The Suburban ST-42 and ST-60 heat water on demand but have different burner ratings and model-specific electronic control-board kits. The ST-42 is the 42,000 BTU model 5381A; the ST-60 is the 60,000 BTU model 5382A. Most service parts can be identified from Suburban's factory parts list and the model plate rather than the RV's model year.
Parts pictured in this guide
Select an image for product details, or jump to the parts list. Match the complete model and part number before ordering.
Factory part numbers and model differences
| Suburban part | Service item | Model identification |
|---|---|---|
| 5381A | ST-42 complete water heater, 42,000 BTU | ST-42 only |
| 5382A | ST-60 complete water heater, 60,000 BTU | ST-60 only |
| 521338 | Electronic module-board kit | ST-42; do not use ST-60 board |
| 521339 | Electronic module-board kit | ST-60; do not use ST-42 board |
| 233665 | Water-flow sensor | ST-42 and ST-60 |
| 233676 | Manual-reset high-temperature limit switch | ST-42 and ST-60 |
| 233675 | Antifreeze temperature-limit switch | Verify exact existing assembly |
| 233658 | Combustion-airflow sensor | ST-series service part |
| 161357 | Schuste gas-valve service part | Match original Schuste valve |
| 525214 | Telco gas-valve service part | Different manufacturer valve version |
| 233678 | Digital control center | Listed in ST-series factory parts section |
| 233682 | Seven-amp service fuse | ST-series fuse; check existing marking |
| 6285AEB | Black exterior access door | ST-42/ST-60 |
| 6285APW | White exterior access door | ST-42/ST-60 |
| 525175 | ST exterior door sealing gasket | Door seal, not a complete access door |
What to identify before ordering
| Part or feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Control board | The ST-42 uses 521338 and the ST-60 uses 521339; identify the heater and the original board marking. |
| Water-flow sensing | Part 233665 detects water demand; the 233676 part is a manual-reset limit switch and serves a different purpose. |
| Gas-valve version | Suburban lists both Schuste 161357 and Telco 525214 valves. Match the installed valve; do not treat them as universal substitutes. |
| Exterior access door | The 6285AEB black and 6285APW polar-white doors fit ST-series cabinets; each door is ordered separately. |
| Electrical and water connections | The manufacturer specifies 12V DC, 0.7 GPM minimum water flow, and 1/2-inch male NPT hot/cold connections. |
| Temperature probe connectors | Match connector shape and installed part; the 2026 factory list groups female/male probe descriptions under 233685. |
Original manufacturer illustration
Suburban ST-series original unit layout and drain connection illustration. Use the full factory manual for the model-specific connection and service procedures.
Enlarge the factory illustration
Open the original manufacturer's PDF to inspect small part positions and labels.
Before choosing or replacing a component
Select replacements from the actual heater model and serial number. The board kits and gas-valve versions are not interchangeable by appearance. The manufacturer specifies professional service for gas, combustion, electrical and pressure-relief components. The heater must be drained and protected against freezing according to Suburban's instructions.
Original manufacturer reference documents
Suburban May 2026 RV Appliances Parts Manual — ST-series service parts, page 12Suburban ST-42/ST-60 original operation and installation manualSuburban ST-42/ST-60 official size, connection and BTU specificationsOther RV parts-reference pages
View the matching products
Choose a photograph to open the corresponding NewRVParts listing. Exact model and manufacturer numbers help distinguish parts that can look similar.
5381A — Suburban ST-42 42,000 BTU water heaterST-42 complete heater; check whether the exterior door is included
5382A — Suburban ST-60 60,000 BTU water heaterST-60 complete heater, not a service board
233665 — Suburban ST water-flow sensorFlow-detection part for ST-42 and ST-60
233676 — Suburban ST manual-reset temperature limit switchTemperature-safety switch, not a water-flow switch
521338 — Suburban ST-42 control-board replacement kitOnly for the matching ST-42 board configuration
521339 — Suburban ST-60 control-board replacement kitSeparate ST-60 board kit; not the ST-42 board
161357 — Suburban ST Schuste gas-control valveSchuste version; compare the original valve maker
6285AEB — Suburban black ST-series exterior access doorBlack door for ST-42/ST-60 casing