Water heaters for RVs are an essential tool for camping trips or dwelling in a recreational vehicle. They offer hot water for bathing, cleaning dishes, and other everyday requirements. Still, it’s critical to select an appropriate water heater because it can greatly affect your comfort and ease during journeys. An excellent RV water heater should have optimal energy efficiency, safety, easy upkeep, and a rapid heating capability.
When looking for an RV water heater, it’s essential to pay attention to its construction and energy source. The heater should be well-insulated and capable of operating on different energy sources, such as electricity, propane, or a combination of both. Furthermore, its heating element should be robust enough to provide an adequate supply of hot water for your needs.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best RV water heater. We have conducted extensive research and rigorous testing on a range of available models to identify the ones that deliver the best performance. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to select an RV water heater that meets your specific requirements.
Best RV Water Heater
Choosing the right RV water heater is crucial for your comfort and convenience during trips. The water heater should be energy-efficient, quick to heat up, and easy to maintain. With a myriad of options available on the market, selecting the best one for your RV can be quite daunting. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best RV water heaters based on our extensive research and testing, to help you make an informed decision.
RVPart Pro RV Tankless Water Heater Propane – RV Instant Water Heater with 15 x 15 inches White Door and Remote Controller Included – Endless Hot Water for RV – 12V Power
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient RV water heater, the RVPart Pro RV Tankless Water Heater is a great option.
Pros
- Provides endless hot water for your RV
- Easy to install and operate
- Remote controller included for added convenience
Cons
- Requires a hardwired installation
- May not work well in extreme temperatures
- Some users reported issues with the unit tripping the 30 amp breaker
This tankless water heater is designed to provide hot water on demand, so you never run out of hot water. It’s also easy to install and operate, with a simple plug-and-play setup. The remote controller included allows you to adjust the temperature and other settings from the comfort of your RV.
One potential downside is that this unit requires a hardwired installation, which may be more difficult than a simple plug-in setup. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the unit not working well in extreme temperatures. Finally, a few users have reported issues with the unit tripping the 30 amp breaker.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient RV water heater, the RVPart Pro RV Tankless Water Heater is definitely worth considering.
GIRARD Tankless RV Water Heater, 12V Power, 42,000 BTUs, Quiet Operation, Onboard Microprocessor, Digital User Control Panel, Freeze Protection, Easy Installation – 2022107534
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient RV water heater, the GIRARD Tankless RV Water Heater is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The on-demand heating system ensures that you have an endless supply of hot water, which is especially convenient when you’re camping with limited water resources.
- The digital user control panel makes it easy to adjust the temperature and monitor the system, while the LED display ensures that you can see the settings even in low light conditions.
- The freeze protection feature is a great safety net, especially if you’re planning to use your RV in colder climates.
Cons
- The installation process can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with RV plumbing. However, the included instructions and installation video should help you get started.
- The unit is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around if you need to reposition it.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other RV water heaters on the market, so it may not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget.
Overall, we were impressed with the performance and features of the GIRARD Tankless RV Water Heater. The on-demand heating system is a game-changer, especially if you’re tired of running out of hot water during your camping trips. The digital user control panel is also a nice touch, as it makes it easy to adjust the temperature and monitor the system. While the installation process can be a bit tricky, the included instructions and installation video should help you get started. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient RV water heater, the GIRARD Tankless RV Water Heater is definitely worth considering.
Chevrolet 5243A Electric Water Heater SW10DE with Direct Spark Ignition – 10 Gallon
If you’re looking for a compact and energy-efficient water heater, the Chevrolet 5243A Electric Water Heater SW10DE with Direct Spark Ignition – 10 Gallon is a great option.
Pros
- The direct spark ignition system allows for fast and efficient heating of water, even in colder environments.
- The compact size of the water heater makes it perfect for small spaces or RVs.
- The installation process is relatively simple, and the water heater comes with all necessary mounting hardware.
Cons
- The 10-gallon capacity may not be enough for households or businesses with high hot water demands.
- The electric heating element may not be as energy-efficient as gas-powered water heaters.
- The water heater may take longer to heat up water if the power source is weak.
We’ve used the Chevrolet 5243A Electric Water Heater SW10DE with Direct Spark Ignition – 10 Gallon in our RV, and we’re impressed with its performance. The direct spark ignition system heats up water quickly, even in colder environments. The compact size of the water heater also makes it perfect for our small RV space.
The installation process was relatively simple, and the water heater came with all necessary mounting hardware. We were able to install it ourselves without any professional help.
However, the 10-gallon capacity may not be enough for households or businesses with high hot water demands. The electric heating element may also not be as energy-efficient as gas-powered water heaters. Additionally, the water heater may take longer to heat up water if the power source is weak.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and energy-efficient water heater for your RV or small space, the Chevrolet 5243A Electric Water Heater SW10DE with Direct Spark Ignition – 10 Gallon is a great option.
Suburban Manufacturing Suburban Co 5238A Sw6D W/H 6 Gal Dsi , White
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient water heater, the Suburban Manufacturing Suburban Co 5238A Sw6D W/H 6 Gal Dsi , White is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 6 gallon capacity of this water heater is perfect for providing hot water for your outdoor needs, such as washing dishes, showering, and more.
- The propane powered system of this water heater is very efficient and can save you money on your energy bills.
- The portable design of this water heater makes it easy to move and set up wherever you need it.
Cons
- The temperature control on this water heater can be a bit finicky and may require some trial and error to get it just right.
- The 6 gallon capacity may not be enough for larger households or families who use a lot of hot water.
- The propane tank hookup can be a bit tricky and may require some additional tools or assistance.
Overall, we highly recommend the Suburban Manufacturing Suburban Co 5238A Sw6D W/H 6 Gal Dsi , White for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient outdoor water heater. Its 6 gallon capacity, propane powered system, and portable design make it a great choice for camping, RVs, and more.
Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon (ES4) – Eliminate Time for Hot Water – Shelf, Wall or Floor Mounted
If you’re looking for a compact and energy-efficient water heater, the Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon (ES4) is a great option.
Pros
- Provides an endless supply of hot water on demand
- Compact and space-saving design
- Easy to install and operate
Cons
- Only 4 gallons of hot water capacity
- May not be suitable for households with high hot water demand
- No battery backup for power outages
This Bosch mini-tank water heater is perfect for point-of-use applications such as bathroom sinks, laundry rooms, workshops, and utility sinks. It is also ideal for use as a supplemental water heater for larger homes with multiple bathrooms.
The ES4 mini-tank water heater is equipped with Bosch’s patented Eco-Logic DHW recirculation system, which saves water and energy by reducing the wait time for hot water. The unit also features a 4,000-watt heating element for fast recovery, making it ideal for on-demand hot water applications.
The compact and space-saving design of the ES4 mini-tank water heater makes it easy to install in tight spaces. It can be installed on a shelf, wall, or floor, and comes with a factory-installed 6-foot power cord for added flexibility.
Overall, the Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon (ES4) is a great option for those looking for a compact and energy-efficient water heater for their point-of-use applications.
Buying Guide
When shopping for an RV water heater, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the water heater are important considerations. The size of the heater will determine how much space it takes up in your RV, while the capacity will determine how much hot water is available for use. Consider your needs for hot water and choose a heater with a capacity that can meet those needs.
Fuel Type
RV water heaters can be powered by propane, electric, or diesel fuel. Propane heaters are popular because they are portable and can be used even when there is no electricity available. Electric heaters are more energy-efficient and can be a good choice if you plan to use your RV in campsites with electrical hookups. Diesel heaters are less common but can be a good choice for those who plan to use their RV for extended periods of time.
Recovery Rate
The recovery rate of a water heater determines how quickly it can heat up a supply of water. This is an important consideration if you plan to use a lot of hot water at once, such as for showering or doing dishes. Look for a water heater with a high recovery rate to ensure that you have a constant supply of hot water.
Insulation
Insulation is important to ensure that the water in your RV’s water heater stays hot for as long as possible. Look for a water heater with good insulation to ensure that you don’t run out of hot water too quickly.
Warranty
Finally, consider the warranty that comes with the water heater. A good warranty can give you peace of mind and protect your investment. Look for a water heater with a warranty that covers at least one year.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best RV water heater for your needs and ensure that you have a constant supply of hot water wherever you go.
