7 Best Tankless Water Heater for RV(Electric & Gas) in 2023
Being able to enjoy a hot shower in RV is a feeling like home. But every inch of space on your RV is invaluable so a tank water heater is not an option.
The best electric tankless water heater for RV not just takes less space but provides a luxury of a limitless source of hot water for showering and doing your dishes.
But beware though. Before we move any further, most electric tankless water heaters operate on 240volts and require 40+Amp breakers which is something most recreational vehicles can’t allocate. It’s hard to find even in RV parks. So you should go with electric tankless water heaters only if you are sure about the power source in your RV or we have also listed the best gas tankless water heaters for RVs and campervans just in case.
REVIEWS: Best electric tankless water heater for RV
1. Rheem RTEX-11 – Require 50Amp breaker
- Activation flow: 0.3 GPM
- Max flow: 2.6 GPM
- Breaker required: 50 Amp double pole
- Dimension: 12.6×3.6×8.2
The first in our list of best electric tankless water heaters for RVs is from a popular American brand, Rheem. RTEX-11 is an 11kW electric unit that runs on 240 volts and requires a 50amp breaker.
Speaking of the water output, the tankless water heater can deliver upto 2.6 GPM of hot water flow which of course varies based on inlet water temperature. It also has a very low 0.3 GPM trigger activation flow that saves invaluable water on your RV.
The appliance has a digital temperatures display with a convenient control knob with per degree precision. Rheem equips popular self-modulation technology that ensures high energy efficiency of upto 99.8%. The water heater comes with upto 5-year manufacturers warranty
2. Ecotouch ECO55 – Require 30Amp breaker
- Activation flow: 0.4 GPM
- Max flow: 1.5 GPM
- Breaker required: 30 Amp double-pole
- Dimensions: 11×2.35×7.5
Next up in the electric-powered heater lineup is the popular Ecotouch ECO55. The 5.5 kW unit runs on 240volt and requires a 30Amp double pole breaker. It is equipped with smart self-modulation that not just ensures energy efficiency but also takes care of user safety. It features essential overheat protection that prevents scalding hot water from ever reaching the user.
That said, the water heater has a bare 1.5 GPM flow rate in warm climates which can run a low-flow shower at a time. You will not have the luxury of running multiple fixtures at the same time. If you don’t have or plan to use a low-flow showerhead then you should look for other options.
Ecotouch has a very compact size having dimensions of 11×2.3×7.5 inches which should be okay for an RV.
3. Ecosmart Eco8 – Requires 40Amp breaker
- Activation flow: 0.3 GPM
- Max flow: 1.9 GPM
- Breaker required: 40 Amp double-pole
- Dimensions: 11.5×3.75×8
If you are looking for something dependable, something that can deliver a soothing hot shower in an RV then you should look for the eco-smart Eco8. The 8kW electric tankless unit requires electrical specs of 220volts and a 40 amp breaker.
It equips digital thermostatic control with a neat temperature display. The unit has a self-modulating water heating system that conserves energy and provides consistent water temperature.
That said, this smallest model in the eco series has a base flow of 0.3 GPM and max outs of 1.9 GPM.
Eco8 doesn’t take up a lot of space. With 11.5×3.75×8 dimensions, the unit should be able to fit anywhere on your RV.
4. Camplux TE04 120V
- Activation flow: 0.4 GPM
- Max flow: 1 GPM
- Breaker required: 40Amp
- Dimensions: 6.3×3.9×7.8
The Complux TE04 is the last on our list of best electric tankless water heaters for RV. It’s rather the smallest water heater by power and hot water output. Running on 3.5 kW and 120 volts, the tankless unit can deliver upto 1 GPM of hot water in a typically warm climate which is ideal for the kitchen sink. A lot of people use it on RVs. So if need a tankless water heater for doing dishes and things on your RV then this model is right for you.
Like any other electric unit, the Camplux equips smart self-modulation for safety and efficiency. TE04 has a digital temperature display with touch control for adjustment. The small tiffin box size of 6.3×3.9×7.8 inches should easily fit anywhere in your RV kitchen. More 110/120v electric tankless water heaters can be found here.
Best gas tankless water heater for RV
A lot of electric tankless water heaters need huge electric power that most RVs can’t provide. So most campers and people living full time in RV choose to go with gas-powered and especially propane-powered tankless water heaters. Below, I have listed 3 such top-selling models for your RV.
5. GIRARD 2GWHAM
- Max flow: 2 GPM
- Fuel: liquid propane
- Input: 42,000 BTUs
- Dimensions: 14.5×17.8×14.6
Girard is a popular manufacturer in North America for its range of RV water heating solutions. Its 2GWHAM is one such top-selling model. The tankless water heater is powered by liquid propane and has a heating capacity of upto 42000 BTUs per hour. It also requires a 12volt battery supply for ignition.
The unit can deliver upto 2 GPM of hot water which should be sufficient to run a shower and kitchen sink simultaneously.
This almost cubic tankless unit has 14.5×17.8×14.6 inch dimensions that should fit perfectly in the water heater compartment of most RVs. The ventilation door is however sold separately.
Girard is built to adjust to freezing temperatures. With its antifreeze protection, you can conveniently enjoy hot showers as you travel through NY or any other cold region.
6. Furrion FWH09A
- Max flow: 2.4 GPM
- Fuel: liquid propane
- Input: 60,000 BTUs
- Dimensions: 12.8×12.6×20.7
Another decent contender for RV tankless gas water heater is Furrion FWH09A. The 2015 model is a liquid propane fired and requires a 12volt battery for ignition. It has a maximum heat production of 60k BTUs that’s sufficient to deliver upto 2.4 GPM hot water enough to operate two fixtures simultaneously. The unit also works in sub-zero temperature but expect a flow drop.
Furrion equips proper safety measures including smart over-temperature sensing that prevents water from getting scalding hot. The unit is said to be assembled with VibrationSmart technology that helps withstand the unit and its part the bumpy roads and terrains.
And, finally, the heater has a digital temperature display with touch control and comes with upto a 2-year warranty.
7. Gasland GE158 Portable tankless
- Max flow: 1.58 GPM
- Fuel: liquid propane
- Input: 41,000 BTUs
The Gasland GE158 is a rather portable water-heating solution. It’s easy to hook up and install in minutes. All you have to do is hang it on the outside of your RV whenever you need to take shower.
The unit has a heating capacity of upto 41k BTUs which can render more than 1.5 GPM of hot water. Gasland operates on liquid propane fuel. It comes with all the accessories you need to take shower including a showerhead.
As a part of the safety mechanism, it has overheating protection and also is antifreeze equipped.
So if you are out holidaying in your RV then Gasland might just be what you need to get refreshed.
Also, read this guide to winterize your RV tankless water heater.
GUIDE: What to look for when shopping for a tankless water heater for an RV
A tankless water heater can give you the freedom from a 3-minute navy shower on typical RVs. Yes, unlimited hot water! It’s luxury, isn’t it?
But to enjoy those luxuries you need to shop for the appropriate tankless water heater that meets your and RV specification. Here are a few of those things that you should be looking for:
The size of the unit
This is probably the single most important factor when shopping for a tankless water heater which can either make or break the deal.
Before selecting the appliance, you will want to take measurements of the space that you are gonna allocate to it and then filter the heaters accordingly. This way you will not run into the problem of space at the last moment when the time of installation comes.
Fuel source
Fuel or power source is another major factor when selecting a water heater. If you plan to buy electricity then get to know its voltage and breaker requirements.
Most electric tankless water heaters require upto 240volt supply and 40amp breakers which is difficult to provide in most RVs.
Gas-powered RV heaters are mostly liquid propane which shouldn’t be a problem.
Max hot water flow rate
Every tankless water heater has a limit to how much hot water it can deliver every minute. It’s measured in gallons per minute or GPM.
Find out the GPM you need. I. E. The flow rate of your shower head. If you plan to use the shower and kitchen sink simultaneously then add sink flow as well.
The GPM of your RVs fixture is what your required max flow GPM is. Look for that number in the desired water heater. For more help click here.
Extras and safety features
Safety features like surge protection and overheating protection help you stay safe from scalding hot water. Make sure your water heater has it.
Also if you travel in sub-zero temperatures then antifreeze protection comes in very handy.
Warranty
A manufacturer’s warranty gives you peace of mind in case something goes wrong with the appliance. So look for a maximum warranty. Also, beware that some manufacturers require the unit to be installed by professionals rather than DIYers.
