A straightforward, no-guesswork replacement for screw-in style RV water heater elements. The Camco 02103 restores hot water to your rig with a 1000-watt, 120-volt high watt density element that installs with standard tools and comes with the gasket you need to seal the job right.
When your RV water heater stops producing hot water and the gas side checks out fine, a failed electric heating element is usually the culprit. The Camco 02103 is engineered as a direct screw-in replacement for compatible RV water heaters that use a 1000-watt, 120-volt element. It is a high watt density design, meaning the heating surface runs at higher surface temperature -- a characteristic of the original OEM-style elements found in many RV water heaters.
The element threads directly into the tank's element port using the standard screw-in configuration. No special adapters or unusual tools required. The included rubber gasket seals the element opening against the tank flange, eliminating the need to source a separate seal before you can complete the repair.
Matches the rated wattage of original screw-in elements in compatible RV water heaters for correct recovery time.
Designed for standard 120V shore power or generator hookup -- the correct voltage for typical RV electric water heater circuits.
Comes with the tank-sealing gasket so you have everything needed to complete the replacement in one kit.
The element length requires at least an 8-inch tank diameter for proper clearance and safe operation.
Watt density refers to how much power is concentrated across the element's surface area. A high watt density element pushes more heat per square inch of surface, which matches the original design of many RV water heaters. This is a normal spec for OEM-replacement applications -- it is not a low watt density "scale-resistant" element. If your heater originally used a low watt density element, verify the correct replacement type before ordering.
Replacing a screw-in water heater element is a manageable DIY repair for most RV owners. The general process:
This element requires a minimum 8-inch tank inside diameter for safe installation and correct operation. Installing in a tank with less than 8 inches of interior clearance risks element contact with the tank wall, which creates a short-circuit or fire hazard. Confirm your tank diameter before ordering.
RV water heaters use either screw-in or flange-style elements -- these are not interchangeable. The Camco 02103 is a screw-in type. Check your existing element or your water heater's service manual to confirm you need the screw-in configuration before purchasing. Common RV brands that use screw-in elements include Atwood (now Dometic) and some Suburban models equipped for electric heating.