Full time Camper or weekend warrior, nobody wants to run out of hot water. If you’re comparing options on a new RV or looking to upgrade or replace your old RV water heater, the options have changed A LOT in last 10 years!
With so many options on the market, choosing the right water heater for your needs can be a daunting task.
In this post, we’ll compare two of the most popular types of RV water heaters – traditional and tankless – so you can make an informed decision. And we’ll try to keep it simple and focus on what matters without all the marking fluff. We’re here to help you find the perfect water heater for your RV without breaking the bank. So let’s get going!
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Traditional RV Water Heaters
Traditional RV water heaters are the more common and classic option for most RV owners. These water heaters use a storage tank that can hold and heat up to 6 or 10 gallons of water. They work by heating up the water inside the tank using a propane burner or electric heating element, and then distributing the hot water through the RV’s faucets and showerheads.
Heaters made by Suburban and Atwood are the most common and have been standard equipment for years. The biggest differences between them are the fuel source available. Both companies make units with Gas, Electric and Dual Fuel having gas burners and electric elements.
Traditional Water Heater Hack:
To come close to the “unlimited” flow of hot water a tankless heater provides you can run the gas burner and electric element at the same heating the water in the tank much faster than only using one of them.
Pros:
- Cost-effective: Traditional water heaters are generally more affordable to purchase and install compared to tankless models.
- Reliable: These water heaters have been around for a long time and are tried and tested, which means that they are less likely to have technical problems or breakdowns.
- Easy to install and maintain: Traditional water heaters are generally easier to install and maintain compared to tankless models since they have fewer moving parts.
Cons:
- Limited hot water supply: With a storage tank, traditional water heaters have a limited amount of hot water available. Once the tank runs out, you’ll have to wait for it to refill and heat up again.
- Energy inefficient: Traditional water heaters use more energy to heat up and maintain the temperature of the water in the tank, which can lead to higher propane usage or electric for you full timers on seasonal sites.
- Heavy and bulky: Traditional water heaters are typically larger and heavier than tankless models, and removing extra weight on and RV is always a good thing.
Most Popular Traditional RV Water Heaters (with tanks):
- Suburban SW6DE: This 6-gallon water heater is a popular choice among RVers due to its affordable price and reliable performance. It uses a propane burner and electric heating element to heat up the water and can be easily installed and maintained.
- Atwood 6 Gallon Gas/Electric Water Heater: This water heater can run on either propane or electricity and can heat up 6 gallons of water in just 30 minutes. It is known for its energy efficiency and compact design.
- Girard 2GWHAM On-Demand Tankless Water Heater: Although it is technically a tankless water heater, this model includes a small storage tank that can hold 2 gallons of hot water, making it a hybrid option. It uses propane to heat up the water and can provide a continuous flow of hot water for as long as you need it. It is a popular choice for those who want the convenience of a tankless water heater with the familiarity of a storage tank.
Tankless RV Water Heaters
Tankless RV water heaters, also known as on-demand or instant water heaters, are a newer and more innovative option for RV owners. Unlike traditional water heaters, they don’t have a storage tank and instead heat up water on demand, providing a constant flow of hot water as long as you need it. This can be more important in boondocking situations where electricity or propane refills aren’t available.
Tankless Water Heaters aren’t the best option for boondocking!
While it may seem like tankless water heaters would be great for boondocking, they aren’t. The problem is that when camping without hookups you save water by turning the shower on and off to get wet or rinse off. When using a tankless hot water heater it take longer for the water to heat back up each time you turn it on and you end up dumping more cold water down the drain!
Pros:
- Unlimited hot water supply: Since tankless water heaters don’t have a storage tank, they can provide an unlimited supply of hot water, making them ideal for larger RVs or groups of people who need to use hot water at the same time.
- Energy efficient: Tankless water heaters use less energy compared to traditional models since they only heat up the water when you need it.
- Space-saving: Tankless water heaters are generally smaller and more compact compared to traditional models, making them a lighter option.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost: Tankless water heaters are generally more expensive to purchase and install compared to traditional models, making them less cost-effective in the short term.
- Complex installation and maintenance: Tankless water heaters are more complex in design and have more potential parts that could fail.
- Sensitive to water pressure: Low water pressure can cause fluctuations in temperature making showers a little uncomfortable.
Most Popular Tankless RV Water Heaters:
- Eccotemp L10 Portable Tankless Water Heater: This tankless water heater is a popular choice among RVers due to its portable design and affordability. It uses propane to heat up water and can provide a continuous flow of hot water for up to 60 minutes.
- PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater: This tankless water heater is designed specifically for RVs and is known for its energy efficiency and durability. It can heat up water in seconds and can provide a constant flow of hot water for as long as you need it.
- Girard GSWH-2 Tankless Water Heater: This tankless water heater is a popular hybrid option, as it includes a small storage tank that can hold 2 gallons of hot water. It uses propane to heat up water and can provide a continuous flow of hot water for as long as you need it. It is known for its energy efficiency and space-saving design.
- Furrion 2.4GPM Water Heater: The Furrion 2.4GPM water heater is a compact and energy-efficient tankless model that’s easy to install and maintain. It features a quick heating system, providing hot water in seconds, and its compact design saves valuable space in your RV. However, the Furrion 2.4GPM has a higher upfront cost and may require professional installation.
When choosing a tankless water heater, it’s essential to consider your RV’s size and your hot water demand. Additionally, you should factor in the fuel source, ease of installation and maintenance, and of course, the cost. The Truma AquaGo on-demand, Girard 2GWHAM, and Furrion 2.4GPM water heaters are all great options that offer unique benefits to RVers. In the next section, we’ll compare the features, benefits, and drawbacks of these tankless water heaters side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.
Comparison of Most Popular Models
In this section, we will compare the three (4 of the tankless) most popular models of traditional and tankless RV water heaters mentioned in sections II and III. We will provide a detailed breakdown of the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each model to help you make an informed decision.
Because prices can change we categorized the cost as relative instead of using actual dollar amounts. It ranges for $ to $$$$. The more dollar signs the higher the typical cost of that model.
Traditional RV Water Heater Comparison
| Model | Type | Capacity | Energy Source | Benefits | Drawbacks | Relative Cost |
| Suburban SW6DE | Traditional | 6 gallons | Propane and electricity | – Affordable price – Reliable performance – Easy to install and maintain | – Limited hot water supply – Energy inefficient – Heavy and bulky | $-$$ |
| Atwood 6 Gallon Gas/Electric Water Heater | Traditional | 6 gallons | Propane and electricity | – Energy efficient – Compact design – Can run on either propane or electricity | – Limited hot water supply – Heavy and bulky – May require professional installation | $$ |
| Girard 2GWHAM On-Demand Tankless Water Heater | Hybrid/Tankless | 2 gallons | Propane | – Unlimited hot water supply – Continuous flow of hot water – Space-saving design | – Higher upfront cost – Limited water pressure – Complex installation and maintenance | $$$ |
Tankless RV Water Heater Comparison
| Model | Type | Capacity | Energy Source | Benefits | Drawbacks | Relative Cost |
| Truma AquaGo Comfort Plus | Hybrid/Tankless | N/A | Propane | – Unlimited hot water supply – Energy efficient – Compact design – Easy to use | – Higher upfront cost – May require professional installation – Complex maintenance | $$$ |
| PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater | Tankless | N/A | Propane | – Energy efficient – Quick heating – Durable design | – Higher upfront cost – Complex installation and maintenance – Limited water pressure | $$$ |
| Girard GSWH-2 Tankless Water Heater | Hybrid/Tankless | 2 gallons | Propane | – Energy efficient – Space-saving design – Continuous flow of hot water | – Higher upfront cost – Limited water pressure – May require professional installation | $$$ |
| Furrion 2.4GPM | Tankless | N/A | Propane | – Energy efficient – Quick heating – Compact design | – Higher upfront cost – May require professional installation – Limited water pressure | $$$$ |
As you can see from the table above, there are clear differences between the most popular models of traditional and tankless RV water heaters. Traditional models are generally more affordable and reliable, but have a limited hot water supply and are less energy efficient. Tankless models, on the other hand, offer an unlimited hot water supply and are more energy efficient, but come with a higher upfront cost and more complex installation and maintenance. Tankless models also tend to run on propane only, so if you’re looking for and electric option a traditional water heater may be better for you.
Ultimately, the choice between traditional and tankless RV water heaters will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as your budget, the size of your RV, and your hot water usage to determine which type of water heater is the best fit for you.
Final Thoughts
After comparing the traditional and tankless RV water heaters and taking a closer look at the most popular models in each category, it’s clear that there are pros and cons to both options.
Traditional RV water heaters are affordable and reliable, but they are not as energy-efficient and require more maintenance compared to tankless models. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, are more energy-efficient and provide an endless supply of hot water, but they come with a higher price tag and may require professional installation.
When making a decision, it’s important to consider your specific needs, such as the size of your RV, how often you use hot water, and your budget. If you have a smaller RV and don’t require a lot of hot water, a portable tankless water heater may be a great option for you. If you have a larger RV or require a continuous supply of hot water, a hybrid or tankless water heater may be a better fit.
In the end, it’s all about finding the right balance between cost, energy efficiency, and convenience. Whatever your choice may be, we hope this comparison guide has been helpful in making an informed decision about your RV water heating needs.