A tankless water heater is an acceptable method of heating water in recreational vehicles and modern homes.

The best RV tankless water heater is usually powered by 12-v DC sensors while also featuring propane burners. With such features, it is possible for the heater to work in exactly the same way as the one installed in households.

Once you open the faucet and it senses a flow of water, you can expect the burner of this tankless heater to ignite.

Within just a few seconds, hot water will start coming out of your faucet. Why should you consider installing a tankless water heater in your RV? Continue reading to learn why.

Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater for RVs

One great advantage of installing the tankless heater in your RV is that it prevents you from running out of propane too fast. It is because this product utilizes less propane than other types of heater. It is due to the fact that there is no need for it to keep a set temperature for the water.

tankless water heater

Another benefit is that it provides a flow of hot water constantly. All you need to get hot water at the specific time you need it is to turn on the faucet. Once the water flows, the sensor will instantly signal the heater’s burner to produce hot water. This type of heater is also energy-efficient and consumes less fuel.

​Best RV Tankless Water Heater Reviews 2019

Now that you have an idea of what a tankless water heater can do for you once you decide to install it into your RV, it is time to be more familiar with six of the most popular products in this niche.

1. ​Eccotemp L10 Portable Tankless Water Heater – Best of the Best

No products found.

For those who would like to find the most suitable tankless water heater for their recreational vehicles, then they should put some thought on investing in the Eccotemp L10 Portable unit. It is a popular water heater today because of its effectiveness in providing users with a limitless supply of hot water.

Such is possible whether it is for your RV, or your camper, potting shed, lake home, summer cottage, farm, and cabin.  I find it impressive with its ability to supply around 2.6 gals of hot water (around 80 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit) every minute. Such is more than enough for at least one hot water applications operating simultaneously.

I also noticed that this product has its own 20-minute safety shut-off timer. It automatically resets whenever the water stops and start again. It uses liquid propane and a CSA regulator, which you also need to use together with the usual grill propane tank with a 20-lb. capacity.

It is a good choice, especially if you plan on using your recreational vehicle in off-grid areas or those places with limited electricity. It has a 2 “D” cell battery ignition, too. Such feature ensures that the heat will only start once the water runs, so there is no risk that it will overheat. The product also features a rain cap made of stainless steel.

​However, take note that in extremely windy locations, the heater is vulnerable to having fluctuations in temperature. The box for the battery is also of subpar quality.

No products found.

Pros

  • ​Provides a limitless supply of hot water
  • ​Versatile – You have the opportunity of using it in various applications – RVs and campers included.
  • ​Features a 20-minute shutoff timer, making it safe to use
  • ​Low to zero risks of overheating – thanks to its “D” cell battery ignition
  • ​Features a sturdy rain cap constructed out of stainless steel

Cons

  • Vulnerable to temperature fluctuations when used in extremely windy locations
  • ​Subpar battery box

​Even with the downsides, many users of the Eccotemp L10 Portable Tankless Water Heater are still fully satisfied with its offered benefits, capabilities, and features.

​2. ​​Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater – Edior’s Choice

No products found.

With the ability of Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater, it continues to receive good reviews from its users. I think it deserves a spot in this review article since it also performs just as excellently as the previous products. It can provide hot water on demand while also boasting of its fully adjustable water and heat flow.

It operates with the help of an automatic on-demand ignition operated by 2 D batteries. It comes with a water valve at the front, which you can use to make adjustments on the flow of water. Furthermore, this product features an adjustable water head with four settings – mist, jet, shower, and off.

You also have the option of using it as a hangable or self-standing water heater. As for storing it, know that you will not have a hard time doing so as it also comes with a carry handle. Such will let you fold it down for proper storage.

It makes use of a standard LP tank, which works for up to eighteen hours of continuous use based on a set temperature. Aside from that, it also has an easy to turn garden hose connector made of brass material.

​A few issues are notable in this unit, though – one of which involves the battery connection. Some users say that they still need to make adjustments on the battery connectors start these up.

No products found.

Pros

  • ​Provides hot water on demand – thanks to the unit’s automatic on-demand ignition
  • ​Sports of its fully adjustable water and heat flow
  • Comes with an adjustable water head
  • ​Easy to store and install
  • One of the best RV tankless hot water heater
  • ​Operates for up to 18 hours of continuous use

Cons

  • Battery connectors need some adjustments during few initial uses to start

​All in all, this water heater from Camp Chef receives a high satisfaction rating from users. While it has its own set of flaws, I can still say that it performs its job as a water heater efficiently.

​3. ​​Camplux 5L Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater – Best Bang for the Buck

No products found.

Another highly portable tankless water heater in this list is the Camplux 5L RV Propane Tankless Water Heater reviews. It has a distinctive property of portability, making it possible for you to bring it with you to different places. That said, I can also assure you that you can use it anywhere while functioning at minimum energy requirements.

It is suitable for a group of people, families, RV owners, particularly those who often travel, and anyone who experiences a low supply of hot water during the times when they need it the most. One nice feature I discovered in the heater is the ignition, which utilizes 2D cell batteries. It also boasts of its compact size.

With a folding handle accompanying its small and compact size, ensuring that it stays out of the way when you are setting it up outdoors is possible. It also sports a few safety features including the 20-minute automatic safety device, oxygen depletion safety shut-off feature, anti-freezing protection, and flame failure device.

It has a 1.32 gal/min capacity. One more thing I like is its low-pressure startup, which means that it is possible for you to operate it with the least amount of pressure. Furthermore, it does not require wall venting considering the fact that it is portable.

​Compared to other water heaters, though, this one from Camplux has a lower water supply rate every minute.

No products found.

Pros

  • ​Portable, promoting ease in bringing it in different places and preventing the need for wall venting
  • ​Suitable for different people who need a good supply of hot water, including RV owners who frequently travel
  • ​Compact size, which also features a folding handle
  • ​Contains several safety features
  • ​Boasts of its low-pressure startup

Cons

  • ​Lower water supply rate every minute than other water heaters

​Still, any RV owner will surely be delighted with the many things that the Camplux 5L Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater can do right after its successful installation.

​4. ​​​EZ 101 Tankless Water Heater

No products found.

I can also say that the EZ 101 Tankless Water Heater is worthy to check out. It is a popular product since it is known for doing exactly what it needs to do without requiring too much initial investment. It is an affordable heater with a simple design, making it an ideal solution for heating water when camping or doing outdoor activities.

It only weighs around 14 lbs., which makes it light and portable enough. I think that the lightness and portability of this unit can be attributed to the fact that it does not come with a storage tank. It also sports of its automatic operation. Expect it to fire up automatically upon receiving a draw once you open your faucet.

Once you turn off the water supply, you can also expect it to extinguish the flame automatically. The simple yet aesthetically pleasing design of this unit gives users an easier time using and installing it. It is also designed in such a way that it does not become a distraction when positioned within view of living or working spaces.

It runs using the standard propane tank. No need to plug it into an electrical outlet, so it is indeed suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and RV users. Furthermore, it makes use of a DC electric ignition system – with 2 D cell batteries needed to ignite it. A 20-minute timer is also built in for increased protection.

​However, take note that when the temperature is extremely cold, the unit becomes prone to freezing. Some users also find its flow rate low.

No products found.

Pros

  • ​Affordable
  • ​Features a simple yet attractive design, which makes it easy to use and install
  • ​Light and portable at only around 14 lbs.
  • ​Boasts of its automatic operation
  • ​Offers a higher level of protection – thanks to its 20-minute timer

Cons

  • Unit is prone to freezing when exposed to extremely cold temperatures
  • Some users find the flow rate a bit too low.

​Despite the issues, many users still provide good reviews for the product as they noticed how effective it is in quickly heating water fast and handling low water pressure.

​5. ​​​​Marey Gas 10L Tankless Water Heater

  • ​Compact design saves space and is easy to install almost anywhere
  • ​Works easily with low levels of water pressure. Only uses gas while water is flowing
  • ​Provide endless hot water on demand and only as needed

No products found.

What I find so remarkable about the Marey Gas 10L Tankless water heater is that it can operate without the need for electricity. Installing it is also a breeze while also having an auto ignition. It makes use of gas while water flows into the system. I also love the fact that it is designed to heat water quickly.

I also noticed how easy it is to use even when it is handling a low-level water pressure. It has a compact design, too, so rest assured that it won’t consume too much space wherever you decide to install it. It is environmentally-friendly and cost-effective, as it can save water as well as consumes up to sixty percent less electricity than other units.

The unit also boasts of its anti-freezing protection feature, preventing water inside the pipes from freezing. I also like its low-pressure start-up system, so firing it up with only 8 PSI is possible. This water heater from Marey also comes with an auto-cutoff protection.

It shuts off the supply of gas whenever the flame goes out regardless of the reason. The result is higher energy savings while also ensuring that the system continues to run efficiently.

​As for the downside, some users complained about the difficulty of making some adjustments on the water temperature using the faucet.

No products found.

Pros

  • ​Functions without requiring electricity
  • ​Easy to install while being designed for quick water heating
  • ​Features an auto ignition
  • ​Handles low-level water pressure well
  • ​Comes with anti-freezing protection and auto-cut off protection features
  • ​Cost-effective and environmentally-friendly

Cons

  • ​Water temperature is quite difficult to adjust using the faucet

​Overall, this tankless water heater continues to leave a good impression because most of its features are helpful enough for the users – one of which is the fact that they can regulate the unit in a way that it only heats water on demand.

6. ​​​​​Aquaking Outdoorsman Tankless Water Heater

No products found.

The final product I would like to recommend is the Aquaking Outdoorsman Tankless Water Heater. It is actually propane-powered heater, which promotes ease and speed when it comes to producing hot water. What I love the most in this water heater is its portability, making it suit my RV.

Weighing only 10 lbs., it is indeed lightweight and portable, which makes it useful in campsites, when fishing or hunting, or in anywhere you need hot water. It can give you a sufficient supply of hot water provided propane and running water are available. I think what makes it good for RV users is the ease in hooking it up.

Expect to have a hassle-free experience when hooking it into an existing water connection. Even if propane is its source of power, there is still an assurance that it won’t consume too much fuel just to maintain a specific water temperature consistently. It can even supply similar water temperature for at least four people.

It has a battery-powered ignition, which makes use of 2 D cell batteries to function. It is easy to manage while also boasting of its highly efficient water heating capability. In addition, it has a simple installation process – no need for you deal with complex steps.

​One downside, though, is that you will still need to buy a pump, which is suitable for the heater.

No products found.

Pros

  • ​Propane-powered heater without consuming too much fuel when used
  • ​Highly portable and lightweight
  • ​Easy to hook up to an existing water connection, which is a big advantage for RV users
  • ​Easy to manage without compromising its efficient water heating capability
  • ​Simple installation process
  • ​Ideal for several purposes – for RV users, at campsites, and for hunting and fishing

Cons

  • Need to buy a pump, which is compatible with the heater

​This tankless water heater from Aquaking is known for fulfilling the requirements of most users, especially when the winter time comes as everyone needs hot water. With its high satisfaction rating, I will definitely recommend this product to RV owners.

​RV Tankless Water Heater Buyer’s Guide

Have you finally decided to buy the best tankless water heater for RV reviews? Then note that you’ll have higher chances of picking the best one if you carefully look into these important factors:

​Source of Power

You need to decide beforehand the specific source of power for the heater. Your choices actually include natural gas, electric, and propane. If there is only a single source of fuel in either your RV or home, then it would be best to find a heater, which such power supply.

However, for more than one option for a fuel source, weighing your choices carefully is a must. For instance, if your options are electric and gas, then take note that the former requires minimal maintenance when compared to the latter. However, the electric type also costs higher per unit in comparison to gas.

Weigh the pros and cons and make a decision based on what you think will be most beneficial for you.

​Energy-efficiency

​Note that while a lot of tankless water heaters consume less energy when compared to the conventional ones, there are still specific units and models that are more energy-efficient. Go for a water heater, which has an Energy Star certification as such indicates that it is indeed efficient.

​Flow Rate and Size

Both the flow rate and the size of a specific water heater have a say on the amount of water it can supply to users at a single time. While there are units that are ideal for use in an entire household, making it possible for it to run several applications at the same time, there are also those that are small and can only handle 0.5 gals every minute.

The smaller units, therefore, can only handle one faucet. Decide on the specific amount of hot water you need for your RV as this will help you determine the perfect size and flow rate of your water heater.

​Drain Valves

​The drain valves are usually located close to the base of the heater for proper draining. If you think that you need this specific feature for your tankless heater, then ensure that you go for those made of brass, instead of plastic, as the material is more durable.

​Features

Spend time checking all the features of your options, too. Find out which one is really cost-effective, supplying you with a lot of useful features so you’ll get real value for the money you invested for it. One important feature to look for is the temperature adjustment.

It could be in the form of a simple knob or a panel composed of automated flow controls that you can use to adjust and control water temperature. It is also necessary to spend time scrutinizing safety and warranty features. Another bonus feature could be the glass lining in the tank as it can help minimize corrosion.

​Digital Displays

It would also be best to find a tankless water heater with digital displays. Such feature will definitely give you an easier time customizing operations and monitoring levels. It can also display collector and tank temperatures as well as pressure readings and other useful information.

​Location

One benefit of a good tankless heater is that it consumes less storage space. However, you still have to consider the location as well as the specific area where you intend to install and store the heater. Ensure that your chosen location gives you an easier time connecting the heater to your RV.

Aside from the factors already mentioned, it would also be best to find a tankless water heater with a simple and easy to understand design and interface. It should come with a display that you and anyone who decides to stay with you at home or in your RV can easily operate. Such will definitely save you from a lot of trouble.

​Conclusion

The best RV tankless water heater makes for a great investment as it gives you a constant supply of hot water even if you are on the road. It also helps you save money and space while also reducing carbon footprint. However, you can’t just immediately buy the first tankless heater you see in the market.

You have to weigh all your options carefully and consider all the factors mentioned above. By comparing multiple products, finding a tankless heater, which can offer you maximum benefits is definitely possible.

Learn more about how to choose the best RV water hosebest RV water pump and best RV water filter with buyer’s guide and in-depth reviews. By the way, have a look at our best RV shower head, best RV water pressure regulators and best RV water softener to keep your RV safe!

Last update on 2024-11-14 at 11:28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API