RV Propane Tankless Water Heater

Best RV Propane Tankless Water Heater Reviews

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If you’re an RV owner, you know that having the right equipment in your RV can make the difference between a pleasant experience and a ruined one. Being an RV owner is both fantastic and challenging since you need to address all sorts of problems. It’s not only the fun part and the road you need to think about, but also the electricity, the water, and all the other matters that count for a pleasant RV experience.

Why should you install a tankless water heater on your RV?

You need to have a nice shower and warm water when washing your hands. The tankless water heaters are all the rage right now since they save so much space.

The name is a tale-teller, and the tankless water heaters are a fantastic choice for anyone struggling with space or looking for subtler heating systems.

No matter how big and spacious your RV is, a tankless water heater is always going to be a great choice.

How to choose a propane tankless water heater for your RV?

There are many options for your RV, and you should do your bits and bobs before shopping. Here are some essential aspects to consider:

  • Propane doesn’t run out fast

Propane tankless water heaters use less propane since they don’t need to maintain the water temperature at a specific temperature.

  • There’s no storage tank

You don’t need a recipient to keep the water, so there’s no storage tank to worry about. You have on-demand water, with an endless supply of hot water. Besides, you don’t have a container to winterize for winter.

  • Price compared to the traditional heating system

Traditional water heaters can hold 6 or 10 gallons of water, with most RV’s featuring 6-gallon size. Even if there are models of 10-gallons, they’re considered to be an upgrade.

A typical 10-gallon hot water tank needs an hour for the water to get warm. The tankless hot water never runs out of hot water, though.

Expect to pay somewhere around $1,000 for an RV tankless water heater, and $800 for a 10-gallon traditional water tank.

You don’t need to wait for hot water when using a propane tankless water heater since it only operated when the hot water starts flowing. It uses 50% less propane, which reduces operating costs. It only needs half the space of a traditional water heater.

  • It gives a constant flow of hot water

No matter the type of tankless water heater you get, you’ll always have hot water on demand.The water starts flowing, with the sensor informing the burner to produce hot water.

  • You cut down the spending

The tankless water heaters are highly energy efficient since they need less propane for operating. They’re also environmentally friendly, which is appealing to the GREEN aficionado.

Traditional water heaters always hold hot water and use energy, increasing your spending. That’s not the case for the tankless water heaters that don’t require to heat a whole tank, which means fewer expenses.

One last suggestion before you go shopping

Propane gas water heater burns clean, and it’s seen as “green” energy, due to its low carbon content. It’s an environmentally friendly fuel, with low greenhouse emission, but big money-saving and energy efficiency.

It’s also common for the propane water heaters to recover hot water twice as fast as the electric types. They’re dependable and safe, with propane water heater users even benefiting tax credits.

TOP 7 RV Propane Tankless Water Heater Reviews

   1. Marey Portable Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater

Shopping on a thin wallet is no picnic, but you shouldn’t lose faith. The Marey GA5PORT Portable Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater is a pleasant surprise for the money, and it’s made for outdoor use. If used outside, you don’t need venting.

It’s a versatile tankless water heater that you can use for washing your pets, car, windows, and cleaning. You can also take it when camping or traveling with your RV. It produces hot water on demand, and you don’t need any electrical connection. A water heater is a reliable option in case of power outages. There are 2-D battery cells that will turn on the pilot light automatically every time.

The propane tankless water heater comes with a gas hose with CSA approved regulator that you can attach to a regular liquid propane tank. The unit is also highly portable since it’s lightweight and comfortable to carry around. The compact shape solves the storage problems as well.

The propane tankless water heater is excellent for an outdoor shower at 115F degree temperature for the output water, and it may provide 1.5gallons.

It’s a do-it-yourself project with a secure mount and installs. It runs great and heats up in second.

Here are our favs:

  • It has a compact design, and it’s portable
  • It’s reliable for outdoor use, in various applications
  • It doesn’t need any electrical connection
  • It’s dependable and easy to install

For this price, some flaws are to be expected. Nothing major, nevertheless:

  • Some find it tricky to control the water temperature
  • The battery placement could be better, as there’s a risk for water splashing with the current design

All in all, the propane tankless water heater is a dependable, easy to mount/carry water heater that manages to be a great bang for your buck.

   2. Camplux Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater

For those of you looking for a portable propane tankless water heater, the Camplux Pro 6L 1.58 GPM Outdoor Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater is a great option to consider.

It only takes 3.0PSI of water pressure for the water heater to start, but that’s only one of the many good things. The water heater looks very lovely, and its clean design is appealing to many. The handle is easy to fold while ensuring effortless carrying.

Don’t let the small size of the water heater fool you since the unit can produce 1.58 gallons per minute of hot water output. It ensures endless hot water with impressive energy efficiency. The temperature can rise to 114.8 F degree (46C degree), whereas the minimum water temperature can be as low as 46.4F degrees (8C degrees), in which case the flow rate is 1.58GPM.

It’s a flame failure water heater that comes with anti-freezing protection and oxygen depletion safety with shut-off protection.

The propane tankless water heater is a practical option for small houses, lodges, RVs, outdoor showers campsites, boathouses, and more. You need proper combustion air and venting, but also a flue pipe for RV installation. You don’t need electricity for powering the unit since it has two D cell batteries for the ignition.

The operating propane gas pressure is o.4PSI, while the maximum power output is 41,000btu/hour. You can also connect a 12V pump for obtaining the needed pressure.

Here’s the list of pros:

  • It has a sleek design and excellent profile
  • It comes with sturdy and foldable carrying handle
  • It only needs 0.4PSU for operating
  • It’s sturdy, reliable, and gives endless hot water on demand

Don’t let the minor downsides stand in your way when deciding:

  • It’s not very quiet
  • You need venting when using it inside the RV

Beggars cannot be choosers and, for the buck you’re paying, the propane tankless water heater is an attractive, portable, and reliable model to keep in mind.

   3. Tankless Lpg Gas Water Heater 1.6 GPM Ventfree

Tankless Lpg Gas Water Heater (Low-Pressure Startup) 1.6 GPM Ventfree (Propane) only needs 2psi of water pressure for starting up, and up to 120psi for running.

The tankless water heater is made with vent-free technology and is a reliable option for RVs, rural cabins, small flats, but also boats, sailboats, and mobile homes. Not only that the heater saves you water and energy-producing hot water on demand, but it also looks beautiful, which isn’t typical for water heaters.

The unit can work for multiple points of use, for a complete home with 2 ½ baths. However, it’s better that you only use one point at a time. The cold water temperature shouldn’t be lower than 50F degrees. However, the unit can handle water temperature as down as 40F degrees (the flow rate has to be reduced with the control knob).

The Excel Low-Pressure Startup unit comes with magnetic water flow sensor so that the water heater runs at low water pressure. Two side D batteries are enough for the ignition.

Thanks to its vent-free design, the tankless water heater may be installed inside your RV. It doesn’t need pricey and cumbersome installation since it’s outfitted with impressive ODS (Oxygen Depletion Safety shut-off). It features a pure copper heat exchanger with a lifetime warranty and free LPG flare brass adaptor for the gas regulator.

The heating ability is impressive, and the unit is excellent to install in an RV.

Let’s check the positive aspects once again:

  • The unit only needs two psi for starting
  • It features ODS for safer use
  • It works for multiple-points of use (not at the same of time)
  • The water temperature can be as low as 40F degrees

The downsides aren’t significant:

  • There is a learning curve when it comes to operating the unit
  • The English instruction is poor

Regardless of the minor issues, the tankless water heater is a stable, reliable, and great choice for your RV.

   4. Eccotemp Propane Gas Tankless Water Heaters

There are many good things to talk about the Eccotemp FVI12-LP Liquid Propane Gas Tankless Water Heaters. However, the excellent overall value for the price is the selling point.

The propane tankless water heater is made for indoor installation, and it’s rated at 3.6GPM. It only starts when activated, which saves both energy and water.

Since it’s made for the indoor mount, the water heater includes power ventilation, which recommends it for small homes, cabin, or flats. It’s a dependable option for your RV as well.

Thanks to the compact and smart design, the unit doesn’t take much space in your home. Operating the unit is straightforward thanks to the digital temperature display, with the minimal noise output being another good aspect for the water heater.

Safety isn’t a problem either since the water heater features a safe electronic ignition system. You need to plug it into standard 120V electrical outlet while using a UL-listed cord.

The unit needs ½”NPT water fittings and comes with water temperature controls easy to operate. It requires a minimum 0.65 GPM flow rate for running.

Here’s our opinion on the pros:

  • It’s made for indoor use in small houses, but also works in RV
  • It features safe electronic ignition system
  • It only needs 0.65GPM flow rate for running
  • It has a compact shape and doesn’t take much space

We’re not considering the flaws deal breakers:

  • The technical support isn’t reliable
  • Not everyone finds the temperature setting user-friendly

With the goods outweighing the bads, it makes sense that the water heater is one option to write down on your shopping list.

   5. Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater – EZ 202

If your RV is spacious and you want a portable propane tankless water heater, the Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater – EZ 202  is the right choice.

At only 15lbs, the water heater is easy to carry around, which recommends it for use while hunting, fishing, at campsites, barns, and for your RV adventures.

You don’t need to make any electrical connections since the water heater takes 2D batteries for ignition. Unlike other water heaters, the unit has a rather appealing design with clean lines and simple aesthetic. The mount is straightforward since the unit isn’t obtrusive.

As for the power of the unit, you should know that it gives 3.2 gallons per minute of consistent and continuous hot water at 45F degree rise. Should the water pressure ignition be quite low, the unit can run even under 0.02Mpa (2.9Psi) of water pressure.

The safety features aren’t compromised, and the unit comes with “No pilot light” design, which is both safe and comfortable. The ignition is automatic, and the water heater may run through a garden hose inlet for water supply.

The propane tankless water heater is for both semi-permanent outdoor applications and small cabins with one bath.

Here’s our take on the pros:

  • It’s highly portable and lightweight
  • It’s great for RV, hunting, fishing, or camping
  • It doesn’t need any plug-in
  • It comes with safety features

The cons aren’t something to change your mind:

  • The fittings aren’t standard
  • You should add a sediment filter for best performance

More often than not, the water heater is going to be a viable option for your RV trips and other outdoor experiences.

   6. Girard On-Demand Tankless Water Heater

Designed for RV’s plumbing, the Girard 2GWHAM On-Demand Tankless Water Heater is one wise investment to make for your RV.

The construction is impressive, with the unit presenting freeze protection, which recommends it for regular use during the winter season. It gives 42,000BTUs, and its brushless motor runs very quietly.

It’s not challenging to install nor to use the water heater. It gives you hot water endlessly, at the temperature you want at some moment. It includes onboard microprocessor for controlling the incoming cold water temperature, but also the outgoing and warm water temperature. It also considers the flow rate. It’s the reason for which the hot water flow always runs regularly and steady.

The unit is dependable for producing continuous and constant temperature for hot water. Therefore, you may enjoy some long showers in your RV as well, not only at home.

Let’s focus on the positive aspects once more:

  • It’s made for the RV’s plumbing
  • It doesn’t require LP gas lines
  • Its brushless motor is quiet
  • The water flow is constant, steady and the temperature doesn’t fluctuate
  • It’s made for the long run

The negatives aren’t many:

  • The water flow should be at least 1GPM for better performance
  • Not everybody is happy with the customer service

There’s no such thing as the perfect propane tankless water heater, and this one isn’t far to being one. Just give it a try!

   7. PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater

When you only want the very best for your RV and price is the last thing you check, you should check  PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater.

The propane tankless water heater is designed for RVs, trailers, mobile washing services, small houses, cabins, and more. Despite its power, it only requires half the space that a 10-gallon heater would need. It’s also three times lighter than a traditional 10-gallon heater. By no means, the water heater is highly energy-efficient and features reliable VariFlame technology control system. It preserves both the energy and the water, using 50% propane than other methods.

It’s a tankless water heater, which gives you hot water only when you turn the hot water on. It comes with precise automatic gas modulation, so it’s able to set the amount of gas for the water flow at the moment and the incoming water temperature. The temperature is consistent, and the system doesn’t overheat the water in the warm season. During the cold months, it’s able to produce hot water still.

The tankless water heater needs 1.5amps of power for normal conditions, whereas three amps are needed when the cold weather protection function is running.

When you’re planning continuous operation, you need to keep both the gas and the 12V on, so that the burner doesn’t stop firing. The electric elements have to protect the system against the cold temperatures.

You may very well use the water heater throughout the year, but remember to winterize it.

The fact that every unit is made and hand-tested in the USA may seal the deal for many.

Let’s take another look at the functional aspects:

  • It ensures continuous operation
  • The temperature is consistent
  • You may use it the whole year
  • It comes with many safety features

The inherent flaws aren’t deal breakers:

  • Some think that it heats slowly
  • It’s not cheap

So the propane tankless water heater may not be the most affordable option for your RV, but it’s a wise investment to make for the long run. Isn’t your RV worth it?

FAQs about RV propane tankless water heaters

Q: Should you worry about your safety when using propane tankless water heaters?

A: Propane has a high density, so handling it should always be cautious. Natural gas dissipates, but propane gas may gather and set at the lowest point of the room. It’s best that you also install gas detectors.

Q: Do you need a special kit for propane tankless water heaters?

A: Propane water heaters resemble the natural gas water heaters, and that’s why most brands also include the kit. You can use it for altering the gas orifice and gas pressure regulator on your unit. However, the gas burner is the same, with propane water heaters only requiring more air for LP combustion.

Q: Are all gas tankless water heaters using natural gas?

A: If you have no clue about the correct answer, it’s time to go back to the drawing board. Joke aside, propane tankless water heaters come with the same features as the models fueled by natural gas. They also heat water on demand and don’t present standby heat loss (a common problem for the storage tanks). Since the water stays continuously in the tank, the risk for standby heat loss is quite high. Therefore, the energy is wasted even when you’re not using the hot water.

Q: Is it mandatory to have vents on a propane tankless water heater?

A: Going from electric tank to propane tankless water heater isn’t something to do overnight. Some planning is needed, but you can vent a high-efficiency unit right through the wall, using an affordable PVC pipe. Unlike the traditional storage tank water heaters, the propane tankless water heater doesn’t require venting through the roof. More often than not, the combustion fan exists exhaust horizontally from the unit. The vent options are many, with termination points and pipe cover, which solve the aesthetic problems as well.

Q: Can you use propane tankless water heater with well water?

A: It doesn’t matter the source of water for your RV/home when using a propane tankless water heater. If the water is harder, the risk for scale is going to be higher. However, modern tankless water heaters do inform the owner when it’s time for flushing the water heater. You should also look into using a water softener for reducing the scale, which may lengthen the periods between flushings.

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