Since the invention of tankless water heaters, they've become quite the desired option. In this era where compactness means cool and convenient, why not you also give a tankless model a try for your RV? And if you are already convinced about buying one, then you need to find the best tankless water heater for RV.
And that's what we are here for - finding you the most exquisite model is our quest. Moreover, to achieve that goal, our article will certainly be of help since it talks about all the well-reviewed models on the market. Also, we are going to learn about the factors that make a great heater in our buying guide section.
9 Best RV Tankless Water Heater Reviews
We studied the market as well as the product. Furthermore, we aimed at the price, convenience, and features. And these are what blew our minds along the way of research:
1. Tankless Water Heater, GASLAND Outdoors BE158B
The reasons for choosing this product to top the list are many. However, what's the standout is that it's extremely safe to use. Yes, you have an anti-freezing mechanism as well as protection against overheating integrated with it. You will need the latter badly if you live in one of those seriously cold areas.
Now, the device is quite compact. But, when it gets to work, you will forget that you are dealing with a tank-less unit - for the device works efficiently and fast. What's more, you will love the mounting bracket as long as storage is concerned. Installation, too, will be done in a jiffy.
This thing decreases water pressure quite impressively between 2.5-110 PSI. Moreover, there's a shut-off mechanism involved to turn off the gas supply when there's any sort of alarming condition. Now, there's an issue with its efficiency in the summertime, as reported by a user, another wasn't happy with the absence of a 1/2 -inch gas line.
2. EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
If you are having a wrinkle on your forehead about the unbearable water heating cost, it's time you checked out our next product. This guy will reduce your burden by half at that.
And you will be delighted with the self-modulating technology it has. For this reason, it's considered as the best electric tankless water heater for RV.
Now, what about the performance? Well, 2 gallons per minute of heating work isn't unimpressive in any way, right? What's more, you have digital temperature control, a feature that will allow you to choose the temperature as you wish.
Now, you must make sure that the heater suits the electrical connections of your house. As for the climate, if the incoming temperature of the water is not below 67°F, you are game.
Now, there's one issue you should know about. Some users found the heater leaking water in a massive amount. But the issue got fixed by their service team as soon as it was reported to the customer care.
3. Tankless Water Heater, GASLAND Outdoors Propane Water Heater 10L BS264
Here's another product from GASLAND. This model has quite a few similarities with the topmost product on our list. However, there are differences in some minor details. This one has a good power output of 68,000btu/hour. That implies that you are going to have that sink of yours warm and comfy fast.
What's amazing is that it doesn't need any preheating. And we are talking about 2.64 gallons/minute of outstanding performance over here. Another thing I like about this heater is that it saves energy with particular energy-saving technology.
The model won't bother you with much burning noise, thanks to the combustion technology integrated. Also, gas consumption will be reasonable with it. And these features together earned it the position in our RV propane tankless water heater reviews.
4. Rinnai V65eN Tankless Hot Water Heater
If you fancy a perpetual warm water supply, you need to check the next product in our RV tankless water heater reviews. The heater will allow you to choose between 98-140°F. That's a good range.
Also, it works pretty fast, thanks to ThermaCirc360 technology. And with such a feature, you can avoid the massive wastage of water.
They say that it's not bigger than a suitcase. Therefore, you shouldn't have any difficulties regarding space. What's also great is that this unit will last an outstandingly long period considering the price. And there's a digital controller included in the package to offer versatility.
We are also counting on the error code indicator it comes integrated with. As far as safety issues are concerned, this little feature should have them covered. Only beware of the fact that this isn't a propane water heater. For, some users were misled to believe that it was one.
5. Tankless Water Heater Electric 240V, ECOTOUCH
Features! That's all about our next item. It will blow your mind with a 5.5KW heating system. On top of that, you will enjoy choosing as high a temperature as 116°F.
And, like all other classy heaters, there's no need for preheating it. Another awesome thing about this is that you won't find any temperature turbulence.
I liked the adjustment system it has. When the water is low in volume, our guy senses it pretty quickly, and behold; you have an instant decrease in temperature. Cool feature, I must say. Not to mention, by doing such smart adjustment, it never lets the water burn you!
They say that it will be 98% energy efficient. Therefore, you are in for a treat if you want to save some electric charge. Additionally, you will enjoy the digital display. They've also included a touch control panel. For all these reasons, this one is also a contender for the best electric tankless water heater for RV title.
However, the guy has some issues when you need a 2.5 GPM flow rate and above, as a user stated.
6. Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater - EZ 202 - EZ Tankless
Fancy a propane heater? Then check out the next product in our RV propane tankless water heater reviews. With a flow rate of 3.2 GPM, it won't fail to comfort you even if it's freezing out there. The unit will also offer you extended energy savings, thanks to the automatic ignition it has.
Another cool thing about it is that it has a plug-free design. You will be safe with the convenience it comes along. When you are outdoor, finding a proper plugging connection is always a task. And that's why it would make a cool choice for an RV use.
They say you can use it in a garden hose inlet water supply. Along with all these, the unit weighs extremely light. Mere 15 lbs. is what you have to deal with. As for drawbacks, they should've thought of an easier setup. Yes, you are likely to break a sweat. Also, you might find the inlet a bit under-built.
7. Marey GA10LP Power 10L 3.1 GPM Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater
Tired of bulky electricity bills? Then it's time you considered a propane heater. And here's a good option that will save you 60-percent max on bills. You should also like the fact that it doesn't demand any electrical plug-in. Moreover, they've made sure of no rust development with this model.
The thing will perform at 2.7 gallons per minute rate. So, it's fast alright. And it will give you a 115°F output temperature of your sink water. Another appreciable fact is that it doesn't waste energy, thanks to the on-demand mechanism.
You can use this unit on 2-3 points at a time. Now, that's versatility at its best as far as water heaters like this go. However, you will have to buy a venting along with a 2-D cell battery, since you won't find them in the box. Also, an expert user tells us that the model needs quite some flow to start heating. Moreover, one user didn't find the adjustable flow rate setting quite a user friendly. He says that you need to work a bit to have it functioning the way you want.
8. Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM Portable Outdoor Tankless Propane Water Heater
When you have very low water pressure, you need a water heater that will start-up easily. And that's what we are dealing with over here. Our guy will get to business only at 3 PSI! That's extraordinary. However, you might see the temperature range it has is nothing more than ordinary.
Yes, we've seen better than a range of 46-114°F, but that's something expected from a machine designed for low-pressure water supply. It works at 1.32 GPM, which is not bad either. And you should like the folding handles this model comes with. They make it compact.
Now, as far as safety is concerned, you are looking at one of the best products out there. There's an oxygen depletion safety shut-off mechanism integrated into it. Also, you will find the flame failure device very useful in this regard.
However, the customer service may not be that convincing, take heed. For one user, when the propane wasn't moving through, he thought that the customer care had failed him miserably also.
9. Eccotemp L10 2.6 GPM Portable Tankless Water Heater, 1 Pack
The last product on the list has quite a few nice features. For instance, you have an automatic safety shutoff timer integrated into it. Thus, after 20 minutes, the device will automatically turn off.
What's also cool is that this unit does the resetting job when there's no water flow. This way, you are assured of no water wastage. I also liked the fact that it's a propane model, a liquid one at that. For, we all know the superiority of propane over natural gas.
The device boasts 74,500 BTU. That's not ordinary at all. Among other features, you should check out the stainless steel hose it comes with. Moreover, there's a chrome shower head in place. For extended safety, you will like the 45-degree safety tilt-switch too.
Things would've been greater if there wasn't an upset user. He was annoyed at the product for letting him down only after 4 months of use. There were also complaints against customer service.
RV Tankless Water Heater Installation
It's practically a kid's job. Yes, only a few steps, and you are done. Check them out:
1. Remove the Old Heater Gently Using Your Tools
Screwdriver, knife, scissors - whatever you have, put them to work. And before you touch anything, check if the electrical connection and old water heater connection is surely off.
2. Place the New Heater Where It Should Be Located
Usually, in an RV, it has a specific spot designed for water heaters.
3. Turn the Switches You Turned Off Previously on
After turning the switches on, make the heater have a nice finish and sealing around it so that nothing comes in or goes out.
4. Set the Temperature
Place the control panel where it will be easily accessible. Set the temperature as you wish the water to have. And I think that you should choose a medium temperature at first - you know, giving the heater a little time to settle down and all.
Done!
Things to Check Before Getting One
Even after going through our RV tankless water heater reviews, there are still some things you must check before going for the purchase. Let's talk about them in the simplest of manners.
Flow Rate
You must've come across the term GPM in our reviews. Well, it means Gallons per Minute. It's the amount of water the machine heats up for your use every minute.
And this is something you need to take most seriously. For, the appropriate flow rate of your water heater will depend on the size of your family. If you don't have a big number of people around you, a flow rate of 2 GPM should do the job efficiently.
However, it's needless to say that a large house with a bunch of folks will require a more impressive flow rate.
Measurement
Size is the second most important factor to consider. You see, you need to have a clear idea about the measurement of your washroom items. But, here's a rough estimation to clear the fog. If you are looking for a kitchen sink heater, then you should aim at 1.5 GPM.
A washroom with toilet and bathtub shouldn't consume more than 4.5 GPM, and the shower area needs approximately 3 GPM. Again, these are only approximations. A standard-sized home with decent sinks, washroom, bathtub, etc. is what we kept in mind while determining these flow rates.
Power
First, you need to check out the power source they've provided you with. Because, you don't want to mess up by buying a propane heater where all that your poor vehicle can afford is natural gas. So, after checking this out, think about your requirements.
Natural gas and propane are cool. However, if you are on a tight budget, I wouldn't use the word 'game' for the electric heater.
One of those heaters might make you broke with the giant bills. Also, if you are not much into moving your muscles, do not go for natural gas heaters. They need maintenance, something that is not of your taste, I assume.
British Thermal Unit
You will find the word BTU whenever you are dealing with online purchases of heaters. It's the heating capacity of your water heater. In a nutshell, the more BTU your unit has, the better. However, for small applications, you can afford to go a bit mediocre.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What's with a tankless water heater?
It's quite a unique sort of heater considering there's no heavy tank involved in its heating process. And not everywhere you will be comfortable with a bulky tank. For example, these heaters are very suitable for RVs.
2. What's the biggest advantage of using a tankless water heater?
Less energy consumption; yes, that's the sweetest thing here. And looking at the condition of this green planet, don't you feel it's about time?
3. Will it save me money?
You bet, it will. Even if it's as less as 5%, it's still appreciable. However, smart folks will not rest unless they save a huge sum of money with this thing, which, certainly is a possibility.
4. One heater for a whole house: possible or not?
Possible, with flying colors, too. However, for large houses, just don't go about buying a toy-sized heater, will you?
5. How can I tackle the problem of hard water?
Buy a water softener, and you should be alright. But, it's an extra precaution and not a necessity, for we are dealing with tankless models over here, remember?
Final WordsLet's not delay you anymore from buying your best tankless water heater for RV. Just make sure that you've gone through the pros and cons one last time, and you will be fine. Good luck.
