Suburban Water Heater Thermostat Problems

[hausknwa]

We have a 2012 351 RLTS with a 12 gallon Suburban water heater Model SW12DEL. I am looking for some wisdom pertaining to the thermostats on the heater. I just ordered my 3rd thermostat (they last about 2 to 3 months)for the electric side of the heater. Suburban replaced the first one free. They seem to be rather flimsy for the amount of current that would be flowing through them. I don't think the problem is related to the voltage in the campgroung as I have a good voltage protector installed. Does anyone have a suggestion as to a heavier duty replacement?

The second problem I am having is with the thermostat on the gas side of the heater. The water gets extremely hot before it shuts off. In fact it gets hot enought that the TP vlave weeps. Does anyone know if there is a replacement thermostat that is adjustable ie hotter or cooler water temp? I have made sure that the thermostat is setting flush against the side of the tank and the cover is on to minimize heat loss. I even tried placing a little insulation over the cover to see if it would help.

Let the wisdom flow!! The DW would really appreciate something between a cold shower and a scalding hot steam bath. Thanks in advance for your help.

[edatlanta]

I haven't had the problem you describe with the electric thermostat, but I do have a problem with the propane thermostat. It doesn't keep the water as hot as it should, but only occasionally. Sometimes it doesn't allow the heater to heat at all. I simple off/on on the switch turns it back on.

I do have a replacement thermostat, but haven't installed it yet. That may be today's project since the water wasn't hot this morning.

[hausknwa]

Ed, Is the replacement the same as the original or did you find something different? Please let me know if it makes a difference. Thanks

[edatlanta]

I will be replacing with the original part number hausknwa. I was going to do it today, but it rained all day so I'm running on electric until the rain stops. Maybe tomorrow.

Why am I running it on propane all the time vs electric? I have a 150 gallon external tank here at my home base and propane here is cheaper/btu than electricity. Not much cheaper, but a little.

[hausknwa]

Ed, I picked up a new 120V thermostat yesterday. It came directly from Suburban and looks to be a little better quality than what we on the heater originally. Seems to be working fine. I ordered a new one for the 12V gas side. Should be in Tuesday and we will see how that works. The dealer sold 2 yesterday so we must not be the only ones having problems. Just wish I could find a more substantial replacement.

[edatlanta]

I replaced the propane side thermostat this morning. It made a major difference in the temperature of the water.

No problems with the electric side thermostat yet, but I'm going to get a spare for each for future use.