[Carl n Susan]

Thanks Bob. I too went through the defective batch of thermostats and have had lots of experience changing them.
The Suburban documentation recommends 14 gauge heat resistant wire and I have that on my shopping list.

As for the element, I plan to check it out too. I don't see how its failing, it had been running for three days when things went south, could fry the wire. It should just go open and then there is no circuit. But I will take a hard look at it.

I suspect the cause is related to the sheet metal rubbing on the wires causing them to fray and ground out. There is a sharp edge on the cover where the wires run under to the switch and heater element.

I will be home this weekend and I can easily work on it there. In the meantime I am using propane for heat. No big deal.