6 Best Water Heaters for Instant Hot Water in RVs That Nomads Swear By
Explore the top 6 on-demand water heaters for your RV. These nomad-tested models provide instant, endless hot water, balancing efficiency and performance.
There’s nothing worse than running out of hot water two minutes into a shower after a long day of hiking. That sudden blast of icy water is a classic RV rite of passage, but it doesn’t have to be. For nomads who spend serious time on the road, upgrading to a tankless water heater is one of the biggest quality-of-life improvements you can make.
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6 Best Water Heaters for Instant Hot Water in RVs That Nomads Swear By
Why Go Tankless? The On-Demand RV Water Revolution
Let’s get straight to the point: tankless water heaters mean endless hot water. As long as you have water and propane, you can take a 20-minute shower without a second thought. This is a game-changer, especially for couples or families traveling together where back-to-back showers used to be impossible.
Beyond the luxury of long showers, you also save a significant amount of weight. A standard 6-gallon water heater holds over 50 pounds of water. A tankless unit weighs half that and holds no water when not in use, freeing up precious cargo capacity. They are also generally more efficient, since they only burn propane when you actually turn on the hot water tap, instead of constantly reheating a tank.
But it’s not a perfect solution for everyone. Tankless heaters require a minimum water flow to activate, which can be tricky for extreme water conservers who take "navy showers." They also use more water overall simply because you can. If you primarily boondock with limited water, a traditional tank heater might force you into better conservation habits.
Truma AquaGo: The Premium Constant-Temp Choice
Protect your Truma AquaGo from freezing temperatures down to -4°F with this electric antifreeze kit. Enjoy continuous, gas-free operation and eliminate the need for winter draining with its simple plug-and-play installation.
If you want the absolute best on-demand experience and budget isn’t your primary concern, the Truma AquaGo is the unit to get. It’s the gold standard for a reason. Its standout feature is a small internal mixing tank that keeps a small amount of hot water ready, completely eliminating the dreaded "cold water sandwich"—that burst of cold water you get when you turn the tap off and on again.
This hybrid technology provides incredibly stable temperatures, just like you’d expect at home. You set the thermostat, and you get that temperature consistently, whether you’re trickling water to wash your hands or running the shower at full blast. This level of refinement makes it the top choice for full-timers and those who refuse to compromise on comfort.
Of course, this performance comes at a premium price. The AquaGo is often the most expensive option on the market, and its installation can be more involved. But for those who live in their rig full-time, the daily reliability and consistent, comfortable showers are worth every penny. It’s a true "buy once, cry once" upgrade.
Girard GSWH-2: A Reliable, Popular RV Upgrade
Enjoy continuous hot water in your RV with the Girard Tankless Water Heater. Its onboard microprocessor maintains consistent temperatures, while the digital control panel allows for easy temperature adjustments and troubleshooting.
The Girard tankless water heater is one of the most common and popular aftermarket upgrades you’ll see. Think of it as the workhorse of the on-demand world. It’s a straightforward, reliable unit that delivers on the core promise of endless hot water without the high price tag of more premium models.
It operates on a fully adjustable feedback loop, monitoring incoming water temperature and flow rate to modulate the burner accordingly. This means you get a pretty stable temperature without having to mess with the hot and cold knobs constantly. For thousands of RVers, the Girard was their first and only tankless upgrade, and it serves them well for years.
The main tradeoff is that it can be more sensitive to very low water flow than a Truma. If your water pressure is low or you try to trickle the water too slowly, the burner might shut off. It’s a minor quirk you learn to work around, but it’s a noticeable difference from the top-tier models. For the price and performance, however, it remains a fantastic value.
Furrion FWH09A-1: High-Tech, High-Capacity Heat
Enjoy endless hot water with the Furrion Tankless Gas Water Heater. Its 2.4 GPM capacity and electronic ignition ensure consistent temperatures, while the retrofit design makes installation easy.
Furrion is known for bringing modern tech and design to the RV space, and their tankless water heater is no exception. With a powerful 60,000 BTU burner, it has one of the highest heating capacities in its class. This is crucial for anyone who camps in cold weather, as it can handle a larger temperature rise—turning frigid mountain water into a steaming hot shower without breaking a sweat.
The unit is also built with Furrion’s "Vibrationsmart" technology, designed to protect the internal components from the constant rattling and shaking of road travel. It includes safety features like pressure relief valves and auto shut-offs, giving you peace of mind. The digital wall controller is also a nice touch, offering precise temperature control and clear diagnostics.
This high output and robust build make it a great choice for families or those who need to run multiple hot water taps. The powerful burner does mean it will consume propane a bit faster than less powerful units when running at full tilt. But if you need high-capacity, reliable heat that can keep up with demanding use, the Furrion is a top contender.
Suburban IW60: A Trusted Name in On-Demand Heat
Experience on-demand heating with the Suburban Mfg Co 5286A Iw60. This 60,000 BTU unit provides powerful and efficient warmth for your needs.
Suburban is a name every RVer knows. They’ve been making traditional tank water heaters for decades, and their IW60 (Instant Water Heater, 60,000 BTU) is their answer to the tankless revolution. One of its biggest selling points is that it’s designed to be a direct replacement for their own 6-gallon tank models, often fitting into the same wall cutout without major modifications.
The IW60 uses a unique 2-stage modulating combustion system that adjusts the flame based on water flow. This helps save propane during lower-demand tasks like washing hands but ramps up to full power for a shower. It’s a smart design from a company that deeply understands the RV environment and the need for efficiency.
Because it comes from such an established player, you benefit from a massive service network. Finding a technician who knows how to work on a Suburban product is far easier than for some newer, lesser-known brands. For RVers who value reliability and serviceability over cutting-edge features, the Suburban IW60 is a safe and powerful bet.
Fogatti RV Water Heater: A Solid Budget Performer
Get instant hot water with the FOGATTI InstaShower 7 RV tankless water heater. It delivers 2.5 GPM and features high-altitude mode and a remote controller for easy temperature adjustments.
Not everyone can or wants to spend a fortune on a water heater. The Fogatti is a newer player that has quickly gained a reputation for offering solid tankless performance at a very competitive price point. It delivers the core benefit—endless hot water—without the bells and whistles (and cost) of the premium brands.
With a respectable BTU output and a simple, user-friendly interface, it does the job well. Many users report stable temperatures and reliable ignition, making it a viable option for weekend warriors or budget-conscious full-timers. It’s a fantastic way to get into the on-demand game without a huge initial investment.
The primary tradeoff here is the track record. Brands like Truma and Suburban have been around for a long time and have proven their longevity. While Fogatti units perform well out of the box, their long-term durability and the ease of getting parts or service down the road are less certain. For a DIYer comfortable with troubleshooting, however, the value is hard to ignore.
Camplux Portable: Top Pick for Outdoor Showers
Enjoy hot water on the go with the Camplux AY132 portable propane water heater. This lightweight, 1.32 GPM unit features CSA-approved 6-in-1 safety protection and includes a shower head and gas regulator for easy setup.
Sometimes, you don’t need a fully installed system. For van lifers, truck campers, or RVers who just want a dedicated outdoor shower, the Camplux portable tankless water heaters are brilliant. These units are designed to be hung from a tree or the side of your rig, hooking up to a standard propane tank and a garden hose.
These little powerhouses are incredibly simple. You connect your water source (either from a spigot or a 12V pump pulling from a jug), connect the propane, and you have instant hot water anywhere. They are perfect for rinsing off sandy feet, washing dogs, or enjoying a hot shower under the stars without filling up your grey tank.
This is obviously not a whole-house solution. It’s a supplemental system. But for the price, its utility is unmatched. Having one of these on hand means you can conserve your fresh tank for indoor use while still enjoying the luxury of unlimited hot water outside. It’s one of the most practical and affordable pieces of gear a nomad can own.
Final Checks: Sizing, Power, and Installation
Choosing a model is only half the battle. Before you buy, you need to confirm a few key details to avoid a major headache. The right unit for your neighbor’s fifth wheel might be all wrong for your Class C.
First, think about power. BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a measure of heating power. A higher BTU rating means the heater can raise the water temperature more quickly or handle colder incoming water. If you camp in the mountains, you need more BTUs than someone who sticks to the Florida Keys. A 40,000 BTU unit might struggle in winter, while a 60,000 BTU unit will handle it easily.
Next, consider the physical installation. This is the biggest hurdle.
- Door Size: Does the new unit fit the existing hole in your RV’s sidewall? Many are designed as retrofits, but you must measure your cutout and compare it to the new unit’s specs. Buying a different door kit is a common, and sometimes costly, necessity.
- Power: All these units run on propane for heat, but they require a 12V DC connection to power their control boards and igniters. Ensure you have a proper fused circuit ready to go.
- DIY vs. Pro: If you’re not 100% confident working with both propane and 12V systems, hire a professional. A mistake with either can be catastrophic. It’s a straightforward job for an experienced tech, but a dangerous one for a novice.
Ultimately, switching to a tankless water heater is about matching the technology to your travel style. Whether you need the uncompromising performance of a Truma for full-time living or the simple utility of a Camplux for weekend adventures, the freedom of endless hot water is a luxury that quickly feels like a necessity on the open road.
