How to Choose the Best RV Water Heater for Your Camper

Having reliable hot water in your RV makes life on the road much more comfortable — whether you’re washing dishes, taking a shower, or cleaning up after a long day of adventure. But finding the best RV water heater for your setup isn’t just about picking a brand or size. It’s about understanding how these systems work, how they fit your camping style, and which features matter most for performance and convenience.

Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the best RV water heater and keep your camper running smoothly wherever you go.

RV water heaters are designed to heat and distribute hot water through your RV’s plumbing system, just like a home unit — only on a smaller scale. Most models heat water using propane, electricity, or both.

• Tank water heaters store a specific amount of water (usually 6–10 gallons) and heat it ahead of use.
• Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, meaning you get hot water instantly without a storage tank.

When comparing units, you’ll see specifications like BTU (British Thermal Units) and GPM (gallons per minute). BTU measures how much heat the water heater produces, while GPM indicates how quickly water flows through the system. A higher BTU and GPM typically mean faster, more consistent hot water — especially useful for families or full-time RVers.

These are traditional models found in many RVs. A small tank stores water that’s heated using propane, electricity, or a combination of both.

Advantages:

• Straightforward operation and proven reliability
• Lower upfront cost
• Easier to replace in older RVs

Considerations:

• Limited hot water capacity — once the tank empties, you’ll need to wait for it to reheat
• Slightly less energy-efficient compared to modern systems

Tank models are a good fit for weekend campers or those who don’t require long showers or multiple water uses at once.

Tankless systems, like Furrion and Girard models from Lippert, have become increasingly popular because they deliver hot water on demand — no waiting, no running out mid-shower.

How they work: When you turn on the hot water tap, the unit senses the flow and activates the burner or heating element. Water passes through a heat exchanger, delivering a steady stream of hot water at a controlled temperature.

Advantages:

• Unlimited hot water supply
• More compact and lightweight
• Energy-efficient because they only heat water when needed
• Consistent performance, even in cold conditions

Considerations:

• Higher upfront cost compared to tank models
• Installation may require modification to your existing water heater compartment

If you want efficiency, comfort, and modern technology in your RV, a tankless water heater is often the best choice.

Choosing the best RV water heater goes beyond type alone. Here are the key factors that will help you narrow down your options.

RV water heaters typically use one of three power types:

• Propane: Efficient for boondocking or when electrical hookups aren’t available
• Electric: Great for campgrounds with shore power
• Dual-fuel: The most versatile option — propane and electric work together for faster recovery times

If you often camp off-grid, a propane or dual-fuel model may be best. For full-hookup RV parks, an electric unit can save on propane usage.

Water heaters aren’t one-size-fits-all. Before replacing or upgrading your unit, check your existing water heater door size and compartment space. Common door dimensions include 15" x 15" and 18" x 16".

Both Furrion and Girard offer models designed to retrofit into existing RV water heater openings with minimal modification, making water heater door installation easier for do-it-yourselfers or technicians.

If you travel with multiple people or use several water fixtures at once, pay attention to heating capacity.

• Tank models are usually rated by gallons of water stored.
• Tankless models use GPM (gallons per minute) and BTU output.

For example, the Furrion 2.4 GPM tankless water heater delivers a powerful 60,000-BTU output, allowing you to run multiple faucets or take longer showers without interruptions.

If you travel year-round or through colder regions, look for models with freeze protection and high heat output.

The Furrion tankless water heater, for instance, is designed to perform even when outside temperatures drop to freezing, maintaining hot water flow through built-in temperature sensors and freeze-prevention technology.

Girard’s tankless models also use microprocessor controls to monitor and adjust burner output automatically, providing consistent water temperature regardless of incoming water conditions.

Installation complexity varies between tank and tankless systems. Tank models are straightforward replacements, while tankless models often need new venting or door conversions.

However, once installed, tankless water heaters require less maintenance — mainly periodic descaling to remove mineral buildup. Many Girard and Furrion units come with user-friendly digital controls, making diagnostics and temperature adjustments simple.

To keep your system running efficiently, Lippert offers helpful guides on RV water heater maintenance, troubleshooting, and replacement.

What size water heater do I need for my RV?

Most RVs use 6–10 gallon tank models or 2–3 GPM tankless systems. Check your current unit’s size and your water usage habits to choose the right fit.

Can I replace my traditional tank water heater with a tankless model?

Yes. Many modern tankless systems from Furrion and Girard are designed as direct replacements for older tank models. Always verify your door size and power source before installation.

Are tankless RV water heaters energy-efficient?

Yes. Because they only heat water when needed, they reduce propane and electricity use compared to storage-tank heaters.

Finding the best RV water heater ultimately comes down to how, when, and where you travel. Every RVer has different priorities, and understanding your lifestyle will help narrow your options.

If you’re a weekend or seasonal camper, a traditional tank-style water heater may be the most practical choice. These units are affordable, easy to maintain, and perfectly suited for shorter trips where hot water demand is limited. Their simple design makes them reliable and straightforward to service, which can be ideal if you prefer to spend more time relaxing than maintaining complex systems.

For full-time RVers or larger families, a tankless water heater is often worth the investment. Because it provides a continuous supply of hot water, you never have to worry about running out in the middle of a shower or while washing dishes. The efficiency of tankless systems also makes them cost-effective over time, especially for those who use hot water frequently. Brands like Furrion and Girard are designed with full-time travelers in mind, offering precise temperature control, powerful BTU outputs, and features like freeze protection for year-round comfort.

If your adventures take you into colder climates, choosing a model that can handle low ambient temperatures is essential. A high-BTU water heater with built-in freeze protection, such as the Furrion 60,000-BTU tankless model, ensures your system continues delivering steady hot water even when the temperature drops below freezing. Girard’s microprocessor-controlled units also adapt to changing water and air conditions, maintaining consistent performance regardless of the weather outside.

Some RVers fall somewhere in between — those who enjoy both weekend getaways and longer trips throughout the year. For these travelers, a hybrid RV water heater can be an excellent middle ground. By combining a small storage tank with on-demand heating elements, hybrid units deliver hot water quickly and efficiently without the need for frequent reheating or complex installation requirements.

Ultimately, the best RV water heater is the one that matches your travel style, water usage, and comfort expectations. Lippert’s range of Furrion and Girard products provides solutions for every type of RVer — from casual campers to full-time adventurers — ensuring reliable hot water and worry-free performance wherever the road leads.

Your RV’s water heater is one of the most important comfort systems onboard. Choosing the right one ensures consistent performance, efficiency, and a better camping experience overall.

At Lippert, we carry a full range of Furrion and Girard water heaters — each engineered for durability, smart control, and dependable hot water wherever the road takes you.