RVers value having hot water available whenever they need it, but a conventional propane/electric RV water heater can’t always provide it.

especially if there are many people there or if one person wishes to take a hot shower while the other is doing the dishes.

This issue is resolved with an RV tankless water heater, which gives your home or camper unlimited quantities of hot water that is available instantly.

There is no doubt that not every RV hot water heater is the same.

The sort of tankless water heater that is suitable for your RV might depend on a variety of factors, including fuel types, flow rates, and other unique characteristics.

Therefore, picking the ideal Instant RV water heater is difficult, particularly if you’ve never done it.

Don’t worry, however.

I finished all the tedious job for you.

We’ll look at some of the top tankless water heaters for RVs, campers, and travel trailers in our purchasing guide for RV water heaters.

This will contain the heat source, features, and flow rate you need to ensure that your RV always has hot water available on demand.

Let’s start by taking a look at our top selections for the best tankless gas or electric water heater for your RV or camper before we go into a detailed evaluation.

The Top 7 Tankless Hot Water Heaters For RVs In [Year] (Propane Or Electric)

What is the greatest tankless water heater for an RV if you want to replace your standard water heater with one?

I’m glad you did! However, because selecting an on-demand water heater for your RV is a rather personal decision, there isn’t a single best RV tankless hot water heater.

In light of this, reading tankless warm water heater reviews may be very helpful in determining which is ideal for your RV.

To help you compare features, learn more about the goods, and choose the one that will work best for you, I’ve put up a list of our favorites.

The top 7 RV tankless water heaters are listed below for your consideration:

  • Best Natural Gas: Rinnai RU80EN 8.0 GPM Tankless Water Heater For RV
  • Best Propane: Suburban 5239A RV Tankless Water Heater
  • Best Portable: Eccotemp L10 2.6 GPM Portable Tankless Water Heater
  • Most Quietest: Camplux 10L 2.64 GPM Portable Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater
  • Best Indoor Unit: Eccotemp i12-LP 4 GPM RV Tankless Water Heater
  • Best For Small RVs: Bosch Mini Electric Tankless Water Heater
  • Best In-Wall Four Season: PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater

#1. Best Natural Gas: Rinnai RU80EN 8.0 GPM Tankless Water Heater For RV

The natural gas-powered Rinnai RU80EN 8.0 RV tankless water heater was created.

It’s important to remember that natural gas is not accessible to consumers in a conventional storage tank since it has an energy density that is around one-third lower than that of propane.

This implies that you will want a dependable natural gas supply, such as a natural gas connection that is already installed at an RV park.

It utilizes specialized “Condensing Technology,” which maximizes the energy-efficiency of natural gas.

Overall, it outperforms propane in terms of energy savings with a thermal efficiency of up to 97 percent.

Additionally, it complies with Texas and Californian pollution regulations.

It generates a strong 8 gallons per minute, thus it really has the flow rate to let one person to take a shower while another person does the dishes or uses the dishwasher in the RV.

Additionally, it is a condensing tankless water heater, enhancing heat potential.

The Rinnai RU80EN 8.0 is one of the greatest tankless natural gas water heaters if you have access to it for your RV.

Items We Enjoy

  • Energy Efficiency – Natural gas seems to be the fuel of the future, and the Rinnai RU80EN 8.0 will save you a ton of money if you can get it at a seasonal or long-term rental RV park.
  • Flow Rate – At 8 GPM, your RV’s faucets and fixtures can all provide consistent hot water at once.

Things That We Dislike

  • Natural Gas Availability – Natural gas is just now making its way into the RV sector, and it is not yet accessible in tank form for customers. Nevertheless, there are a few compressed natural gas tanks available that could be worth the cost of the purchase. Nevertheless, an RV traveler who travels around a lot throughout the season won’t benefit from this sort of tankless water heater.
  • Condensing – You may argue that a condensing tankless water heater loses a significant amount of its energy efficiency when you use hot water intermittently.

#2. Best Propane: Suburban 5239A RV Tankless Water Heater

This RV hot water heater has a porcelain-lined internal tank and a high recovery gas or gas-electric burner.

This lessens the tendency for metals to naturally corrode when exposed to hot water.

It also has a node rod that, in essence, absorbs the electrolytic impact that might shorten the heating element’s long-term lifetime.

In an effort to stand behind their product, Suburban puts it through two pressure tests throughout production.

They also provide an amazing one-year guarantee to support it.

This specific kind of tankless water heater for RVs is propane-powered and features a burner element with a maximum output of 12,000 BTUs per hour.

Additionally, it was designed to recover quickly.

A 6-gallon tank holds warm water that is ready for use right away.

However, this model has a maximum hourly output of 10.2 gallons of hot water.

The Suburban Co 5239A is one of the finest rv propane tankless water heaters if you already have a gas connection in the utility area.

Items We Enjoy

  • Porcelain Coating – This RV instant hot water heater’s built-in corrosion resistance helps to optimize long-term value.
  • Build Quality – The manufacturer’s commitment to quality is shown by the extensive testing and three-year guarantee.

Things That We Dislike

  • Tank Space – This water heater isn’t fully tankless. The Suburban Co 5239A Water Heater will need a bit extra space. It only has a 6-gallon tank, however, measuring 19.2 X 12.7 X 12.7 inches and weighs little more than 35 pounds.
  • Uncertain Flow Rate – With real tankless water heaters measuring their flow rate in gallons per minute, 10.2 gallons of hot water in an hour is a tad on the low side. Even so, this is about enough for giving you enough hot water in a small RV.

#3. Best Portable: Eccotemp L10 2.6 GPM Portable Tankless Water Heater

The US-based family-owned company Eccotemp specializes in energy-saving technology.

They then put a lot of emphasis on providing excellent customer service.

Campers can bring hot water with them while they are away from the majority of conventional heating sources thanks to their Eccotemp L10 2.6 GPM Portable Tankless RV Water Heater. 2.6 liters of hot water are produced per minute by it.

Additionally, it has a regulator and line that may be used to connect to a typical 20-pound tank of liquid propane.

Two inexpensive D Cell Alkaline batteries serve as the source of electricity for the electrical ignition mechanism in this RV instant hot water heater.

Despite the fact that they do sell their own EccoFlo Pump & Strainer, it is also compatible with the majority of 12-volt water pumps.

This L10 set also comes with a showerhead, a garden hose adapter, and an output water fast connect in addition to the gas regulator and hose.

The Eccotemp L10 is one of the finest electric hot water heater options for your camper on the market if you need a little, lightweight tankless water heater for your RV or to take with you camping.

Items We Enjoy

  • Accessories Included – The regulator, gas hose, showerhead, and fast connect are all great extras that you won’t find on many direct rivals.

Things That We Dislike

  • Not Including Water Pump – It would be wonderful to have a water pump included in the original purchase of a portable water heater like the L10. However, their own EccoFlo Pump & Strainer is reasonably priced.
  • Flow Rate – It may be argued that the flow rate of 2.6 gallons per minute is a tad low. You won’t be placing it in anything bigger than a travel trailer or pop-up camper since the item was designed to be a portable tankless water heater.

#4. Most Quietest: Camplux 10L 2.64 GPM Portable Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater

Campers and RV travelers were considered while designing the Camplux BD264 on-demand water heater.

As long as there is some kind of vented flue pipe to route the propane flame’s exhaust fumes, it may be installed either outside or inside.

Because the tankless water heater’s ignition mechanism is connected to two D-Cell alkaline batteries, it may be used completely off the grid.

The 68,000 BTU propane burners are certified to heat a comfortable 2.64 litres of hot water per minute.

Although this RV instant hot water heater does not have a water pump, it is compatible with the majority of common 12-Volt water pumps.

Additionally, Camplux sells a 12-volt pump with a 1.6 GPM flow rate that was created especially for this model.

Additionally, the Camplux BD264 offers an Eco/Full switch capability that might help you use less propane throughout the summer.

Additionally, the Camplux 12V 1.6 GPM water pump performs well.

Additionally, it was designed with “Dry Combustion Protection,” a unique flame failure device, anti-freezing protection, and other safety features.

One of the quietest RV tankless water heaters available is the Camplux BD264 thanks to its cutting-edge digital controls and safety features.

Items We Enjoy

  • The Propane Element – Rated to generate up to 2.64 GPM at 68,000 BTUs of heat per hour One of the most silent tankless RV water heaters is the Camplux BD264.
  • Dry Combustion Protection – This additional safety element aids in the prevention of unintentional fires.
  • Four Season Functionality – RV travelers in the north or times when you could be spending the night in the desert during a cold snap will appreciate the anti-freezing technology.

Things That We Dislike

  • No Water Pump – This is a contentious issue since an RV owner who has an on-board water pump may not want one. However, it would have been convenient if this tankless RV water heater and the companion pump were sold as a bundle.
  • Low Flow Rate – 1.6 gallons is a little meager for situations when one person would need to take a shower while another is doing dishes.

#5. Best Indoor Unit: Eccotemp i12-LP 4 GPM RV Tankless Water Heater

Camping and RV vacations were considered while designing the Camplux BW264 tankless water heater.

As long as there is some kind of vented flue pipe to route the propane flame’s exhaust fumes, it may be installed either outside or inside.

Because the tankless water heater’s ignition mechanism is connected to two D-Cell alkaline batteries, it may be used completely off the grid.

The 68,000 BTU propane burners are certified to heat a comfortable 2.64 litres of hot water per minute.

Although a water pump is not included with this tankless water heater, it is compatible with the majority of common 12-Volt water pumps.

Additionally, Camplux sells a 12-volt pump with a 1.6 GPM flow rate that was created especially for this model.

Additionally, the Camplux BW264 offers an Eco/Full switch capability that may help you use less propane throughout the summer.

Additionally, the Camplux 12V 1.6 GPM water pump performs well.

Additionally, it was designed with “Dry Combustion Protection,” a unique flame failure device, anti-freezing protection, and other safety features.

For RVers who need a lot of on-demand hot water, the Eccotemp i12 is one of the finest indoor tankless RV hot water heaters available for the price and contemporary design.

Items We Enjoy

  • Energy Efficiency – To keep the electric pilot light, it only uses a meager 2 Watts while at rest.
  • Simple Controls – The LED touch screen is precise and stylish.

Things That We Dislike

  • Variable Temperature – While all tankless water heaters have some degree of temperature variation as the flow rate is increased, the 34-45 degree variation at the maximum 4 GPM is a bit looser than you may want.

#6. Best For Small RVs: Bosch Mini Electric Tankless Water Heater

You wouldn’t anticipate such a little RV tankless water heater to have the remarkable 4-gallon capacity of the Bosch ES4 Tronic 3000 T Electric water heater.

This 13.75 x 13.5 x 13.75-inch item may fit below the sink in your RV’s kitchen or bathroom if necessary.

It has a 3-foot power wire and was designed to be powered by a typical 120-volt AC outlet.

Although, if you’d like, you might place it in front of a bigger hot tank to provide you with more reserves when you need them.

The Bosch ES4 Tronic 3000 contains a temperature-and-pressure relief valve in addition to an external control dial that allows you to precisely regulate the temperature range.

The tank’s inside is walled with glass, which offers the best insulation and corrosion protection.

The Bosch ES4 is one of the finest tiny tankless water heaters on the market if you require an easy-to-use RV instant hot water heater that operates on 120 AC and can be put beneath an RV sink.

Items We Enjoy

  • The Capacity – For a device that can be put beneath an RV sink, the 4-gallon capacity is amazing given its size.
  • Interior Glass-Lined – This offers greater corrosion protection, which is important wherever hot water meets with metal.

Things That We Dislike

  • The Element Life – Because the electric element is so tiny, its lifespan will be constrained and may only be slightly longer than the guarantee period.

#7: Best In-Wall Four Season: PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater

The Precision Temp The RV-550 was created to be an in-wall tankless RV water heater while also being energy and water efficient.

Its 32-pound weight is far less than the weight of a conventional water heater tank.

When compared to a conventional water heater, it may effectively cut the total amount of propane used for hot water consumption in half since it only warms water when a hot water faucet is opened.

This is especially because the RV-550 features real automated gas modulation, which precisely regulates the active propane consumption depending on changes in the water temperature and flow.

You can heat up to 940 gallons of water using 20 pounds of liquid propane, according to the calculations.

It’s important to note that Precision Temp is aware that not all RV enthusiasts and cabin owners restrict their vacation to the summer’s warmest months.

They especially included an unique freeze prevention mechanism in the RV-550.

It guarantees that you can obtain hot water even in the dead of winter, even if it does consume a little bit more electricity throughout the winter.

The Precision Temp RV-550 is one of the top four-season RV tankless water heaters since it can be installed into a wall and gives you a ton of hot water.

Items We Enjoy

  • Four-Season Use – The built-in freeze prevention function allows you to use this RV tankless water heater in the spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
  • In-Wall Installation – The ability to neatly tuck it into most walls or a cabinet helps with space conservation.
  • Automatic Gas Modulation – This function contributes to the RV-550’s energy efficiency by reducing the total quantity of propane used on a single trip for the purpose of producing hot water.

Things That We Dislike

  • Expensive Price – It is possible to dispute that the price is a touch on the high side, which is to be expected with this caliber of engineering. However, it can take a little longer than you anticipate for this item to pay for itself due to the propane savings on energy efficiency.

What Criteria Did We Use To Select The Best RV Tankless Hot Water Heaters?

In addition to giving you hot water whenever you need it, a tankless water heater may also help you save money on electricity.

Additionally, a propane tankless water heater might help you save some space while extending the gas capacity of your RV.

A tankless water heater for an RV may now last longer overall thanks to recent advancements in manufacturing and materials.

In fact, the greatest tankless water heaters for RVs have a lifespan of 10 to 15 or even 20 years!

Finding the finest tankless water heater for your RV or camper requires taking into account a few essential features and criteria, of course.

Selecting The Appropriate Power Source

An RV tankless water heater has a few different power supply alternatives to take into account.

Depending on where you want to park your RV and the characteristics it already has, you may not need the same one as someone else.

Electric

The most environmentally friendly and often least expensive alternative is an electric RV tankless water heater.

Additionally, installing an electric tankless water heater is often not too difficult, so if you are skilled, you should be able to handle it yourself.

Propane

Because it can be connected to the existing propane system, propane is the most popular heating source for RV tankless water heaters.

You may probably use the same plumbing connection if you previously had a conventional water heater that used propane for heating.

Gas Naturally

Natural gas is becoming more popular these days as a source of house heating.

Both clean burning and energy-efficient.

Even though it contains around one-third the energy density of propane, it is not often seen in consumer tanks.

However, a natural gas tankless water heater could be on your radar if you have a motorhome that you park up for the season in an RV park or campground with natural gas accessible.

How Big A Water Heater Do You Require?

Once again, you must take out the tape measure and confirm that you have the room necessary to install the tankless water heater correctly.

Now, you should have enough space if you’re replacing or retrofitting an old conventional water heater.

But if you’re doing anything like installing a tankless water heater in an RV that didn’t come with one, you need take particular care concerning the size and mounting options.

Setup of the Flow Rate

It’s convenient to have hot water available whenever you need it in an RV with a tankless water heater, but you may also wish to use several hot water sources simultaneously.

You may expect that a shower stall in the majority of RVs will consume between 1.5 and as much as 3 gallons per minute to get an idea of how much flow you could require at any one moment.

Even more may be produced by toilets and bathtub faucets, ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 gallons per minute.

Of course, don’t overlook the sink in the kitchen.

While the other takes a bath, one person may wish to wash the dishes.

In a situation like this, the sink faucet will need around 1.5 gallons of hot water every minute.

Think About The BTUs Per Hour

BTUs, or British Thermal Units per hour, are the accepted unit of measurement for heating and thermal efficiency when it comes to propane and natural gas.

A range of 30,000 to 50,000 BTUs per hour is an excellent place to start when searching for a gas-burning RV tankless water heater.

A higher rating correlates into a quicker ability to quickly heat water.

FAQs

Is It Hard To Install Tankless Water Heaters In An RV?

An enthusiastic do-it-yourselfer can absolutely install a tankless water heater if they have a basic understanding of mechanics and take the time to choose the finest tankless water heater for their RV.

Just be careful to attach the appliance firmly and connect any necessary gas, water, or electrical connections.

While you’re at it, you may want to confirm the warranty coverage for your RV.

Some manufacturers demand expert installation to prevent voiding the protection provided by the current warranty.

Do Tankless Water Heaters Fit Under Sinks?

An appealing alternative for placing an RV tankless water heater is under-sink installations.

Make sure you can fit all the connections without kinking a water or gas line or positioning an electrical wire in a dangerous location by double-checking the manufacturer’s instructions before choosing this option.

Cleaning Tankless Water Heaters Is Necessary?

Most tankless water heaters need to be cleaned sometimes.

There are several manufacturer recommendations.

Your owner’s handbook ought to provide the details you want.

What Sets A Condensing Tankless Water Heater Apart From A Non-Condensing One?

In essence, a non-condensing RV tankless water heater heats water on demand using a unique kind of heat exchanger.

Its propensity to be very dependable and durable is a plus in this situation.

The disadvantage in this situation is that hot exhaust gases often need to be released via heavy-duty stainless steel venting.

Inevitably, this raises the final cost.

In essence, a condensing RV tankless water heater utilizes heat energy recovered from the exhaust system to assist in heating the water.

When you use them briefly, like as when washing your hands or rapidly rinsing each dish that has to be cleaned, they also tend to be less energy-efficient.

However, since they employ PVC venting, they are less expensive.

Is There Anywhere In My RV I Can Mount A Tankless Water Heater?

Using basic drywall anchors, some of the smaller, lighter tankless water heaters may be installed on panel board walls.

However, it’s preferable to anchor them to a certain kind of stud or other structural elements.
especially if the unit is heavier.

The last thing you want is for your fairly expensive investment to be harmed by road vibrations or to shatter when it falls off its mounts.

Do I Require A Water Pump And Tankless Water Heater?

Depending on your RV, the answer to this question varies.

You may be able to save some money by buying a tankless water heater without a pump if you have a large Class A motorhome with a fully operating water pump.

On the other end of the spectrum, a person who owns a pop-up camper or a tiny travel trailer could need a water pump only to use the available flow rate of the tankless water heaters.

Many producers will market the tankless water heater alone.

Once you have enough water pressure, you may add an aftermarket 12-Volt electric water pump.

The maker of many of these systems also provides an additional pump that is designed expressly to function with the tankless water heater.

In certain cases, you may even find them packaged together!

Which Tankless Water Heater Is Best For RVs Or Campers, then?

At first look, a rv on demand water heater heater could seem to be simply another device.

Still, there’s a strong chance you’ve experienced the aggravation of running out of hot water on a vacation if you have an RV and a family that like taking baths and doing dishes at the same time.

A on-demand rv water heater is not only practical for ensuring that your RV is always stocked with hot water, but it may also be more energy-efficient and free up some valuable space.

Your RV and even the size of your family will affect which tankless water heater is ideal for you.

The fuel or heating technique should likely be the first thing to consider.

Due to the ability to connect to existing gas lines, propane tankless water heaters are preferred by many RV travelers.

The Suburban Manufacturing Suburban Co 5239A Water Heater can be your best choice if this describes you.

However, it’s also important to keep in mind that natural gas is now becoming an increasingly Just be careful to confirm with the hosts of the RV park if a natural gas line is installed at your particular spot.

You may want to think about the Suburban Co 5239A Water Heater in a situation like this.

There’s a strong possibility that the finest tankless water heater for your RV is on our list, regardless of your chosen power source and flow rate.

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Written by Bob Matsuoka
Bob Matsuoka is a blogger and founder of RVing Beginner blog. He has been blogging for over five years, writing about his own family’s RV adventures, tips for people who are interested in buying an RV or taking their family on an adventure by RV.