7 Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters For Your RV

Last updated on May 26th, 2023 at 02:24 am

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If you are looking at a solid investment for your RV, you should consider installing an electric tankless water heater. No one likes a cold shower, and with endless hot water through a tankless water heater, you won’t ever have to worry about being cold in your RV again! 

Not only are electric tankless water heaters a good source of hot water in your RV, but they also are often far more efficient than traditional tank water heaters. Saving money or battery power on your electricity uses is always a must, especially for times when you’re camping off-grid and can’t simply plug in.

But what else about electric tankless water heaters should you consider, and what are some of the pros and cons involved? Let’s learn more about these unique RV appliances together.

Already know that you want an electric tankless water heater? Click this link to jump ahead to our list of the 7 best electric tankless water heaters for your RV!

Why Choose An Electric Tankless Water Heater?

There are many reasons why you might choose an electric tankless water heater. Perhaps you are hoping to save on your overall electricity usage, or want more hot water for you and your RV guests.

Perhaps it has come time to replace your old water heater and you are looking for a more efficient version to install. Or maybe you want a water heater that takes up a bit less space than your original unit. 

Instant Hot Water

No matter your reasons, there are many positives to installing an electric tankless water heater in your RV. The main positive is that you will always have hot water ready whenever you turn on the hot water at your sink or shower head.

Lower Electricity Costs 

Another positive to an electric tankless water heater is that you will be saving on electricity in the long run. Traditional electric water heaters keep a few gallons of water hot throughout the day when you aren’t using it.

Tankless electric water heaters heat water on demand, meaning that you aren’t wasting valuable electricity heating a bunch of water that you weren’t ready to use. This can be an extremely valuable perk for many RV owners. 

Affordable 

Electric tankless water heaters are also not as expensive as they used to be. You are likely to find one that is roughly the same price as a more traditional tank water heater, especially one that is specifically made for RVs. 

Still on the fence about an electric tankless water heater? Read on to find out our top electric tankless water heaters for your RV, as well as learn about the pros and cons of these units, and how to transition to an electric tankless heater instead of a propane tank water heater normally found in an RV. 

7 Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters For Your RV

If you are ready to start shopping for the best electric tankless water heaters for your RV, you’re in the right place! Let’s take a look at some of the best options that are on the market today, perfectly built to work in your RV. 

Best Overall: EcoSmart ECO 8 Electric Tankless Water Heater

EcoSmart seems to be one of the leading manufacturers of electric tankless water heaters on the market today. This is no doubt due to the fact that they are able to do so within a reasonable price range, efficiently, and with RVing needs in mind.

EcoSmart ECO 8 is the smallest model offered by EcoSmart. It’s designed to work off of one 40 amp breaker, and many reviews mention successfully installing this in their 50 amp travel trailer or fifth wheel. This is good news for us RVers who are seeking an electric tankless water heater. 

Nothing beats this electric tankless water heater in terms of its size. It measures 3.7 x 8 x 11.5 inches and doesn’t weigh more than 5 pounds, meaning I can effortlessly fit this piece of kit in my small RV.  I like that it’s designed to be installed on the wall, as it means I can easily access the control panel and check on the settings as often as I need to.

This tiny unit offers 1-2 gallons of hot water per minute and heats up very quickly, so there’s no standing around and waiting for a hot shower! This is a dealbreaker for me as nothing is worse in winter than having to wait several minutes for warm water for a shower. The main drawbacks to all tankless water heaters, whether it’s an electric or propane option, have to be the water pressure requirements. Let’s talk more about this now. 

Camping and water pressure are always a constant debate. An electric tankless water heater needs ample water pressure in order for the water to heat safely and accurately; this EcoSmart unit is no different. However, as long as enough water pressure is present, there should be no trouble using this unit at high altitudes, cold environments, and just about anywhere hot water may be needed.

This EcoSmart unit may not be able to handle the pressure required for me to shower and my partner to do the dishes at the same time. This is a little frustrating but easy to get around, as couples can simply do one task at a time. Given it has a sleek LED display that’s easy to operate, is a reasonable price, and is also compact, it’s still worth considering this EcoSmart Electric Tankless Water Heater. 

Since it can’t handle too many applications at one time, the price point makes sense, but it might be a better option for solo RVers or couples rather than a family who may require using hot water for more than one appliance at a time. As the electrical needs of this unit are substantial, I would advise using a licensed electrician or very handy friends to help install this heater! 

You can [amazon link=”B00529DDUI” title=”read the reviews on Amazon by clicking here.” ]

Easiest To Install: Bosch Electric Tankless Water Heater

When purchasing additions for my rig, I like to keep things easy to install, as I sometimes RV alone, and don’t have someone around to give me a helping hand. This Bosch Electric Tankless Water Heater has a simple installation and is perfectly sized to fit anywhere. Backed by Bosch’s reliable name, this electric tankless water heater is a reliable choice. 

While this unit isn’t particularly attractive, this electric tankless water heater is designed to work well on only 120-volt power supplies. This electric tankless water heater requires a 40 amp breaker, but it has a few other models in the same line that only require 30. This is great for RVers like me who don’t have a huge electrical system and are unable to install hefty electrical devices.

The main perk of this unit for me has to be its size. It measures 12.25 x 3 x 6.5 inches, meaning I can easily mount it in an RV cabinet, under the sink, or just about anywhere my RV water lines are. Just like all tankless water heaters, this unit will require a certain amount of water pressure in order to work efficiently and accurately.

However, this unit performs well in cold temperatures as well as on the road, which is ideal for me as I travel full-time, through all the seasons the year brings. I love that this unit is an electricity saver in the long run, as it only requires electricity when I need hot water. This is the main perk to all-electric tankless water heaters, and Bosch uses an efficient heating technology to bring hot water exactly when it’s needed. 

Bosch also has my back with its limited warranties. They offer up to a 5-year limited warranty for the heating elements within the hot water heater, and a one-year warranty on all other parts and components. This is a pretty efficient warranty system for such a small gadget, and a big bonus for me, as I don’t want to install a hot water heater, only for it to break and need repairing or replacing a few months later.

You can [amazon link=”B00DZJE31A” title=”read all reviews and learn more about the product on Amazon by clicking here.” ]

Most Efficient: ECOTOUCH Tankless Water Heater

If you want something more high-tech-looking and efficient, check out this model from ECOTOUCH. Highly rated and reviewed, this electric tankless water heater requires a large amount of power, but it can deliver.

Measuring 15.74 x 10.24 x 2.05 inches, this unit can fit just about anywhere, even in the smallest of RVs like my travel trailer. It comes complete with a stunning black tempered glass LED display so I can easily adjust the temperature and review any issues directly from the machine. Safety is a top priority for me, and just because I live in an RV, it doesn’t mean safety is something to be pushed aside and forgotten about!

A big reason this unit jumps out to me is its abundance of safety features. One of the most unique features found in this electric tankless water heater is its smart real-time temperature adjustment capabilities. Let me go into a bit more detail…

What I mean, is this unit adjusts power input based on flow rate and temperature settings in real time. It can adjust the hot water temperature so I don’t get scalded in the shower, or end up with lukewarm water instead of hot. 

Not only can it protect me and my partner from water that’s too hot, but it can also self-modulate, has leak and voltage protection, and has been through multiple tests to ensure that it won’t leak or malfunction. This is the security and peace of mind I need when installing new kits in my RV, especially when they are electric. 

This electric tankless water heater can deliver just over one gallon per minute of hot water anywhere in my RV. It can probably even perform well with multiple hot water needs at once, such as laundry and showers due to its powerful 9kW heating system.

This particular tankless water heater doesn’t need to be vented, which is great as it means I can mount it on any wall without having to worry about purchasing an additional vent kit. It also has a power cord attached for easy installation without a plumber or electrician needed. 

This unit also performs well at cold temperatures and can be used just about anywhere in the US, but requires a rig able to handle its substantial power. It’s priced well and is easy to control, thanks to its smart temperature-controlling technology. 

You can [amazon link=”B07VWQC7R8″ title=”read the reviews and learn more about this tankless water heater on Amazon by clicking here.” ]

Best On A Budget: Marey ECO150 Tankless Water Heater

Marey makes many tankless water heaters using a patented German design and stainless steel water channels. Given these upgrades, it’s surprising this unit is ideal for smaller budgets, helping to reduce the overall cost of RV living. I’m genuinely shocked at the reasonable price of this unit, especially since there are so many impressive features with it!

Measuring 8.7 x 3.5 x 14.2 inches and only weighing ten pounds, this wall-mounted unit is ready to tackle all of the hot water needs I need in my rig. As it’s on the smaller side, it’s capable of sitting just about anywhere inside an RV. 

A standout feature in my eyes is the unique stainless steel pipes that keep my water lines from rusting or getting any build-up from chlorine or hard water residue. This can be a significant benefit to RV living, as RV pipes are not known for being the most stable!

The unit itself is a clean white color with a water-droplet LED display, so it can fit in with any RV interior. It’s very easy to control as it has a display panel with a simple on-switch and arrows to adjust the temperature either up or down. I like things that are uncomplicated to use, so this simple design is a game-changer.

I found that this electric tankless water heater can work at fairly low pressures, which is a huge plus for many RVers hitting the road. Plus, it’s designed to maintain a constant steady temperature despite cold weather or cold water fluctuations for those like me who travel through both the warm and the cold seasons.

Capable of providing almost 3 gallons of water per minute, this unit is powerful as well as affordable. The only downside is that this Marey is a 14.6kW unit which is a substantial amount of power! If you have a substantial electrical system, your rig may be able to handle this unit, but smaller systems may not be suitable. However, Marey offers many different styles so you can find one that works best for you. 

Either way, Marey offers competitive customer service options and resources. They seem to specialize in tankless water heaters, as many of their units made their way onto our propane tankless water heater list.

You can [amazon link=”B073ZJFHJK” title=”check out other sizes of this unit and read the reviews for this product on Amazon by clicking here.” ]

Most Compact: EcoSmart POU 3.5 Electric Tankless Water Heater

If you thought we had already discussed the smallest electric tankless water heater available on the market, think again. This option from EcoSmart is incredibly small, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t capable, especially for handling common RVing needs. 

EcoSmart is another very popular tankless water heater brand, whether it be electric or propane. They seem to know what they’re about, and this particular model is billed as a point of use. In a traditional home, a point-of-use water heater is usually just meant to operate a single sink or shower. However, I own a small travel trailer, so a point-of-use water heater suits me best and is what I have in my rig. 

It all has to do with the way an RV is plumbed and piped, so although this EcoSmart heater may be a great option for some RVs, it may be ill-suited to something like a very large fifth-wheel or Class A motorhome. Measuring 7 x 11 x 3 inches and weighing right around 4 pounds, this unit is easy to mount and can fit anywhere in an RV. Along with being compact, I enjoy the easy-to-read LED control panel, as I can monitor the temperature at all times.

Speaking of control, this unit doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as some other options on this list such as a modern appearance, or smart real-time temperature-adjusting capabilities. It can still, however, monitor my temperature and adjust it in case it ever gets too hot for me to handle. 

It has a maximum flow rate of around 1/2 gallon per minute, which unfortunately makes it not nearly as efficient as other options on this list. Yet its maximum amperage amount is roughly 29 amps, making it suitable for basically any RV application. I do have to add that, though, this unit may not be able to provide adequate water pressure for RVers in particularly cold climates, and is, therefore something to consider for year-round travelers.

However, for the size, price, and 30 amp breaker requirements, this electric tankless water heater has a lot to offer. Most electric tankless water heaters require much more amps to work properly, making this unit an outlier- but in a good way!

You can [amazon link=”B0047RAQZG” title=”read the reviews and see if this unit works for you by checking it out on Amazon using this link.” ]

Best Performance: Girard RV Tankless Hot Water Heater

For me, it’s not worth installing something new into my rig unless it performs well and gets the job done. That’s why this Girard RV Tankless Hot Water Heater has made it onto our list. There’s nothing worse than a hot water heater that takes a lifetime to heat water to a disappointing temperature. This Girard heater doesn’t struggle as it has a strong performance at 42,000 BTUs, and a quiet motor running on 12V power at less than 3 amps- ideal for RV electrical setups. 

I like the onboard microprocessor feature in particular, as it keeps an eye on incoming cold water temperature, flow rate, along with hot water temperatures to help keep things running smoothly. This means I no longer have to deal with sudden bursts of cold or scalding water, which is talked about further in the video below:

I like knowing I can use the digital control panel to achieve the temperature I desire, ranging from 95° to 124° and if the heater runs into any issues, there’s a handy error code system so I can troubleshoot the problem easily. It’s surprisingly compact and fits into a water heater tank cut-out opening for easy installation. 

The only issue for me is the high price tag! There are many electric tankless RV water heaters available for a fraction of the cost of this Girard one. If ultimate convenience and powerful performance are high on your list and you have the budget, this heater is an impressive find.

You can read reviews and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.

Best Lightweight: Chronomite SR-20L/208 HTR 208-Volt 20-Amp SR Series Tankless Water Heater

Nothing is worse than a tricky installation, especially if it has anything to do with RV electrics! But this Chronomite SR Series Tankless Water Heater is incredibly lightweight, weighing under 5 pounds, and is super compact too, measuring ‎11.34 x 6.81 x 3.7 inches. I like that it can fit pretty much anywhere in my rig, and is also US-made, so I feel as though I am supporting a smaller, local business.

There’s a 12-month warranty with this heater, which isn’t as extensive as other heaters on our list, but for the low price and energy-efficient performance, it’s worth considering for those on a budget. The hot water supply is efficient, which is something I want from any hot water heater I install in my rig.

This is because I want a consistent flow, not spurts of extremely hot or freezing hot water when I’m taking a shower in my RV. It’s advised to install this heater within 18 inches of the point-of-use which may not be possible for those with particularly big rigs.

For smaller RVs like mine, however, this is achievable, and on low activation, I can expect 1.3 liters a minute, and 2.5 liters per minute on standard activation, giving me the flexibility and control I need from a tankless water heater. This simple installation and affordability, along with the lightweight design of this heater make it a great option worth considering for RVs.

You can see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.

Pros And Cons Of Electric Tankless Water Heaters

If you aren’t sold on the already listed benefits of an electric tankless water heater, here are some of the pros and cons involved with this new style of appliance. 

Pro: Hot Water, Anytime

If you hadn’t already guessed, the main pro to a tankless water heater is that you have hot water available anytime, anywhere. This is a must for most modern RV years, as having a 4-6 gallon hot water heater isn’t enough for most solo travelers or couples (let alone large families!). 

So long as you have water stored in your freshwater tank, or you are hooked up to city water that flows through your RV pipes constantly, you have hot water available to you. If you are new to RVing it may surprise you to hear that you won’t always have hot water at the ready. 

The truth is that most full-time RVers I know miss long hot showers the most. With an electric tankless water heater, you won’t have to worry about missing out on those residential home showers ever again! 

Con: Expensive Upfront Cost

A potential con for an electric tankless water heater is the expensive upfront cost. These appliances are not necessarily cheap, especially if you are sticking to a particular budget or if your existing hot water heater still works.

It’s always nice to think about upgrading your appliances when the time is right, but the upfront cost of a tankless water heater may make you put off this upgrade longer than you expected. 

Many electric tankless water heaters cost anywhere from $300 to over $1,000, which is a hefty sum for many RVers. You have a perfectly good water heater installed already, you may not feel the need to purchase an electric tankless option yet.

You should also consider the cost of installation, should you need professional help with this. Electric tankless water heaters can be complicated to install, just like tank heaters underneath your RV. 

If you aren’t feeling confident about your DIY skills, You may wish to seek professional help installing this delicate electrical system. However, this will only drive up the upfront cost even more, so this is definitely something to consider. 

Pro: Costs Very Little (If You Have Shore Power Connectivity)

Given that most traditional RV water heaters run on propane, installing an electric tankless water heater can cost you very little in the long run if you have regular shore power connectivity to your RV. For example, if you regularly camp at campgrounds or RV sites, these locations may have free power available to you.

Having a water heater that runs on electricity means that you may be able to have free hot water, most of the time. These units are also made with efficiency in mind. Even if you have your RV hooked up to your home’s electricity, an electric tankless water heater is built to heat your water as efficiently as possible. 

If you are looking for an option that saves you on electricity in the long run, an electric tankless water heater may be the way to go. These units only heat water when you need it, leading to less electricity usage overall. 

Con: You May Not Have The Amps

While an electric tankless water heater uses less electricity overall than traditional electric water heaters, these units will use more electricity than you expect, especially if you are transitioning from a traditional propane tank water heater.

If you have an RV with 30 amps available to it and you haven’t budgeted for your new electric tankless water heater, you may want to take some time and crunch some numbers. You may not have enough available amps to run your new water heater. 

This is why I recommend purchasing an RV multimeter early on in your RVing process. You can use this tool to check how many amps the rest of your appliances are drawing so that you can better budget how many amps you have left over for any new appliances. 

Pro: Convenient And Easy To Operate

Electric tankless hot water heaters are easy to set and forget. They often come with remote controls and easy-to-read LED display panels, showing you the temperature and giving you the option to adjust to your heart’s content. 

You can change the hot water temperature with ease, especially if you plan on doing a load of laundry in your RV or even giving a bath or shower to a small child. Having the option to change the temperature without much hassle can be a blessing to many RVers. 

Con: Installation Can Be Complicated

Just like I mentioned earlier regarding the installation and finding professional help to do so, installing an electric tankless water heater can be complicated on your own.

This can be especially true if you are transitioning from a traditional propane water heater to an electric tankless option. You will need to know how to cover or otherwise remove your existing propane lines, rewire parts of your RV, and more. 

Given the fact that you will likely be working with both electricity and propane, many RVers are not very excited about this particular appliance installation. Consider professional help when installing these, even if it may end up costing more than you expect. 

How To Transition To An Electric Tankless Water Heater

Are you set on transitioning from a propane tank water heater into an electric tankless water heater? Great! There are a few more things for you to consider before you make this fairly large transition. 

Consider Your Electricity Usage

As I already mentioned before, you should consider your electricity usage before transitioning to an electric tankless water heater. There are some units that require fewer amps than others, and the fewer amps being used the better when it comes to RVing.

However, most electric tankless water heaters only use electricity when you need hot water, which means that you likely won’t need to budget for it while you are not showering or washing dishes.

If you have a 50 amp RV, you likely won’t have to worry about your electricity usage unless you are in need of a lot of hot water as well as two air conditioning units, a microwave, and a hair dryer, all at the same time! 

Consider Your Propane Usage

You are no doubt used to budgeting for your propane usage when it comes to your old water heater. But now that you are transitioning to an electric tankless water heater, you most likely won’t need to worry about propane anymore.

Having an electric tankless water heater leaves you more propane for cooking and even heating your RV, which could come as a pleasant surprise to many of you. You can put that propane to good use by purchasing an RV propane grill. 

Remove Your Old Water Heater

You likely won’t want to keep your old water heater installed inside of your RV if you are planning on having an electric tankless water heater put in. This old water heater will simply take up space and you may even need that existing space for your new water heater.

However, removing anything from an RV can be a bit of a chore. You will want to procure the proper tools, make sure that every fuel hookup is unplugged or turned off, and even ask a friend for help if you are unfamiliar with DIY RVing. 

Removing old water heaters is much easier than installing a new one. But more on that later! 

Inspect Your RV’s Wiring

Just like you should inspect your wiring if you are installing a new RV tank monitoring system, you should take a close look at the wiring that will be used for your new electric tankless water heater. 

Your electric tankless water heater will need reliable and durable wiring in order to safely power your new appliance. You should consider hiring an RV repair professional or electrician to help you through this process if you are new to it. 

Again, make sure that you are not hooked up to shore power, and that your battery is fully disconnected from your RV. You don’t want to risk injuring yourself while you are inspecting potentially bare wires. 

Install Your New Electric Tankless Water Heater

Installing your new electric tankless water heater can be a bit more complicated than you may expect. Having a friend who knows what they’re doing around this type of thing could be useful, or you may simply hire an RV repair professional to do the job for you. 

If you plan on installing your new electric tankless water heater yourself, be sure to read up on the job before diving in. Always follow the instruction manual of your new appliance carefully, and take your time to make sure the job is done properly. 

Consider Your Water Pressure

What’s something you may not know about electric tankless water heaters? It’s a fact that most tankless water heater options can struggle with varying water pressures.

Water pressure is always something to consider when you are RVing. There are multiple pressure regulators that you can attach to your hoses so that city water and public water hookups don’t damage your pipes. 

You should also consider water pressure to be important with your new water heater. Many electric tankless water heaters refuse to operate if the pressure levels are not at a certain level, which can be extremely inconvenient to many RVers. 

However, all tankless water heaters require a level of water pressure that is still safe for your RV pipes to handle. It may require you to remove your pressure regulator, but knowing that you will have hot water is often a relief. 

What About Boondocking?

Electric tankless water heaters may not be ideal if you are planning on boondocking frequently. Boondocking, also known as dry camping, is where you camp disconnected from any hookups and shore power options. 

While boondocking is popular and very possible for most modern RVs, an electric tankless water heater can struggle in these environments. This is because all of your utilities are likely at a premium, including electricity. 

However, there are many different ways to combat this. You should be sure to purchase an RV battery made especially for boondocking. This will help alleviate many of your electricity concerns, and it can help power your tankless water heater for the duration of your trip. 

You should also consider other appliances that can run on solar power, such as RV refrigerators. Installing solar may not be a relatively cheap solution to your electric tankless water heater power sources, but it will make your rig, even more, boondock ready. 

Are There Alternatives To Electric Tankless Water Heaters?

Many electric tankless water heaters require a 240-volt hook-up rather than a 120 V hook-up. This essentially means that most RVs can’t handle these products given their need for so much electricity. You may want an alternative given this notion. 

If you aren’t sold yet on electric tankless water heaters or are worried about the amount of electricity they will need in order to keep you in a steady supply of hot water, check out some alternatives to electric tankless water heaters. 

Propane Tankless Water Heaters

Propane tankless water heaters are another tankless water heater option for RVs, and propane seems to be the preferred fuel type for many RVers. This could be the fact that many people who own RVs enjoy boondocking, and propane works best in an off-grid environment.

Propane tankless water heaters are also better options for replacing your existing water heater, as most RV water heaters are powered by propane. While you should always be careful when installing a new water heater, making this transition could be easier than transitioning to an electric water heater.

The overall cost is about the same, and many RVers enjoy propane tankless water heaters with little to no issues as time goes on. This is definitely something to consider if your electricity usage is high and available amperage seems low. 

We’ve already made a list of some of the best propane tankless water heaters available on the market today. Click here to check them out now! 

Electric Water Heaters (With Tanks)

If you like the idea of an electric water heater but aren’t satisfied with any of the tankless options, there are many electric water heaters with tanks that you can consider purchasing for your RV.

I personally transitioned from a propane water heater that never worked in my vintage rig into a new Bosch electric water heater. While the capacity of this particular product is only four gallons, it fits in my rig with little issue. 

Electric water heaters can use a decent amount of electricity, but their installation is often easier and the price tag is usually lower than tankless options. If you are on a budget and feeling handy, you may consider foregoing extra storage space and purchasing an electric water heater with a tank. 

Solar Showers

If you only plan on camping in the summertime when the weather is nice, you may consider building your own solar shower. These DIY options can be very useful for the more rugged camper or the RVer who is on a strict budget. 

These showers use a solar-heated bag and an attachable shower handle or head. You can even build or purchase some that are pressurized to give you more of a realistic shower feel, despite using them in the great outdoors. 

However, the water capacity on these is limited, and you may not want to shower in a bathing suit outside of your RV. This option is definitely not applicable to those of you that want to use your RV and have hot water in colder seasons.

Final Thoughts

Finding an electric tankless water heater for your RV is even easier with our top product list in mind. You can hit the road knowing that you have as much hot water as you may ever need onboard – and that’s enough to make the whole family happy!