Issue with Suburban SW10DEL Water Heater

[scott802]

Hi all,
I am having a couple of challenges with my water heater. I've recently replaced the anode rod and that was not an issue, however it seems the heater mounting screws to the coach wall probably weren't set properly during assembly at the factory (speculating) because the heater is literally pulling away from the frame of the camper. All the caulk is obviously gone. I'll take photos to further illustrate the issue when i have an opportunity. Has anyone seen this before? Short of removing the entire heater I tried tightening the screws down and due to metal that is bent where the mounting screws go in (again it looks like it came out that way) it's nearly impossible - see lots of exposed threads on those screws.

Second issue is the electric element. I know this seems like a newbie issue but truthfully in the few years I've owned the camper the water heater I've always operated it on the 'both' setting from the interior control panel. It is only when I finally attempted to run it on 'electric' only that I found out it's not heating water on the electric setting.
When i checked the electric switch in the heater control housing, I saw it was in the 'off' position and it won't operate. When I attempt to move the switch to the 'on' position the toggle will not operate. Does this mean I simply have a bad switch?
I pulled the manual to look at what it says, and sure enough the on/off switch for the electric element simply won't function.

Photos for reference from my manual.

[BB_TX]

Those switches mounted on the water heater are notorious for failing. Replace it.

[Carl n Susan]

I encountered the same problem a while back. There are only a couple of screws, into the foam wall, that hold the heater in place. There is nothing wrong with adding more. It has some kind of cradle or box to support it from the floor.

Here is a Thread that may help in understanding and fixing your mounting issue.
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=86637