Camping requires special gear to make the experience smooth. The most crucial part of camping is to have access to clean and warm water. However, this has been sorted by adding the best water heater for campervan that provides instant water supply.
This could put you in the dilemma that whether to go for a tankless or a tanked water heater, let’s give it a quick read to
[wptb id=1245]Tankless or Tanked? Which would be the best water heater for campervan?
Tankless and tank water heater both have their own significance but for camping, you would not be able to carry extra stuff due to the restricted space.
Speaking of what water heater would be suitable for camping must be selected on the convenience and ease of using that product.
Regular tank-styled heaters are comparatively inexpensive than tankless heaters and work by utilizing fuels like gas or electricity to provide the water with the required temperature.
Whereas, the on-demand or tankless water heaters are expensive and can provide water with immediate effect by consuming less energy in the camper van faucet. They are ideal for tight spaces and offer water flow when needed. That means, there is no waste of water.
So, in a nutshell, an on-demand water heater is what you need for a camper van.
Note: Remember that, regardless of the water heater type, they require professional help for installation so we recommend consulting the professional instead of doing it yourself.
Now, as it is clear that we need tankless water heaters, so here are the
Top Best water heater for campervan | Trusted Products
1. Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater
Product Specifications
- Dimension: 18.5 x 14.5 x 3.5 inches
- Color: Gray
- Wattage: 18000 W
- Water flow: 4.4 GPM
- Voltage: 240 V
- Power Source: AC/DC
This on-demand water heater offers an uninterrupted instant hot water heater. The performance which is provided by the Rheem 18kW 240V tankless electric water heater is optimal.
It has a small, compact fashionable design that provides digital temperature control with a range of 80° to 140° and a 99.8% efficiency, allowing a water flow rate of 4.4 GPM.
It is energy efficient with a copper immersion with the heating element and top that promotes longevity, the strong copper immersion heating elements are threaded for simple repair and installation. They also have a digital temperature display with temperature.
It does not require tricky installation but requires ¾ inches of NPT water connections.
Pros
- Reputable business name
- High ranking for efficiency
- Versatile
Cons
- High demand for electricity
- Two circuit breakers are necessary.
2. Stiebel Eltron 239223 Tankless Water Heater
Product Specifications
- Dimension: 4.63 x 16.63 x 14.5 inches
- Color: White
- Water capacity: 0.39 gallons
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Wattage: 28.8 KW
The innovative Advanced Flow Controls German proprietary invention created by Stiebel Eltron is featured in the Tempra 29 plus Tankless Water Heater to dynamically control water temperature for continual comfort.
To make sure that hot showers won’t ever be disrupted, it will gently restrict flow if hot water demand exceeds capacity. Tempra 29 Plus typically consumes between 15 and 20% less energy than conventional power tank water heaters.
These tankless water heaters don’t require venting and don’t hold onto hot water until you need it. They run on demand, saving energy when you don’t need it while continuously and endlessly supplying hot water whenever you need it.
Pros
- It save between 15% and 20% of the energy you use for electricity.
- Automatic Control of water temperature and automatic water flow
- It allows the availability of hot water on demand
Cons
- No particular installation kit is available.
3. EcoSmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Product Specification
- Dimension: 3.63 x 14 x 17 inches
- Color: White
- Wattage: 18000 W
- Style: ECO 18
- Power Source: 75 AMP
- Water capacity: 2.5 gallons
This water heater is durable. In warm climates, the Eco 18 can concurrently heat two sinks and two showers; in cold climates, it can heat just a sink.
This tankless water heater will supply you with unlimited, warm water on request if it is sized properly. Rather than retaining heat, it generates heat as it flows through the device, helping you save up to 50%.
The Eco 11 is best used in climates with temperatures of 67 F and above and can heat up to 2 gallons at a time. It even saves around 12 cubic feet of your storage space.
Pros
- The water capacity is good for 3 to 4 people
- It features self-modulating technology, which can reduce water heating expenses by up to 60%.
- The construction of this water heater involves premium materials for enduring use
- Components made of stainless steel and copper that ensure complete heating
Cons
- There may not be adequate flow capacity for more people
4. Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 7-Gallon (ES8)
Product Specification
- Dimension: 21 x 20.5 x 16.5 inches
- Color: White
- Water capacity: 7 gallons
- Power Source: corded electric
- Wattage: 1440
There are 3 separate sizes of the Bosch Tronic 3000 T point-of-use electric mini-tanks that can be put on the floors or on walls.
Simply tap into the cold-water line and mount the water heater straight at the sink to give hot water rapidly at the point of use. They come with a pressure relief valve built.
They mix perfectly with existing furniture when installed in a prominent location. Three alternative uses are possible for it.
As the solitary water heater for a single sink, as a backup for an existing heater placed a distance from the sink, and as a buffer positioned in line with tankless heaters that occasionally encounter cold water.
Pros
- Foam insulation made without CFCs has the highest energy efficiency.
- A 7-gallon hot water juncture mini-tank that goes under the sink is available.
- The heater can be conveniently installed either vertically or horizontally.
Cons
- Occasionally cause leaking
5. KIPIDA Solar Hot water shower Bag
Product Specifications
- Dimension: 18.5 x 19.7 inches
- Water capacity: 5 gallons
- Power Source: Sun heating
- Temperature: 45 degrees C
- Material: PVC
This water heater for campervan is the cheapest one on our list that offers a water capacity of 5 gallons. Compared to the other water heaters, this one is a stripped-down water heating bag that works with the solar heating system. You can count on it for a hot water shower in the daytime.
It is designed to be eco-friendly and made with leak-proof material that absorbs heat energy to warm the water.
Along with the heating bag, you will get the shower head that does not require any installation or additional plumbing.
The downside that I have found is that it can only work in the daytime. Once sundown, the temperature will begin to fall eventually to the environment temperature and will take more time to make it warm again even when under the sun.
The water capacity is limited, to only 5 gallons and you have to wait for a long time to heat it up. However, the only thing that you need not worry about is manually adjusting the water temperature.
Pros
- It is inexpensive
- Compact, easy to use
- It does not require any installation
Cons
- It only heats the water during day time
- The water capacity is limited
6. Girard RV Tankless Water Heater
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 17.8 x 14.6 inches
- Power source: Wind, AC/DC
- Water Capacity: 6 Gallons
- Voltage: 12 V
For an instant hot water supply, this water heater is the one you can count on. It works only with 12 volts. With less power consumption of almost 2.5 amp, with a 42000 it delivers a great uniformity with the temperature that can accommodate your need for an entire day easily in a noiseless motion.
In terms of temperature consistency, this is a great option as its microprocessor keeps an eye on the cold-water temperature, the flow rate, and the hot water in order to maintain a steady flow.
The temperature is regulated with the burner for consistency and prevents scalding water. Another intriguing part that I have found about this water heater is that it works with gas and electricity likewise.
It is energy efficient and consumes half of the energy compared to the other water heater with this water capacity. This water heater has an intelligent control panel that allows you an easy temperature setting option.
In case of trouble, it offers instant troubleshooting by displaying the error code on the Led. Furthermore, this water heater does not require complex installation or additional plumbing, the compact design can make it fit in tight spaces as well.
Pros
- It is a great option for an on-demand water heater with 42000 BTU
- Installation of this water heater is simple and easy
- It is lightweight and compact
- This water heater can work with gas and electricity without compromising the work quality
- Temperature adjustment is easy
- The built-in monitor will help you to keep updated with the temperature
Cons
- For some, the dimensions are bulkier
- This water heater will not be able to work in the extremely low temperature
Energy sources of water heaters for camping
As we have limited sources for camping, it totally relies upon us whether you make it simple or complex. For that, you get the option of three main power sources; electricity, propane, diesel, and in some cases solar panels.
Electric camp vans are considered premium heaters. Normally, there is a water heater that only consumes 12 Volts only. This could be challenging when there is a limited power resource.
Diesel campervan hot water heater runs by using it as a fuel, combined with the air heating system that makes them very efficient.
Propane gas or LP gas is another heating source for the camp side water heaters. Usually, the camp vans have already installed the propane tanks for cooking tops
Other than that, there is also an option of a solar panel heating bag which is another convenient option to have. It comes with a drawback, it works only with the sun’s heat, and once it is down, you will not be able to get warm water. In fact, even the next day, you will not be able to get hot water quickly.
What is the size that I need for a water heater for a campervan?
As of now, it has been clear that you need to get an on-demand or tankless water heater for your campervan, the next factor that you need to consider is the size. There are many water heaters available in different sizes ranging from different water flow rates with a minimum of 2.5 gallons to 10-15 gallons.
Remember that you have to select the one that can fulfill your requirement according to the number of people. For instance, if you have a small camp of 5 to 6 people then a water heater with 5 to 6 gallons would be fine but if you have more people then you need to consider a bigger unit.
What BTU do I need for the water heater of the campervan?
BTU or British thermal unit refers to the energy consumption that your water heater uses. The electrical water heater uses the heating element instead of a gas burner that probably not as effective as compared to the gas heater. This is because they fail to maintain the uniformity of the water temperature.
However, the unit consumes a high volume of gas that ranges between 150000 to 200000 BTUs, most commonly used in small size families. That means, for a small camp, you can consider the same.
Conclusion | Best Water Heater for Camping
You may find a lot of options for water heaters but most of them are not suitable for camping vans. You have to be very particular about the style and design that relies on the spacing that you have. For camping, you need to have a convenient option that can easily fix without any complex piping. However, I personally recommend going for the Camplux Pro water heater