum tank heater that runs on propane and electric for a straight swap in an RV with the matching cutout.
Amazon $920.19$920.19
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Suburban SW12DE (5247A) for value ($57.58 per gallon of tank ($690.92, 12 gal) vs $92.02 per gallon of tank ($920.19, 10 gal)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every tank RV water heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Suburban SW12DE (5247A) | Dometic WH-16GEA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 40% | 64 $57.58 per gallon of tank ($690.92, 12 gal) | 18 $92.02 per gallon of tank ($920.19, 10 gal) |
| Hot water output 35% | 51 10.1 gal/h recovery on gas | 50 recovery rate not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 25% | 50 2-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Suburban SW12DE (5247A) | Dometic WH-16GEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat and water | ||
| Input capacity | 12,000 BTU | - |
| Tank size | 12 gal | 10 gal |
| Gas recovery | 10.1 gal/h | - |
| Fuel | Propane + electric | Propane + electric |
| Fit | ||
| Weight | 47.5 lb | 25 lb |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |