After trying out six of the best-selling tankless water heaters for RVs, we’ve determined that EcoSmart’s ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater is the best fit for any rig!
A standard 6-gallon water heater isn’t sufficient for many RV owners and their hot water needs. From showering to doing the dishes, running out of hot water in an RV is never ideal. Luckily, with the right tankless water heater, you can have a nearly endless supply of hot water in your RV.
When choosing the best tankless water heater for your rig, there are many factors to keep in mind. These considerations include the tankless water heater’s power source, water flow rate, heating capacity, portability, durability, and more. We kept these factors in mind when testing the most popular tankless water heaters for RVs!
1. EcoSmart Eco 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater – Best Overall
2. EcoTouch Tankless Water Heater Electric – Best Budget
3. Stiebel Electron Tankless Water Heater – Best High-End
4. EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater – Best Eco-Friendly
5. Camplux Tankless Propane Water Heater – Best Versatile
6. ThermoMate Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater – Best Compact
EcoSmart’s ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater truly stands out amongst its competitors. Not only does this tankless water heater supply you with endless hot water on-demand, but it monitors the water’s temperature and flow rates to ensure efficiency. Despite the sheer effectiveness of the ECO 27, it still saves space and energy! What’s not to love?
If you’re looking for the perfect tankless system for your RV, we’re going to help you find it!
The 6 Best RV Tankless Water Heaters
1. EcoSmart Eco 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater – Best Overall
There’s a lot to love about this tankless electric water heater from EcoSmart. Once you’ve selected a temperature, the water heater will monitor temperature and flow rates as it provides you with an endless stream of heated water. In fact, your water supply is backed by a limited lifetime warranty!
Depending on the initial temperature of your RV’s water supply, the Eco 27 can deliver between 2.7 and 6.5-gallons per minute. Despite its effectiveness, this water heater still allows you to save space in your RV. When compared to traditional tank heaters, the Eco 27 is 90% smaller overall. The LxWxH dimensions for this tankless water heater are 17 xx 17 x 3.75 inches.
Unlike tanked water heaters, this Eco 27 tankless heater only heats water when you need it. Due to this, it is far more energy-efficient than tanked water heaters. With this tankless water heater from EcoSmart, you can save up to 50% on your water heating costs while traveling in your RV.
2. EcoTouch Tankless Water Heater Electric – Best Budget
If you’re looking for a tankless water heater on a budget, look no further than this EcoTouch model. This water heater is equally safe and durable. Adjusting the temperature of your water is easy with the dedicated digital display and touch control panel.
You won’t need to wait for a consistent stream of hot water! In terms of hot water supply, this cost-effective water heater can deliver up to 1.5 gallons per minute. There’s another reason this is the best budget tankless water heater: the water heater can adjust its power input based on flow rate and temperature settings.
Ultimately, this allows you to get water that’s an ideal temperature while also optimizing your energy efficiency. This budget pick can help you save more money!
3. Stiebel Electron Tankless Water Heater – Best High-End
If you’re looking for a fantastic, high-end tankless water heater, this model from Stiebel is ideal! Your RV’s hot water supply will never be interrupted again! This system features advanced flow control technology and automatically maintains the temperature of your water supply.
With a sleek design, this Stiebel water heater allows you to save space. It’s also highly energy-efficient, allowing you to save on your RV’s energy costs. You won’t even need to worry about hearing this effective water heater!
There are many models to choose from for this water heater. The range includes 12 kW, 15 kW, 20 kW, 24 kW, 29 kW, and 36 kW models. For each of these, buyers can choose between Plus and Trend models. This water heater can also be purchased with an optional circuit breaker. Flow rates will vary between 1.50 and 4.50 gallons per minute for the different models.
4. EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater – Best Eco-Friendly
As you may have gathered, tankless water heaters are far more energy-efficient than their tanked counterparts. However, if you’re looking for an extremely eco-friendly option, you should consider EcoSmart’s ECO 11. Like our top pick from EcoSmart, this tankless water heater also monitors the water flow rate and temperatures to ensure efficiency.
The ECO 11 is even smaller than the ECO 27, with dimensions of 11.5 x 8 x 3.75 inches. With this water heater, RV owners can expect between 1.3 and 3.1 gallons of water per minute. Once again, this depends on the temperature of the inlet water.
5. Camplux Tankless Propane Water Heater – Best Versatile
While this tankless propane water heater is perfect for your RV, it can do so much more! Whether you’re camping outdoors or staying in a cozy cabin, this versatile tankless water heater will come in handy. Much of this device’s versatility is linked to how easy it is to use and install.
The design of this water heater is also highly compact and portable, making it perfect for RVs, camping trips, and more. This fantastic tankless water heater can deliver 2.64 gallons of hot water per minute. Temperature control is also highly simple with this water heater.
6. ThermoMate Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater – Best Compact
Another tankless propane water heater to consider is this model from ThermoMate. This water heater is compact and easy to install. Once you’ve finished setting it up, it can provide you with 1.32 gallons of hot water per minute.
Despite its compact size, this water heater is fitted with a magnetic water flow sensor. Of course, this allows the water heater to function with lower water pressures. When traveling around rural areas in your RV, this will come in very handy!
Buyer’s Guide
In this buyer’s guide, we’ll look at the tankless water heater options that are available today, as well as the factors that buyers should keep in mind. If you’re unsure about the best tankless RV water heater for your needs, this section is for you!
Types Of Tankless RV Water Heaters Available Today
Overall, there are four main types of tankless water heaters that are available today. These options are classified according to their power sources. In this section, we’ll take a brief look at each of your available options!
Electric Tankless Water Heaters For RVs
Electric tankless water heaters are the most popular type available today – and the most eco-friendly. These models are cost-effective and affordable in the long term. These tankless models are easy to install and use in an RV.
Propane Tankless Water Heaters For RVs
Tankless propane water heaters are popular because they can be hooked up to your RV’s existing propane system. If you’ve had a propane system in your RV before, these systems are easy to install and use.
Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters For RVs
Natural gas models are newer than other types – but also harder to come by. These models consume little power and are highly eco-friendly. For this type of water heater, RV owners need to consider the availability of natural gas. Many campgrounds do offer natural gas.
Combination Tankless Water Heaters For RVs
Finally, consumers will come across tankless water heaters that utilize more than one power source. Models like these can come in handy when one type of power source is interrupted. For instance, if the electricity cuts out, you can use propane as your power source. However, these models can be very costly.
Factors To Consider When Buying An RV Tankless Water Heater
From power source to price, these are the factors you need to consider when purchasing a tankless water heater for your RV!
Tankless RV Water Heater Power Source
Of course, we discussed the power source of tankless water heaters in the previous selection. When choosing a model for your RV that fits your needs, this is a crucial consideration.
Tankless RV Water Heater Water Flow Rate
When purchasing a tankless RV water supply, a flow rate will be indicated. You need to carefully consider this and compare it to your estimated water needs/usage in your RV. This will be indicated in gallons per minute (GPM).
While an RV’s sink can use 1.5 gallons per minute, bathroom appliances can take up to 4.5 gallons per minute. You also need to consider how many people will be using the water heater. Luckily, there are many ways to determine your daily water usage in your RV.
Tankless RV Water Heater Temperature Controls
When shopping for a tankless RV water heater, you need to consider how the system controls water temperature. Many water heaters will utilize technology here to ensure the efficiency of the system. You also need to consider how you will adjust the temperature, as this will vary between options.
Tankless RV Water Heater Size/Portability
In any RV, space is of the utmost importance. You want to ensure you pick a water heater that comfortably fits within your RV. For small RVs, compact models are ideal. Of course, the size of a water heater will also correlate to how much water it can supply per minute. For more people, larger tankless water heaters will be recommended.
Tankless RV Water Heater Durability
When buying a tankless water heater for your RV, you want to ensure it lasts. By considering consumer reviews, you can research the durability of a product. However, you should also consider the warranty that is offered by the manufacturer of your tankless water heater.
Tankless RV Water Heater Price
Finally, you need to consider the price when choosing a tankless water heater for your rig. From $100 to $1000, tankless water heaters are sold at many different prices. Whether you’re looking for a premium system or the best budget pick, there are plenty of options for you to consider.
Installing A Tankless Water Heater In Your RV
Once you’ve decided on the perfect tankless water heater for your RV, you’ll need to install it! Of course, the manufacturer will provide clear instructions on how to do this. Ultimately, this process will vary between different brands and models.
However, if you’re interested in getting a closer look at the installation process and the benefits of these tankless systems, you can check out the following YouTube video!
Conclusion
When it comes down to choosing the best tankless water heater for your RV, there are numerous factors to keep in mind. As we explained, these factors include the type of power source, the heating capacity, water flow rate, portability, and more. While using these factors to test some of the most popular tankless water heaters today, one model stood out from the rest.
Of course, EcoSmart’s ECO 27 electric tankless water heater is our top pick! With highly accurate temperature controls, you’ll have a perfect and endless supply of hot water in your RV. With this water heater, RV owners can save on space and energy.
The reviews of this product have praised its accurate temperature controls, energy efficiency, and the tech support provided by EcoSmart.
Good luck, and happy camping!
Check out our article on: How To Fill RV Hot Water Heater? (Easy Guide)
