Best RV Tankless Water Heater For Instant Hot Water- Reviews 2022

Being an RV owner or a frequent camper, one of the most valuable investments you can do for your loved ones or friends is buying the best electric tankless water heater for your RV. It provides instant and on-demand hot water without taking your valuable space. This equipment will cater to all your outdoor hot water needs while saving both money and energy at the same time.

We know that innumerable choices on the market can be overwhelming, that is why we came up with this list of tankless water heaters to make your RV life more amazing. We’ve created this easy and convenient guide so you’ll know all the ins and outs of your prospective heater before you make your final decision and hit the buy button.

best tankless water heater for RV

Best Electric Tankless Water Heater For RV Campers

In our evaluation, we focus on comfort and design, performance, affordability, and all other major features that are necessary for you to know to pick your ideal RV water heaters.

Image Product Details   Price
camplux 2.64 gpm outdoor tankless water heater Camplux 10L Portable Tankless Heater Eco/Full switch function Check Price
EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Heater Patented Self Modulating Technology Check Price
Marey GA10LP Power 10L 3.1 GPM Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater Marey GA10LP Power Tankless Heater Need 2-D cell battery for the ignition and a venting Check Price
Rinnai V 65IP tankless water heater Rinnai V65IP Tankless Water Heater Control-R 2.0 mobile app features Check Price
eccotemp i12-lp water heater 4 gpm Eccotemp i12-LP water heater Safe electronic ignition system Check Price
suburban 5117A water heater 6 gallon Suburban-5117A Water Heaters 6 Gallon Access door and frame install easily on any type of RV side Check Price
Atwood Mobile Products 96110 Pilot Ignition Water Heater - 6 Gallon Atwood Mobile Products Pilot Ignition Water Heater Recovery rate is 7.4 gallons per hour Check Price
atwood rv 6 gallon water heater white door Atwood New RV 6 Gallon Gas/Electric Direct Spark Ignition Check Price
GIRARD 2GWHAM Tankless Water Heater GIRARD 2GWHAM Tankless Water Heater No special LP gas lines or special plumbing required Check Price
Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon (ES4) Bosch Mini-Tank Water Heater T 4-Gallon Thick CFC-free foam insulation for maximum energy efficiency Check Price

1. Camplux 2.64 GPM – Best Portable Propane Water Heater

Camplux 2.64 GPM Tankless Propane Outdoor Portable Gas Water Heater
  • CSA certified testing standard
  •  11.5% energy-saving technology
  •  Comes with a gas regulator and required adapters
  • Enjoy a more pleasant outdoor shower

Camplux 10L outdoor tankless water heater provides an incredible water flow rate of 2.64 GPM so that you can have an instant hot water output.

This propane water heater is an ideal choice for small apartments, mountain huts, horse stables or family vacations, etc. Its revolutionary ignition system with 2D batteries makes it perfect for areas where there is no electricity or off-grid zones. You can also install this water heater indoors in a nicely-ventilated area with the help of an additional flue pipe- so that exhaust gases travel easily to the exterior of the home.

Camplux 10L consumes 2.42 lb/hour. A 20 lb tank is enough to run the unit for 6-7 hours. It delivers an applicable water pressure from 3.6~110.0 PSI. Camplux 264 works with 0.41PSI pressure of propane gas and produces a maximum power output of 68,000btu/hour. This unit can also operate with a 12-volt water pump along with the newly modified water systems.

The gas consumption of Camplux 10L is 2.42 lb/hour. Also, this heater features an amazing weather switch through which you can adjust the temperature according to your need.

Great for off-grid, Road trips, camping and outdoor showers

This camper water heater provides its valuable buyers with all the modern features including dry combustion protection, flame failure device, and anti-freezing protection system. Its digital temperature control high thermal efficiency of 88.5 % ensures that you save both money and energy. This RV propane tankless water heater review will help you to make your decision easy.

PROS

  • Lightweight and portable
  • CSA authorized gas regulator and necessary adaptors included
  • Panel at the front to monitor temperature
  • Advanced combustion system to ensure protection

CONS

  • The manual is difficult to understand
  • Occasionally, the display becomes irresponsive

2. EcoSmart ECO 11 – Portable Electric Hot Water Heaters

EcoSmart-ECO-11-rv hot water heater
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Save up to 60-percent on your water heating cost
  • Patented Self Modulating Technology
  • Uniform Energy Factor:0.98

EcoSmart ECO 11 holds the first rank in our list of the best RV tankless water heaters for its versatility. This tankless water heater is considered a “whole home” design since it works perfectly even when the temperature of the input water is 67°F or above.

Furthermore, the EcoSmart tankless water heater is a highly energy-efficient unit ( 99.8-percent energy efficient), with an energy factor of 0.98, which will ultimately help you save a lot of energy and money. Also, EcoSmart ECO 11 features a digital temperature control that enables the user to set temperature in increments of 1 Degree.

Another perk of this tankless RV water heater is its ability to deliver 2 gallons of hot water per minute which is equal to one shower head with 1.5 GPM flow and one sink having a low input water temperature of 67°F and an output setting of 105°F.

This RV electric water heater requires at least an electrical panel of 125-amp for installation with one 60-amp pole breaker attached with a set of #6AWG wire.

Its amazing sensory system will observe the flow of water the moment you open the tap. Moreover, this system also calculates the output flow rate and temperature.

Apart from this, you will get an exceptional lifetime warranty so that you can have an endless hot water supply and you can use this as a point-of-use water heater. Flushing and simple maintenance improve the performance, efficiency, and life of your water heater.

How to flush Ecosmart 11 electric tankless water heater

PROS

  • Unstrained installation
  • Budget-friendly
  • Compact and portable design
  • Continuous hot water supply
  • 99.8-percent energy efficient

CONS

  • Has found some dripping issue
  • Hard to interpret instructions

3. Marey GA10LP Power 10L – Propane RV Gas Water Heater

Marey GA10LP Power 10L 3.1 GPM RV Propane Water Heater
  • Save up to 60% on electricity bills
  • Compact design saves space
  • No electrical connection is required
  • Allows water temperature to be controlled

Marey GA10LP is an energy-saving, reasonable, and easy to install tankless propane water heater. It has the capability to deliver an incredible water flow rate of 3.1 gallons per minute and instant output of hot water up to 115°F.

This heater is designed in a way that it can provide hot water at multiple point-of-use simultaneously. You will require 2D batteries to ignite Marey GA10. It is a camper water heater that can facilitate you on vacations, mountains, and motor vehicles as it requires no electrical connections.

Infographics of Mary 10 tankless heater explaining the functions of different parts

This unit requires an input of 79000 BTUs and provides a minimal output of 3.1GPM on very low water pressure. This unit works on liquid propane gas and has a decent operating pressure which ranges from 5PSI to 140PSI. However, you will need to have a flue pipe to allow the exhaust gases to properly discharge from the house.

This RV hot water heater provides safety and security to the user with the help of its latest flame-out protection, anti-freezing protection, over-heating protection, airflow pressure switch protection. Also, it maintains 87% efficiency throughout the lifetime and provides instant hot water the moment you open the tap.

PROS

  • Lightweight, slim profile, and a compact-shaped heater
  • CSA approved gas hose and regulator
  • An incredible 5- year warranty
  • Low consumption of gas
  • Affordable and durable

CONS

  • The temperature fluctuates at times
  • Complicated Installation process

4. Rinnai V65IP Tankless – RV Propane Water Heater

Rinnai-V65IP-RV on demand water heater
  • V65iP HE High Efficiency Tankless Hot Water Heater
  • Up to 6.5 GPM hot water flow rate
  • Allows to remotely put the system into vacation mode
  • Smart technological advancements

Rinnai V65IP is an ideal tankless propane water heater for indoor use in small or medium residential spaces. It requires 150,000 BTUs to work and can be ignited with a 0.26 GPM flow rate electric igniter.

Its compact size saves your valuable space by installation in non-traditional spaces such as the garret etc. Its built-in error code indicators help consumers to quickly resolve the issues. It is a mobile home-certified heater with extremely low NOx emission that makes it environment friendly and hazard-free.

RinnaiV65IP phenomenal flow rate of hot water makes it enough to serve up to 3 bathrooms simultaneously. And it can deliver an uninterrupted supply of hot water even at 10,200 ft above sea level.  Rinnai requires an unusual vent where the air intake and the air outtake both go up through the roof.

Dual Venting options, Stinless steel pipe, PVC

It has an energy factor of 0.82 EF. This unit operates between 98° – 140° F and can be controlled with the MCC-91-2 controller for hydronic applications.

The operation of this tankless water heater on propane gas makes it highly affordable. This intelligently designed unit is greatly known for its efficiency.

PROS

  • Ideal for small RV compact homes
  • Wi-Fi Supported
  • Rapid Start-up
  • Consumes 40% less energy than conventional heaters

CONS

  • The installation process is a bit complicated
  • Requires a special vent system

5. Eccotemp i12-LP water heater – RV Instant Hot Water Heater

Eccotemp-i12-LP-tankless rv water heater
  • Sleek, modern design with black tempered glass front panel
  • Equipped with child locking technology
  • Pulls about 2 watts idle and 1.07 Amps during operation
  • Horizontal Stainless Steel vent kit included

Another unit that we consider worthy to be part of our list of high-quality RV tankless water heaters is the Eccotemp i12-LP. It is one of the best indoor tankless water heaters specifically designed for recreational vehicles and camping.

It comes with an aesthetically pleasing sleek black tempered glass panel and LED display with a touch control option to monitor water flow and temperature.

The Eccotemp i12 Liquid Propane is a reliable tankless water heater that gives you an endless and hot water supply.

LED Display Controls
LED Display Controls
Energy Conscious
Energy Conscious
Low Power Draw
Low Power Draw

This RV camper heater provides 4 Gallon Per Minute (GPM) of hot water and while operating at this flow rate, it provides an amazing temperature rise of 35 to 40-degree Fahrenheit. On the other hand, a 77-degree Fahrenheit temperature rise at 1.5 GPM. Besides that, it has a maximum/minimum gas rate of 25,000 – 80,000 BTUs.

Being a 110v water heater needs to be plugged into a standard 110V electrical channel and doesn’t require any additional wiring. Also, 120-volt UL-listed electric wire ensures the safety of the user. Also, this unit can be installed at elevations up to 2000 feet.

Apart from this, it only utilizes 2 watts and 1.07 Amps in operation mode ultimately, making it an energy-efficient unit. With this RV water heater, you will get a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

PROS

  • No plight light required
  • Fully automatic controls to get the desired temperature
  • Eye-catching, modern outlook
  • Safe electric ignition system
  • 90-degree elbow (with stainless steel kit) to avoid reverse flow
  • Perfect for vacation cabins, cottages, and smaller homes

CONS

  • Not suitable for big homes because of Low GPM
  • Cold air might freeze the heating exchanger

6.Suburban – 5117A Water Heaters 6 Gallon- Hot Water On Demand

Suburban-5117A-rv tankless hot water heater-6-Gallon
  • High-recovery 12,000 BTU/hour models 
  • Porcelain steel tank, foam insulation
  • Replaceable anode rod to absorb corrosive electrolysis action
  • Access door and frame install easily on any type of RV side

Suburban – 5117A is a travel trailer hot water heater with a pilot ignition system. This heater consists of a replaceable anode rod that provides protection against corrosion. This feature gives the heater a longer lifespan. Since it operates on LP gas so it helps you save both money and energy.

It requires 12000 BTU for proper operation. Also, this model offers an impressive recovery rate of 10.2 gallons per hour.

In addition to that, it features a mounted switch inside that helps to control ignition and operation. You can easily connect this amazing heater for an RV with a 120VDC outlet.

The 5117A model provides you with enough hot water supply, enabling you and your loved ones to have long and happy hot showers. This unit is also a perfect fit for almost all types of recreational vehicles.

Another perk of this product is the copolymer insulation covering the tank to ensure proper retention of heat. One-piece, die-formed metal control housing provides protection against harsh weather.

When it comes to installation, this is a lightweight and easy-to-install unit. You can independently install 5117A by following the instructions on the manual and starting using it in your RV. In case you have some issues related to its parts you can avail its 2-year limited warranty.

Different models of Suburban Rv water heaters

Because it is a tankless heater, it is also more energy-efficient minimizing the energy losses at standby mode.

PROS

  • Consistent delivery of hot water
  • Durable and high quality
  • LP heat source
  • One-piece, die-formed housing protects controls
  • Easy installation and affordable

CONS

  • A separate purchase is required to replace the access door
  • Some rusting issues found

7. Atwood Mobile Products Pilot Ignition Water Heater – Camper Water Heater

Atwood-Mobile-Products-96110-Pilot-Ignition-camper water heater
  • Capacity is 6-gallon liquid propane gas
  • Input is 8,800 British thermal units
  • The recovery rate is 7.4 gallons per hour
  • Provide comfort and convenience to your RV passengers

Atwood 96110 is another impressive option water heater for RVs. This is an electronic ignition water heater with a capacity of 6-gallons liquid propane gas. It is specially designed and approved to be used in recreation vehicles, travel trailers and 5th wheels motor homes, etc.

Furthermore, this travel trailer heater for RV consists of a tube combustion chamber using the pilot flame to aid in the maintenance of water temperature. Do not use a pressure relief valve to fill the water heater as it may cause problems.

Pressure Relief Valve

This is an ideal choice for the users who are low on their budget but want an efficient water heater- since it has a pilot ignition so it is an affordable option.

It requires an input of 8,800 BTUs and provides a recovery rate of 7.4 gallons per hour. In addition to this, it comes with a high-temperature limit switch, thermostat, and pressure or temperature relief valve.

PROS

  • High BTU
  • Long-lasting shelf life
  • Perfect replacement for the original unit
  • Sufficient capacity of water flow
  • Light in weight

CONS

  • Strong wind might affect pilot light
  • Limited to gas only
  • Installation instructions are not mentioned clearly

8. Atwood New RV 6 Gallon with White Door – Best Electric Hot Water Heater

Atwood_New_RV_6_Gallon camper hot water heater
  • 6 Gallon Capacity
  • Direct Spark Ignition
  • Input 8,800 BTU or 1400 watt
  • Comes with white door!!

We included this heater in our best RV instant hot water heaters list mainly because of the wide range of features it offers. This model is a complete package of comfort, efficiency, and mobile lifestyle. It has a direct spark ignition and requires 8,800 BTU or 1400 watts for operation. In addition to that, it has a capacity of 6-Gallons of liquid propane gas.

Additionally, the tank of this compact and lightweight heater works without an anode rod so that you don’t need detailed maintenance and provide long-term efficiency of the heater. This unit works great on both gas and electricity and consists of a simple flip switch that allows you to easily shift from one mode to another.

One of its most amazing features is its white door that can be used to replace or fix 95% of the parts. This makes the service or maintenance more convenient.

It also includes features like a high-temperature control switch,  pressure relief valve, additional fuses, and thermostat to minimize the risk factor.

Have extra fuses to protect the heater

PROS

  • Impressive water pressure
  • Instantly heats water
  • Aluminum anode to prevent corrosion
  • Comes with a white door for exterior
  • Eco-friendly, durable with a lifetime warranty.

CONS

  • Might not work with a 30A RV
  • Slightly noisy during operation

9. GIRARD 2GWHAM – RV On Demand Water Heater

GIRARD-2GWHAM-rv instant hot water heater
  • 42,000 BTUs which provides the optimum performance for an RV’s plumbing
  • No special LP gas lines or special plumbing required
  • 12V power that operates at less than 3A
  •  Freeze protection – designed for winter use

At present, Girard 2GWHAM is a very popular on-demand water heater for RV that gives you an endless on-demand hot water supply. It features an impressive digital panel to control the temperature- ranging from 95°F to 124°F.

It only requires 42,000 BTUs for the best performance. Also, you don’t need to worry about the installation. Also, this heater doesn’t need any specific plumbing requirements or additional LP gas lines.

Not only this heater easily adjusts in a small space, but it also saves a lot of energy. It operates with 12V power that runs at less than 3 amperes.

Moreover, this camper hot water heater will continue to perform efficiently even in extremely cold weather as it comes with freeze protection. This unit also features an automatic burner to keep an even temperature.

Proper wire fitting

The onboard microprocessor of the heater monitors the incoming and outgoing water temperature and the flow rate of water. In a nutshell, Girard 2GWHAM on-demand tankless water heater gives endless and stable hot water flow.

Furthermore, this RV tankless hot water heater model is professionally and accurately designed but in case of any issue you can use its 2-year limited warranty.

PROS

  • Quiet operation- Brush-less Motor
  • Innovative monitor to set temperature
  • Enough for an RV family with 3-4 members
  • Freeze protection – designed for winter use
  • No special LP gas lines or special plumbing required

CONS

  • Requires higher water flow to operate
  • A little expensive
  • No warranty will be given if the product is not registered within 30 days after purchase.

10. Bosch Mini-Tank Water Heater 4-Gallon- Best Camper Hot Water Heater

Bosch-Electric-Mini-Tank-RV water heaters
-Tronic-3000-T-4-Gallon
  •  Fits under the sinks easily
  • Has premium glass-lined material for a long service life
  • Eliminates long waits for hot water 
  • Can be shelf, wall or floor mounted easily

One of the best heaters in the category of the electric tank heater. You can easily install this unit under your sink, powder room, basement wet bar, kitchenette, garage, small apartment, pool house patio sink, RV/boat- anywhere you require a hot water supply. In addition to that, its compact and sleek design enhances your house décor.

Moreover, this is an easy-to-maintain and operate RV electric water heater. This mini tankless has a 4-gallon capacity of providing hot water. It is a very durable product because of its glass tank that eliminates the risk of rusting and corrosion. To ensure maximum energy efficiency, it is covered with CFC-free foam insulation.

This RV on-demand water heater is a 98% energy-efficient product. To control internal water temperature in the tank it comes with a thermostat so you can easily control and monitor the temperature.

Excellent features of Bosch Tronic 3000

With this heater, you will not have to worry about the long and difficult installation process. It can be easily connected to a 120-volt outlet with a length of 36’’ to 37’’ rope, but you can also connect it to a greater power source as per your hot water demand.

This heater offers a rapid recovery rate,  it can provide a hot water supply to 2 sinks simultaneously. The unit comes with a 6-year limited warranty on all parts- providing you with a stress-free experience.

PROS

  • On-demand water heating
  • Excellent insulation material
  • Attractive and Space-saving design
  • Instant hot water supply
  • LED monitor temperature range

CONS

  • Lack of drainage plug
  • Brown/Rusty water after long-term use

Final Verdict

Nevertheless, if you have an RV and a family that loves to bathe as well as wash dishes simultaneously, you are very likely to have run out of hot water on more than one occasion while traveling.

In addition to providing your RV with hot water on demand, and on-demand RV water heater can also save you energy while letting you free up some space in the RV.


best RV electric tankless water heaters infographics

FAQ

What is the best tankless water heater for an RV?

There are many factors need to be considered before announcing a tankless water heater best for an RV. They are fuel types, water consumptions estimation, heater capacity and the most important of all is the water flow rate.

Talking about the fuel types, propane is most common for RVs. Electric powered heaters also make good addition but sadly they are cost-effective. The good thing is that you can use both at the same time if you can afford them.

The battery-operated heaters are also getting popular in RVs as they eliminate the electric and plumbing requirements. On the positive side, battery-powered and prone to make feasible choices because of their portability. However, electric heaters need to be integrated all the time to operate.

Next, the adequate flow rate for RVs is 2 to 2.5 gallons per minute. Generally, most RV instant hot water heater holds 6 gallons or sometimes 10 gallons for the large family.

Are RV tankless water heaters worth it?

RVs water heaters have countless benefits for campers, travel trailers. First of all, they also take almost half-space less than traditional heaters. Another interesting fact is that they use 50% less propane and minimize the operating cost.

Talking about the weight, they are very lightweight as compared to traditional heaters. They provide a constant flow of hot water on demand.

Being an RV owner, you can use either a propane or electric RV hot water heater. In case of excessive use, you can use both propane and electric heaters together.

Can you use a tankless water heater in an RV?

A tankless water heater is a wise decision and smart choice for RVs. As they do not need tanks to store water but provide hot water when you need it.

It also eliminates the long waiting hours for hot water. Before converting the RV water heater to tankless, you need to collect the right details regarding the usage of hot water and the model capacity and fuel type.

Then you are good to go!!!

How often should I drain my RV water heater?

The draining of RVs is a serious matter to handle with. If your camping tour remains for more than two weeks, it becomes necessary to go for the proper draining for the next trip. This would not let the water stink in the tank. 

Daniel Adley is a seasoned and skilled plumber with over 20 years of experience. Specializing in repairing and optimizing water appliances for large buildings, offices, and homes, he has a keen eye for efficiently identifying plumbing and maintenance issues. With a passion for his craft, Daniel brings extensive knowledge and expertise to every project, ensuring reliable and effective solutions for his clients.

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