5 Best RV Water Heater Installation Kits For Beginners Nomads Swear By
These nomad-tested kits make installation simple.
There’s a moment every nomad knows. You’re miles from anywhere, covered in trail dust or saltwater, dreaming of a hot shower. You turn the knob, and all you get is a sad trickle of cold water. A failed water heater on the road isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a major disruption to the freedom you’ve worked so hard to create.
Choosing the right water heater is one thing, but installing it correctly is another. For a beginner, the process can feel intimidating, with a mix of plumbing, gas lines, and electrical work. This is where a complete installation kit becomes your best friend. A well-designed kit removes the guesswork, providing everything you need to get the job done right the first time, ensuring safety and reliability for the adventures ahead.
This guide breaks down five of the best, most trusted RV water heater installation kits that seasoned nomads rely on. We’ll look at traditional tank models and modern tankless options, helping you find the perfect fit for your rig and your travel style. It’s about more than just hot water; it’s about building a resilient and comfortable home on wheels.
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Why You Need a Solid RV Water Heater Kit
A water heater installation involves three systems you can’t afford to get wrong: water, propane, and electricity. A small leak from a poorly fitted connection can lead to catastrophic water damage and mold. An improper gas fitting is a serious safety hazard, and a botched electrical connection can fry your RV’s sensitive electronics or worse.
A solid kit is designed to prevent these issues. It isn’t just the heater itself; it’s a curated package of components engineered to work together. This typically includes the correct access door, the right mounting flanges, and often the necessary wiring harnesses and fittings. Trying to piece these items together yourself is a recipe for frustration and multiple trips to the hardware store.
For a nomad, reliability is everything. You can’t just call a plumber when you’re boondocking in the desert. A proper installation using a comprehensive kit means you have one less system to worry about. It’s an investment in peace of mind, ensuring that a hot shower is always waiting for you at the end of a long day of exploring.
Suburban SW6DE: Your All-in-One Install Kit
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.
The Suburban SW6DE is the workhorse of the RV world for a reason. It’s a 6-gallon tank heater that runs on both propane and 120V electricity, giving you ultimate flexibility. This dual-fuel capability is a massive advantage for nomads who move between full-hookup campgrounds and off-grid boondocking spots.
Installation kits for the SW6DE are built for straightforward replacement or new installs. They feature a porcelain-lined steel tank for longevity and a Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) system that lights the propane burner with the flip of a switch—no more fiddling with pilot lights. The kit typically includes the unit, the access door, and the necessary switches for your interior control panel, making the integration feel seamless.
This kit is the go-to choice for RVers who value proven, robust technology. It’s not the fanciest option, but its reliability is legendary. If you want a dependable source of hot water that works in virtually any situation and is easy for a beginner to install, the Suburban SW6DE kit is a hard one to beat.
Dometic WH-6GEA: The Easiest Upgrade for You
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 another titan in the RV appliance space, and their WH-6GEA is a direct and worthy competitor to the Suburban. This 6-gallon gas/electric model stands out with its lightweight aluminum tank. This design choice eliminates the risk of rust that can plague steel tanks over time, a common concern for full-time travelers.
The Dometic installation kits are renowned for their user-friendliness. The connections for water, gas, and electricity are clearly laid out, and the instructions are designed for the DIYer. Many find the Dometic a slightly easier swap-out, as its dimensions and hookups are standardized across the industry, often matching the existing cutout perfectly.
The primary tradeoff for the aluminum tank is the need for an anode rod. This sacrificial rod corrodes instead of the tank, and it needs to be checked annually and replaced periodically. However, this is a simple, five-minute maintenance task. For the beginner looking for a lightweight, easy-to-install unit with excellent longevity, the Dometic WH-6GEA kit is an outstanding choice.
Girard GSWH-2: Go Tankless with Confidence
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.
For many nomads, the idea of an endless hot shower sounds like pure luxury. The Girard GSWH-2 tankless water heater makes that a reality. Instead of keeping 6-10 gallons of water hot 24/7, this on-demand unit flash-heats water only when you need it, which can significantly reduce propane consumption.
The installation kit for the Girard is a complete system, including the heater, a stylish door, and a digital controller that lets you set the precise water temperature. Installing a tankless unit is different from a tank model; you must pay close attention to your RV’s water pressure and gas line size to ensure it operates correctly. The Girard is designed to modulate the gas valve to maintain a consistent temperature, even as water flow changes.
This kit is for the RVer who prioritizes long showers and efficiency over all else. The main consideration is its reliance on water flow; it requires a minimum flow rate to activate, which can be a challenge for those trying to take a "navy shower" to conserve water while boondocking. But if you have a good water pump and value unlimited hot water, the Girard kit is a confident step into the world of tankless living.
RecPro RP-1057: A Robust Kit for Your Travels
RecPro has earned a strong reputation for producing high-quality aftermarket RV components, and their water heaters are no exception. The RP-1057 is a 6-gallon gas/electric model that offers a durable, cost-effective alternative to the big OEM brands. Its construction feels solid, designed to withstand the constant vibrations of life on the road.
What sets RecPro kits apart is their completeness. They often include the small but crucial items that others leave out, like a roll of butyl tape for sealing the exterior flange and the correct screws for mounting. This attention to detail shows a real understanding of what a DIY installer needs to complete the job without extra hassle.
Seal RV, trailer, and window joints quickly and easily with Dicor Butyl Seal Tape. This 1/8" x 3/4" x 30' roll provides a strong, flexible, and permanent seal on any smooth or irregular surface.
This kit is perfect for the practical nomad who wants a brand-new, reliable unit without paying the premium for a legacy brand name. It delivers the same core functionality—dual-fuel operation and DSI—in a robust package. For a budget-conscious RVer or someone rebuilding a vintage rig, the RecPro kit provides exceptional value and durability.
Fogatti FS06B1: Your Compact Tankless Option
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.
As rigs get smaller and more efficient, so do their components. Fogatti specializes in compact, modern tankless water heaters that are ideal for van conversions, truck campers, and smaller travel trailers. Their units pack impressive heating power into a small footprint, freeing up valuable space and weight.
The Fogatti installation kits are designed for a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The included exterior door is often sleeker than traditional louvered doors, and the interior controls are simple and intuitive. Installation requires careful attention to the manufacturer’s specs for gas pressure and venting, but the compact size makes it easier to fit into tight spaces.
This is the kit for the minimalist nomad who needs on-demand hot water but can’t spare the space for a bulky tank. The primary consideration, like with all tankless heaters, is ensuring you have a water pump capable of delivering consistent pressure. For the right build, the Fogatti provides an efficient, space-saving solution for hot water on the go.
Key Features to Look For in Your New Kit
The first and most important decision is Tank vs. Tankless. A traditional tank heater is simple, reliable, and works well even with low water pressure, making it great for conservative boondockers. A tankless heater offers endless hot water and saves propane, but it requires good water pressure to function, making it better suited for those with strong pumps or frequent access to city water connections.
Beyond that core choice, here are the features that matter most.
- Fuel Source: A dual-fuel (propane/electric) model offers the most versatility for a nomadic lifestyle.
- Ignition Type: Insist on Direct Spark Ignition (DSI). It’s safer, more reliable, and more efficient than an old-school standing pilot light.
- Kit Completeness: A great kit includes the heater, the exterior access door, interior switches, and ideally, sealant and hardware. This prevents project delays.
- Recovery Rate: For tank models, this tells you how many gallons of water it can heat in an hour. A higher rate means less waiting time between showers.
Finally, measure everything before you buy. The single biggest installation mistake is buying a unit that doesn’t fit your RV’s existing cutout. A kit designed as a direct replacement for your old model will make the job exponentially easier than one that requires you to modify your RV’s wall.
Your Essential Pre-Installation Checklist
Before you click "buy," grab a tape measure and a camera. Go to your current water heater and document the exact height, width, and depth of the exterior cutout. Take pictures of the water lines (are they PEX or flexible hose?), the gas line connection, and the 12V and 120V wiring. This information is crucial for ensuring your new kit will fit.
Measure with confidence using the CRAFTSMAN 25-ft tape measure, featuring a 13-ft reach for solo projects and easy-read fractions for quick accuracy. Its compact, rubber-overmolded design ensures a comfortable, secure grip and impact resistance.
Next, assemble your tools and materials. You can’t do this job with just a screwdriver. You’ll likely need an adjustable wrench, a socket set, a utility knife for cutting away old sealant, a caulk gun, and possibly a PEX crimping tool if you have that type of plumbing. Your essential materials are butyl tape for sealing the flange against the RV and a tube of RV-specific, non-leveling lap sealant for the exterior edges.
The final, non-negotiable step is to create a safe work environment. Turn the propane off at the tanks. Disconnect from shore power and turn off your battery disconnect switch to kill all 12V power. Open a faucet to release any pressure in the water lines. Working with gas and electricity demands your full attention and respect—safety is the first tool you should reach for.
Choosing and installing a new RV water heater is a major step toward making your rig more reliable and self-sufficient. Whether you opt for a time-tested tank model like the Suburban or embrace the endless hot water of a tankless unit like the Girard, the right installation kit is what transforms a daunting project into a manageable one. It’s about having all the right pieces in one box, ready for you to put them together with confidence.
The best kit isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It’s the one that matches your travel style, your rig’s limitations, and your comfort level with DIY projects. By focusing on your priorities—be it fuel flexibility, water conservation, or the simple luxury of a long shower—you can select a system that will serve you well for thousands of miles.
Ultimately, a dependable hot water system is a cornerstone of a comfortable life on the road. It’s one of those background systems that, when working perfectly, you barely notice. And that’s the goal: to build a home on wheels so reliable that you can forget about the mechanics and focus on the adventure just outside your door.
