Updated January 2, 2024
RV camping is enjoyable, but it’s miserable if you can’t get hot water. When you can’t stand taking an icy cold shower in the winter, it can even get worse. We’ll examine some of the top RV water heaters available now in this article. Your shower and faucets can receive instantaneous hot water thanks to these gadgets.
Table of Contents
Girard 2GWHAM On-Demand Tankless Water Heater
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE — At 42,000 BTUs, this continuous hot water heater provides optimal performance for RV plumbing. The quiet, brushless motor runs on 12V power that operates at less than three amps for a nearly noiseless operation
The Girard 2GWHAM On-Demand Tankless Water Heater is one of the Best RV Water Heater in 2023. It provides the homeowner with an efficient and easy-to-use model that gets the job done smoothly. And it also has some pretty cool features that should put this at the top of your list. One of these features is its construction with a built-in microprocessor, which can track incoming low temperatures. In fact, you don’t just look at it; it also adjusts the necessary heat requirements for the winter season. It also has protection against frost, which makes it specially prepared to survive the winter months. If you’re a full-time or winter camper, there aren’t many better options than this Girard RV Tankless Water Heater, given features like these.
This Girard tankless water heater offers an impressive 42,000 BTUs, delivering hot water even in large RVs. I love that it offers an infinite amount of hot water whenever I need it, and I never have to worry about running out of water in the middle of the shower. The heater also maintains an even water flow through a built-in microprocessor designed to automatically detect and adjust the temperature. With no reservoir, the radiator setup is small and straightforward. It is not necessary to connect LPG lines, anodes or bypass valves to the system. You can also use gas or electricity, benefiting from a 12-volt DC power supply that operates safely at less than three amps.
Precision Temp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater
One of the most versatile products on this list, the Precision Temp RV 550 Tankless Water Heater, has been proven to work effectively in many different situations. It has proven that it can deliver peak performance in RVs, tiny homes, trailers, cabins, and even mobile wash services. It thrives in all of these situations for a fairly simple reason: its design. PrecisionTemp created this device to make sure it was as light and compact as possible, making it easily manageable / mobile.
Designed specifically for RVs and other small structures, this wall-mounted propane unit requires only half the space and propane used by traditional 10-gallon tank models. Approximately 940 gallons of hot water can be produced from a single 20-pound tank of propane, while the unit itself weighs just 32 pounds. The unit also uses only 1.5 amps of power in normal operation and 3 amps when configured for cold weather protection. The RV-550 features automatic gas modulation, allowing you to self-adjust gas usage by monitoring water flow and temperature. As a result, you will get a more consistent temperature without being affected by the weather outside.
It also helps that this particular water heater is among the easiest to install on the market. In fact, the installation process was routinely praised in customer reviews, which is a rare thing for products like a RV water heater. And once installed, it will heat up your water blazingly fast with its 55,000 BTU power. The 1.5 GPM (gallons per minute) flow rate isn’t a bad touch either and should be able to provide you with a high-quality shower anytime you need it. This unit is also highly energy efficient and works smart as it can self-adjust based on incoming weather conditions. And the last feature to put on the pro column is its low noise operating level of rv tankless water heaters.
Suburban 5117A Water Heater
- Package Dimensions: 53.086 cm (L) X 34.544 cm (W) X 32.512 cm (H)
Suburban has a reputation for offering high-quality products to their clients as one of the leading producers of tank-based RV water heaters. This is also true for the Suburban 5117A Water Heater. This model comes with a porcelain steel tank, which will preserve it in excellent shape. It also includes an anode rod, which aids in this process by decreasing the damage caused by hot water over time.
The installation method for this model is also not too tough, which is always a nice touch. It shouldn’t take more than 25 minutes, and the accompanying instruction manual has been consistently complimented in customer evaluations to confirm it. Another good selling point is its low price. By all accounts, this RV water heater will ensure that you always have access to hot water and will have a lifespan that much beyond what you can expect from the majority of these items. In the end, it’s a good, unremarkable option that will get the job done without causing you too much trouble.
Atwood GC6AA-10E RV Water Heater
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The Atwood GC6AA-10E RV water heater provides the user with some of the best water pressures you will receive from any water heater. As a result, it gives you one of the best shower experiences you can find in an RV. It is also made from a very durable material that has been shown to resist the terrible effects of rust and corrosion. In fact, this product comes with an aluminum rod that acts as an anode rod and protects your water heater for at least 10-15 years.
It has a high BTU input of 8,800 BTUs and a high recovery rate. For the electric element, it can provide a hot water output totaling 11.6 gal / hr on LP and 6.2 gal / hr on electricity. When combined, 17.8 gal / hr is the total recovery rate. The unit gives you more options and flexibility to use one or both items. It weighs 18 pounds and has an overall dimensions of 17 x 15 x 15 inches. This model is one of the lightweight and compact models in its class and fits most RVs, trailers, small homes and mobile homes.
Suburban 5243A Water Heater
- Indoor switch for control and operation
When you travel off-grid or run out of gas, the Suburban 5243A gas/electric hybrid RV water heater gives you flexibility and options. Depending on how cold the water is that you are heating, how hot you prefer your shower, and how long you want to shower, the 10-gallon capacity gives you between an 8- and 10-minute hot shower. You don’t have to fight the elements to get hot water with this RV water heater because it features a handy inside switch that lets you convert between gas and electric as needed. The installation is simple enough to be completed by a do-it-yourselfer for hot water on demand, thereby lowering the already competitive price of this RV water heater.
Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM Portable Outdoor Tankless Propane Water Heater
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Camplux is a brand dedicated to making your outdoor life enjoyable. It provides products that make your outdoor life easy and smooth. Camplux Portable Outdoor Tankless Propane Water Heater is another great offering from them. If you are having a van life or camping it is a perfect fit to provide you warm water. On top of that this Portable Outdoor Tankless Propane Water Heater is CSA approved. It is perfect and easy to move a water heating system that would perfectly fit your van. You can set the minimum and maximum heat and it does the job accordingly.
Heated water protects against excess heat beyond this point has it protects you from burns, you will not be able to heat water like a few other models. Safety is a major concern for the complex, as these radiators have flame cut-off devices. This means that if there is not enough water in the pump, it will stop to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide. Also, it has a safety stop to protect the oxygen as well as the antifreeze.
Snow protection helps to prevent metal coils from becoming brittle and broken when stored in cold weather. Lack of Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM Portable Outdoor Tankless Propane Water Heater is the best RV Water Heaters in 2023
Reliance 6 6 SOMS K 6 Gallon Compact Electric Water Heater”]
- Ideal for under counter or crawl space installation
If you are looking for a small-sized water heater then this water heater from Reliance would be a great choice. It can be installed pretty easily by the user. Cold water inflow and hot water outflow mechanisms are on the side of this heater. There is also a pressure relief valve. This valve ensures temperature and pressure protection.
All these unique features make this water heater a great choice for your van. There are so many good reviews about this product on Amazon from the customers.On the other hand, there are some criticisms about this product as well. Not having a front panel for temperature control is a red flag for some customers. They have pointed it out. The pressure relief valve can be faulty sometimes.
Reliance 6 6 SOMS K 6 Gallon Compact Electric Water Heater is the best Water Heater for Van in 2023
Eccotemp L5 Portable Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
- Lightweight, easy to carry, and compact, making it great for camping, off-grid use, washing your pets and outdoor showers.
Eccotemp L5 Portable Tankless Water Heater can provide the warm water you need while having a van life. It can provide 1.4 gallons of hot water in a minute! This water heater is designed and developed in Summerville SC USA. Again this is legally CSA certified portable water heater that perfectly fits your van. So it is sold legally in the USA and Canada market. This water heater is so much lightweight and easy to carry. It comes with a compact size. Installing it inside your van is not very difficult to do.
You can choose the power source of this water heater according to your convenience. The dedicated support team is there through live chat and 24/7 self-help desk. Moreover, there comes a manual with it to guide you about using it. With manual and expert technical support it is highly unlikely that you will face any complication. You have the control of adjusting water and gas flow to get your desired temperature.
This portable water heater works with two D batteries, much like the last two products. It has a safety stop that is activated if the device is operated for more than 20 minutes, or tilted more than 45 degrees to ensure that no accidents of any kind occur. It takes a higher 20PSI time to turn on the ignition, but it is still under most of the pumps that people will use and it has rated the hot water output at 1.5 GB.
The shower head provided by Eccotemp lets you choose from a variety of pressure spray settings that suit you perfectly. This is a somewhat improved experience compared to other products. During installation, this radiator includes all the necessary adapters and fittings in the box. It includes one year warranty for the device.
Eccotemp L5 Portable Outdoor Tankless Water Heater is the best Water Heater for campervan in 2023
EZ 101 Tankless Water Heater
- At 2 GPM (gallons per minute) this unit can easily provide enough hot water for your campsite or RV
A portable propane-powered tankless water heater with capabilities you wouldn’t anticipate at this price is the EZ 101. There are two D-cell batteries that power the ignition. The propane burns when a hot water faucet is switched on and goes out when the faucet is turned off to save both them and the propane supply. If the heater is used inside the RV, a 20-minute timer shuts it off automatically to lower the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Three dials located on the front of the machine make it simple to change the water flow and temperature. The unit can freeze in cold conditions because of the on-demand heating. Some customers claim that it is unable of adequately heating water from cold sources. Others worry about reliability over the long run.
EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
- Endless On-Demand Hot Water; Consistent hot water when you need it that never runs out; Continuously monitored water temperature and controlled flow rates ensure efficiency and consistent performance within 1 degree of selected temperature.Amperage Draw : 54 A.Special Features: Energy Efficient
When you are on the road living in a van looking for your next adventure, you can consider this water heater. This water heater can help you to have the needed hot water. You can think about adding a garden hose and a propane tank then you can be sure that you will be able to enjoy the hot water no matter where you are.
This Eccotemp water heater can reach the temperature between 50 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use 2 “D” cell batteries to power up the heater in case there is no electricity available. The installation process is much easier for a user. The temperature control mechanism is also easy and it is lightweight. So considering all the features of this water heater, it perfectly fits your need while being in a van.
The manual of this water heater comes in a nicely printed paperback book. Also, it is written in several languages to make the installation easier.
EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater is one of the best Water Heaters for RV in 2023
Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000
- CONVENIENT HOT WATER HEATER: 4 gallon point-of-use mini-tank fits under your sink to provide hot water right where you need it. Thermal efficiency is 98%. Dimensions : 13.75 W x 13.75 H x 13.5 D Inches
You can consider having this mini-tank water heater for your van easily. The water gets heated within very less time. This Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater is available in three compact sizes. You have the option to wall-hung it or keep it floor mounted. It can easily fit your van, kitchen sink, cabinet space, and many other places. It has a very sleek and nice design that doesn’t make it look overwhelming for a small place. It matches with the interior decoration of your house because of the size.
The installation process is also very easy. You just have to tap into the water line, and then you can install the water heater to the predetermined space. So, even when you are not living in your van, you can set it up in the place of your house where you need a hot water supply.
What to Look For in a RV Water Heater Buying Guide
With so many various water heaters on the market, it might be difficult to choose the ideal one for your camper. Fortunately, there are a few considerations that might assist you in selecting the best RV water heater.
Fuel Source
Electric
Because it is safe and reasonably energy efficient, electricity is a popular method of powering water heaters in RVs. They’re also adaptable, as they can run on generator power or via an RV park connection. Electric RV water heaters, on the other hand, warm water slowly and might be costly to operate.
Many RV water heaters may now operate on both electricity and liquid propane as needed. Campers will never run out of power again, even if they lose access to the grid or on-board energy.
Propane
To provide hot water throughout the vehicle, most entry-level RVs, as well as many older vehicles, employ a liquid propane RV water heater. This is one of the oldest and most tried-and-true heating methods. While liquid propane is dependable, it is not the most energy-efficient or cost-effective option. It also poses more risks than other types of heating systems.
There are two types of liquid propane heaters: those with a manual pilot light and those with direct spark ignition. A manual pilot light must be manually restarted when it burns out, whereas a direct spark ignition system detects and operates an igniter automatically.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is gaining popularity as a source of house heating these days. It is both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.Despite having around one-third the energy density of propane, it is not easily available in a tank at the consumer level.
However, if you have a motorhome that you park for the season at an RV park or campground that has natural gas, a natural gas tankless water heater may be on your radar.
Size
Tank heaters typically have a holding capacity of 6 to 10 gallons. In general, the size of the heater you select will be determined not just by space limits, but also by the number of people traveling in your RV. With more people, you may need a larger tank to avoid running out of hot water.
Some RV water heaters advertise 16-gallon tanks, but this isn’t always the case. While tankless heaters can deliver a larger quantity of hot water, the tank itself is only about 10 gallons. To make the water stay longer, it is heated to severe degrees and then blended with cold water. When determining the size of a heater, the recovery rate is also significant. This is the amount of water that a tank heater can provide within an hour of being drained. Larger heaters recover at a slower rate because it takes longer to heat the volume of water inside.
Easy to Install
Your water heater, whether tanked or tankless, should be simple to install. Examine the manufacturer’s installation instructions as well as other customer reviews to determine your level of comfort with DIY installation. All of our best picks should be quite simple to install on your own.
Tank or Tankless
The most important question looming over this entire process is whether you should go tank or tankless. As previously stated, there are advantages and disadvantages to falling on either side of this debate. Tank-based models, for example, will get the job done while costing substantially less than a tankless model upfront. However, these types are larger and take up more room, and they do not provide the technological upgrades that a tankless unit would.
Energy Consumption
Many RV owners are concerned about energy efficiency, especially when it comes to appliances like water heaters. Unless you have access to a power outlet, you will most likely have to limit your energy consumption. Tankless water heaters are the most energy-efficient since the heating element is only activated when needed. While it may appear contradictory, propane heaters are also more energy-efficient than electric heaters, with motoraid types being the most efficient of them.
A water heater’s heating capacity also has an impact on energy efficiency. This rating is expressed in British Thermal Units, abbreviated as BTUs. The higher the rating for heating capacity, the more efficient a unit is. Most RV water heaters have a BTU rating of 30,000 to 50,000.
If you have an outdated water heater, no matter what type it is, replacing it is one of the finest things you can do to lower your energy consumption. Every day, technology advances, and modern RV water heater types tend to use far less energy than ones produced a decade or two ago. You can make your next camping trip more comfortable with the correct water heater for your camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to install a RV water heater?
Installing a tankless water heater in your RV actually involves mounting your selected unit, connecting the gas, water and electricity lines and installing the exhaust duct. However, it should be noted that if you can perform the mentioned steps manually, it is a bit dangerous if you do not do it properly and are not familiar with the whole process. In this case, it would be best to seek help from a qualified and licensed professional installer who is able to comply with local plumbing, electrical, gas and ventilation codes. That way, you don’t end up working with an unwanted installed and unprofessional water heater.
How to turn on a RV water heater?
You need simple steps to turn on your RV’s water heater. In most cases, this involves testing the unit bypass soup first, after it has flowed into the primary tank of water after opening. Your next choice is to link your RVT to the nearest water price. With an on-board pump, you can start pumping water. This is also a good time to open the hot water faucet. Once lit, you can wait for water to flow through the heating tank line. Make sure it fills the line so that the water heaters are ready to operate.
How to convert RV water heater to tankless?
Converting your RV water heater to a tankless model necessitates advance preparation. This change is actually advantageous because it allows you to save more money on heating expenditures. Make sure you carefully plan everything, from selecting the correct heater to gathering the necessary tools and calculating the total cost of the purchase and installation.
After you’ve properly planned everything, you may begin changing your RV’s water heater to tankless. To avoid problems later on, if possible, enlist the assistance of a competent installation service provider.
Can I Put A Bigger Water Heater In My Camper?
If you can fit a larger water heater, then you can definitely put a bigger water heater into your camper. This is a great way to get more hot water if you use a tanked water heater, or if you need more instant hot water, as some tankless heaters can run two appliances at once. Having a larger tankless water heater will also put less “strain on the system” and can be more efficient.