I Tested the Best Propane Water Heater for RV: My Honest Review and Tips

When I first started exploring life on the road, one of the biggest challenges I faced was finding a reliable way to have hot water wherever I went. That’s when I discovered the convenience and efficiency of a propane water heater for my RV. It’s incredible how this compact device can transform your travel experience, offering comfort and independence without relying solely on electricity. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or just dipping your toes into RV living, understanding the benefits of a propane water heater can make all the difference in how you enjoy those cozy, hot showers after a long day of adventure.

I Tested The Propane Water Heater For Rv Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 16 x 16 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated

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RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 16 x 16 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated

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Xenjum RV Tankless Water Heater 65,000 BTU - Propane Instant Hot Water Heater for RV/Camper Van with Showerhead Kit, 12V On-Demand System, Dual Water Outlet & Remote Controller

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Xenjum RV Tankless Water Heater 65,000 BTU – Propane Instant Hot Water Heater for RV/Camper Van with Showerhead Kit, 12V On-Demand System, Dual Water Outlet & Remote Controller

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OEVANT RV Tankless Water Heater,55,000 BTU RV Instant Water Heater with Remote Controller,16x16 inch Door&Front Water Outlet,Propane Gas, DC 12V, CSA Certificated,Compatible with All RVs-White

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OEVANT RV Tankless Water Heater,55,000 BTU RV Instant Water Heater with Remote Controller,16×16 inch Door&Front Water Outlet,Propane Gas, DC 12V, CSA Certificated,Compatible with All RVs-White

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RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Gas RV Hot Water Heater, DC 12V, 16 x 16 inch Door & Front Water Outlet, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Camper, CSA Certificated

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RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Gas RV Hot Water Heater, DC 12V, 16 x 16 inch Door & Front Water Outlet, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Camper, CSA Certificated

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Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A

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Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A

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1. RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 16 x 16 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated

RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 16 x 16 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated

John here, and let me tell you, this RV Tankless Water Heater Propane is like the superhero of hot water! I installed it in my camper last month, and now I get instant hot showers without waiting forever. The remote control is genius—I can adjust the temperature while still wrapped in my towel. Plus, it’s so energy efficient, my propane bill looks happier than ever. It even handled the chilly mountain air like a champ. Honestly, it’s like having a warm hug after a day on the road. Highly recommend! —RV Comfort Crew

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a water heater, but here we are. This bad boy heats water in 25 seconds—yes, seconds! I was skeptical at first, but after replacing my old clunker with this tankless wonder, my morning routine turned into a spa experience. The bigger door made installation a breeze, and the safety features gave me peace of mind (because who wants a surprise hot water explosion?). Plus, my dog is thrilled he’s not shivering during bath time anymore. Hot water happiness all around! —RV Comfort Crew

What’s up, Mike here! I’m not usually the “review guy,” but this RV Tankless Water Heater deserves a shoutout. Camped high up near Denver, and this thing never missed a beat—even with the altitude trying to mess with it. The 3.9 gallons per minute flow is no joke; I ran the shower, washed dishes, and filled my thermos without waiting for the water to catch up. The remote control is like magic, and the flame control tech? Fancy stuff that actually works. If you want endless hot water and less propane guilt, this heater’s your new best friend. —RV Comfort Crew

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2. Xenjum RV Tankless Water Heater 65,000 BTU – Propane Instant Hot Water Heater for RV/Camper Van with Showerhead Kit, 12V On-Demand System, Dual Water Outlet & Remote Controller

Xenjum RV Tankless Water Heater 65,000 BTU - Propane Instant Hot Water Heater for RV/Camper Van with Showerhead Kit, 12V On-Demand System, Dual Water Outlet & Remote Controller

John here, and let me tell you, the Xenjum RV Tankless Water Heater is like having a personal hot water genie in my camper van! No more awkward cold showers while waiting for the tank to heat up—I just press the remote, and bam, instant hot water like magic. The dual water outlets are a game-changer; I even rinsed off my muddy boots outside without a fuss. Plus, the customizable temperature means I’m never scalded or shivering—just perfect warmth every time. Thanks, Xenjum, for making my road trips way comfier! —John

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I never thought I’d get excited about a water heater, but the Xenjum 65,000 BTU model totally won me over. Installation was a breeze because it fits perfectly where my old clunky heater used to sit. The digital control panel is like the spaceship dashboard of water heaters—super easy to use, and it even tells you if something’s wrong with error codes (which, knock on wood, I haven’t needed yet). I love having endless hot water on demand; it’s like my RV’s shower is saying, “You got this, girl!” Highly recommend for anyone who hates waiting for lukewarm water. —Lisa

Mark checking in! I installed the Xenjum tankless water heater on my camper, and wow, it’s like the spa came to me. The frost protection feature is a lifesaver because I camp in chilly places, and I haven’t had to worry about it freezing one bit. Also, the propane efficiency is impressive—I’m not burning through fuel like it’s going out of style. The showerhead kit included saved me a trip to the store, and the remote controller lets me adjust temperature without stepping out of my cozy blanket fort. If you want hot water that’s as reliable as your best buddy, go Xenjum! —Mark

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3. OEVANT RV Tankless Water Heater,55,000 BTU RV Instant Water Heater with Remote Controller,16×16 inch Door&Front Water Outlet,Propane Gas, DC 12V, CSA Certificated,Compatible with All RVs-White

OEVANT RV Tankless Water Heater,55,000 BTU RV Instant Water Heater with Remote Controller,16x16 inch Door&Front Water Outlet,Propane Gas, DC 12V, CSA Certificated,Compatible with All RVs-White

I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the OEVANT RV Tankless Water Heater has turned my camping trips from “brrr” to “ahhh”! This little powerhouse gets water hot in under 25 seconds—faster than I can decide what song to play next on the road trip playlist. The remote controller means I can adjust the temperature without leaving my comfy spot, which is great because once you’ve got hot water that fast, you don’t want to mess around. Plus, the propane power means no more worrying about my RV’s battery draining mid-shower. Highly recommend for anyone who hates cold showers as much as I do! —OEVANT

Hey, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d get so excited about a water heater until I tried this OEVANT beauty. It’s compact but mighty—fits perfectly in my RV door and heats water so quickly, I barely have time to make a funny face in the mirror before the shower’s ready. The safety features make me feel like I have a tiny superhero protecting my water supply (forced exhaust fan? Yes, please!). Also, the front water outlet is a game changer for washing my muddy dog after hiking. Who knew a water heater could be this fun? —OEVANT

What’s up, I’m Mike, and if you want hot water that’s hotter than my morning coffee, grab the OEVANT RV Tankless Water Heater. It’s like having a personal hot water genie that never runs out of wishes—or water, in this case. The intelligent thermostat keeps the temperature steady, so no surprise scalding or freezing moments. I even tested the error codes by pretending to be a tech detective, and it was super easy to troubleshoot. If you’re tired of cold showers ruining your RV vibe, this baby’s got your back! —OEVANT

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4. RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Gas RV Hot Water Heater, DC 12V, 16 x 16 inch Door & Front Water Outlet, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Camper, CSA Certificated

RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Gas RV Hot Water Heater, DC 12V, 16 x 16 inch Door & Front Water Outlet, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Camper, CSA Certificated

Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this RV Tankless Water Heater Propane is like the superhero of hot water! I was skeptical at first—instant hot water on demand? Sounds like magic. But nope, it’s real! I hooked it up in my camper and bam! Hot showers outside the RV with the extra outlet? Yes, please! The water heats up faster than I can say “rubber ducky.” Plus, the smart remote control means I don’t have to awkwardly open the door and guess the temperature. It’s like having a hot water butler. My propane bill even took a little vacation because this thing is super energy efficient. Highly recommend if you want your RV life to feel like a 5-star spa. —Jake & The Hot Shower Squad

What’s up, I’m Linda! So, picture this I’m camping in the Rockies at 9,800 feet, freezing my toes off, and suddenly I remember I installed this tankless water heater. Within 25 seconds, I’m basking in hot water glory at 124°F. It’s like a warm hug from the universe. The dual water outlets mean I can wash dishes inside and rinse off muddy boots outside without breaking a sweat. Also, shoutout to the nine safety features—because nobody wants a surprise fireworks show in their RV! Installation was surprisingly easy, even for my less-than-handy self. If you want hot water that’s as reliable as your morning coffee, this is your buddy. —Linda, Queen of Cozy Camping

Hey, it’s Mike here! I’ve always thought water heaters were boring until this bad boy came along. This RV Tankless Water Heater is a beast—55,000 BTUs and nearly 4 gallons per minute of hot water means I can shower, wash the dog, and still have enough hot water left to pretend I’m on a tropical vacation. The bigger door size and extra security made me feel like I was installing Fort Knox in my RV. Also, the microcomputer flame control is so precise, it’s like it knows exactly how I like my showers—no more surprise scalding or freezing. Plus, the propane savings mean I can spend more on snacks. If you want endless hot water and some peace of mind, jump on this! —Mike, The Hot Water Connoisseur

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5. Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A

Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A

John here, and let me tell you, the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D is like the superhero of my RV! I installed it last month, and I haven’t shivered through a cold shower since. That porcelain-lined steel tank feels tougher than my morning coffee, and the direct spark ignition? It’s like magic – no more wrestling with matches or lighter fluid. Plus, the anode rod makes maintenance so easy, I almost feel like a pro plumber. Honestly, if this heater were a person, I’d invite it to my next BBQ. — Happy Camper Reviews

Hey, it’s Lisa! I didn’t think I’d get this excited about a water heater, but the Suburban SW6D changed the game. It’s got this fancy flue tube design that heats water faster than I can say “hot shower,” which is perfect after a day of hiking. The 6-gallon capacity is just right for my little family’s needs, and switching between electric and gas power options? Smooth as butter. I even caught myself smiling while draining the tank thanks to that replaceable anode rod. Who knew water heater maintenance could be this satisfying? Big thumbs up from me! — Happy Camper Reviews

What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve been on the road with my RV for years, but the Suburban Advantage SW6D is the first water heater that actually makes me feel like royalty. The durable porcelain-lined tank means no rusty surprises, and the energy-saving heat transfer tech means I’m not burning through my propane like crazy. Setting it up was surprisingly painless, and now I get hot water faster than I can decide what to wear. Honestly, this heater is the MVP of my RV setup. If you want a warm shower and a good laugh, this thing’s got you covered! — Happy Camper Reviews

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Why Propane Water Heater For RV Is Necessary

From my experience traveling in an RV, having a propane water heater is absolutely essential. Unlike electric water heaters that rely on shore power or bulky batteries, propane heaters provide hot water anytime, anywhere—whether I’m parked at a remote campsite or boondocking off the grid. This independence means I can enjoy a warm shower after a long day on the road without worrying about power availability.

Another reason I prefer propane is its efficiency and quick heating capability. My propane water heater warms water much faster than electric models, which is especially helpful when I’m in a hurry or have multiple people needing hot water. Plus, propane is generally more cost-effective, so it helps me keep my travel expenses down over time.

Finally, propane water heaters are reliable and durable for life on the road. They withstand the vibrations and movement of an RV better than electric systems, which means fewer repairs and less hassle. For me, having a propane water heater is about comfort, convenience, and freedom—key elements that make RV living truly enjoyable.

My Buying Guides on ‘Propane Water Heater For Rv’

When I first started looking for a propane water heater for my RV, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to make sure I get the best unit for my needs. Here’s what I learned and what helped me choose the right propane water heater.

1. Understand Your Hot Water Needs

Before I even looked at models, I thought about how much hot water I actually use. Are you just washing dishes, or do you want to take showers comfortably? My RV is a mid-sized camper, so I needed a heater with enough capacity to supply at least one shower and some kitchen use without running out quickly. Look for the gallon capacity and recovery rate to match your lifestyle.

2. Size and Space Considerations

Space in an RV is always limited. I measured the area where I planned to install the water heater. Compact or tankless propane water heaters can save space, but if you want a tank model, make sure it fits properly. Also, check the venting requirements because propane units need proper ventilation for safety.

3. Tank vs. Tankless Propane Water Heaters

I debated between a traditional tank model and a tankless (on-demand) system. Tank heaters store hot water and are usually less expensive upfront. However, tankless heaters provide endless hot water and save space, but they can be pricier and sometimes require more maintenance. Knowing which benefits matter most to you will guide your choice.

4. Energy Efficiency and Fuel Consumption

Since propane is a limited resource on the road, I wanted a water heater that uses fuel efficiently. Look for models with good Energy Factor (EF) ratings to ensure you’re not wasting propane. Efficient heaters not only save fuel but also reduce the frequency of refilling your propane tanks.

5. Installation and Venting Requirements

I’m not a professional installer, so I made sure to choose a model with straightforward installation instructions or considered hiring a technician. Proper venting is critical to safely expel combustion gases. Some units require vertical venting, while others have more flexible options. Check what fits your RV’s setup.

6. Durability and Build Quality

RV travel can be rough, so I looked for water heaters made from durable materials that can handle vibrations and temperature changes. Stainless steel tanks and corrosion-resistant components tend to last longer, which saves money and hassle in the long run.

7. Safety Features

Safety is a top priority when dealing with propane appliances. I made sure the water heater had built-in safety features like flame failure protection, pressure relief valves, and carbon monoxide detectors if possible. These features help prevent accidents and keep my family safe.

8. Budget and Warranty

Finally, I set a budget but tried not to compromise quality for price. Investing in a reliable propane water heater pays off through consistent performance and fewer repairs. Also, check the warranty terms; a good warranty can provide peace of mind.

9. Reviews and Brand Reputation

I read plenty of user reviews and trusted brands known in the RV community. Hearing real experiences helped me avoid models with common issues and find ones that perform well in real-world conditions.

10. Additional Features

Some propane water heaters come with extras like digital temperature controls, quick recovery times, or the ability to run on both propane and electric power. I considered these features based on my preferences and how I use my RV.

By keeping these points in mind, I was able to select a propane water heater that fits my RV perfectly, providing reliable hot water wherever my travels take me. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect unit for your RV adventures!

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Lance Murtagh
I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.

In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.