What is a Tankless RV Water Heater?
A Tankless RV water heater, also called a tankless hot water heater for RV, heats water as soon as you turn on the hot water faucet. An instant RV water heater heats the water as it flows through the pipes inside the heater rather than heating an entire tank of water. This is a water heater that you need for your camping and other family activities.
Why Switch to a Tankless Water Heater?
When staying at a full-service campground, the main reason campers prefer a tankless water heater for a camper over a standard model is that you get endless hot water. This is ideal for large families or people who travel full-time.
You don’t have to limit your shower duration to save hot water with a tankless heater that provides on-demand hot water with no recuperation period. As a result, you won’t have to waste money boiling water in a tank that you may or may not use. You also won’t have to wait hours for the water to warm up again between each individual having a shower.
With a tankless water heater, you can pre-set your water temperature. The ability to pre-set your water temperature has both advantages and disadvantages. Some campers prefer the security of knowing that you will always set the water in the shower or sink to their preferred temperature. However, if different family members favor different heat levels, it can be inconvenient.
Tankless water heaters weigh less. When you’re constantly on the go, every pound counts. Compared to factory-installed water heaters, tankless water heaters are lighter. Full-timers, large families, and campers who want to take long showers or consume a lot of hot water on demand should utilize tankless water heaters.
Disadvantages of Tankless Hot Water Heaters for RVs
There are numerous advantages to going tankless, but they are not for everyone. Many RV campers continue to favor propane or propane-electric heaters. The following are some of the drawbacks of going tankless:
- Delays in heating water: The most significant disadvantage of on-demand water is the time it takes for heat to be provided. Every time you turn on the faucet, you may expect a 3-5 second delay before the water gets hot. Although five seconds may not seem like much, there is a significant amount of water lost when boondocking. Consider what it’s like to take a military shower. You run the water for a few seconds before rinsing and turning it off. After that, soap up again and continue the process. You’ll have little to no hot water at that time, or you’ll be squandering water. You don’t want to do either of these things off the grid.
- They use more propane: As a result, if water conservation is vital to you, we do not advocate going tankless. When you go from an electric heater to a propane tankless water heater for RV, you’ll need a lot more propane! Because you’ll have endless hot water, you’ll be more likely to use it. Although we believe the benefits outweigh the costs, it is something to consider. Water temperature pre-setting option: As previously said, the option to pre-set your water temperature can be beneficial or detrimental. Because the control panel isn’t right next to the shower, you’ll have to remember to do so ahead of time if you need to change the temperature regularly.
- Low efficiency in certain conditions: Propane heaters are less efficient in specific settings, such as low temperatures or high elevations than electric heaters.
- They can be costly: Upfront, a camper tankless water heater might be more expensive than traditional RV water heaters. If you do a lot of boondocking, are on a budget, or go camping infrequently, we recommend sticking with a tanked heater.
How to Install a Tankless Water Heater in Your RV
In an RV, the installation is pretty simple. To begin, find a tankless heater that is the same size as your existing water heater. You’ll also need to buy a door, which is available separately. To be sure you’re obtaining the appropriate size, measure the length and width of your outer compartment.
Then it’s time to put it all together!
- Turn off the propane, water pressure pump, and power.
- Open the pressure relief valve and drain valve to drain the hot water tank.
- Disconnect the old water heater’s gas line, hot and cold-water lines, and electric connections. Please take a photo of the current connections so you can remember how to reconnect them later.
- Remove the old unit by unscrewing it and unscrewing the screws.
- Scrape off and remove any remaining caulking, then clean up any residue.
- Wrap new butyl tape across the outside compartment’s entrance.
- Replace the old tankless heater with the new retrofit tankless heater.
- Install the new door.
- Apply a bead of lap sealant around the unit’s perimeter.
- Connect the gas and water lines again. If the current water lines do not match, you can connect them with flexible PEX tubing. On a camper tankless water heater, you do not require bypass valves.
- Place the new heater control panel on the interior of the RV in a convenient location.
- Reconnect the electrical connections that are already in place.
- Check for leaks by turning on the water pump and LP gas lines.
- Test your water heater by turning on the electricity.
Tips for Troubleshooting
If there is air in the gas line, your new water heater will probably not switch on. You may eliminate the mood by turning on the stovetop burner and letting it run for a few seconds. Another reason why the water does not come out hot is if the flow rate of the faucet or showerhead is too low.
Turning the taps on full blast, bleeding air from the water pipes, removing any water restrictors, and running only one water appliance at a time may be necessary to kick-start the water heater.
Your RV Tankless Hot Water Heater Buying Guide
Whenever you want to buy a tankless water heater, consider the following:
- Brand: Atwood, Suburban, and Girard are the best tankless water heater RV brands on the market today. You don’t have to acquire the same brand as the one in your RV; all you need is the right size. These models are all retrofitted and should work with your existing camper.
- Size: Tankless water heaters are designed to replace your existing heater. In addition, you’ll need to measure and buy a new door, which is supplied separately.
- Rate of Flow (GPM): The flow rate is in gallons per minute (GPM) (GPM). Once it meets a minimal flow rate, a tankless water heater for RV detects the input flow rate and lights the burner. The flow rate of a water heater is often too low to ignite the burner, which is a common complaint. To enhance the flow rate, do the following:
- Using a bleeder, remove any air from the water lines.
- You should remove any water flow restrictors in your plumbing.
- Use one water fixture at a time.
- BTU: “BTU” is the abbreviation for “British Thermal Unit.” It calculates the amount of energy used by particular gas appliances. Think of it as the unit’s “horsepower.” A high BTU water heater will either heat water faster or higher.
- Pressure in the Water (PSI): You can measure water pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI). The ignition of all water heaters results from minimum water pressure. The flow rate is essential in the PSI in tankless heaters.
A Comparison Chart on the Best Tankless Water Heaters This Year
| Name of Product | Best for Case | Rating |
| Fogatti Tankless RV Water Heater | Best for campers and travel trailers for RVs. | 4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Furrion 2.4GPM Tankless RV Gas Water Heater | Best for camping and RVs. | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| GIRARD 2GWHAM Tankless Water Heater RV | Best for large families or people who travel full-time. | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| RecPro RV Tankless Water Heater | Best for campers and travel trailers for RVs. | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Hot Water Heater for RV | Best for campers and travel trailers for RVs. | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Camplux Outdoor Portable Water Heater | Best for campers and travel trailers for RVs. | 4.3 out of 5 stars |
Reviewing the Best RV Tankless Water Heaters
Fogatti Tankless RV Water Heater: Best Overall for Campers and Travel Trailers for RVs
Specifications
Brand: Fogatti
Model: FS08B1WD
Weight: 24.2 pounds (11 kilograms)
Model number: FS08B1
Color: White
Source of power: Gas-powered
Dimensions: (Lx W x H): 15 x 15 x 15.4 inches (38.1 x 38.1 x 39.1 centimeters)
Material type: Copper
Manufacturer: Fogatti
Item weight: 30.9 pounds (14.02 kilograms)
Voltage:12 Volts
About this Item
- Wide retrofit compatibility: The Foggati RV gas hot water heater has a cutout size of 13 x 13 inches (33.02 x 33.02 centimeters) and a door size of 15 x 15 inches (38.1 x 38.1 centimeters). Suburban SW6D(6 Gal), SW6DE(6 Gal), SW4D and SW4DE series, Girard 2GWHAM, Furrion FWH09A-1-A, Recpro RP1057, Dometic WH-6GA are all compatible with this RV water heater.
- Original equipment manufacturer quality: The RV water heater has been validated and chosen by RV manufacturers for its superior quality. It’s made with Fogatti’s patented technologies and custom-designed components, ensuring reliable performance and maximum comfort for mobile life.
- Instant, endless, and consistent hot water: The RV water heater provides instant, endless, and consistent hot water on demand, with its heating capability, instantaneously rising to 55000 BTU and 3.5 gallons (13.2 liters) per minute using propane gas at super energy efficiency. Unlike tank-style RV water heaters, the hot water supply is virtually inexhaustible.
- Simple and long-lasting: The Fogatti tankless hot water for RV heater comes with a digital wall-mounted remote controller that makes it simple to regulate the RV water heater from inside the RV. The tankless design of the RV water heater eliminates the hassle of tank rusting and anode replacement, extending the life of the RV water heater significantly.
- Advanced safety features: Flameout, anti-freeze, overheat, and overpressure protection, as well as troubleshooting diagnostic codes, are all included in the RV tankless water heater’s design. Full propane combustion eliminates the production of carbon monoxide and foul odors.
- What you’ll get: A fogatti RV tankless water heater ,a door, a remote controller, an instruction manual, our worry-free-2-year guarantee, and pleasant customer care in the US (pressure relief valve not included).
Furrion 2.4GPM Tankless RV Gas Water Heater: Best for Camping and RVs
Specifications
Brand: Furrion
Color: White
Source of power: Ind-powered
Dimensions (L x W x H): 12.81 x 12.62 x 20.75 Inches (32.54 x 32.05 x 52.71 centimeters)
Voltage: 12 Volts
Capacity: 6 gallons (22.7 liters)
About this Item
- Heating power: With a 60K BTU heating capacity and a 2.4GPM capacity, the Furrion RV gas water heater will reliably produce hot water on demand even when the ambient temperature dips to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
- Consistent temperatures: Furrion’s vortex technology continually mixes water at the temperature you want. If the temperature rises above a safe level, dual sensors turn off the power.
- Atwood 4 or 6-gallon (15.1 or 22.7-liter) water heater replacement door: Explicitly designed for retrofit applications and used as a replacement door for Atwood 4/6 Gallon water heater models. This door measures 18.14 x 16.14 inches (46.7 x 40.9 centimeters), which is the required size.
- Engineered for durability and performance on the road: With Furrion vibration smart technology and components engineered to handle extreme vibration faced by uneven terrain, this water heater is designed for durability and performance.
- Warranty & dimensions: The Furrion RV gas water heater is guaranteed by Furrion’s 2-year warranty and is made of the highest quality materials. Dimensions of the product (W x H x D): 12.81 x 12.62 x 20.75 Inches (32.54 x 32.05 x 52.71 centimeters).
GIRARD 2GWHAM Tankless Water Heater for RV: Best for Large Families or Full-time Travelers
Specifications
Brand: Girard Prod
Model: 2GWHAM
Model number: FS08B1
Source of power: Wind-powered
Dimensions: (LxWxH): 14.5 x 17.8 x 14.6 Inches (36.8 x 45.2 x 37 centimeters)
Manufacturer: Girard Prod
Item weight: 22 pounds (9.97 kilograms)
Country of origin: China
About this Item
- Maintains the set hot water temperature by regulating the burner.
- Freeze protection: ntended for use in the winter.
- 42,000 BTUs, which is the highest BTU rating for RV plumbing.
- There are no unique LP gas lines or plumbing requirements.
- Brushless motor is quiet.
- The 12 volt electricity draws less than three amps.
RecPro RV Tankless Water Heater | On-Demand Hot Water Heater | Gas Water Heater | Remote Control Included (Black): Best for Campers and Travel Trailers for RVs
Specifications
Brand: RecPro
Model: FS08B1WD
Color: Black
Manufacturer: RecPro
Item weight: 30 Pounds (13.6 kilograms)
Dimensions: 25 x18 x18 Inches (63.5 x 45.7 centimeters)
Source of power: Air-powered
About this Item
- No more waiting for the water tank to heat up or running out of hot water in the middle of a shower. You may have a continual stream of hot water flowing to your faucets or shower without having to wait for the tank to warm up with this incredible gadget.
- A forced exhaust system maintains the air safe and clean before, during, and after combustion. A dust net is also there to ensure that no dirt enters the tankless water heater.
- The heater is protected by a low water pressure starter, making it easier to use.
EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Hot Water Heater for RV– Best for Campers and Travel Trailers for RVs
Specifications
Brand: EcoSmart
Color: White
Source of power: Gas-powered
Dimensions: (LxWxH): 3.75 x 8 x 11.5 Inches (9.5×20.3×29.2 centimeters)
Material type: Copper
Manufacturer: Ecosmart
Item weight: ‎6.5 pounds (2.9 kilograms)
Wattage:‎ 13000 watts
Voltage: 220 Volts
About this Item
- Never-ending on-demand hot water: Consistent hot water whenever you need it; Water temperature is in continuous monitoring, and flow rates are on management to provide efficiency and stable performance within 1 degree of the desired temperature.
- Save space: EcoSmart tankless electric water heaters are 90 percent smaller than standard tank heaters; they can be mounted on the wall or inserted at the point of use. 11.5 x 8 x 3.75 Inches (9.5 x 20.3 x 29.2 centimeters)- dimensions.
- Conserve energy: EcoSmart tankless electric water heaters are 99 percent thermally efficient; unlike a tank heater, which maintains water temperature even when not in use, eco-smart tankless electric water heaters only heat water when called.
- EcoSmart ECO 11 Sizing: 13-kilowatt tankless electric water heater ideal for providing hot water for a bathroom, small sink, office breakroom, and other point-of-use or low-flow applications; provides between 1.3 and 3.1 gallons-per-minute (4.9 and 11.7 liters-per-minute) depending on inlet water temperature; use the sizing guide to find the right fit.
Camplux 5L Outdoor Portable Water Heater, 1.32 GPM Propane Tankless Hot Water Heater for RV- Best for Campers and Travel Trailers for RVs
Amazon’s Choice Award in Water Heaters by Camplux Enjoy Outdoor Life
Specifications
Brand: Camplux Enjoy Outdoor Life
Model: ‎AY132N1
Weight: 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms)
Color: White
Source of power: Battery powered
Dimensions: (LxWxH): 11.42 x 4.33 x 14.8 Inches (29.01 x 10.99 x 37.59 centimeters)
Manufacturer: Camplux
Batteries: 2 D batteries required
About this Item
- CSA safety standard: CSA-approved portable tankless water heater for RV with flame failure device, anti-freezing protection, and overheating prevention for family safety. Reduce water pressure automatically between 3.0-110 PSI. The anti-freezing drain cap can remove any remaining water to prevent it from freezing in cold places or after a long period of inactivity. When the high-water temperature protection reaches 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degreesCelsius), the water heater will immediately shut off.
- Portable, lightweight design: Compact size weighs 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) and has a portable handle for easy transport. You can use the mounting bracket on the top/back of the gas water heater to hang it. The propane tankless hot water heater for RV is easy to install and takes about 15 minutes.
- Instant hot water: With a maximum power output of 28,000 BTU/hour, you can get 0.35 gallons (1.32 liters) of instant, limitless hot water anywhere. There is no need to preheat the tankless water heater for RV before using it. The water flows at your selected temperature as soon as you turn on the tap.
- Energy savings: Compact, lightweight structure with 11.5 percent energy-saving technology. You can use Advanced combustion technology to create the propane tankless water heater for the RV exchanger and main burner, which reduces gas consumption and burning noise.
- Important note: Do not twine the Teflon tape between the gas regulator and the gas inlet pipe to avoid gas leaks caused by faulty water heater sealing. When misused, the tankless water heater for camper will “catch fire”. Before starting an operation, be sure there are no gas leaks.
The Final Say
You can’t beat the convenience of an on-demand electric water heater if you’re a full-time RV camper or have a large family to feed. You can utilize each of the models on this list to replace your existing tanked heater. The Fogatti tankless RV water heater is our favorite model because of its inventiveness, digital control panel, and excellent heat production.