Best RV Tankless Water Heaters for Motorhomes, Campervans and Travel Trailers

Quick answer: the best RV tankless water heater is the one that fits your vehicle, fuel supply, water pressure, venting, electrical capacity and touring style. A US travel trailer, a large motorhome, a compact campervan and a UK caravan hot water system can all need different solutions.

This guide is for RV, motorhome, campervan, caravan and travel trailer owners comparing hot water options for showers, washing up and touring comfort. A tankless water heater heats water on demand instead of storing a small tank of hot water. That can be useful for longer showers, quicker recovery and reduced standby heat loss, but only when the heater is compatible with the plumbing, gas or electrical system and installation space.

Tankless is often better than a storage-tank heater when you want continuous hot water, have enough propane or electrical supply, and can fit the unit correctly. A storage-tank heater may still be simpler if you only use occasional hot water, already have a working tank unit, or need the easiest like-for-like replacement.

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Best RV tankless water heaters by use case

Best for weekend trips

Weekend users should keep things simple. A compact propane tankless heater or carefully chosen replacement unit may be enough for short showers and washing up. If you mostly use campsites with facilities, avoid overbuying a large system that adds installation complexity without much real benefit.

Best for full-time RV living

Full-time RV living places heavier demand on hot water. Prioritise stable temperature control, serviceability, winterising instructions, warranty support and compatibility with your existing plumbing. A professionally fitted built-in propane unit is often the most realistic starting point for regular RV use.

Best for motorhomes

Motorhomes often have more installation space than small campervans, but they can also have more complex plumbing, gas lockers, external vents and electrical systems. Check the cutout size, vent position, propane connection, water pump pressure and access for servicing before ordering.

Best for campervans

Campervan hot water systems need careful space planning. A full built-in tankless heater may not suit every van conversion. Some owners use a compact portable heater for outdoor showering, while others choose a small fitted system designed for leisure-vehicle use. Ventilation and carbon monoxide safety are critical.

Best for travel trailers

Travel trailers and fifth wheels often suit retrofit RV tankless heaters, especially when replacing an older heater with a similar access panel and fuel type. Do not assume every “RV water heater” listing is tankless or a direct fit. Measure first and compare the installation manual with your trailer.

Best propane tankless water heater

Propane tankless water heaters are common in RVs because they can provide strong hot-water output away from shore power. Compare the Girard GSWH-2 on Amazon, the Furrion FWH09A-1-A on Amazon and similar RV-focused models, but check fitment before choosing by brand.

Best electric option, if suitable

Electric tankless water heaters can be difficult in RVs because they may need more power than the vehicle or campsite supply can safely provide. They may suit some specialist installs, but many touring vehicles are better served by propane, a storage heater or a professionally designed electrical system.

Best retrofit replacement

For replacing an old RV water heater, focus on the existing opening, door size, vent arrangement, pipe access, fuel type and electrical control wiring. Compare tankless models with tank-style alternatives such as the Suburban water heater on Amazon so you understand what is genuinely being replaced.

RV tankless water heater comparison table

Use case	Suggested water heater type	Best for	Things to check before buying
Weekend trips	Compact propane or simple replacement unit	Occasional showers and washing up	Fuel supply, water pressure, space and installation cost
Full-time RV living	Built-in RV propane tankless heater	Regular showering and heavier daily use	Temperature stability, warranty, servicing and winterising
Motorhomes	RV-specific retrofit heater	Larger touring vehicles with existing water systems	Cutout size, external vent, propane line and pump pressure
Campervans	Compact fitted system or outdoor portable heater	Small vans and occasional hot-water needs	Ventilation, storage, safe use location and plumbing layout
Travel trailers	Retrofit RV tankless replacement	Replacing an older trailer water heater	Door size, wiring, fuel type, pressure and manufacturer manual
Portable camping use	Portable propane heater	Outdoor showers and gear rinsing	Outdoor-only use, drainage, hose fittings and wind protection

Buyer guide: what to check before buying

Propane vs electric

Propane is usually the practical choice for RV tankless water heaters because it works away from mains hook-up and can produce useful heat quickly. Electric tankless units can draw a lot of current, so check shore-power capacity, wiring, breakers and professional installation requirements before considering one.

Flow rate

Flow rate is often shown in gallons per minute. Higher flow is not automatically better if the heater cannot raise cold incoming water to a comfortable temperature. Match flow rate to shower use, sink use and the temperature rise you need.

Water pressure

Tankless heaters need a suitable minimum and maximum water pressure. Check whether your RV pump, campsite hook-up and regulator can provide stable flow without exceeding the heater’s limit. For broader maintenance, see the caravan, motorhome and RV water systems guide.

Temperature control

Good temperature control matters for comfortable showers. Look at the controller, display, minimum flow requirement and how the heater responds when another tap is opened. Inconsistent water pressure can cause temperature swings.

Venting

Propane heaters need correct combustion air and exhaust venting. Never install or use a propane water heater in a way that conflicts with the manufacturer instructions. Portable propane heaters are generally for outdoor use unless explicitly designed and approved otherwise.

Installation difficulty

A like-for-like replacement can still involve gas, water, electrical controls, sealing and exterior panels. Use a qualified professional where required, especially for propane or mains electrical work.

Space and dimensions

Measure the heater body, access door, depth, pipe route and service clearance. Some models need a conversion door or trim kit. Dimensions matter more than a product title that says “RV compatible”.

Winter use

Winter use depends on the model, installation and how the whole water system is protected. Freeze protection may need power or propane and does not replace proper draining or winterising. Use the fresh water tank cleaning checklist and water-system manual when preparing for storage.

Safety shut-off features

Check for flame failure protection, overheat protection, pressure limits and error codes. Safety features are useful, but they do not make poor installation safe.

Compatibility with existing RV plumbing

Check pipe fittings, pump pressure, hot and cold line routing, bypass valves, drain points and winterising access. If you also use water treatment products, filters or tank additives, see the RV fresh water tank treatment guide.

Common buying mistakes

Buying by flow rate alone without checking fitment.
Assuming every RV water heater listing is tankless.
Choosing electric without checking available power.
Ignoring venting, gas connection and safety requirements.
Forgetting winterising and freeze protection.
Not budgeting for fittings, trim kits, sealant or professional installation.

For general touring spares, hoses, tools and setup gear, see the caravan, motorhome and RV accessories guide.

Product links to compare

These links are starting points for checking current specifications, dimensions, availability and reviews. Always confirm the latest product details before ordering.

A portable propane heater such as the Camplux portable heater on Amazon can be useful outdoors, while a built-in option such as the Girard GSWH-2 on Amazon or Furrion FWH09A-1-A on Amazon may suit a retrofit where compatible.

Frequently asked questions

Can you put a tankless water heater in an RV?

Yes, many RVs can use a tankless water heater, but only if the unit matches the fuel supply, water pressure, venting, space and installation requirements. Check the manual before buying.

Is a tankless water heater worth it for an RV?

It can be worthwhile if you want on-demand hot water and tour often enough to justify the installation. It may be less worthwhile if your existing storage heater works well or you rarely shower in the vehicle.

Do RV tankless water heaters run on propane or electric?

Many built-in RV tankless water heaters run on propane. Electric tankless options exist, but they can require high electrical capacity and may not suit many touring vehicles.

Can I replace my old RV water heater with a tankless one?

Often, yes, but it is not always a direct swap. Measure the opening, check the vent, fuel type, plumbing, wiring and any trim kit requirements before ordering.

Do tankless RV water heaters work in winter?

Some models can work in cold weather when installed and protected correctly, but they still need proper draining, winterising and freeze-protection procedures. Follow the manufacturer instructions.

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