A tankless RV water heater heats water as you use it, so you don’t have to wait for a storage tank to recover between showers. The right model depends on more than burner power: check the size of your RV’s water-heater opening, propane and 12V requirements, expected water flow, and where you travel. These five propane models offer on-demand heating, but their fit details and features differ.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Listed burner output | Notable features | Fit details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORBEK RV Tankless Water Heater | 60,000 BTU | High-altitude mode; remote control; built-in 150 PSI pressure-reducing valve | Door panels sold separately; listed for several opening sizes |
| FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus | 55,000 BTU | Up to 2.9 GPM; CSA certified; includes door, valve, and remote | 15 × 15-inch door; 13 × 13-inch opening listed |
| APUS RV Tankless Water Heater | 68,000 BTU | Up to 3.9 GPM; freeze protection; CSA certified | 12.6 × 12.6-inch cutout listed |
| Feqivolt RV Tankless Water Heater | 65,000 BTU | Front and rear outlets; remote; CSA certified | 15 × 15-inch door and 13 × 13-inch opening listed |
| RVPart Pro RV Tankless Water Heater | 60,000 BTU | Remote; built-in 150 PSI pressure-reducing valve; CSA certified | 15 × 15-inch door and 13 × 13-inch opening listed |
Our Picks: Best Instant Hot Water Heaters For Rv reviews
1. ORBEK RV Tankless Water Heater: A Flexible Option for High-Altitude Travel
The ORBEK is a propane-fired, on-demand heater with a listed 60,000 BTU burner. It uses 12V DC power for its controls and operation, while propane provides the heat. The burner runs when hot water is requested, rather than maintaining a tank of heated water.
Its listed high-altitude mode is designed for operation at elevations up to 9,800 feet. The product description also names an oxygen-free copper heat exchanger, brushless DC fans, staged combustion, and a remote that adjusts the temperature from 95°F to 123°F. A built-in 150 PSI pressure-reducing valve is included.
Fit is the main detail to confirm before buying. The listing describes compatibility with 15 × 15-, 15 × 18-, and 18 × 18-inch openings, but says door panels are sold separately. Check your RV’s actual cutout and panel needs rather than relying on the exterior-door size alone. This model may suit RV owners who want the listed altitude features and already have a compatible installation space.
Pros:
- 60,000 BTU propane burner for on-demand heating
- High-altitude mode listed for elevations up to 9,800 feet
- Remote temperature adjustment and built-in pressure-reducing valve
- Several door-opening sizes are listed as compatible
Cons:
- Door panels are sold separately
- Confirm opening dimensions and installation compatibility before ordering
Verdict: Choose the ORBEK if high-altitude operation and a built-in pressure-reducing valve matter to you, and you have verified the fit and door-panel requirements.
2. FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus: A Retrofit-Friendly Pick With Included Door
The FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus is a 55,000 BTU propane heater designed for RV replacement installations. Its listing gives a maximum output of 2.9 GPM. Actual hot-water flow can depend on incoming water temperature and other system conditions, so the maximum figure should not be treated as a guaranteed shower flow in every setting.
This package includes a 15 × 15-inch door, a pressure relief valve, and a remote controller. The listed opening is 13 × 13 inches, and the description says it can replace some 6-gallon tank heaters and certain tankless models. A larger door is mentioned for some 10-gallon tank replacements, which may require modification. Measure your compartment and check the installation instructions before assuming it is a direct swap.
The product listing also states that the unit is CSA certified and includes protections such as automatic gas shutoff if the flame goes out and freeze protection. Its high-altitude mode is listed for elevations up to 9,800 feet. It’s a practical option if you want several key installation parts included, though it has the lowest listed burner output among these five picks.
Pros:
- Includes a door, pressure relief valve, and remote controller
- Up to 2.9 GPM listed output
- High-altitude mode listed for elevations up to 9,800 feet
- CSA certification and multiple listed safety features
Cons:
- Some replacement installations may need changes to the opening or door fit
- 55,000 BTU is the lowest listed burner output in this comparison
Verdict: The FOGATTI is worth considering for a compatible retrofit when you want the door and key components included, but verify the opening carefully.
3. APUS RV Tankless Water Heater: High Listed Flow and Freeze Protection
APUS lists a 68,000 BTU propane burner and output of up to 3.9 GPM, the highest stated flow rate among these five products. It is designed to start at a listed water flow of 0.55 GPM. These figures can help with comparison, but your usable hot-water flow will also depend on incoming water temperature, plumbing, and how much heat the unit needs to add.
The unit measures 14.96 × 14.96 × 14.18 inches, with a listed cutout of 12.6 × 12.6 inches. Its description says it can replace many 6-, 10-, and 12-gallon tank heaters, but you should verify the dimensions and connections for your specific RV. The product includes a remote control and is offered with a black or white access door.
The APUS is listed as CSA certified and includes flame-failure, gas-leak, dry-burn, and over-temperature protections. Its freeze protection is described as activating at 35.6°F when the unit is properly powered. That feature is not a substitute for winterizing the RV or following the manual’s cold-weather instructions. This pick makes sense if the listed flow capacity is a priority and its cutout fits your installation.
Pros:
- Highest listed burner output and maximum flow rate in this group
- Listed starting flow of 0.55 GPM
- CSA certification and several named safety protections
- Automatic freeze protection is listed for powered operation
Cons:
- Maximum flow is a product specification, not a guaranteed flow under all conditions
- Confirm the cutout and access-door dimensions before purchase
Verdict: Consider the APUS if you want the highest listed flow capacity here, provided its dimensions suit your RV and you understand that flow varies with conditions.
4. Feqivolt RV Tankless Water Heater: Dual Outlets for More Flexible Plumbing
This Feqivolt model is a 65,000 BTU propane heater with front and rear outlets. That dual-outlet design may be useful for an RV layout that needs a different plumbing arrangement, but check the product documentation to confirm how the outlets are intended to connect to your system.
The listing describes a 15 × 15-inch door and a 13 × 13-inch opening, plus a remote that works from up to 6.2 feet away. It also states that staged combustion adjusts the flame and that the temperature can be set from 95°F to 123°F. The manufacturer lists temperature control within ±2°F; that is a stated specification, not a guarantee for every installation or water-flow condition.
Other listed features include CSA certification, high-altitude operation up to 9,800 feet, wind resistance up to 240 Pa, and several safety protections. The product description claims hot water in four seconds, but the actual wait at a fixture can depend on the distance between the heater and tap. This option stands out for its dual outlets, though it is especially important to confirm the plumbing plan and exact replacement fit.
Pros:
- Dual front and rear outlets offer additional plumbing flexibility
- 65,000 BTU burner and remote control
- High-altitude operation is listed up to 9,800 feet
- CSA certification and multiple listed safety features
Cons:
- Confirm how the dual outlets connect to your RV before ordering
- “Hot water in four seconds” may not reflect wait time at a distant faucet
Verdict: The Feqivolt is a potential fit if its dual-outlet design matches your plumbing needs; choose it only after checking the connection layout and cutout.
5. RVPart Pro RV Tankless Water Heater: A Straightforward 60,000 BTU Replacement Option
RVPart Pro uses a 60,000 BTU propane burner to heat water on demand. The description says the burner runs when hot water is needed, and it lists a temperature adjustment range of 95°F to 123°F. A built-in control panel displays fault codes, which may help when diagnosing an issue.
The listed fit is a 15 × 15-inch door over a 13 × 13-inch opening. The white door may suit an RV with a matching exterior, but you should measure the existing cutout and check the manual before treating it as a drop-in replacement. The unit also uses 12V power, so confirm your RV’s electrical setup.
The listing includes a built-in 150 PSI pressure-reducing valve, CSA certification, freeze protection, a forced exhaust fan, and automatic shutoff for flame failure. The manufacturer describes high-altitude performance above 5,000 feet, but does not give the same stated elevation limit as several other options in this comparison. It may suit owners seeking a simpler replacement with a white door and an included remote.
Pros:
- 60,000 BTU propane heating with adjustable temperature control
- Built-in 150 PSI pressure-reducing valve and fault-code display
- White door and remote included
- CSA certification and several listed safety features
Cons:
- High-altitude description does not state as high an elevation limit as some other picks
- Check exact cutout size and 12V requirements before installation
Verdict: Choose the RVPart Pro if its white door and listed fit work for your RV and you want a 60,000 BTU model with a remote and built-in pressure-reducing valve.
How to Choose an Instant Hot Water Heater for Your RV
Measure the cutout, door, and installation depth
Start with the RV’s existing opening, not just the outside door. These products list different cutout and door sizes, and a door that looks close may not cover the opening or match the heater compartment. Measure width, height, and available depth, then compare those dimensions with the installation manual. If you are replacing a tank model, check whether your existing opening needs modification.
Check propane, 12V power, and plumbing connections
All five picks are propane heaters that also use 12V DC power. Confirm that your RV can provide the required electrical connection and that its propane and water lines are suitable for the specific unit. Compare fitting types and outlet locations with your existing setup. If you are unsure about gas or electrical work, have a qualified RV technician handle the installation.
Compare burner output and flow claims carefully
Burner output is listed in BTUs, while flow is listed in gallons per minute. Higher figures can be useful for comparing product specifications, but they do not promise the same hot-water flow in every RV. Incoming water temperature, desired output temperature, water pressure, and simultaneous water use can all affect performance. Consider your usual shower and sink needs instead of choosing by the largest number alone.
Think about where you travel
If you often camp at high elevations, check the model’s stated altitude capability and any operating instructions. If you travel in cold weather, look closely at freeze-protection details. Protection features may depend on power and correct operation, and they do not remove the need to follow the manufacturer’s winterizing directions. The APUS listing, for example, says its freeze protection operates when the unit is properly powered.
Review controls, included parts, and service details
A remote can make temperature adjustments easier from inside the RV, while a fault-code display may help with troubleshooting. Also check what comes in the box: the ORBEK lists separately sold door panels, while the FOGATTI description says its package includes a door, valve, and remote. Compare the included parts with your installation needs, and read the product documentation for warranty and support terms.
Understand the difference between continuous heating and stored hot water
A tankless heater warms water as it flows through the unit rather than storing a heated supply. That can avoid waiting for a tank to recover, but it does not mean unlimited water or instant hot water at every tap. Your water supply, propane supply, electrical power, flow rate, and the distance from the heater to the fixture all matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an instant RV water heater work?
A tankless RV heater uses a burner to heat water as it passes through the unit. These models use propane for heating and 12V DC power for operation. The burner generally activates when hot water is requested, rather than keeping a tank of water heated.
Will a tankless RV heater fit in place of my current water heater?
Not necessarily. Door size, cutout dimensions, depth, plumbing connections, and installation requirements vary by model and RV. Measure your existing compartment and compare it with the product’s installation specifications before ordering.
Do these heaters provide hot water instantly at the faucet?
They heat water on demand, but water still has to travel through your RV’s plumbing. The wait at a faucet depends partly on how far it is from the heater and how the system is set up.
Can I use an RV tankless water heater at high elevations?
Some products list high-altitude modes or elevation limits. The ORBEK, FOGATTI, APUS, and Feqivolt descriptions state operation up to 9,800 feet; the RVPart Pro description refers to use above 5,000 feet without giving the same limit. Check the current product manual for operating guidance.
Does freeze protection mean I can leave the heater out in freezing weather?
No. A listed freeze-protection feature is not a replacement for the manufacturer’s cold-weather instructions or RV winterizing procedures. Some protection features also depend on the unit being properly powered. Follow the manual for your model and conditions.
Is a higher GPM rating always better?
Not by itself. A higher stated flow rate may be useful, but the amount of hot water available depends on incoming water temperature, desired temperature, pressure, and how much heat the unit must add. Compare specifications in the context of your RV’s water system and typical use.
Final Recommendation
For a broad mix of listed features, the ORBEK stands out with its high-altitude mode, remote, and built-in pressure-reducing valve, though its door panels are sold separately. The APUS is the strongest specification-led choice for shoppers prioritizing stated flow capacity, while the FOGATTI may be appealing when an included door and valve suit a retrofit. Before choosing any model, verify the cutout, connections, and installation requirements for your RV.
