4 Hottest Tankless Water Heaters On The RV Market
There’s nothing quite like taking a nice, long, luxurious shower, maybe especially when we’re camping in an RV. However, there’s a big challenge to doing this. And that’s the 6 gallon tank RV water heater that many RVs come with. Standard water heaters only supply about 10 minutes worth of steady hot water– after that, you’re repeatedly turning the cold water down as the last dregs of warm water drain from the lines. It’s hardly a luxurious experience.
Alternatively, tankless water heaters are a game changer for showering in the RV because they offer an endless supply of hot water. If you’re considering upgrading your RV with a tankless heater, it’s important to get a water heater that meets your unique needs. Keep reading for a look at 4 of the best tankless water heaters made for RVs and learn more of the benefits of this RV upgrade.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters For RV Life
- Endless hot water: Tankless water heaters heat water whenever a hot water tap is turned on. This means you can shower as long as you want) without fear of the water going cold.
- Weight: Most RV water heaters hold 10 gallons of water and weigh just over 80 pounds when they’re full. This can be a challenge for weight conscious with smaller travel trailers and limited cargo carrying capacity.
- Energy efficiency: Traditional water heaters use electricity constantly to keep water in the tank hot, while tankless water heaters conserve power because they only heat up water when you’re using it.
- Fast water heating: From the time you turn on a hot water tap, it only takes a few minutes for hot water to begin following out of a faucet.
- Temperature controls: Many tankless heaters allow you to set your preferred water temperature.
Key Considerations For Buying A Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters for RVs generally range in price between $390 and $1200. Some tankless water heaters are easier to DIY install and maintain than others, since they can operate on either electricity or propane. When selecting a tankless water heater, it’s also important to ensure it is sized correctly for your RV and that it fits the existing sidewall cutout.
Additionally, look out for Safety Features, such as flame out protection and scald protection. Flame out protection cuts the gas supply when propane pressure drops below a certain level or there is a burner malfunction. Other safety features include scald protection, temperature control, and freeze protection
4 of the Best Tankless Water Heaters for RVs
1. Suburban ST60 Tankless Water Heater
The 60,000BTU Suburban ST60 tankless water heater is an excellent choice as a replacement for a 6 gallon Suburban, Girard or Furrion tank-style water. This energy-saving option offers an instant supply of endless temperature controlled water (maximum of 131º) and only engages the burners when hot water is needed.
The Suburban ST60 is equipped with a host of protection and safety features that enable it to offer peace of mind, including a pressure release safety valve. With the door installed, the unit weighs 23.5 pounds, measures just over 13 inches in each direction, and is available for $359.88 at RV Parts Country.
Features and Specifications
- Flame-out protection cuts the gas supply immediately if propane pressure drops or a burner malfunction occurs
- Freeze protection prevents damage in cold temperatures when propane and power are available
- Scald protection includes a high-temperature kill switch to guard against thermostat malfunctions
- Child lock limits outlet temperatures to 113ºF
- Automatic fan control shuts off the gas if airflow or combustion air is interrupted
- Voltage protection shuts the unit down if low, high, or overcurrent voltage is detected
- Limited 2-year warranty
- Fuel type: LP gas
- Gas inlet connection: 3/8” male flare
- Water inlet/outlet connections: 1/2” male NPT
2. Truma AquaGo Comfort Plus Tankless RV Water Heater
The Truma AquaGo Comfort Plus tankless, Propane RV water heater can be retrofitted as a replacement for most traditional RV water heaters. The AquaGo’s burner heats water at between 20,000 and 60,000 BTUs, adjusting itself according to flow and inlet water temperature.
As soon as a hot water faucet is opened, its burner switches on, adjusting the heater output based on flow and inlet water temperature. The Truma AquaGo is also equipped with a built-in temperature stabilizing mixing vessel that makes water fluctuations a thing of the past. The unit weighs 34.2 pounds, measures 12.5″ W x 12.5″ H x 15.5″ D, and is available for $2,599.15 including installation at RVElite.com.
Key Features and Specifications
- Easy-to-Open drain lever to simplify RV winterization
- Integrated water return line for faster delivery
- Optional electric antifreeze kit to protect it at freezing temperatures.
- 2 year warranty
- Standard Outlet Temperature of 120ºF
- Water Volume of 35 gallons
- 12Vv Power Supply
3. Furrion RV Tankless Water Heater
The 60,000 BTU Furrion RV Tankless is an easy retrofit for all traditional tank style water The 60,000 BTU Furrion RV Tankless is designed to retrofit existing tank-style water heaters of various sizes and is ideal for families with heavy hot water demands. Its propane-powered burner with electric ignition delivers 2.4 gallons per minute, providing instant and consistent hot water to any faucet in your RV.
Vortex technology keeps temperatures steady to prevent cold spots and scalding, while the included sleek wall thermostat allows you to easily set and monitor the water temperature. With a door size of 16.14” x 16.14” and a price of $785.95 at Lippert.com, it’s a practical upgrade for any RV.
Key Features and Specifications
- Sleek wall thermostat for easy operation and temperature control
- Auto shut-off and pressure relief valve for safety
- Over-temperature protection
- Blower block protection
- Vibrationsmart™ technology to withstand shock and vibration while traveling
- Warranty: 1 year
- UPC: 4897093216007
4. Fogatti InstaShower 9 Pro 66,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater
Fogatti is relatively new to the RV tankless water heater scene, but the propane-operated InstaShower 9 Pro delivers everything RVers want in a reliable tankless water heater. It comes in a variety of sizes to replace a wide range of tank-style water heaters, and installation is an easy DIY project for most users.
With a heat output of 66,000 BTUs, a mixing tank, and a flow rate of up to 3.6 gallons per minute, it’s equipped to meet the needs of families with heavy hot water demands. The unit operates even under low water pressure and maintains stable temperatures from 95º to 123ºF, reducing cold-water shock at startup.
The InstaShower 9 Pro weighs 30.9 pounds, dimensions vary by model, and it’s available for $709.99.
Key Features and Specifications
- Included door and decorative frame
- Anti-freezing protection
- High-altitude operation up to 9,800 ft
- Smart combustion control system with built-in pressure relief valve
- LED display
- 2-year limited warranty
- 12V power supply
- Gas inlet: ⅝ inch; Water inlet/outlet: ½ inch
- CSA safety certified and ETL quality certified
Ready for Your Next RV Water Heater Upgrade?
Upgrading your tank RV water heater to a tankless water heater offers many advantages. Chief among these advantages are: Endless hot water, energy efficiency, less weight. Some models of tankless RV water heaters are designed to be installed by ambitious DIYers, while others are designed to be installed by a certified technician. Either way, it makes sense to get a tankless hot water heater that suits your particular needs.
Lynne Fedorick