RV Water Heaters

RV Water Heater

The right RV water heater depends on how you camp: tank-style heaters are simple, proven, and familiar, while tankless RV water heaters deliver endless hot water without the tank running dry mid-shower. Both run on propane, electric, or dual gas-and-electric power, and both mount to serve the RV's plumbing whether you're at a full-hookup site or boondocking off-grid.

RV water heaters come in tank capacities of 6 and 10 gallons for storage-style units, and in compact tankless configurations rated by gallons per minute (GPM) for on-demand units, in propane (LP), electric, and dual-fuel versions. Many propane RV water heaters use battery ignition so they run off the RV's 12V system without shore power, delivering hot water while dry camping. Choosing between tank and tankless, and between fuel types, comes down to your rig, your camping style, and how much hot water you need.

The Trade Table carries RV water heaters from Eccotemp, Marey, PrecisionTemp, and other leading brands — covering both tank-style and tankless units in propane, electric, and dual-fuel configurations for motorhomes, travel trailers, campers, and vans, with the hot water capacity and off-grid capability that RV life demands.

RV Water Heater | Tank & Tankless Hot Water for Motorhomes, Campers, Travel Trailers & Vans

An RV water heater connects to the RV's fresh water plumbing and propane or electrical system to supply hot water throughout the rig. The two main types work differently. A tank-style RV water heater stores and heats 6 or 10 gallons of water in an insulated tank, keeping it hot and ready — simple, proven, and the traditional standard in RVs, though the tank empties after a long shower and needs time to reheat. A tankless RV water heater heats water on demand as it flows, firing only when a hot tap opens and delivering continuous hot water for as long as the tap runs — endless hot water with no reheat wait, in a often lighter and more compact unit.

Tank-style RV water heaters remain popular for their simplicity and familiarity. The 6-gallon size is the most common in smaller and mid-size RVs, while 10-gallon units serve larger rigs with higher hot water needs. Tank heaters keep a reservoir of hot water ready to go, which some RVers prefer for predictable performance, and they're a straightforward replacement for the tank unit most RVs come with from the factory. Tank RV water heaters run on propane, electric, or both, with dual-fuel models letting you use shore power at hookup sites and propane when off-grid.

Tankless RV water heaters are the increasingly popular upgrade for RVers who want endless hot water. Because a tankless unit heats on demand rather than storing a fixed amount, multiple people can shower back-to-back without running out, there's no waiting for a tank to reheat, and the unit is often lighter and more compact — saving weight and space. Tankless RV water heaters are more propane-efficient too, since they only heat when you're using hot water rather than keeping a tank warm as you drive. Most propane tankless models use battery ignition, working off the RV's 12V system for full boondocking capability.

RV water heaters run on three fuel configurations. Propane (LP) models use the RV's existing propane system and, with battery ignition, work while boondocking with no shore power — the most versatile choice for dry camping. Electric models heat with an electrical element, best suited to full-hookup sites with adequate amp service. Dual gas-and-electric models run on either fuel, giving flexibility to use shore power when available and propane when off-grid. For boondockers, propane or 12V-compatible propane is ideal; for full-hookup campers, electric or dual-fuel works well.

Choosing the right RV water heater comes down to a few factors: tank vs tankless (predictable simplicity vs endless on-demand hot water), capacity or GPM (how much hot water you need and how many fixtures at once), fuel type (propane for off-grid, electric for hookups, dual-fuel for flexibility), and physical fit in your RV's water heater opening or planned location. The Trade Table helps match the right RV water heater — tank or tankless, and the right fuel and size — to your rig and camping style.

RV Water Heater Options

• 6-gallon tank-style RV water heaters for smaller and mid-size rigs
• 10-gallon tank-style RV water heaters for larger rigs
• Tankless RV water heaters for endless on-demand hot water
• Propane (LP) RV water heaters for boondocking and dry camping
• Electric RV water heaters for full-hookup sites
• Dual gas-and-electric RV water heaters for fuel flexibility
• 12V-compatible tankless models for off-grid systems
• Battery-ignition models that run without shore power
• Eccotemp, Marey, and PrecisionTemp RV water heaters
• Replacement units for tank-style upgrades
• Models for motorhomes, travel trailers, campers, and vans
• Freeze-protection features for cold-weather camping

Benefits of RV Water Heaters

• Hot water for RV showers, sinks, and washing
• Tank-style for simple, proven, predictable performance
• Tankless for endless on-demand hot water with no reheat wait
• Propane, electric, and dual-fuel configurations
• Battery-ignition propane models run without shore power
• Tankless models are lighter and more compact
• More propane-efficient operation with tankless on-demand heating
• 6- and 10-gallon tank sizes for different rigs
• 12V-compatible options for off-grid RV systems
• Suitable for boondocking and full-hookup camping
• Upgrade or replace an existing RV water heater
• Freeze-protection options for cold-weather travel

Common Uses for RV Water Heaters

• Motorhome and Class A/B/C hot water
• Travel trailer and fifth-wheel hot water
• Camper and truck-camper showers
• Van life and van conversion water heating
• Boondocking and dry camping (propane/12V models)
• Full-hookup site camping (electric models)
• Replacing an aging or failed RV water heater
• Off-grid RV solar-and-battery systems
• Shoulder-season and cold-weather RV travel
• Full-time RV living with high hot water needs
• Upgrading from tank to tankless for endless hot water
• Outdoor RV showers for rinsing off

Why Buy RV Water Heaters from The Trade Table?

The Trade Table helps customers select the right RV water heater based on type (tank-style for simplicity, tankless for endless on-demand hot water), capacity or GPM (6 or 10 gallon tank, or the flow rate needed for tankless), fuel type (propane for boondocking, electric for full-hookup sites, or dual-fuel for flexibility), 12V compatibility for off-grid systems, and physical fit in your rig. Our team provides guidance on choosing between tank and tankless, sizing capacity to your hot water needs, selecting the right fuel type for your camping style, and matching the unit to your motorhome, travel trailer, camper, or van. We carry RV water heaters from Eccotemp, Marey, and PrecisionTemp, alongside portable and off-grid water heaters for related needs, all with full manufacturer warranty coverage.

RV Water Heater FAQs

What type of water heater is best for an RV — tank or tankless?

It depends on how you camp and what you value. Tank-style RV water heaters (6 or 10 gallon) are simple, proven, and familiar, keeping a reservoir of hot water ready to go — good for RVers who want predictable, straightforward performance and a direct replacement for the factory unit. Tankless RV water heaters heat on demand, delivering endless hot water with no reheat wait, in a lighter and more compact unit that's more propane-efficient. Tankless is ideal for full-timers, families, and anyone frustrated by running out of hot water mid-shower; tank-style is a solid, economical choice for weekend and occasional RVers. The Trade Table carries both and helps match the right type to your camping style.

How many gallons is an RV water heater?

Traditional tank-style RV water heaters most commonly come in 6-gallon and 10-gallon sizes. The 6-gallon size is standard in many smaller and mid-size RVs, providing enough hot water for a quick shower or dishwashing, while 10-gallon units serve larger rigs and RVers with higher hot water needs. Tankless RV water heaters don't have a gallon capacity because they heat on demand rather than storing water — instead, they're rated by gallons per minute (GPM) of hot water flow. If you frequently run out of hot water with a tank unit, either a larger tank or a tankless upgrade solves the problem, with tankless providing effectively unlimited hot water.

What's the difference between a tank and tankless RV water heater?

A tank-style RV water heater stores 6 or 10 gallons of water in an insulated tank and keeps it heated and ready — simple and proven, but the tank empties after a long shower and needs time to reheat before you have hot water again. A tankless RV water heater heats water on demand as it flows through the unit, firing only when a hot tap opens and delivering continuous hot water for as long as the tap runs — no tank to empty, no reheat wait, and endless hot water. Tankless units are often lighter and more compact and more propane-efficient (only heating when needed), while tank units are familiar and straightforward. The choice comes down to endless on-demand hot water (tankless) versus simple predictable performance (tank).

Can I replace my RV water heater with a tankless one?

Yes — replacing a tank-style RV water heater with a tankless unit is a popular upgrade for endless hot water. Many RV tankless water heaters are designed to fit into or near the space of the existing tank heater, though exact fit depends on your RV's configuration and the unit you choose. The upgrade involves removing the old tank heater, mounting the tankless unit, connecting the propane and/or electrical supply and water lines, and ensuring proper venting for propane models. Some swaps are straightforward for handy RVers, while others benefit from professional installation, particularly propane and venting connections. Confirm the tankless unit's dimensions and connection requirements against your RV before purchasing.

What fuel type is best for an RV water heater?

It depends on your camping style. Propane (LP) is the most versatile because it runs on the RV's existing propane system and, with battery ignition, works while boondocking without shore power — ideal for dry camping and off-grid travel. Electric RV water heaters heat with an electrical element, best for RVers who mostly stay at full-hookup sites with adequate amp service. Dual gas-and-electric models offer the most flexibility, running on shore power when available and propane when off-grid. For boondockers, propane or 12V-compatible propane is best; for full-hookup campers, electric or dual-fuel works well. The Trade Table helps match the fuel type to how and where you camp.

Can an RV water heater run while boondocking?

Yes — propane RV water heaters (both tank and tankless) are ideal for boondocking because they run on the RV's LP system and, with battery ignition, need only a small amount of 12V power from the house batteries to operate, with no shore power required. This makes propane the go-to choice for dry camping and off-grid RV travel. Tankless propane models are especially efficient for boondocking since they only consume propane when you're actually using hot water. Electric-only RV water heaters, by contrast, require substantial shore power and aren't suited to boondocking. If you dry camp often, choose a propane or 12V-compatible propane model.

How do you winterize an RV water heater?

Winterizing an RV water heater protects it from freeze damage during cold storage. The general process involves draining the water heater completely (removing the drain plug or anode rod on tank units, or following the manufacturer's drain procedure on tankless units), bypassing the water heater so RV antifreeze doesn't fill the tank unnecessarily, and running RV antifreeze through the plumbing lines. Tankless RV water heaters have a specific winterizing procedure to clear all water from the unit, since any water left inside can freeze and crack the heat exchanger. Always follow your specific unit's winterizing instructions, and for tankless units, pay special attention to fully clearing the heat exchanger. Proper winterizing each season is essential to prevent costly freeze damage.

What size RV tankless water heater do I need?

Tankless RV water heaters are sized by GPM (gallons per minute) and the temperature rise they deliver. For most RVs, a unit delivering around 1.5–2 GPM comfortably handles a single RV shower, while higher-output models around 2.5+ GPM can run a shower and galley sink at once. Consider your camping climate: colder incoming water (shoulder-season or cold-weather camping) requires more capacity to reach shower temperature at the same flow, so size up if you camp in the cold. Also confirm the unit's physical dimensions fit your RV's water heater opening or planned mounting location. The Trade Table helps match GPM, temperature rise, and dimensions to your specific rig and camping conditions.