LP Gas + Electric | 10,000 BTU | Direct Spark Ignition | Replaces Suburban & Dometic Models
Upgrade your RV's hot water system with the GE Profile PR06DSATBA, a smart dual-fuel water heater engineered for reliable performance and easy installation. With a generous 6-gallon capacity, this unit provides ample hot water for showers, dishwashing, and all your RV needs. The intelligent dual-fuel design lets you operate on LP gas, electric power, or both simultaneously for maximum flexibility and faster recovery times.
Featuring a powerful 10,000 BTU gas burner and a 1440-watt stainless steel electric element, this water heater delivers fast heating and quick recovery when you need it most. The direct spark ignition (DSI) system eliminates the need for a standing pilot light, improving efficiency and reliability. Designed to fit standard RV water heater cutouts, the PR06DSATBA is a seamless replacement for select Suburban and Dometic models, making upgrades simple and straightforward.
Operate on gas, electric, or both for faster heating and energy versatility
Gas burner provides fast heating and quick recovery for on-demand hot water
Fits standard cutouts - replaces Suburban SW6DEL & Dometic WH-6GEA models
Direct spark ignition - no pilot light needed for efficient, reliable startup
This water heater does NOT include an exterior door or indoor switch. You MUST purchase BOTH components separately for a complete, functional system: Exterior Access Door: • PM6BRS - Black exterior door • PM6WRS - White exterior door Indoor Toggle Control Switch: • PMBSRS - Black switch • PMCSRS - White switch ⚠️ WARNING: Competing manufacturers' doors and switches are NOT interchangeable with this GE unit. Only GE Profile door and switch assemblies (listed above) will fit properly.
The PR06DSATBA is engineered as a seamless upgrade for the following 6-gallon RV water heaters: Replaces Dometic/Atwood Models: • Dometic 94002SP • Dometic WH-6GEA Replaces Suburban Models: • Suburban SW6DEL • Suburban SW6DELC Note: Fits existing cutouts and is compatible with existing on/off switches from these models. However, you MUST purchase a new GE Profile door (PM6BRS or PM6WRS) as part of the upgrade. Doors from Dometic and Suburban will NOT fit this unit.
IMPORTANT COMPATIBILITY NOTICE: This GE Profile water heater is designed to fit Suburban and Dometic 6-gallon cutouts ONLY. It will NOT fit cutouts designed for: • Atwood GC6AA-10E models • Other Atwood gas/electric water heaters Atwood uses different cutout dimensions and mounting configurations. If you currently have an Atwood water heater, you'll need to either: (1) Modify your RV sidewall cutout (not recommended), or (2) Choose an appropriate Dometic or Suburban replacement designed for Atwood cutouts. Always measure your existing cutout before ordering: Standard cutout dimensions for this unit are 12.75" H x 12.75" W x 18.75" D.
Professional Installation Recommended Basic Installation Steps: 1. Turn off LP gas, 120V power, and water supply 2. Drain existing water heater completely 3. Disconnect propane, electric, and water lines 4. Remove old water heater and door assembly 5. Install new GE Profile door frame to cutout 6. Position PR06DSATBA into cutout, seal with putty tape 7. Connect 1/2" water lines (inlet/outlet) 8. Connect 3/8" propane line (use leak detector) 9. Plug in 6-foot power cord to 120V outlet 10. Connect 12V power for DSI ignition system 11. Install toggle switch inside RV 12. Fill tank, check for leaks, test both fuel sources Note: Installation requires intermediate knowledge of RV plumbing, electrical, and propane systems. Hire a qualified RV technician if you're unfamiliar with these systems.
In The Box: • PR06DSATBA Water Heater Tank with DSI System • Factory-Installed 6-Foot Power Cord • Owner's Manual • Warranty Documentation
Running both gas and electric simultaneously provides the fastest recovery rate, perfect for families or when you need multiple showers in quick succession. Choose your mode based on available power sources and hot water needs.
Product Manuals:Download the GE Appliances PR06DSATBA Dual Fuel RV Water Heater Owner's Manual Technical Support: Phone: 1-800-943-8186 (GE RV Products) Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-6PM EST Warranty Information: 2-Year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty Covers defects in materials and workmanship Warranty is transferable to new owners Product Registration: Register at: www.geappliances.com
A: You MUST purchase a new GE Profile door (PM6BRS for black or PM6WRS for white). Doors from Suburban, Dometic, and Atwood water heaters will NOT fit this unit due to different mounting configurations and dimensions. However, if you're replacing a Suburban SW6DEL or Dometic WH-6GEA, your existing on/off switch is compatible and can be reused - you don't need to buy a new switch unless you want to match colors or upgrade. Budget for the door as a required purchase when ordering this water heater. The door typically costs $80-120 depending on retailer.
A: Yes, the PR06DSATBA is specifically engineered to replace the Suburban SW6DEL and SW6DELC models. The cutout dimensions are identical (12.75" x 12.75" x 18.75"), and your existing on/off switch will work with the new unit. You'll only need to purchase a new GE Profile exterior door (PM6BRS or PM6WRS). The installation process is straightforward: drain and disconnect your old Suburban, remove it, install the new GE door frame, position the PR06DSATBA, and reconnect your propane, water, and electrical lines. Your 12V ignition wiring should also be compatible. Most RV owners complete this upgrade in 2-4 hours.
A: Yes, you can absolutely run both gas and electric simultaneously - this is one of the major advantages of dual-fuel operation! When you run both heating sources together, you get maximum recovery rate, which is perfect when multiple people need showers back-to-back or you're running the dishwasher while someone's showering. Gas-only gives you fast recovery, electric-only provides moderate recovery with lower propane usage, and gas+electric together provides the fastest possible recovery. You control which mode you're using via the toggle switch inside your RV. Most RVers use electric-only when plugged into shore power to save propane, and switch to gas when boondocking.
A: No, unfortunately the PR06DSATBA will NOT fit Atwood water heater cutouts. Atwood uses different cutout dimensions and mounting configurations than Suburban and Dometic models. This GE unit is designed specifically for Suburban and Dometic 6-gallon cutouts only. If you currently have an Atwood water heater and want to upgrade, you have two options: (1) Purchase a Dometic water heater designed to replace Atwood models (like the Dometic WH-6GEA with appropriate door kit), or (2) Have a qualified RV technician modify your sidewall cutout to accept this GE unit (expensive and not recommended). Always verify your existing brand before ordering a replacement.
A: Direct spark ignition is significantly better than old-style pilot lights for several reasons: (1) No wasted propane - pilot lights burn 24/7 even when you're not using hot water, consuming propane unnecessarily, (2) More reliable - DSI systems are electronic (powered by your RV's 12V system) and don't blow out from wind or vibration while driving, (3) Safer - no continuously burning flame means less fire risk, (4) Easier operation - just flip the switch inside your RV and the DSI automatically lights the burner when needed. The only requirement is that your RV's 12V battery system must be working. If your battery is dead, the gas mode won't function (but electric mode will still work if you have shore power).
A: Heating time depends on which mode you're using. On gas only (10,000 BTU), expect about 15-20 minutes to heat a full 6-gallon tank from cold to hot (140°F). On electric only (1440W), it takes approximately 30-40 minutes for a full heat cycle. When running both gas and electric simultaneously, you can heat the full tank in roughly 12-15 minutes. Recovery time (reheating after partial use) is faster - if you use 2 gallons for a shower, recovery takes just 5-7 minutes on gas or 10-12 minutes on electric. The low-watt density element prevents overheating and extends the element's lifespan compared to high-watt elements that heat faster but burn out sooner.
A: A 6-gallon tank is generally sufficient for 2-3 people with normal usage patterns. One person can typically get a 5-8 minute shower from a full 6-gallon tank (depending on flow rate and mixing with cold water). If you have a family of 4+ or like longer showers, consider the 10-gallon model (PR10DSATBA) for more capacity. However, many families successfully use 6-gallon tanks by: (1) Taking showers back-to-back to take advantage of the quick recovery time, (2) Running both gas and electric for maximum recovery between showers, (3) Using navy showers (wet, soap, rinse) to conserve water. Remember that with dual-fuel operation and quick recovery, you have more usable hot water than the tank capacity suggests. A 6-gallon tank with 15-minute recovery can provide much more than 6 gallons over the course of an hour.
A: No, winterization procedures are the same as any RV water heater. Before freezing temperatures, you must: (1) Turn off gas and electric power to the water heater, (2) Remove the drain plug and let all water drain out completely, (3) Open the pressure relief valve to ensure complete drainage, (4) You can bypass the water heater when running RV antifreeze through your system, or (5) Some RVers blow compressed air through the water lines instead of using antifreeze. The porcelain enamel tank design makes the anode rod easily accessible for maintenance. Unlike some Dometic aluminum tanks that don't require anode rods, this unit has a traditional porcelain-lined steel tank with an anode rod that should be inspected annually and replaced when significantly corroded (typically every 1-2 years depending on water quality).
A: The PR06DSATBA comes with a 2-year limited manufacturer's warranty from GE Appliances covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. The warranty typically covers both parts and labor when service is performed by authorized service centers. However, warranty coverage does NOT include: damage from improper installation, freezing damage (failure to winterize), damage from sediment buildup (lack of maintenance), normal wear items like the anode rod, or damage from incorrect power supply. To maintain warranty coverage, keep your purchase receipt, register the product with GE, and perform annual maintenance (drain tank, check anode rod, flush sediment). If you hire a professional for installation, get documentation as proof of proper installation - this can be important for warranty claims. Contact GE at 1-800-943-8186 for specific warranty questions.
A: Installation requires intermediate-level knowledge of RV plumbing, electrical systems (both 120V and 12V), and LP gas systems. If you're comfortable working with all three systems and have successfully completed similar RV projects, self-installation is possible following the manual's instructions. However, professional installation is recommended for several reasons: (1) LP gas connections must be leak-free and properly tested - gas leaks are dangerous, (2) 120V electrical connections must meet code and be properly grounded, (3) 12V wiring for the DSI system must be correctly connected, (4) Water connections must be sealed to prevent leaks that can damage your RV interior, (5) Improper installation can void your warranty. Most RV service centers charge $200-400 for installation labor. If you're unsure about any aspect of the installation, hiring a professional is worth the cost for safety and peace of mind.