6 Best RV Hot Water Heaters for Efficient Use That Nomads Swear By
Discover the top 6 RV hot water heaters for nomads. We cover efficient tankless and traditional models for reliable, on-demand hot water on the road.
There’s nothing quite like the shock of icy water hitting you mid-shower, just as you’ve lathered up your hair in a remote boondocking spot. A reliable hot water heater isn’t a luxury in a nomadic lifestyle; it’s a core component of comfort, hygiene, and sanity. Choosing the right one transforms your rig from a simple shelter into a functional home, saving you propane, water, and frustration along the way.
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Understanding RV Hot Water Heater Technology
Before you pick a model, you need to understand the two fundamental designs: traditional tank heaters and modern tankless (or on-demand) heaters. A tank heater, like the one in most houses, keeps a set amount of water—usually 6 or 10 gallons—hot and ready to go. They are simple, relatively inexpensive, and work well for quick uses like washing hands.
The tradeoff is finite capacity. Once that 6 gallons is gone, you’re waiting for the unit to heat the next batch, which can take 20-60 minutes. They also constantly burn a small amount of propane to maintain temperature, even when you’re not using hot water. This is a slow but steady drain on your resources.
Tankless, on-demand heaters work differently. They use a powerful burner to heat water instantly as it flows through the unit. The massive advantage is endless hot water, provided you have the water and propane to support it. They are also more efficient, as they only fire up when you turn on the hot tap.
The downsides are a higher upfront cost and a sensitivity to water flow. Most tankless units require a minimum flow rate to activate, which can make water-saving "navy showers" tricky. Early models were also known for a "cold water sandwich"—a slug of cold water that appears when you turn the tap off and on again—though newer technology has largely solved this.
Truma AquaGo: The Premium On-Demand 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.
The Truma AquaGo is the gold standard of RV on-demand water heaters, and for good reason. It’s a hybrid system that uses a small mixing vessel to keep a tiny amount of water hot, completely eliminating the cold water sandwich effect and providing instant hot water at the tap. This is as close to a residential hot water experience as you can get in a rig.
What nomads swear by is its consistency. The microprocessor-controlled burner adjusts precisely to the flow rate, so you get the same temperature whether you’re taking a full-pressure shower or just trickling water to wash dishes. It’s incredibly efficient and includes built-in freeze protection, making it a true four-season workhorse.
Of course, this level of engineering comes at a price. The AquaGo is by far the most expensive option on this list. It’s a "buy once, cry once" investment for full-timers who refuse to compromise on one of the most important comforts of daily life on the road.
Suburban SW6DE: A Reliable Gas/Electric Tank
Get reliable hot water on the road with the Suburban 6-gallon RV water heater. Its porcelain-lined steel tank and direct spark ignition ensure durability and efficient heating.
If you’ve been in more than a few RVs, you’ve seen a Suburban water heater. The SW6DE is the quintessential 6-gallon tank heater, a proven design that has been the industry standard for decades. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, reliability, and the widespread availability of parts.
Its key feature for nomads is the "DE" designation: Direct spark ignition (D) on propane and a 120V electric heating element (E). This dual-fuel capability is a game-changer. When you’re plugged into shore power at a campground, you can heat your water with their electricity, saving your precious propane. When you’re off-grid, you just flip a switch and run it on gas.
The limitation is obvious: you only have six gallons. This forces you to adopt the "navy shower" (get wet, turn water off, lather up, turn water on to rinse). For a solo traveler or a couple accustomed to conserving water, it’s perfectly adequate. For a family or anyone who enjoys a longer shower, it will feel restrictive.
Girard GSWH-2: Consistent Tankless Hot Water
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 GSWH-2 is one of the most popular tankless upgrades for RVers looking to ditch their old 6-gallon tank. It delivers on the core promise of on-demand systems: continuous hot water so you never have to rush a shower again. It’s a massive quality-of-life improvement that many nomads consider a non-negotiable upgrade.
Girard’s system uses an onboard microprocessor to monitor the incoming water temperature and flow rate, adjusting the burner in real-time. This active regulation provides a much more stable output temperature than older, simpler tankless units. It’s a reliable performer that brings the convenience of endless hot water without the premium price tag of a Truma.
The main consideration here is water pressure and flow. Like most tankless units, it needs a certain GPM (gallons per minute) to fire up. If your water pump is weak or you’re trying to conserve water with a very low-flow showerhead, you might have trouble keeping it activated. But for most standard RV plumbing systems, it’s a solid and dependable choice.
Furrion FWH09A-1-A: High-Efficiency Tankless
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 has made a name for itself with modern, robustly designed RV appliances, and their 2.4 GPM tankless water heater is no exception. It’s built to handle the rigors of the road with technology that protects the internal components from vibration. This unit is a powerful, high-efficiency machine designed for performance.
With a 60,000 BTU burner, it can produce a significant temperature rise even in cold weather, ensuring your shower is hot and stays hot. It boasts numerous safety features, including pressure relief, auto shut-off, and a flameout protector, giving you peace of mind. Many nomads appreciate its consistent output and fast response time.
The Furrion is often sized as a direct replacement for 10-gallon tank heaters, making it a straightforward upgrade for larger rigs. While it’s a powerful unit, always ensure your gas lines and 12V power supply are sufficient to meet its demands. It’s a fantastic option for those wanting high output and modern engineering.
Dometic WH-6GEA: A Classic 6-Gallon Heater
Enjoy extended hot water with this 6-gallon RV water heater, featuring both gas and electric options for flexible use. Its durable aluminum tank requires no anode rod, ensuring low maintenance and corrosion-free operation.
Dometic is the other titan of the RV appliance world, and the WH-6GEA is their direct answer to the Suburban workhorse. It offers the same core functionality: a 6-gallon tank with dual gas and electric heating options. For the end-user, the experience is nearly identical—you get a limited but reliable supply of hot water, with the flexibility to use either propane or shore power.
The key technical difference lies inside the tank. Unlike Suburban’s steel tank which requires a sacrificial anode rod to prevent corrosion, Dometic uses an aluminum tank that does not need an anode rod. This simplifies annual maintenance significantly. You still need to flush it, but you don’t have to worry about buying and replacing a corroded rod every year.
The choice between a Dometic and a Suburban often comes down to this single point of maintenance. Some old-school RVers trust the longevity of a well-maintained steel tank, while many others prefer the set-it-and-forget-it nature of Dometic’s aluminum design. Both are reliable choices that will get the job done.
RecPro RP-1057: A Top Tankless Upgrade Pick
For the RVer who wants the benefits of tankless hot water without a complex installation or a high price tag, the RecPro RP-1057 is a fantastic option. RecPro has earned a strong reputation in the RV aftermarket for producing quality products that solve real-world problems, and this water heater is a prime example.
Its biggest selling point is that it’s specifically designed as a drop-in replacement for standard 6-gallon Suburban and Dometic tank heaters. The door assembly and cutout dimensions are made to match, drastically simplifying the upgrade process. This makes it a go-to choice for DIYers and anyone looking to keep installation costs down.
While it may not have the sophisticated hybrid technology of a Truma, it delivers what matters most: endless hot water. It’s an affordable, practical, and effective solution for escaping the limitations of a 6-gallon tank. For many nomads, it hits the perfect sweet spot between cost, performance, and ease of installation.
Installation and Maintenance Tips for Longevity
No matter which heater you choose, proper installation and maintenance are what will make it last. For installation, measure twice and cut once. Even "direct replacement" models can have slight variations, so always confirm your RV’s cutout dimensions before you buy. Ensure all gas connections are tightened correctly and tested for leaks with soapy water—never a flame.
For traditional tank heaters with a steel tank (like Suburban), the single most important maintenance task is checking the anode rod annually. This rod sacrifices itself to corrosion so your tank doesn’t have to. A spent rod means your tank is next, so replace it when it’s more than 75% corroded. Always drain the tank completely before winter storage to prevent freezing and cracking.
Tankless heaters have their own critical maintenance need: descaling. Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can build up inside the heat exchanger, strangling performance and eventually killing the unit. Once a year, you should flush the system with a vinegar solution to dissolve these deposits and keep water flowing freely. A few simple checks and an hour of preventive work each year will save you from a cold shower and a costly replacement down the road.
Ultimately, the best RV hot water heater is the one that aligns with your travel style, budget, and tolerance for maintenance. Whether you choose the simple reliability of a tank or the endless supply of a tankless model, you’re making a decision that directly impacts your daily comfort. Choose wisely, and you’ll ensure a hot shower is always waiting for you, no matter where the road leads.
