There’s nothing quite like stepping into a hot shower after a long day of hiking, only to have the water turn ice cold halfway through because your traditional tank water heater ran out of hot water.
If you’ve experienced this frustration, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common complaints among RVers, and it’s exactly why tankless water heaters have become one of the most popular upgrades in the RV community over the past few years.
I made the switch to a tankless system in my fifth wheel about three years ago, and I can honestly say it’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made for my RV.
The concept is simple but revolutionary for RV living: instead of heating and storing a limited amount of water in a tank, these units heat water on demand as it flows through the system. The result is an endless supply of hot water that’s ready whenever you need it, without the wait time associated with traditional tank heaters.
Whether you’re a full-time RVer looking to maximize your comfort or a weekend warrior who’s tired of rationing hot water between family members, this guide will walk you through the best tankless water heater options available at RV Upgrade Store in 2026. From high-end propane units to budget-friendly electric alternatives, there’s a solution here for every RV and every budget.
Before we dive into the detailed reviews, here’s a quick overview of our recommended RV tankless water heaters:
Best for: RVers who want the ultimate in hot water performance and are willing to invest in premium quality
The Girard Tankless RV Water Heater, now manufactured by Lippert, represents the gold standard in RV water heating technology. This unit has earned its reputation as the go-to choice for serious RVers who refuse to compromise on comfort, and after using one for the past two seasons, I completely understand why it commands such loyalty among the RV community.
What sets the Girard apart from traditional tank heaters is its sophisticated on-board microprocessor that continuously monitors three critical variables: inlet water flow, inlet water temperature, and outlet water temperature.
This intelligent system automatically regulates the burner to maintain your desired hot water temperature regardless of how cold the incoming water is or how many faucets you have running. The result is remarkably consistent hot water that doesn’t fluctuate like you might experience with simpler systems.
The 42,000 BTU output is specifically engineered for RV plumbing systems, providing optimal performance without overwhelming your rig’s infrastructure. I’ve had multiple showers running simultaneously with the dishwasher going, and the system handled it without breaking a sweat.
The temperature adjustment is intuitive—slower flow equals hotter water, faster flow equals cooler water—and you can fine-tune it further using the GMC dial on the unit.
One of the most underappreciated benefits of going tankless is what you don’t have to deal with anymore. There’s no anode rod to replace because there’s no tank to corrode. There’s no bypass valve to mess with when winterizing because there’s no tank to drain. The quiet brushless motor operates at less than 3 amps on 12V power, making it efficient enough for boondocking. And the built-in freeze protection gives you peace of mind during those cold winter camping trips. At 22 pounds with dimensions of 12.5" x 12.5" x 15.5“, installation requires a 13” x 13" cutout. The limited 2-year manufacturer warranty backs up Girard’s confidence in their product.
Buy Girard Tankless RV Water Heater
Best for: RVers who primarily camp with shore power and want a compact, propane-free solution
The GE Electric Tankless RV Water Heater represents a different approach to on-demand hot water—one that’s perfect for RVers who spend most of their time at campgrounds with reliable electrical hookups.
It’s also the most affordable true tankless option on our list, making it an attractive entry point for those curious about the tankless lifestyle.
I installed one of these in a customer’s travel trailer last summer, and the compact design immediately impressed me. At just 9.8" x 9.9" x 3.4" and weighing only 5 pounds, this wall-mounted unit takes up virtually no space compared to traditional water heaters. For RVers dealing with tight quarters, this space savings alone can be a game-changer. The sleek diamond gray finish looks modern and professional, blending well with most RV interiors.
The 3.5 kW power output runs on a standard 30-amp circuit at 120V, which is perfect for most RV electrical systems. The adjustable temperature controls let you dial in your preferred setting anywhere from 86°F to 125°F, with a sensible factory default of 105°F. The digital display makes it easy to see and adjust your settings on the fly. One thing to note is that this unit requires a dedicated 30-amp circuit, so you’ll want to factor that into your electrical planning.
Performance-wise, the GE delivers instant hot water with a maximum outlet temperature of 140°F and operates within a pressure range of 25-150 PSI. The Uniform Energy Factor rating of greater than 0.91 means you’re getting excellent efficiency from every kilowatt. The 5-year limited parts replacement warranty is notably longer than many competitors, reflecting GE’s confidence in their engineering. Just keep in mind that this is ground shipping only due to the electrical components.
Buy GE Electric Tankless RV Water Heater
Best for: RVers who prefer the reliability of a tank system with modern ignition technology
While not technically a tankless unit, the Dometic Atwood Direct Spark Ignition Water Heater deserves a place on this list because it represents the best of traditional tank technology with modern conveniences. For RVers who aren’t quite ready to make the full leap to tankless but want a reliable, efficient upgrade from their aging water heater, this Dometic unit delivers exceptional value.
The electric ignition gas burner system eliminates the need for a pilot light, which means you’re not wasting propane keeping a flame lit when you’re not using hot water. I’ve recommended this unit to several RVers who were replacing failed water heaters, and the feedback has been consistently positive. The 6-gallon capacity is sufficient for most RV needs, and the 10,000 BTU burner recovers quickly when you do run through the tank.
What really sets this Dometic apart is its serviceability. The company claims that 95% of all serviceable components are accessible through the exterior door, which dramatically reduces service time and complexity. As someone who’s had to troubleshoot water heater issues in the field, I can tell you this accessibility is worth its weight in gold. The aluminum-clad tank is another smart design choice—it’s lighter than traditional steel tanks and eliminates the need for an anode rod, saving you ongoing maintenance costs and hassle.
The unit features a high-temperature limit switch, thermostat, and pressure/temperature relief valve for safety. At 12.75" x 12.75" x 20" with a cutout requirement of 12.88" x 12.88" x 19.5", it’s a direct replacement for many existing RV water heaters including models 96160, 96160SU, 96153, 96117, 96153SU, 96158, 96163, and 96158SU. The 1400-watt electric element provides backup heating capability when you want to conserve propane. At 17 pounds with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, this is a solid choice for traditional water heating needs.
Buy Dometic Atwood Direct Spark Ignition Water Heater
Best for: Budget-conscious RVers who want to add electric heating capability to their existing LP gas water heater
The Camco RV Hot Water Hybrid Heater isn’t a standalone water heater—it’s a conversion kit that transforms your existing 6-gallon LP gas water heater into a hybrid system capable of running on 120V electricity. It’s by far the most affordable way to add electric water heating capability to your RV, and it’s a fantastic option for RVers who want to conserve propane when camping with shore power.
I installed one of these in my brother’s older Class C motorhome, and the difference it made to his camping experience was remarkable. Before the upgrade, he was burning through propane just to keep hot water available. Now, when he’s plugged into shore power, the electric element handles all the water heating duties, and his propane consumption has dropped significantly. The stainless steel heating cartridge is durable and efficient, heating water to temperatures ranging from 90°F to 150°F with a factory preset of 120°F.
The installation is straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic RV maintenance. The kit includes everything you need: an on/off power switch with mounting bracket, adjustable thermostat, power cords, and wire assemblies. The 425-watt element produces 1,450 BTUs, which is sufficient for maintaining hot water temperature when you’re not making heavy demands on the system. It won’t heat water as quickly as your propane burner, but for maintaining temperature and light use, it’s perfect.
The beauty of this hybrid approach is flexibility. When you’re boondocking without electrical hookups, your propane system works exactly as it always has. When you’re at a campground with shore power, flip the switch and let electricity do the work. It’s the best of both worlds without the expense of replacing your entire water heating system. At just 1 pound, the kit adds virtually no weight to your RV.
Buy Camco RV Hot Water Hybrid Heater
Choosing the right water heating solution for your RV involves more than just picking the most expensive option or the one with the best reviews.
Here are some key factors to consider before making your purchase:
Upgrading your RV’s water heating system is one of those improvements that you’ll appreciate every single day on the road. Whether you choose the premium endless hot water of the Girard tankless system, the compact efficiency of the GE electric unit, the proven reliability of the Dometic tank heater, or the budget-friendly flexibility of the Camco hybrid kit, you’re investing in daily comfort that makes RV life more enjoyable.
The right choice depends on your camping style, budget, and priorities. Full-timers and serious travelers will likely find the investment in a true tankless system worthwhile for the convenience and endless hot water. Weekend warriors and budget-conscious RVers might prefer the hybrid approach or a quality tank replacement. Whatever you choose, the days of cold shower surprises and water rationing can be behind you.
Safe travels, and may your showers always be hot.
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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