Best on Demand (Tankless) Water Heaters for RVs

8 Best on Demand (Tankless) Water Heaters for RVs 2024

(Last Updated: August 13, 2020)

One of the essentials you need to make your RV have that “comfort of a home” is a tankless water heater. Having hot water for your showers and kitchen use is vital for an enjoyable camping experience. They heat your water using a heat exchanger and don’t require a storage tank.

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  Price Name Our Rating
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Performance Tool W1600 1-1/2 Ton (3,000lb) Capacity Scissor Jack 9.0
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PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater 9.5
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Marey GA10LP Power Water Heater 9.8
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Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM Tankless Water Heater 9.7
EZ 101 Tankless Hot Water Heater 9.4
EZ Tankless 202 Portable Hot Water Heater for RV Camping 9.5
Blackhorseracing 6L 2 GPM 12KW Gas Water Heater 9.1
Happybuy 16 L 4.3 GPM Tankless Hot water Heater 9.1

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Some of the best RV tankless water heaters can provide at least two to five gallons of hot water per minute. By choosing one that provides a limitless supply of water, you and your family can enjoy warm showers after activities outdoors.

 

Factors to consider when buying an RV tankless water heater 

Water consumption

Have an estimate of your water consumption. This helps you have a rough idea of the size of the water heater you need. Consider the amount of water you use in the shower, toilet as well as kitchen sink. Determine the frequency of use of these facilities and appliances all at once. It is important to know your average water consumption because based on the model, a water heater is capable of supplying on-demand water heating from 2 to 6 gallons in a minute

Rate of water flow

The water flow rate is the amount of hot water that a tankless water heater releases each minute. Since the majority of RV owners use hot water for showering purposes, consider going for a tankless water heater that can supply around 2 to 2 and 1/2 gallons of hot water in a minute. 

Power source

Tankless water heaters are powered by either propane, gas, or electricity. As such you need to check your RV to see which type of power source it comes with. If your RV comes with a single source, then go for a heater that uses that power supply. It is important to know the type of your RV power source to ensure the maximum compatibility and functionality of the tankless water heater that you get with your RV. Be aware that gas heaters usually require more maintenance. Electric ones are more expensive to run.

BTU

The British Thermal Unit refers to the heat capacity that a tankless heater provides. You need to take note of the BTU of the water heater you intend to buy as it will give you an idea of the amount of heat that you will need, depending on the place you are intending to go camping. Many units come with between 30,000 to 50,000 BTU per hour, with a higher rating meaning a higher efficiency thus heating your water faster

Protection

Consider a heater that comes with features that offer protection against harsh weather elements that you may face while you travel on your RV. Look for a heater that is protected from things like electronic ignition caused by excessive heat or voltage shortages that may easily cause a fire to your RV.

Space

The use of the limited space that your RV may have is a sensitive factor that you need to have in mind. Ensure that your RV still has enough space to allow you to install a water heater inside safely. Confirm the size of the unit you are buying beforehand to make sure it fits well into your space. Lightweight tankless water heaters tend to be easier to handle.

Price

Consider the price of the heaters from different manufacturers so as to settle on one that is within your set budget and still meets your needs and preferences. You should also factor in that the cost indicated does not include professional installation fees. Most high-quality heaters cost higher since they come with additional features and tend to be more durable.

 

Best on Demand (Tankless) Water Heaters for RVs 2024

 

1. Suburban SW6DE RV Water Heater

If you are looking to purchase the most reliable water heater for your recreational vehicle, then you have Suburban SW6DE as the best choice for your needs. This is a 6-gallon unit that uses both electricity and liquid gas (propane). With this tank heater, you can expect up to 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTU) and approximately up to 1440 W per hour. And with a high flow rate (10.2 gallons/hour) you can expect it to deliver lots of water (warm) in a comparatively few cycles.

You will like that this product comes fitted with a copolymer insulator that’s meant to minimize heat loss and save on cost. You will also like that Installation isn’t anything complicated. You can effortlessly do it but with the help of the user’s manual. The tank features an anode rod that’s meant to keep corrosion arising from electrolysis effects at bay. You are advised to supplant this rod periodically to prevent your suburban water heater from getting rusty. 

Pros

  • Outstanding adaptability
  • Quick and simple installation process
  • It’s a long-lasting product
  • Quality product at affordable prices
  • Fits perfectly into most recreational vehicles
  • Pilot ignition

Cons

  • You may have to deal with occasional leakage if not correctly installed.

 

2. PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater

As an RV enthusiast, you’d probably want to purchase an RV water heater that’s not only affordable but also easy to install, right? If this is your case, PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater is the way to go. It comes fitted with an automatic gas modulation knob, which self-adjusts to save on propane usage and ultimately the cost. When this product from PrecisionTemp is appropriately installed, you can expect up to 55,000 BTUs which translates to 50 % more power compared to other RV water heaters in the market. Such a power rating should guarantee that your water temperature will remain constant, no matter the flow rate. 

PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater comes with an in-built freeze protection feature. This makes it the right choice, even amid the cold months of winter. Being lightweight (32 pounds) and compact, PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater is easily manageable and can fit perfectly in any RV.

Pros

  • 4-season functionality
  • Comes with an automatic gas modulation knob
  • In-wall installation
  • Fitted with several safety features
  • Simple, unobtrusive design
  • Energy efficient 

Cons

  • Some RV owners complain that the price is somewhat costly

 

3. Marey GA10LP Power Water Heater

This is the best choice for RV owners looking to purchase a hot water heater that is both dependable and energy-efficient. Marey GA10LP water heater stands out because it’s lightweight, compact, and rustproof. The installation procedure is straightforward, and no special skills are needed. Simply follow the guide in the user manual, and you will be good to go. Since it’s compact, the heater does not consume too much space and is ideal even when space is a concern.

You can expect the product to last for as long as possible so long as you take good care of it. The rustproof material will prevent corrosion, which would otherwise turn out to be a severe issue if not addressed. In case you happen to purchase this product and later realize that it doesn’t deliver to your expectations, there is a 5 – year warranty to cover you up.

Pros

  • Save energy
  • Several points of use
  • The installation procedure is straightforward
  • Compact size that saves space
  • Lightweight and hence easy to move
  • Rustproof
  • Durable
  • Comes with a five-year warranty

Cons

  • None worth mentioning

 

4. Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM Tankless Water Heater

Of all the on-demand water heaters you’ve most likely come across, none of them would outshine the Camplux 10L 1.32 GPM Tankless Water Heater. It is an RV hot water heater that has uniquely been built to meet RV vacationing and camping needs. The hot water heater for RV comes with various features that could be lacking in other units you’ve already encountered. For instance,

  • Anti-freezing protection – you are sure to get hot water even in the coldest seasons.
  • Automated safety shut-offs – to protect your unit from getting damaged
  • Multi-functional shower head – make showering on those RV vacationing trips much better
  • Flame failure device
  • Gas regulators 
  • Oxygen depletion sensor etc.

You will like the fact that you can power this unit using 2 “D” cell batteries (it’s indeed considered the best choice if you are planning RV vacationing off-grid). This is not the case with some other RV water heaters in the market that may need electricity. You will end up saving a considerable amount with this hot water heater for RV.

Pros

  • Suitable for off-grid vacationing
  • All-weather functionality
  • Energy efficient
  • Fitted with several safety features
  • Straightforward setup
  • Lightweight
  • Compact design

Cons

  • No water pump included 

 

5. EZ 101 Tankless Hot Water Heater

If the flow rate is something you would consider when purchasing an on-demand hot water heater for RV, you have EZ 101 Tankless Water Heater as the best choice to buy. With its rating of 3.2 GPM, you can be confident that it will deliver water at a high pressure whenever you need hot water. This Water Heater does not require any electrical plug-in, which makes it more economical, especially to people camping off-grid. You can comfortably power it using 2 “D” cells.

This unit is very compact, lightweight, and portable. It is built from lightweight materials. Installing the heater properly on your RV isn’t a complicated task. You will do it without too much hustle as there is an instruction guide that takes you through how to install and operate the EZ hot water heater professionally.

Pros

  • Does not consume too much space
  • It readily portable
  • Extreme energy efficient 
  • No electrical plug-ins needed
  • The best value for money
  • Simple to set up and operate

Cons

  • May not be readily available to some campers

 

6. EZ Tankless 202 Portable Hot Water Heater for RV Camping

This tankless hot water heater for RV is safe and convenient and comes with an automatic ignition that’s meant to save you on cost. It is the best option, particularly for campers who need occasional on-demand warm/hot water. If you are looking to camp in areas where electricity is an issue, this option will serve you best as it does not need electricity to run. It has been built in a way that it can be powered by just two long-lasting dry cells.

If properly installed, the unit guarantees to deliver up to 3.2 GPM of steady hot water at approximately 113 °F (45 °C). The 202 EZ water heater for RV camping can be moved from one position to another with ease because it’s light in weight. Likewise, it’s smaller in size, and hence it won’t consume too much RV space.

Pros

  • Readily portable
  • Suitable for off-grid RV vacationing
  • All-weather functionality
  • Little space needed
  • Easy to install and ideal for DIYs
  • Durable
  • Automatic ignition 
  • Energy efficient

Cons

  • Some people have complained that it’s somewhat costly

 

7. Blackhorseracing 6L 2 GPM 12KW Gas Water Heater

If you are particularly looking for the best tankless on-demand hot water heater for RV that’s fast and easy to set up, Blackhorseracing 6 L 2 GPM 12 kW Gas Water Heater is your best pick. It is suitable for outdoor RV campers who want a steady supply of hot water whenever needed. The device comes fitted with several safety features that are meant to safeguard your family. For instance, there is;

  • The flame failure devices
  • Overheating protection
  • Automatic shut-off knobs
  • Anti-freezing protection
  • Gas regulators etc.

Unlike some top competitors, the unit requires no electricity to supply you with hot water. You can enjoy the convenience it offers even if you camp off-grid, but you’ll need to have 2 “D” cell batteries. 

Pros

  • No electricity needed
  • Comes with safety features included
  • Compact, lightweight design
  • Easy and quick set up procedure
  • Energy efficient

Cons

  • Leaking may be an issue if proper care is neglected

 

8. Happybuy 16 L 4.3 GPM Tankless Hot water Heater

With a capacity to deliver up to 16 liters of hot water per minute, it’s with no doubt that the heater is one of the best tankless water heaters you will come across in the market. Built from anti-rust stainless steel, the device can last for as long as possible. However, you will need to take good care of the same. 

The heater will not require you to possess any particular skill to install and run the unit properly. The product comes with a user manual that simplifies everything. Unlike several other heaters for RVs, Happybuy product has a vivid LED display that indicates the current water temperature – you can heat it to your desired temperatures but below 167 °F (75 °C). Likewise, the heater features water output and gas control knobs that allow you to control the temperature of your hot water. It is suitable for diverse applications and hence good value for money. For instance, it can heat water for handwashing, bathing, sink cleaning, pet showering, etc.

Pros

  • Comes fitted with temperature control knobs
  • It offers you maximum comfort compared to some other units
  • It’s quick and easy to set it up
  • Safety features come incorporated
  • Lightweight and space-saving

Cons

  • Outlets need to be checked regularly to keep leaking at a bay 

 

Conclusion

Best on-demand water heaters should be constructed from premium quality and rust-resistant materials. This ensures that your water stays fresh as well as uncontaminated. If you have an idea of what you should look for, then shopping for an on-demand water heater for RV becomes less overwhelming. A tankless water heater has grown to become a useful addition to improve the comfort that comes with living or going camping in your RV. These heaters provide you with a continuous supply of hot water on demand while traveling or camping with your RV.

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