Deadly caravan water heater warning

With the holiday season approaching, caravan and motorhome owners are being encouraged to check for potentially dangerous Suburban-branded water heaters which may emit deadly carbon monoxide.

Consumers were first alerted in 2019 after some Suburban hot water heaters were found to leak carbon monoxide while operating on LP gas.

Australia's top consumer watchdog is concerned that only a small number of the more than 18,000 affected Suburban RV water heaters, which also run on electricity, have been inspected or replaced so far under the product safety recall.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death, and exposure for a short amount of time can lead to serious injuries,” the ACCC said in a statement.

“Carbon monoxide has no smell and is unlikely to be detected. It is also highly flammable and can explode on contact with a spark or flame.

The Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC), with the ACCC’s assistance, is raising awareness of the need for repair of thousands of water heaters.

“Do not use the affected water heaters in gas mode under any circumstances,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

“It’s especially important to check your caravan’s water heater as soon as possible if you plan to go away during the summer holidays. It only takes a minute and it could save the lives of your loved ones.

“We are concerned that a large number of deadly heaters remain in caravans and RVs because owners have not yet contacted Coast to Coast for an inspection."

Long wait for replacement units

The ACCC said that since Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure notified a recall for Suburban Recreational Vehicle Water Heaters in late-2019 due to their serious safety hazards, gas regulators have been working with the distributor to identify a suitable safe replacement water heater.

After replacement models initially proposed by Suburban, the overseas manufacturer, failed testing, a safe model was finally produced and approved for use in July 2020.

"Remediation could not commence until the GTRC was satisfied of the safety of the replacement units. The supplier then needed to import sufficient units from the US manufacturer, at a time when their supply chains were impacted by the pandemic situation," the ACCC said.

"The supplier advises stocks of replacement units are now in hand and they are keen to get remediation happening quickly. To date, only 210 units have been remediated or scheduled for inspection, and the supplier would like to encourage greater consumer response to the recall."

All up, 18,139 heaters manufactured between April 4, 2018 and August 1, 2019 are affected, and can be identified by model numbers SW6DEA, SW6DA, SW4DEA, SW4DA, SW4DECA, SW6DECA and SW6PA that have serial numbers between 181315552 and 193002648 (some serial numbers may end with a 'D') and between 8183311827 and 8190201139.

RV owners can check if their heater is affected by opening the exterior access door to the hot water service and checking the model and serial number located on the right hand side. They should then enter the serial number at the Coast-to-Coast website.

“Anyone with an affected water heater should urgently contact Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure on 02 9645 7685 who will arrange for a licensed gasfitter to inspect their water heater free of charge,” Ms Rickard said.

Consumers will not have to cover any costs related to the supply and installation of the new water heater, or any required associated work, such as the modification of cavity and gas and/or water lines.

Consumers who experience difficulties obtaining a timely remedy should contact Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure, their state or territory gas regulator or the ACCC online.