Suburban DSI Electric or Non?
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6307
Printed Date: 17 Jun 2025 at 10:49pm
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Topic: Suburban DSI Electric or Non?
Posted By: johnmaci
Subject: Suburban DSI Electric or Non?
Date Posted: 25 May 2015 at 8:06pm
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I was replacing the anode rod in my water heater and noticed a piece of white tape covering an on/off switch. Does this mean I can switch it to on in a park that has power and not use propane? I do not recall the salesman saying that the water heater was dual mode  If it is, how do you switch from propane to electric? Does it do it automatically? The suburban website lists at least 4 different DSI 6 gl models but can't tell from the pictures which one I have.... |
Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 25 May 2015 at 8:18pm
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ALL pods are built with a 2way WH. Just flip the switch to "on". You can leave the gas mode on also, or not, your preference.
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 25 May 2015 at 8:25pm
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Hi johnmaci, Sounds like you got the "get 'em off the lot"walk through. Yes, the WH is dual propane and 120 vAC. On mine, there is a switch on the heater itself accessible from the outside as well as a WH breaker on the power panel. The only potential problem I am aware of is letting the tank run dry while on 120 v. This could (will) burn out the heater element. Be advised, it's hot! Hope that helps. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 25 May 2015 at 8:30pm
| Thanks! |
Posted By: Razorbacks
Date Posted: 25 May 2015 at 10:11pm
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This might be another dumb newbie question. I was under the impression that the anode rod was for electric hot water heating. So if Johnmaci had never heated water with electricity, why was he replacing the anode rod? I am so confused. ------------- Gary and Gwen Two Old Razorbacks 2015 RP179 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 25 May 2015 at 10:15pm
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A note on turning on the electric element - it is easier to leave the outside switch on and use the circuit breaker inside the pod to turn it on/off. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 26 May 2015 at 7:43am
The anode is a sacrificial element to protect the tank, it's also the drain point when winterizing.. or draining for whatever reason. The electric heating element is a completely separate item. ------------- |
Posted By: Razorbacks
Date Posted: 26 May 2015 at 1:52pm
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Thanks furpod, I now know the anode rod is to attract and remove damaging minerals from the water. "I see, said the blind man ". ------------- Gary and Gwen Two Old Razorbacks 2015 RP179 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 May 2015 at 2:01pm
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As he picked up his hammer and saw. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: 2McPods
Date Posted: 26 May 2015 at 8:25pm
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Question, should the WH be drained after every camping trip? If not how long can the water stay in it? Also how often do you change the Anode? Thanks, Viki ------------- Everything Happens 4 A Reason Pat & Viki McCartney 2015 171 {2McPods} 2014 F150 Pittsburgh, Pa |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 27 May 2015 at 10:06am
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You can leave the water in there all season, drain it in the fall when you winterize. The anode rod requires a large socket, I think it is 1 3/16", you should check it every 1-2 years at the beginning of the season. Make sure to fill the water heater back up before you turn it on - especially electric mode since it will burn out the element instantly. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: 2McPods
Date Posted: 31 May 2015 at 8:19pm
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Thanks, I love this forum!! Can always count on an answer to any question from reliable fellow campers. Happy Camping, Viki ------------- Everything Happens 4 A Reason Pat & Viki McCartney 2015 171 {2McPods} 2014 F150 Pittsburgh, Pa |