An RV water heater provides hot water for everything from taking showers to doing dishes to making meals on the road. Most RV water heaters run on propane, electricity, or both. They heat water in a small tank or instantly through a tankless system. Each provides specific pros and cons.
Before you choose an RV water heater for your camper, it’s important to understand the different types, how they work, and which one fits your camping style. You’ll want to take stock of your needs to ensure you select the best one. That starts with understanding how RV water heaters differ and how to install and maintain the system you choose.
Gas vs. Electric vs. Dual Fuel RV Water Heaters: Which Is Better?
The best RV water heater depends on how you travel. Propane water heaters, for example, heat faster and work better for boondocking. Electric water heaters, on the other hand, are convenient when you have campground hookups. Modern RV water heaters are increasingly dual-fuel. That is, they can run on propane, electricity, or both for faster heating and greater flexibility.
Understanding RV Hot Water Heaters
Camper water heaters have a primary purpose—to heat the water in your RV for showering, cooking, and any other tasks requiring hot water. You may already have a well-maintained freshwater tank with an electric or manually operated water pump. This pump allows water to flow into the water heater tank in your camper. Depending on whether your RV has a gas or electric water heater, an electrical element or a gas burner heats the water to your chosen temperature.
A hot water heater for a travel trailer will likely have a tank unless you’ve selected a tankless model. Most RV water heaters come in two standard tank sizes:
- 6-gallon tanks are the most common option for travel trailers and smaller RVs
- 10-gallon tanks can be found in larger RVs and motorhomes that need more hot water
Tankless or On-Demand RV water heaters are another option that’s becoming more popular because they heat water as you need it rather than storing it in a tank. (Thus, the name.)
Water heaters also typically have a pressure relief valve that monitors the pressure generated by the expanding hot water inside the tank. Should this pressure become too great, the relief valve lets out water to ensure safety.
If you typically haul a heavy load, consider upgrading your camper axles before you add the extra weight of a water heater and tank. Upgrading your vehicle’s axles increases your load capacity and reduces the risk of carrying too much weight. Tankless RV water heater models are typically powered by electricity or propane and instantly heat external water. They’re handy if you don’t want extra weight and can cope without a full-time camper water heating system.
Electric vs. Gas vs. Dual Fuel Water Heaters for Campers
Electric and gas water heaters have benefits and pitfalls. Your travel style and the campsites you visit will clarify which kind of water heater suits you best. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of electric and gas water heater systems.
Pros and Cons of RV Electric Water Heaters
Look at the pros and cons of electric systems to glean how well they align with your camping needs.
Pros
- You’ll save propane at electrified campgrounds.
- Electric RV water heaters heat water with an electric heating element, similar to what you’d find with residential water heaters.
- The camper electric water heater maintains temperature better.
- The heating element automatically warms when needed.
- An RV electric water heater requires less effort to run.
ConsÂ
- Boondocking is challenging with an electric water heater.
- With limited power, you may have to switch off other high-power appliances when using hot water.
- RV electric hot water heats up more slowly.
Advantages of RV Gas Water Heaters
Gas water heaters also have advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Easier boondocking and remote area camping.
- Faster heating.
- Quick, easy-to-refill gas from a number of suppliers.
- Tandem operation with other gas-powered appliances, as long as you have sufficient propane.
Cons
- Requires propane, which means you’ll need to monitor your tank levels and refill them if supplies run low.
- Higher propane use for frequent campers. Propane consumption can add up over long trips if you use hot water often.
- More components to maintain than with an electric system. That includes burners, ignition systems, and propane lines that require regular cleaning, inspection, and occasional repair.
- Slightly louder with a noticeable “whoosh” or humming sound when the burner ignites.
Gas water heaters tend to have faster recovery rates. So, the tank reheats quickly after the hot water is used up. This can be vital if more than one person needs a hot shower after a day exploring, or someone’s showering while another person is washing dishes.
RV Water Heater Comparison: Gas vs. Electric vs. Dual Fuel
RV water heaters generally fall into three categories: gas, electric, and dual-fuel. Each has advantages. The type of camping you prefer can often determine which type is best for you.
| Feature | Gas RV Water Heater | Electric RV Water Heater | Dual-Fuel RV Water Heater |
| Power Source | Propane | Shore power (120V electricity) | Propane, electricity, or both |
| Heating Speed | Fast heating | Slower heating | Fastest when both power sources are used |
| Best for | Boondocking and remote camping | Campgrounds with electric hookups | RVers who camp both off-grid and at hookups |
| Energy Cost | Uses propane from your RV tank | Often included in campground electricity | Can switch between propane and electricity depending on availability |
| Convenience | Requires monitoring propane levels | Simple when plugged into shore power | Very flexible depending on camping style |
| How Water Recovery | Fast recovery rate | Slower recovery | Fast recovery, especially when both systems run together |
How to Choose the Right RV Water Heater
Selecting an RV water heater means considering your available options while bearing the following three factors in mind.
- Water Heater Size and Installation
Consider the size of a camper hot water heater relative to the space you have available in your RV. Before shopping, measure the dimensions of your sidewall opening to ensure your water heater will fit. Also, check how to install the heater—some camper hot water heaters come ready-to-fit for specific RVs.
If you have a smaller camper with a limited opening, a decent option for an RV gas water heater is the KINGRVER HybridShower 6 Duel Fuel with a six-gallon tank. It operates with propane and supports an electric connection.
- Tank Capacity
Camper hot water heater tank capacities vary—RVers with smaller campers commonly use six-gallon water heater tanks or tankless heaters to reduce their RV’s weight. An example of a popular electric water heater is the Dometic 95001SP 10-gallon aluminum water heater, which also has gas input for those who prefer it. This heater’s tank capacity is suitable for medium to large RVs.
- Rust and Corrosion Protection
To prevent rust or corrosion, empty your camper’s water heater tank between trips. When you buy a new electric or gas water heater, check whether it has a glass-lined tank or comes with a fitted anode rod—these help prevent corrosion and rust. You can also buy an anode rod compatible with your electric or gas hot water heater.
- Dual-Fuel Systems
Many modern RV water heaters are now dual-fuel systems. So, they can run on propane, electricity, or even both at the same time. This can provide the benefits of both gas and electric, including faster heating.
Common RV Water Heater Brands
Several manufacturers currently dominate the water heater market. Understanding the differences can help when replacing or upgrading your system.
- Suburban—steel tank heaters with a replaceable anode rod to prevent corrosion
- Dometic (formerly Atwood)—aluminum tank heaters that often don’t even need an anode rod
- Girard—a popular tankless water heater system
- Truma AquaGo—a premium tankless system that’s commonly only found in higher-end RVs.
That said, most RVs come preinstalled with a water heater, typically a Suburban or Dometic.
Installation Tips for Camper Water Heaters
RV water heaters are typically accessed through an exterior panel on the RV’s exterior wall. In this compartment, you’ll likely find the burner assembly, drain plug, and electrical connections for installation, maintenance, and repairs.
Whether you’re installing a new water heater or switching between a gas and electric heater, following these basic steps can make the process easier and safer.
- Switch off the power, shut off the gas, and relieve the water pressure.
- Drain the water heater by removing the drain plug or the anode rod located behind the exterior access panel.
- Disconnect the electric power connections and the gas and water lines.
- Clear the gas line.
- Remove the existing unit.
- Prepare the sidewall opening by bending up its perimeter edges.
- Partially slide the new unit into position.
- Remove the gas safety stopper from the new heater, thread the propane line through the opening, and seal it with auto or marine sealant.
- Splice and prepare any existing electric wires.
- Finish sliding the new water heater into place.
- Connect any electric wires and the water line.
- Switch on the gas and electricity, and check for gas leaks by spreading soapy water around the joint. If you see bubbles, switch off the gas and reseal the joint.
- Screw the sidewall frame to the new unit to secure it.
- Turn on your water pump, fill the water tank, and check for leaks.
Some of these steps apply only to fitting an RV gas water heater, while others are applicable to an electric installation.
Maintenance Tips for RV Hot Water Heaters
After installing your new RV hot water heater, you’re good to go for the vacation period. When your trip is over, it’s essential to perform the following checks on your water heater regularly to ensure there are no last-minute issues before your next road trip. Before beginning, the most important step is to check your manufacturer’s manual, especially before replacing parts.
- If you have a heater with an anode rod (such as a Dometic/Atwood heater), inspect and clean the tank’s anode rod to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Flush the tank yearly to remove any sediment buildup.
- When filling the tank for maintenance, watch for leaks and repair any immediately.
- Test the pressure relief valve on the top or side of the camper’s hot water heater by lifting the valve’s lever to release water. It should flow freely and then stop.
Regular maintenance ensures your water heater’s optimal and enduring performance. For specific advice, consult your water tank manufacturer’s manual.
Winterizing Your RV Water Heater
If you store your RV through the colder months—especially in freezing temperatures—winterizing is a necessity. Most RVs include a water heater bypass valve system, which isolates the water so antifreeze does not fill the entire tank.
To ensure your water heater is properly winterized:
- Turn off the heater and allow it to cool.
- Drain the tank completely.
- Activate the bypass values before adding RV antifreeze to the plumbing system.
The bypass system saves gallons of antifreeze and protects the heater from freeze damage. It also makes the process faster and more efficient.
Troubleshooting Common Camper Water Heater Issues
When experiencing problems with your water heater’s operation, try these steps to troubleshoot the issue.
- Check the electric power source. With gas, ensure the line is open and that there’s sufficient fuel.
- Check the pilot light. If the light is not on, the burner will not ignite.
- Flush the water tank, so sediment buildup does not hamper the flow of water or damage the heating element.
- Gently brush out or use compressed air on the burner assembly in the access panel to remove corrosion, debris, or dust.
If you carry out these RV hot water heater troubleshooting tips without success, contact a heater repair professional.
Energy Efficiency in RV Water Heaters
Whether you use liquefied petroleum gas, liquid propane, or electric power for your new RV water heater, follow the U.S. Department of Energy’s standards to prevent sulfur dioxide from reaching the air and causing harmful soot. Nitrogen oxide levels—which cause smog—also decrease carbon dioxide and methane production. Water heater regulations apply to all systems and are expected to yield increased energy efficiency.
Safety Considerations for Camper Hot Water Heaters
Ensure and maintain safety by exercising the same precautions in your camper as you do in your home.
- Properly ventilate your camper.
- Test your pressure relief valve often.
- Remove any fire hazards near your water heater.
- Keep your water heater’s temperature below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you’re using a gas water heater, install a carbon monoxide detector.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Water Heaters for Travel Trailers
Can I Use a Tankless Camper Water Heater?
Yes, tankless RV water heaters heat water on demand. That is, they provide continuous hot water without storing it in a tank. They’re energy-efficient, compact, and increasingly common in newer (and renovated) RVs as they save space. Just ensure your camper’s plumbing systems and electric or gas solutions support it.
How Long Will My RV Hot Water Heater Take to Heat?
It typically takes anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes for water heaters to reach optimal temperatures. This time can vary depending on the power source, with gas RV heaters likely faster to heat than electric ones.
Can I Sleep with My Travel Trailer Water Heater Running?
Modern RV water heaters are designed with built-in safety systems. So, they can safely operate as you sleep. That said, many RVers turn off their water heaters overnight to conserve fuel and save money. After all, you don’t need hot water as you’re snoozing.
How Much Propane Does a Water Heater Use?
Most RV propane water heaters consume around 8,000 to 12,000 BTUs per hour. So a standard 20-pound propane tank can support many days of normal use.
Making the Best Choice for Your Camper
It’s entirely up to you whether you choose an electric or gas water heater for your camper. Many now come with dual power, so assess the available options and consider your needs and your camper’s size. Water heater installation, functionality, safety, size, capacity, and maintenance all play a role in choosing the best water heater for your camper.
Quick Summary: Choosing an RV Water Heater
When selecting an RV water heater, factors to keep in mind include:
Power source: propane, electric, or dual fuel
Tank size: 6-gallon, 10-gallon, or tankless
Camping style: hookups vs. boondocking
Maintenance needs: anode rods, flushing, winterizing
Installation space: size of the exterior access opening
The best RV water heater for you is the one that matches your travel style and provides hot water wherever the road takes you.
