9 Best RV Tankless Water Heater

If you fancy RVing, you’ll really like to indulge in a tankless water heater at some point. They use a heat exchanger to immediately heat water and do not need a storage facility. 2-5 gallons of hot water per minute is provided by the top RV tankless water heaters.

It’s important to make sure your RV does have enough hot water, especially if you’re often do hiking, bicycling, or enjoying some other outdoor pursuits with your friends and family. The issue would be that a conventional hot water tank can only contain about 6-10 gallons of water on general, which would be an issue if you have more than five people in your company.

To discover the finest tankless RV water heater for a camper you can choose from, read our analysis and purchase guidelines.

Contents show

List of the 9 Best RV Tankless Water Heaters

Let us now see these products and models and their in-depth features!

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus was created to give adequate power to heat water for a variety of medium-sized households. The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus has a modern look with a digital display in which you can quickly observe the state of the water heater when compared to other options in the market as of now.

With Advanced Flow Control, this portable water heater should theoretically rarely run out of hot water. The Advanced Flow Control works by briefly reducing the outgoing flow to keep the water temperature constant.

Whenever you wish to change the temperature of the water flowing from the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus, you can just merely use the monitor to do so. The temperature fluctuates between 68 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tankless water heaters, such as the Stiebel, are developed to become more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters that necessitate a tank. The Tempra 29 Plus from Stiebel Eltron is also self-modulating. This implies that this only consumes the minimum needed the energy to function properly. This tankless water heater is designed to detect the temperature of the water it requires to heat and then adjust the heat output correspondingly without wasting energy.

This tankless water heater will surely not take up much space and can be hidden away anywhere as long as you can always reach the control panel.

The parts guarantee on the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus is three years. Other versions, such as the EcoSmart ECO 27, have even longer warranties, along with a lifetime warranty

Pros:

This model is energy-efficient
It has a sleek design and look
Features a digital display

Cons:

It has no remote access which can be a hassle to som users
It only offers a three-year warranty on componenets

Camplux 5L Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater

CSA approved portable tankless water heater
Wide comfortable water temperature range
Compact and lightweight size tankless water
Flame failure device, anti-freezing protection
The tankless propane water heater

The Camplux 5L portable propane tankless water heater is among the tankless water heaters users would strongly suggest to any RV user. One of the most appealing features of this unit that I discovered is its unique portability. I noticed that it is truly quite portable in the notion that it is simple to transport it from one location to another.

An additional benefit discovered after using this water heater on a regular basis is that it uses the least amount of energy. It’s ideal for RV owners, especially families and a group of people that enjoy spending time outdoors. This is a useful unit for them, particularly in instances where there is a shortage of hot water.

People are also especially pleased with the compact size of this propane water heater since it allows one to set it up quickly and easily outside. It comes with a brass-finished regulator with two knobs: one for controlling the heat and the other for controlling the flow rate.

This is a significant benefit if you wish to alter the flow rate to guarantee that the water temperature is just correct. One other benefit of this unit is that it runs on propane, so you won’t have to worry about running out of gas. It also works effectively in off-grid environments.

Pros:

Extremely portable and easy to transport to a variety of locations
It only uses a small amount of energy to run.
Allows you to adjust the temperature and flow rate.
It works without the use of power.
Off-grid performance is excellent.

Cons:

There isn’t a drainage system or outlet.

Rinnai RU80EN 8.0 GPM Tankless Water Heater

Not fabric
Imported
Condensing Technology for Greater Efficiency and Significant Energy Savings
Up to 97-Percent Thermal Efficiency
Pre-set at 120-DegreeF
Natural Gas and Propane Models Available
Meets California and Texas NOx Emissions Standards

Natural gas is used to power the Rinnai RU80EN 8.0 RV tankless water heater. It’s worth mentioning that natural gas has about a third of the energy density of propane and hence isn’t accessible in a standard holding tank at the consumer level.

This implies you’ll need a consistent source of natural gas, along with an RV park’s piped natural gas connection. It employs a unique “Condensing Technology” that maximizes natural gas’s already high energy efficiency.

As an outcome, it has thermal efficiencies of approximately 97 per cent, greatly surpassing propane in terms of energy savings. It also complies with California and Texas emission requirements.

It has a flow rate of 8 gallons per minute, which implies one individual can bathe while the other does dishes or operates the RV’s dishwasher. This is also a condensing tankless water heater, which assists you to get the most out of your heating system.

The Rinnai RU80EN 8.0 is among the greatest natural gas burner tankless water heaters if you do have access to outdoor gas for your RV.

Pros:

Natural gas appears to become the way to go these days, and if you have accessibility to it at a seasonal or long-term leasing RV park, the Rinnai RU80EN 8.0 will save you a great deal of money.
With an 8 GPM flow rate, you can obtain consistent hot water from several taps or fixtures in your RV at once.

Cons:

Natural gas is only now making its way into RVs, and it is not yet accessible in-tank format for customers.
There are various gas-fueled tanks on the market that may be worth the money. However, if you’re an RV camper who travels around a lot during the season, this kind of tankless water heater might not be for you.
You may claim that a condensation tankless water heater loses a lot of its fuel efficiency when you are using hot water in short spurts.

GIRARD 2GWHAM Tankless Water Heater

Regulates the burner to maintain the set hot water temperature.Freeze protection - designed for winter Use
42,000 BTUs which provides the optimum performance for an RV's plumbing
No special LP gas lines or special plumbing required
Quiet brushless motor
12V power operates at less than 3 amps

You’ll probably be one of the confident people when you get your hands on the Girard 2GWHAM On-demand Tankless Water Heater, you’ll realize how effective it is right away. Something users and buyers appreciate about this device are that it is a more powerful version of the Girard 1GWHM.

It is of medium size and can accommodate most motor homes. People are impressed by the fact that it’s intended to contain nearly all of the functions you’ll need to get through the winter months. Using its autonomous monitor, it can even sense entering temperature and modify the heat requirements accordingly.

The capability to defend against freezing is another wonderful feature that comes standard with this machine. It also works silently, which is a plus for me. This means you won’t have to worry about it disturbing your sleep when it’s on.

It may also produce up to 42,000 BTUs of heat. This is sufficient to maximize its functionality for your RV’s plumbing system. Another advantage of this unit is that it does not necessitate any specific plumbing or LP Gas lines.

Pros:

Girard 1GWHM version 2 is a tougher and more robust variant of the Girard 1GWHM.
It’s the right size for most RVs.
Heat requirements are adjusted using an automated monitor that detects temperature.
Can provide protection from frost.
It runs quietly even in the background.

Cons:

The purchase does not provide mounting hardware.

PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater

The Precision Temp RV 550 is the next product on the list that you should look into because it is another good performer in the RV tankless water heater business. RVers can be I very delighted with this device since you can notice that it works well in a variety of settings, including RVs, tiny homes, trailers, mobile laundry services, and cottages.

One positive feature of this tankless water heater that we want to mention is its adaptability. It is primarily due to the fact that it is only available in a small and compact form. It will never take up too much room in your recreational vehicle as a result of this. It’s also easier to handle than traditional water heaters due to their reduced weight.

Another fantastic feature of this unit that we can appreciate is the fact that it uses less propane than the competition without sacrificing overall effectiveness. In fact, with just a 20-pound propane tank, it can always supply roughly 940 gallons of water at shower temperature. capacity.

And it does a good job of producing hot water on demand, thanks to its 55,000 BTUs of electricity. It also has a 1.5 GPM flow, which is more than enough to provide you with a nice shower temperature water whenever you need it. You will enjoy the fact that it runs quietly and efficiently as well because it will be among the devices that wouldn’t ruin a good sleep for everyone else in the RV as you use it.

Pros:

It’s flexible since it can be used in a variety of situations.
Because it is lightweight and tiny, it is simple to handle.
Ensures that less propane is consumed.
The operation is both quiet and efficient
It generates a respectable 55,000 BTU of heat.

Cons:

It is a bit more pricey than most models

Other PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater

PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater

Another choice for the ones with smaller RVs is the PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless water Heater!

The Precision Temp The RV-550 was created to save water and energy while still functioning as a tankless RV water heater in the wall. It’s only 32 pounds, which would be a fraction of the weight of a standard water heater tank.

When compared to the standard water heater, it really only heats water whenever a hot water tap is switched on, effectively reducing overall propane usage for hot water by nearly half.

This is owing to the RV-550’s real automated gas modulation, which carefully self-adjusts active propane consumption depending on changes in water temperature and circulation. If you do the arithmetic, a 20-pound bottle of liquid propane can warm up to 940 gallons of water!

It’s also important to remember that Precision Temp understands that not every RV enthusiast and cabin user travels only during the summer months.

The RV-550 was designed with a particular freeze protection function in mind. While it consumes some more energy throughout the winter, it assures that you have access to hot water even when it’s freezing outside.

The Precision Temp RV-550 is among the top four-season RV tankless water heaters, made to match into a wall and deliver copious amounts of hot water.

Pros:

This RV tankless water heater can be used in the spring, summer, fall, and winter thanks to the built-in freeze prevention feature.
It saves room because it can be tucked neatly into most walls or a cupboard.
This function contributes to the RV-550’s energy efficiency by lowering the overall quantity of propane used for heating hot water during a single journey.

Cons:

Price is expensive despite its smaller size

Bosch Mini Electric Tankless Water Heater

If you own a smaller or tinier RV than most and you want a more compact and lighter tankless water heater then we have a great option for you too! Meet the Bosch Mini Electric tankless water heater.

The Bosch ES4 Tronic 3000 T Electric water heater has a 4-gallon capacity, which is unusual for a tankless water heater in just such a tiny RV. This 13.75 x 13.5 x 13.75-inch item will fit beneath your RV’s kitchen or bathroom sink if necessary!

It goes with a 3-foot power chord and is designed to be powered by a regular 120-volt AC outlet. Should you wish, you can connect it to a larger hot tank to provide you with more reserves on request.

The Bosch ES4 Tronic 3000 includes an outer control dial for fine-tuning the temperature range, and also a temperature and pressure relief valve. The tank’s inside is glass-lined, providing excellent insulation and corrosion protection.

The Bosch ES4 is among the best tiny tankless water heaters in the industry if you need a simple RV quick hot water heater that operates on 120 AC and can be put beneath an RV sink.

Pros:

For a machine that can be fitted beneath an RV sink, the 4-gallon capacity is remarkable.
This improves protection against corrosion, which is important when hot water comes into contact with metal.

Cons:

Because the electric element is just so small, its overall life is restricted, and it may only last a short time after the guarantee expires

EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater

The EcoSmart Eco 11 can quickly heat water to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The heater will send hot water to many pipes as soon as the water meets this temperature.

The water heating system features digital temperature control, which allows a person to adjust the temperature of the water heater in one-degree intervals. All of the heater settings are intended to give the user complete access to the device and ensure that hot water is produced consistently.

The tankless water heater’s operation will be compromised if the entering temperature of the water is less than 67 °F. This may result in a lower maximum water temperature or lower hot flow conditions.

If you’ve been searching for a means to save money on a regular basis, start with your cost of electricity. Using such a tankless water heater might save you hundreds of dollars annually, depending on the location as well as what your energy bills are.

The Eco 11 water heater, as per the company, could also save you up to 60% on your energy expenditures. The EcoSmart Eco 11 is a highly efficient device. It has no power reserve and it will only turn on if a pipe is turned on. The heater will turn off as quickly as the pipe is turned off.

Another thing you should know about this model is that it is very easy and simple to install.

The water heater only requires a 60 amp power source and #6 copper gauge wire to operate. The thermostat on the unit is both automated and reprogrammable. The water heater automatically determines the beginning temperature, making it very simple to operate. Unfortunately, you may not be qualified for EcoSmart’s product warranty if you set up this tankless water heater independently.

Pros:

Every one of the parts is constructed of copper or stainless steel for long-term reliability.
The heater’s small size reduces the amount of space it takes up.
For optimal performance, it employs technology that regulates the unit’s energy output.
It is possible to utilize the heater for a single or many applications.
The machine has the ability to heat up to 2 gallons of water each minute.

Cons:

This water heater’s “point of use” concept isn’t perfect in all situations.
A restrictor should be installed with the unit.
The heater must always be professionally installed in order for the lifetime warranty to be effective.

Marey Gas 10L Tankless Water Heater

This unit is flow activate
Save up to 60% on electricity bills for water heating
Compact design saves space and is easy to install almost anywhere
No electrical connection is required so it's perfect alternative for those homes experiencing frequent power outages
Unlimited hot water whenever is needed
Provide endless hot water on demand and only as needed
Allows water temperature to be controlled

If you’re looking for a highly impressive and trustworthy tankless water heater, the Marey Gas 10L is one alternative you should consider. This particular unit is often recommended by many users because of its stability in terms of offering dependable efficiency and competitiveness.

The fact that this unit is built to be compact is something that many people appreciate. That so, I am confident that once installed, it will save a significant amount of space. This unit’s tiny and portable structure also makes it very simple to install in practically any location.

It’s also a wise purchase because it can heat a limitless amount of water depending on your needs. It also allows you to control the flow of both water and gas, allowing you to get the ideal temperature according to your preferences.

It does not require any electricity to function. This implies that if you have this unit, you won’t need an RV electric tankless water heater only to keep a steady supply of hot water in case of a power outage. It also features a 3.1 GPM capacity, demonstrating its ability to provide hot water to the entire household.

Pros:

It works without the use of power.
Design is compact and can save a lot of space for RVers
Installation is simple in a variety of locations.
It has the ability to heat an infinite amount of water.
Capable of managing water and gas flow

Cons:

It’s not ideal for residence use

RV Tankless Water Heater Benefits

Energy Efficient

A tankless hot water heater for RV utilization is much more energy-efficient than a standard storage tank heater. This is because standing water has become less prone to losing heat.

Provide Hot Showers

The greatest tankless water heater can deliver hot water whenever you really need it for different uses like showers, dishes, and other activities. Without a storage tank, you can get a steady supply of H2O. It will be perfect to use in colder weather or just to have warm and hot water for extra comfort in your RV.

Efficient Water Distribution

It isn’t a concern if your group wishes to take many showers in your RV while you’re doing the housework or washing laundry. These machines let you do numerous things at once while still producing hot water on need. This means that with a tankless water heater, you don’t have to worry about doing one thing after another and having to wait for someone to finish their task first before showering, you can all do this even at the same time. It’s very efficient for RV uses that come in a group or family.

Conserves Water

Users no longer just had to waste the water by continuing to run down the drain in the bathroom whilst also you sit tight for the hot water to flow out. When compared to conventional tank heaters, which can take two to three minutes or more to expel hot water, a tankless device warms instantly.

Durable and Long-time Use

Tankless water heaters have such a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years on typical, whereas regular ones might very well only have a longevity of 6-10 years. If correctly managed, some tankless manufacturers could last up to 20 years.

Cost-Effective

A tankless water heater for motorhome showers and devices heats water extra efficient than conventional ones, ingesting less energy as a result. As an outcome, this will save you money every month.

Types of Tankless Water Heaters

Gas

Kerosene or propane is used to power an RV tankless gas water heater. It usually has power airflow to let out exhaust gases, and adequate ventilation is required for effective functioning. One issue is that a propane tankless water heater can emit greenhouse gases. It is more effective than electric tankless water heaters and less costly.

Electric

Electric tankless water heaters are popular among RV owners because they are both eco friendly and cost-effective. An RV tankless electric water heater is simple to set up and can be powered by a generator or a solar panel. It is 99 per cent efficient and produces no greenhouse gas emissions.

Non-condensing

A heat exchanger is used in this sort of tankless water heater to heat the water on demand. It is very dependable; nevertheless, stainless steel venting for the hot exhaust is necessary, which can be costly. It isn’t very energy efficient, particularly if you use a bunch of hot water in quick bursts.

Condensing

This category of device employs a second heat exchanger that re-heats the water by reusing the heat from the exhaust. As an outcome, condensing tankless water heaters have an efficiency rating of 92 to 94 per cent. Whereas the PVC vents are relatively affordable, when the water has been used in short bursts, the components are not really energy efficient.

Buyer’s Guide to Buying RV Tankless Water Heater

Power Source of Water Heater

Tankless heaters can be operated by natural gas, propane, or electricity, so determine which component is accessible in your RV. If it was a single source, choose a heater that uses that power supply. If you do have over than one source of power, such as electric and gas, keep in mind that gas heaters necessitate further upkeep and electric heaters cost more to operate. Choosing one will depend on your means and your references too.

Capacity for Heating Water

The heat capacity of a tankless heater is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Groundwater temperatures vary from place to place, and heating cold groundwater can become more difficult. Many components have 30,000 to 50,000 BTUs, which is a little less than what you get at home. A higher rating indicates a more efficient unit. It also implies that the unit can warm the water more quickly.

Flow Rate of Water

The flow rate of water of a tankless water heater is the quantity of hot water released per minute. Because most users have used the heater once they bath, the ideal RV tankless water heater can provide the 2 to 2.5 gallons of hot water per minute and can cater an average family.

Size of Water Heater

Before acquiring an RV tankless water heater, you could perhaps evaluate your water usage. This way, you’ll be able to figure out what size you need. The shower area uses 1.5 to 3 gallons of water per minute, while the bathtub and toilet use 2 to 4.5 gallons of water per minute, respectively. The kitchen sink uses approximately 1.5 gallons of water per minute.

Space in Your RV

In your camper, trailer, or RV, space is valuable part of it. As a matter of fact, you must ensure that the water heater does not take up so much space. Keep in mind the actual dimensions of the heater to ensure the proper fit. You may also want one that is compact so that you can conveniently move it around or be able to get to it easily.

Reliability of the Water Heater

Tankless water heaters for mobile homes and RVs should have had some safeguards in place to keep them in proper working order. This encompasses a layout that prevents voltage shortages and spikes, as well as unplanned electronic ignition igniting caused by high temperatures. It may also have measures in place to protect it from the elements and rough terrain.

Other Things to Consider When Owning an RV Tankless Water Heater

If you own a propane tankless water heater, you may also have to acquire stainless steel tubing for letting off steam and ventilation purposes, which can also be costly. Such types of motor home heaters must also be handled on an annual basis.
Before storing your RV for a longer length of time, drain the water tank. Make sure to winterize your pipes to keep them from cooling or cracking.
Turn off the outlet valve once you remove your RV from containers. Users could perhaps fill the tank prior to actually driving because even if it heats up without even any water in it, it could cause serious damage.
An anode rod will keep your tank from corroding. Rather than corroding the tank, the moisture will corrode the rod. It’s relatively cheap and can significantly increase the tank’s life expectancy.
You should just not spend a lot of time in the shower because RV water heaters are so much tinier than household water heaters. To save water, shut off the water momentarily while shampooing your hair or washing up your body.

Prices for RV Tankless Water Heaters

As we all know, RV Tankless Water Heaters may vary on prices depending on their seizes, types, brands, and designs. However, to get a hang of how much they will cost and what they may offer here are some few things to note of.

RV Tankless Water Heaters below $200. A modest RV water heater normally costs a few hundred dollars, however some designs can be found for much less than $200. They do have a lower capacity and fewer characteristics than more expensive options.
RV Tankles Water Heaters from $200 to $500. This cost range includes several of the most widely known RV tankless water heaters. They are effective enough to get the work completed while not being outrageously costly.
RV Tankless Water Heaters above $500. It is not relatively rare to pay a hefty price for a high-end tankless water heater. Some can cost $1,000 or even more. They’re also popular in comparatively tiny cabins and among residents who stay off the grid.

About the Author /

Johnathan R. Smith

Johnathan R. Smith

I am a well traveled Marine Corps veteran that enjoys the outdoor and nomadic lifestyle that RV living provides. I am also a member of the National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA.org). As the founder of Camperguide.org my goal is to provide you with well researched information so that you can enjoy the best of the RV lifestyle.

9 Best RV Tankless Water Heater

EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus

Camplux 5L Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater