Last updated on June 5th, 2023 at 08:41 am

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If there’s one thing I know about RV camping, it’s that there is never enough hot water. Whether you are traveling with a bunch of people in need of showers, or constantly doing dishes, hot water will always be at a premium.

This is why many RVers invest in propane tankless water heaters for their RVs. Tankless water heaters are a relatively new addition to the RV scene, but they have changed the way we think of hot water onboard an RV!

How do propane tankless water heaters work? And what should you be looking for in one before you make your final purchase? Read this guide for how to choose the best propane tankless water heater for your RV.

But if just want to get to our top picks, you can check out our favorite options here: 

How Does A Propane Tankless Water Heater Work?

A propane tankless water heater works by heating up running water as it passes through the machine. It doesn’t keep a full tank of hot water at a certain temperature all day, like standard hot water heaters. Instead, it works best when there is a nice, steady flow of water passing through the machine and into your faucets. Once you turn your hot water knob at your RV kitchen sink, your propane tankless water heater gets to work! 

All you have to do with a propane tankless water heater is ensure that the unit is hooked up to electricity and that the pilot light is lit. Once you set your water heater to a certain temperature, your pilot light will activate and heat the water that passes through the unit when you need it. 

Without a tank to keep warm all day, propane tankless water heaters often save you more on your propane gas expenses. It also means that you have as much hot water as you could ever want, so long as you have a steady flow of water to your RV. These water heaters can work whether you have a Class C made for boondocking or a fifth wheel permanently hooked up at an RV site.

Propane tankless water heaters can work with your freshwater systems just as well as city water hookups. All you have to do to get your propane tankless water heater heat in your RV water supply is to install it with some existing propane lines, set your ideal water temperature, and get to work washing dishes! 

But what else should you consider in a propane tankless water heater besides its efficient heating abilities? Let’s go over some important considerations for you to think about before telling you about some of the best products on the market today. 

What To Consider In A Propane Tankless Water Heater?

Just like there’s a lot to consider in a new and efficient RV AC unit, the same can be said for a propane tankless water heater. Here are some of the top things for you to think about before making your final investment. 

Propane Capacity

Your overall propane capacity on board your RV matters when it comes to finding a reliable propane tankless water heater. While propane tankless water heaters are more efficient overall, you should still make sure you have ample propane capacity. 

Ensuring that you have enough propane for your tankless water heater as well as all of your necessary cooking or heating needs is important. You should also make sure that your propane regulator is working properly and has been inspected recently. 

While refilling your propane tanks is a necessary and routine task for most RVers if you are boondocking or camping where there are limited resources, your propane tank capacity should be something for you to consider. 

Budget

The main drawback to tankless water heaters is their price point. If you are shopping for a propane tankless water heater, you may be surprised to see how much more expensive they are compared to traditional tank water heaters. 

The average propane tankless water heater can cost anywhere between $300 to $1,000, depending on the brand and materials involved. If you are buying a brand new RV with a tankless water heater installed, the price is no doubt rolled into the RV purchase price. 

While you can save a bit on your budget with a portable propane tankless water heater, these smaller units often can’t handle the hot water needs of a family of five, or even the average home chef. However, it is something to consider!

Size Of The Unit

One of the main benefits of a propane tankless water heater lies in the fact that it is tankless. However, you should still consider the size of the unit that you are purchasing and ensure that it will fit where your original hot water heater was installed. 

Unless you are transitioning your electric hot water heater into a propane tankless water heater, you will have a much easier installation if you use your existing propane lines from your old machine.

However, tankless water heaters require a fairly secure wall mounting option to work best, and most units are more rectangular than they are square. It would be a real shame to bring home a propane tankless water heater that can’t fit where your existing water heater is installed!

There is also little to be done with a tankless water heater if it doesn’t fit where you originally thought it would. Propane tankless water heaters rely on their installation location more than you might think, so this isn’t necessarily the place to mess around with it. 

Ease Of Installation

Speaking of easier installations, propane tankless water heaters can be trickier than you think to install. This is especially true if you don’t have existing propane lines to connect to the tankless water heater.

Running new propane lines is not something that the average RVer knows how to do. It is not recommended for many people to DIY propane lines. Check-in with your local RV repair shop if you plan on installing a propane tankless water heater without existing propane line connections. 

However, if you are simply replacing your standard propane water heater with a tankless option, you may be able to install your new water heater much more easily given your existing propane lines.

Propane isn’t something to mess with. Always make sure you are installing propane appliances carefully, especially if you are looking at a new RV oven. This could influence your purchase, both for installation and ease of use in the long run.

Installation Location

The installation location of your propane tankless water heater matters not only so that it is installed easily and fits well. It matters so that you can access the control panel with ease.

Propane tankless water heaters have a digital control panel that allows you to adjust the temperature of the incoming water that eventually comes out of your faucets. Having access to this control panel at all times so that you can adjust it can be very valuable.

You may wish to turn the water down if you are bathing a small child or need more of a lukewarm water option for laundry. Having a control panel that is easy to access May influence your installation location decision and overall product purchase. 

Overall Efficiency

The overall efficiency of your propane tankless water heater should be something for you to consider. Reading customer product reviews for all of these tankless water heaters is a good idea to judge the efficiency of a new appliance. 

Not only does efficiency speak to your overall propane usage while heating hot water, but it can also matter when you think about how well your propane tankless water heater performs at different water pressure levels.

One of the main drawbacks of tankless water heaters when installed in an RV is their ability to work under varying water pressure levels. Many consumers mention that tankless water heaters struggle during low-pressure conditions. 

It is important to consider this, as the water pressure can affect your tankless water heater’s ability to heat your water. Obviously having a tankless water heater that doesn’t heat efficiently can be a bit of a downer! 

If you know you camp often in low water pressure environments or have a necessary water pressure regulator to protect your RV’s pipes, you may want to consider a tankless water heater that performs well under low pressure. 

Removal Of Existing Water Heater

If you are installing your propane tankless water heater in a location that doesn’t require you to remove your existing water heater tank, you may consider removing the old appliance or thinking about leaving it where it is. 

No one likes renovating, especially renovating something as delicate as an RV. Take it from someone who is constantly reinventing their 1976 Terry travel trailer! Renovations are a necessary evil for any old RV, but that doesn’t mean you want to give yourself extra projects. 

However, removing your existing water heater, especially if it has a tank, can give you a lot more storage space. This can be especially true if your water heater is located in your kitchen or a storage closet area.

You will need to consider what it means to remove your water heater before jumping in. You may need to cap or otherwise remove propane lines, ensure that any electrical wiring is taken care of, and make sure that your RV floor wasn’t water damaged in any way. 

I recommend watching this video about how to remove a standard RV water heater, should you have an older rig.

While it shows you how to install another water heater with a tank, you may be able to glean some important information about how to install a tankless one as well. 

Propane Tankless Water Heater VS Electric Tankless Water Heater: What’s The Difference?

If you are shopping around for tankless water heaters, you will soon notice that there are two different styles right off the bat. You will encounter propane tankless water heaters as well as electric tankless water heaters. But what’s the difference?

The main and just about the only difference between the two types of tankless water heaters is the fuel source. One tankless water heater uses propane to heat the water, the other style uses electricity. 

There are many reasons that RVers prefer one fuel source over the other. You no doubt have your own opinions, and perhaps even have a good idea about what you would prefer to have installed in your rig at this time. 

Having an electric tankless water heater can be valuable if you have shore power hookups at all times, and don’t want to have to worry about refilling your propane tanks often. Propane tankless water heaters are much better suited for boondocking or dry camping. 

These two fuel options will be roughly the same size, and much smaller than traditional water heaters. They will work in a similar fashion, and for the most part, cost the same. However, if you know you prefer using propane over electricity, a propane tankless water heater is the way to go. 

10 Best Propane Tankless Water Heaters For Your RV

If you are looking for some of the best propane tankless water heater options on the market today, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s take a look at our top 10 picks for propane tankless water heaters for your RV. 

Best Overall: Furrion 2.4GPM Tankless RV Gas Water Heater

One of the reasons this propane tankless water heater takes our best overall spot is because it’s sized to be a direct replacement for an old propane water heater. Furrion is a reliable brand in the RV world, offering the reliability I know I want when purchasing new additions for my rig.

Measuring 12.81 x 12.62 x 20.75 inches, the size of this tankless water heater should fit exactly in place of an old heater, or somewhere nearby. Available in a clean white color and made of high-quality materials, this water heater should last long into the future, which is ideal as I spend enough money traveling around the country!

This appliance is capable of supplying my rig with an impressive 60,000 BTUs of hot water, instantly, whenever I need it. This is ideal as I often need hot water throughout the day for showering, cooking, and doing the dishes. It uses Furrion’s unique Vortex technology to prevent my machine from overheating and potentially damaging pipes – something none of us wants to face in our rigs!

One of the main appeals of this tankless water heater is that it can maintain a consistent temperature. Furrion has developed unique technologies with RVers in mind to ensure that the water coming out of my faucet is at the exact temperature I need. Nothing is worse than waiting around for water to get warm, so I like that this concern is taken away by Furrion.

Speaking of hot water, this machine has the capability of delivering almost two and a half gallons of hot water per minute to an RV. This means I don’t have to worry about taking too long of a hot shower anymore! I find the sleek LED temperature display panel easy to use, and I can install it on the wall of my RV.

It comes equipped with the temperature, pressure level, and even a pressure level alarm so that I know whether or not I have enough water pressure for my tankless water heater to work properly. 

Furrion also has another unique technology to show off with this hot water heater: VibrationSmart technology. With this unique addition, this tankless hot water heater is built to withstand the vibrations and rattling caused by driving an RV over rough and uneven terrain. I find this particularly useful as it means I can continue going off-road and testing my rig, without causing damage to the hot water heater.

That isn’t where the perks end. Furrion also offers a 2-year limited warranty for their tankless water heaters, so that you can have the peace of mind you need to make this purchase. Their customer service is also top-notch, so I know exactly where to head for support if I ever experience problems with my heater.

You can read the reviews and check out this top-rated product on Amazon by clicking here.

Best Outdoor Shower Choice: Marey GA5PORT Portable Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater

Technology always amazes me, and now there’s something super useful for RVing; portable propane gas tankless water heaters. That’s exactly what this lightweight and easy-to-move option is from Marey. It even comes fully equipped with an attached showerhead, carrying handle, and more.

While this tankless water heater shouldn’t be installed inside an RV, it’s a great outdoor shower option. I personally love showering outside as it reconnects me with nature, and I can shower with a stunning view! It can hook up easily to a garden hose or to existing outdoor grill propane hookups and will produce hot water in no time. 

I like that the temperature is easily adjustable, along with the water activation flow. I can choose to either use it as a shower or a simple hand wash station – ideal for when friends and family come to visit the campground! Having an exterior-mounted tankless water heater shower means I can also wash my rig, dog, or tow vehicle with ease. 

This Marey unit is also very compact and lightweight, weighing only 12 pounds and measuring 4.7 x 11.4 x 17 inches, so I don’t have to struggle during the installation. It can still produce up to 2 gallons of hot water per minute in certain climate zones and locations, which is plenty for everything I need in my rig.

I guess that’s the main drawback of this portable tankless hot water heater: it doesn’t work in every location, and it may struggle in areas with a cold air base water temperature. However, this heater is ideal for summertime showers and is worth considering as it’s budget-friendly too.  

Marey offers its customers a five-year warranty on this product, along with intuitive and helpful customer service care lines, which gives me peace of mind that I can reach for help if I ever need to. It has 35,000 BTUs and requires two D-cell batteries to operate its interface, but it’s otherwise entirely off-grid!

As I mentioned already, this tankless water heater may not work best for you given that it is meant for outdoor use only. However, if you’ve been looking for an outdoor shower to add to your RV, a propane tankless option is the way to go! 

You can decide for yourself and check out the product in more detail on Amazon by clicking here.

Easiest To Install: GIRARD 2GWHAM Tankless Water Heater

When searching for new additions for my rig, I look for items that are highly rated, capable in cold weather, and easy to install as this makes my full-time life on the road considerably easier! That’s why I’ve added this GIRARD Tankless Water Heater to our list, and it’s a great option for anyone replacing an old propane heater in their RV.

With a whopping 42,000 BTUs, this water heater is ideal for RV plumbing. I love that it won’t ever get too hot and melt my pipes, but that it also has the capability of providing me with even and warm water, whether it be straight from the source or my holding tank. It isn’t the most attractive piece of kit, but it does the job well!

This quality aluminum tank will fit almost anywhere an old hot water heater existed. It also weighs around 20 pounds and measures ‎14.5 x 17.8 x 14.6 inches, making it a compact yet powerful RV propane water tank heater option.

While this product isn’t very different from our Furrion top choice, it couldn’t nab the top spot based on BTUs and overall appearance. However, this tankless water heater still works wonders, and has many top reviews to show for it! This tank heater is a gift for anyone who has had to deal with short, cold, RV showers that make you want to run back home!

It has a 12-volt ignitor, so needs to be hooked up to my battery power, and can then be run by my usual thermostat. The only thing to watch out for is that it doesn’t come with a decorative door, but this is likely just in case there’s still one attached to the outside of your RV. 

What really stands out for me is the ability to install this tankless water heater with little to no issues. Even though I mightn’t have much electric or plumbing experience I was able to hook this guy up and get it going without help! This is reassuring for me as I’m not the most confident DIYer, but hope to learn more skills and gain knowledge as time goes on.

This propane tankless water heater is best installed where an existing water heater is, but you might be able to even get creative with this one. This brand is ready to go at any elevation or temperature and should be a quick and easy install, all of the things I believe are worth thinking about when it comes to hot water heaters for your RV.

You can read the reviews for yourself on Amazon by clicking here!

Most Efficient: Fogatti Tankless RV Water Heater

Fogatti is a brand chosen by most RV manufacturers nowadays. Their tankless water heaters are more popular than any other brand, and I’m starting to see why! Let’s take a look at what this tankless water heater has to offer.

Measuring 16.93 x 16.15 x 16.15 inches, this tankless water heater is designed to fit where an existing propane water heater is. It also comes with a door, available in either black or white, just in case an old water heater takes the door with it! I like the color options, as although there are only two, it still means I have a bit of freedom to control the interior aesthetic of my rig.

Being a big name in the RV game has its perks. This water heater is engineered with Fogatti patented technologies and uniquely designed components, ensuring proven performance and ultimate comfort for mobile living. Plus, this propane tankless water heater is safe.

I always consider safety to be a top priority, and this heater has more safety features than the majority of products on this list, including flameout, anti-freeze, overheat, and overpressure protections as well as troubleshooting diagnostic codes. It can even prevent carbon dioxide and smells – something I worry about in my small RV.

This tankless water heater can produce up to 55,000 BTUs of hot water and gives me over two gallons per minute. This is ample hot water for my RV and even my whole family to shower, wash dishes, and do laundry, all at the same time! 

This tankless water heater also comes with a digital remote control display panel so I can easily adjust the temperature from the wall-mounted LED display. It’s easy to use, attractive and doesn’t take long to hook up.

The design of this water heater for RV life can’t be beaten. It has a low-pressure monitoring system in case my water pressure is ever too low for the water heater to function. It also has built-in durability for any bumps and rocks in the road, so I can adventure far and wide without having to think about my water heater.

The main drawback of this unit is the price. It isn’t the most affordable, like many RV appliances, and although it has some great features, it is a hefty investment that will require plenty of thought. 

You can read those reviews and more product details on Amazon by clicking here.

Best On A Budget: Marey GA10LP Power 10L 3.1 GPM Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater

I’m always on the hunt for deals, offers, and the best prices for things I need for my RV, so this budget option from Marey is a fantastic option that won’t dent the bank too much! We’ve already seen a Marey product, but here’s another one worth considering, especially since it can be installed inside an RV. 

Not only is this tankless water heater smaller than all the others, but it also has the ability to work in potentially low-pressure environments. It just may take a bit of patience and time. The water input may need adjusting as this unit may struggle more with retrieving water from the holding tank rather than water from a hookup. 

With all of that in mind, let’s get into the details. Weighing just over 20 pounds and measuring 6.9 x 13.6 x 23.6 inches, it’s a compact and rectangular unit rather than a square one. This means it may need to be installed differently from other water heaters you may have owned in your rig.

I enjoy not needing an electrical hook-up to make this propane tankless water heater work, as it activates based on my water pressure and propane connection. It’s capable of producing a whopping 3 gallons per minute, plenty for an RV environment, and more than enough for my travel trailer.

This company offers valuable customer feedback and support, at all hours of the day. They include a manual and encourage the user to install the unit themselves. This is a challenge I will gladly accept to further save money and give me the satisfaction of a job well done.

However, given that it isn’t a traditional RV water heater size, I think it’s worth asking for help installing this one if you find yourself needing to cut into your RV in order to make it fit. This particular unit may work best in a van conversion or huge RV renovation for these reasons.

Speaking of installing this unit on your own, if you plan on hooking up this water heater indoors, you will need to purchase an additional venting kit. This kit may suit your budget, but it may be an unexpected purchase that tips the price over the edge a little too much!

Either way, this tankless water heater is affordable, easy to use, and efficient. If you can install it properly, it’s a great choice.

You can read more reviews and check it out for yourself by clicking here.

Compact And Sleek: Camplux Constant Propane Water Heater

I liked the shape and size of the last propane tankless water heater, and that’s why I’ve brought this CampluxConstant Propane Water Heater to our list. Compact, sleek, and efficient, this constant hot water tankless water heater is a great choice for a high-tech rig.

Measuring 14.37 x 4.72 x 25.39 inches and complete with a trendy black design and interface, this hot water heater stands out above the rest based on look alone. It also weighs just around 30 pounds, making it a relatively lightweight option, yet not as light as some of the other options I previously mentioned.

The most striking feature of this tankless propane water heater for me, is the tempered glass LED display. This display shows the temperature of the water, allowing me to adjust it to my needs, and it will also keep me apprised of the water pressure and gallons per minute for easy monitoring.

A standard 120-volt hookup is required for this machine due to its safety features, as it has a vent fan to keep everything cool and operating efficiently. While some boondockers may not be excited about the electric needs of this machine, it’s worth it in the long run if you have an electrical system capable of handling it.

The fan means I don’t have to worry about venting or cutting another hole into my RV. However, given the unique dimensions of this product, some may still need to cut into their RV a small amount in order to make it fit. 

The good news is that the electric needs of this water heater are efficient. It pulls less than one amp while it’s running, and the rest of the hot water is powered by propane fuel.

Let’s talk more about what to expect from this product in terms of hot water. With a maximum output of over 80,000 BTUs, this is the highest-producing water heater on this list. It can also produce nearly four gallons per minute, making this product efficient as well as stylish!

The price point isn’t bad for all of the features this unit offers, including a child safety lock for the LED display. The main issue I see with this water heater is the tricky installation, so it may be worth bringing in some friends or family for a helping hand!

You can read the reviews for yourself and check this product out on Amazon by clicking here.

Best Water Heater Replacement: RecPro RV Tankless Water Heater

I’ve said before how much I enjoy easy installations, and that’s exactly what I want from a propane tankless water heater for my RV. This RecPro heater is made by a well-known brand in the RV game, so I trust this unit is an efficient addition to any rig. 

Measuring roughly 15 inches in almost every direction, this unit should fit well in place of an existing hot water heater. It comes complete with an attractive white finish that matches mine and most RV exteriors well.

This unit also comes complete with a remote control, capable of wall mounting inside an RV so it doesn’t get lost throughout the day! This unit works best with more water pressure than less, though it does have low water pressure safety features, which I always find desirable from RV products.

Speaking of safety features, and given this unit is built for RVs, it performs well on rough roads and challenging terrain, ideal for RVers like me who prefer to park in nature and limit trips to campgrounds where possible. It also has the ability to supply endless hot water, even at high altitudes or during cold weather times, which is exactly what I need in the depths of winter!

While this unit should indeed fit where most standard water heaters are in your RV, some reviews mention struggling with this installation, so I would advise asking for some additional help if you’re not confident.

Whether you have the same results is up to you, but I think it’s worth taking a look at the unit and measuring your RV thoroughly before making your final purchase. If you’ve owned an RV for a long time, you’ll know how often you need to go to the hardware store for your DIY projects! 

No matter what, RecPro is a reliable brand and its customer service can help you out. You can check out the installation reviews for yourself and look at the product in more detail by clicking here.

Best Wall-Vented: PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater – Wall Vented

The thought of having endless hot water is a dreamy one, and being an RV and having this luxury in the heart of nature is unbeatable. That’s why I’ve added this PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater to our list.

It’s specifically designed for sidewall installation which may not suit every RV, but it’s highly efficient, even in cold weather, which is what I need as I spend time in my RV through both the hot and cold seasons!

I particularly like the precise electronic VariFlame temperature control system, as it means I can have the water in my rig at the temperature I want it – not too hot and not too cold. It only weighs 32 pounds, and measures 13.5″ x 14.25″ x 13.5″, so this heater can fit in small spaces, great for compact RVs like my travel trailer, or even bigger rigs like the one in the video below:

 

The output is impressive, as this PrecisionTemp heater has 55,000 BTUs to keep the water in my rig toasty warm when it needs to be. I like that I have the choice to choose between three different doors; white, black, or aluminum, as it means the heater can work with my RV, as we all know RVs aren’t the prettiest of things!

The only drawback with this unit is the price tag! It’s a hefty investment to make and isn’t the most budget-friendly option available. It is, however, an efficient propane heater that can bring the comfort of hot water to your rig without much hassle at all.

You can check out the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.

Easiest To Use: Suburban 5239A RV Tankless Water Heater

Ease of use is paramount for me when it comes to RVing, as I have enough to think about already, and don’t want to have to fuss around for hours with complicated kit in my rig. This Suburban 5239A RV Tankless Water Heater is easy to use, with the helpful addition of a light indicator. This heater has a unique edge from many of the others in this list, as it is constructed of porcelain-lined steel, which heated water will not attack. 

This means I have peace of mind, that this heater will last me for all the adventures yet to come, and won’t need to be replaced anytime soon, saving me stress and money!

Suburban has used a node rod to essentially take in electrical action, which can help prolong the unit’s life going forward. I like that all these features come at a budget-friendly price, as it means this impressive piece of kit is available for a wide range of RVers.

Having warm water on board makes my RV feel more like a house than a rig, and is an added bit of comfort I’m grateful for every day. There’s an output of 12,000 BTUs which may not suit every RVers needs, especially in huge rigs, but it may be ideal for smaller RVs. 

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

Best Portable: Eccotemp L10 Portable Water Heater And Shower Set

I often camp off-grid, and this means I spend as much time as possible outside, enjoying connecting with the stunning natural world. This Eccotemp L10 Portable Water Heater and Shower Set is lightweight, compact, and ideal for taking outside whenever I need to. Being able to have hot water wherever I need it is useful for a multitude of reasons, mainly to help clean my dog’s muddy paws off during the wet season!

This unit runs on a 20lb propane tank and has electronic ignition to make it simple to use and quick to get hot water on the go. It’s powered by two 2 D-cell batteries which may not be the most convenient option, but a quick trip to the store will result in the batteries needed to help power this unit up. 

I always like to ensure whatever products I bring into my rig are safe for me and my family when they come to visit. That’s why I love the shut-off safety feature with this Eccotemp water heater, as it automatically shuts off the unit when it runs for over 20 minutes, or it titled over 45 degrees.

It’s easy to attach to a water source such as a garden hose, and has low-pressure activation at 20 PSI, whilst impressively can produce 3 gallons a minute of hot water, ranging from 50-120℉. 

This is a full kit from Eccotemp which includes the heater, a shower head, gas regulator, hose, mounting hardware, garden hose quick connect, and an adaptor, which is everything needed to get this unit installed and working correctly.

There have, however, been reports of the shower head not being the most reliable and while I haven’t had problems after a few uses, this may be something you want to consider, although a quick trip to the hardware store might solve the issue in next to no time!

You can explore the latest reviews and today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.

Final Thoughts

Finding a propane tankless water heater for your RV shouldn’t be a chore. Choosing to upgrade your old water heater can be a huge benefit, both for your RV enjoyment along with everyone who comes on vacation with you.

Consider a tankless water heater today, whether it be propane or electric. Having an endless supply of hot water is truly an RVer’s dream – and you can have it for your rig too!