RV and Camper Hot Water Heater: 2024 Buyer’s Guide

For RVs and campers, providing hot water for continual use needs careful thought. There are two main water heater technologies which we will look at in this article: propane and ‘on-demand’. It’s important to distinguish between the two to understand what makes them different from each other. This review will also be looking at performance and price.

"At the end of the day, for your camper or RV you're probably going propane over on-demand electrical. We go through both situations so you know what's best for you."

The DIY Official Camper Hot Water Heater Guide for 2024

RV and camper water heater lineups for 2024 have brought some new breakthroughs in performance, durability, and user-friendliness which is particularly true in the propane and on-demand categories. The following section showcases models that lead the pack when it comes to energy efficiency and speed of heating; and installation ease. At the end of the day, our guide here is made just to make your selection process easier.

What to look for in Propane Water Heaters for RVs:

Tankless propane water heaters for RVs are definitely becoming the dominant technological approach for 2024 models — even more so than before. This prioritizes efficiency and space savings - way more so than when first hitting the market in 2005. In a tankless system, the water heater does not have a storage tank. Rather, water is heated directly on demand as it flows through the device. This has a two-pronged advantage: first on a macro scale – the system is more efficient when you only heat water when you actually use it – but second and more viscerally, the wait-time before getting hot water is greatly reduced, meaning a virtually endless supply once you’re up and running.

This is important because the smaller size frees up space in an already limited RV environment. Since the need to store a tank is eliminated, you can have things like additional clothing storage. Maybe even more importantly, the absence of a storage tank itself reduces the likelihood of water damage within the RV that can result from water leaking out of a storage tank. Additionally, tankless systems have a longer life than their tanked counterparts. Again, since there is no tank, corrosion from hard water and sediment that used to build up in older models will be eliminated. In turn minimizes the need for maintenance, which also lowers costs over time.

Operating efficiency is another strength of the 2024 propane tankless water heaters. Some models have modulating, oxygen-sensor-controlled burners that reduce the flame size when the flow rate (water use) is lower and expand the flame as the flow rate increases, ensuring efficient propane use. This lowers fuel consumption while still providing the same water temperature, making it more comfortable for those using it. Tankless models may be more expensive to buy up front but, by saving propane costs and maintenance costs over the long term, the buying price becomes competitive with other hot water systems.

The Furrion® RV Tankless Gas Water Heater, model 2021128847 60,000 BTU with Vortex Technology is our DIY Team choice for RV owners seeking efficiency and consistent reliable water heating. Multiple copper and steel heat exchangers produce a consistent temperature of water even when conditions and usage can fluctuate. The tankless water heater has a rapid recovery rate of 2.4 gallons per minute (GPM), the highest available in the category, ensuring the convenience of prompt, comfortable hot water showers.

Our DIY Team Recommends The Furion RV Tankless Water Heater

What we find most appealing is its 12-volt operating voltage (which simplifies power distribution and eliminates the need for separate power supplies) and convenient lightweight form factor that weighs only 31.6 pounds, both of which enhance its appeal to a wide range of RV configurations. Selection of the white door finish will guarantee its ability to blend in with most RV living quarters, a thoughtful design consideration that acknowledges the importance of aesthetics as well as functionality. To see the current price click here.

The unit's propane gas-powered technology, supported by an electric ignition, offers a blend of efficiency and ease of use that is hard to match. So, at 60,000 BTUs, it provides a big punch of heating power especially for 12.5"W x 12.5"H, as noted by its manufacturer, RecPro. This power-to-size ratio is a significant advantage, making it an ideal choice for those with space constraints but unwilling to compromise on hot water availability. This all goes back to what we consistently preach here. Go with the items that allow for future expansion. For 2024 this definitely holds our eye, we'll see about next year.

How does the installation process differ for propane water heaters in RVs?

Morrison: Propane RV water heaters are a bit more complex because they require a source for the gas, and also have secondary lines that need to be connected and secured to the source, and then leak tested. The vents of the water heaters also need to be vented outside, so again, there is more potential for going wrong involving safety. This is something that you probably would want an expert, even if you’re able to do many other things, to give you an overview, talk about the local codes and safety, and do an inspection before you get into installing it.

Can you provide maintenance tips to extend the life of an RV's propane water heater?

Morrison: Regular maintenance will keep any propane RV water heater in operation for many years. Of paramount importance is an annual check for leaks or corrosion, particularly around connection points or at the tank itself. Each year flushing the system to remove sediment is important to prevent its accumulation, thereby affecting flow and reducing the performance and efficiency. Similarly, the operation of the burner and ignition should be regularly inspected to act upon small problems before they get big. And, voila, these practices will serve to extend the heater’s longevity.

Are there any common misconceptions about propane RV water heaters that you’d like to address?

Morrison: The first, with which many people struggle, deals with safety. Propane RV water heaters are completely safe – it’s just that they need to be installed correctly and maintained correctly. Which, luckily, is easy to do. All modern units are fitted with many safety features, like automatic shut-off valves, and venting systems that greatly minimize the risk of these water heaters.

Finally, what should potential buyers look for when selecting a propane RV water heater?

Morrison: I think you guys already said it but you're gonna' want models that balance capacity, efficiency, and safety features: you want a unit with a high BTU rating that can keep efficiency up; if you can find a water heater with a lengthy factory warranty (or better yet, with factory support), so much the better. Finally, pay attention to user reviews and recommendations: sometimes only real-world examples can help cut through the PR noise.

Q&A with DIY's In-House Electrical Consult Tim Morrison: Practical Advice and Product Life of Propane RV Systems

What's the Best Propane RV On Demand Water Heater?

What's New In 2024 for RV and Camper Water Heaters

Our DIY Team Suggests You Read our Article on Bluetti Solar Panels Which Can Power RV On Demand Hot Water Heaters

Expert Advice Continued: Propane vs. Electric Water Heaters in RVs

Here continue our conversation with Tim Morrison, DIY’s resident electrical expert, on the pros and cons of installing a propane or electric water heater in your RV, and why propane usually wins, but there are some situations where going electric is actually preferable.

Tim, there's been some talk this year on more people going electric over propane for even small campers, what's the deal?

Morrison: Yeah, honestly I think that's a lot of advertising. I'll keep my answer direct - for 85% of people go with a propane water heater for your camper... it’s efficient (it heats water much more quickly than electric models), it’s cheap (it uses propane, which works out to be less expensive than the kind of electricity that’s often used at campgrounds) and available (propane is readily available and allows RVers greater independence from electrical hookups when they ‘boondock’ or just camp out in the woods without a power connection).

So, despite these advantages, what are some situations where an electric water heater might be a better choice for an RV?

Morrison: Yeah so for that 15% of people - say if an RVer sometimes stays for extended periods at a campground that provides electric hookups, I've seen in some circumstances where they will have an electric hook up but not a hot water hook up. If you're there for a long time going with an electrical on demand heater for your RV is going to save you money. Again, once you leave it no longer is that great.

Thanks Tim - let's go deeper in that, can you think of some other things or reasons to go electric over propane.

Morrison: Yeah, you have a pen - let me outline three reasons I can think of.

Solar Power Integration: If you have solar power systems installed in your RV, you can easily integrate an electric water heater and harness the energy that you’re already generating. Not only is it a more sustainable set-up, but you’re also making use of the initial investment for the solar-technology that goes into water heaters, and saving money down the line on operating it.

Indoor air quality and safety: The electric water heater produces no combustion gases so it is the better choice for an RVer concerned about the quality of the air in the space. It is also the preferred choice for those who are averse to the near non-existent risk of propane leaks (when systems are properly installed and maintained; leaks are rare but are a concern for some).

Maintenance and longevity: Typically, electric water heaters require less maintenance than propane models, because they don’t have combustion parts that wear out or require cleaning. This could translate into longer lives and less upkeep over the long haul, a potentially attractive proposition for an RV owner looking for a no-fuss solution.

RV On Demand Water Heater Electric - What's Our Advice?

If you're still looking for an efficient electric model without sacrificing compact space can start your search with Biselong’s RV On-Demand Water Heater Electric: 110V-120V 1.5Kw. It provides hot water on demand for tight spaces and small applications like RV, trailer, and compact kitchen needs. The water capacity of 2.5 gallons is specially designed for quick heating and a fast supply of hot water without the extra Cu’ ft and space requirements of larger galvanized tanks. The thermal efficiency of this water heater stays at 98%.

Its integration with preexisting RV electrical systems is straightforward: the power requirements are precisely those of an RV; the heater comes with a vent valve and an anti-leakage plug, to address the concerns over water pressure and the scalding or leakage hazards; its user interface has a knob that you simply turn to arrive at a desired temperature and then maintain it.

Its small footprint, ability to be mounted on a shelf, a wall or the floor, and the incorporation of a smart inverter that supplies as much power as needed to reach the set temperature makes the unit a wonder for the ever changing and often cramped RV spaces. The quick recovery feature and the instant availability of hot water makes it ideal for RVers who expect water heat to be quick, effective and without delay.

For our Artice on DIY Solar Power Banks

If Interested in Maximizing Solar Electric Efficiency

Concluding Insights on Water Heaters for RV

In conclusion, finding the best RV water heating option can be a complicated endeavour, requiring consideration of many factors, including efficiency, size, energy usage, and safety features. Propane water heaters are quick-heating and do not require a hookup to electricity, but they can be hazardous as the propane tanks are highly flammable and have caused fires in rare situations. In addition, propane water tanks must be checked often and are expensive to repair or replace.

Electric water heaters, such as the one from Biselong for RV On-Demand Water Heater Electric are much safer, easyer to maintain, and more energy efficient, especially when hooked up to an RV with renewable energy resources, which can considerably reduce long-term energy usage.

Also, electric water heaters can be just as easy to use as propane water heaters, especially when an RV is hooked up to an electrical outlet in a campground; that way, you won’t have to worry about fueling up the propane tank and visiting a propane dealer.

The choice between propane and electric – and even whether to go for a hybrid system – ultimately depends on the way the RVer lives and travels, the sites they’re able to find that can provide energy for the system, and other inputs.

Biselong’s model illustrates how advances in technology are continually improving the RV lifestyle for people living on the road. It also reminds us that, when buying a water heater, we must think about more than our immediate need for hot water.

For RV on Demand Electric Water Heater get a 110/120V Compact Electric Tankless Water Heater

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This Guide Covers

Cost Analysis and Product Analysis

• Latest propane and on-demand models

• Expert analysis on performance, durability, and value for money

Exploring On-Demand Water Heaters

• Technology: On-demand water heating

• On-demand water heaters for RV use

• Comparing energy efficiency for different models

Understanding Propane Water Heaters

• How propane water heaters work in RVs

• Advantages of using propane water heaters

Choosing the Best RV Water Heater

• Factors to consider: capacity, recovery rate, and size

• Reviewing top models: performance, user reviews, and expert ratings

External Resources for Guidance:

Blog - Keep Your Daydream

RV De-Winterization Basics For Beginners & Checklist - Keep Your Daydream