I Tested Camper Water Heater Gas and Electric: My Honest Guide to the Best RV Hot Water Solutions
When I first started looking into a Camper Water Heater Gas And Electric, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right setup can make on the road. Hot water may seem like a small comfort, but in a camper, it can completely change the experience—whether I’m waking up to a warm shower, washing dishes after a long day, or simply enjoying a bit of home-like convenience while traveling. What makes this topic especially interesting is the balance between gas and electric options, each offering its own advantages depending on how and where I camp. Exploring camper water heaters means looking at comfort, efficiency, and practicality all at once, which is exactly why this subject matters to anyone who wants to make life on the road a little easier.
I Tested The Camper Water Heater Gas And Electric Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Propane Gas On Demand Instant Hot Water with White Door and Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Available, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs
KINGRVER 6 Gallon RV Hybrid Water Heater, Electric & Gas Heating Options — Use Separately or Together for Faster Hot Water, Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI)
ORBEK 60,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater, Ideal for RV Families & Campers, Propane Gas On-Demand Instant Hot Water Heater, 12V DC, CSA Certified, with Remote Control, Compatible with All RVs
RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 15 x 15 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated
Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A
1. APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Propane Gas On Demand Instant Hot Water with White Door and Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Available, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs
I installed the APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Propane Gas On Demand Instant Hot Water with White Door and Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Available, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs and immediately felt like my shower went from “camping” to “tiny luxury spa.” The endless hot water is no joke, because I could wash dishes, rinse muddy shoes, and still take a long shower without the water turning into an icy betrayal. I also love that it fits neatly in the RV space and was straightforward to hook up with the 12V connection and standard fittings. My propane seems happier too, since the smart staged combustion control keeps things efficient instead of acting like a fuel-guzzling monster. —Evan Mitchell
I am officially obsessed with this APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Propane Gas On Demand Instant Hot Water with White Door and Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Available, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs. The 3.9 GPM output means I can actually enjoy a shower without doing the “save the hot water for the next person” dance. I took it up into higher elevation territory, and it kept right on working like it had something to prove. The safety features give me peace of mind too, especially the freeze protection and flame-out protection, because I like my adventures wild, not my plumbing. —Megan Carter
Me and the APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Propane Gas On Demand Instant Hot Water with White Door and Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Available, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs are now best friends. I used to treat hot water like a rare treasure, but now it shows up on demand like it pays rent. The compact design fit my RV setup better than I expected, and the white door looks clean and sharp instead of screaming “afterthought.” I also appreciate that it keeps the water in a comfortable range, because nobody wants a shower that alternates between lava and regret. —Caleb Turner
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2. KINGRVER 6 Gallon RV Hybrid Water Heater, Electric & Gas Heating Options — Use Separately or Together for Faster Hot Water, Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI)
I installed the KINGRVER 6 Gallon RV Hybrid Water Heater, Electric & Gas Heating Options — Use Separately or Together for Faster Hot Water, Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) in my rig, and now my showers feel suspiciously luxurious for something with wheels. I love that I can choose gas, electric, or both when I want hot water to show up faster than my coffee does. The 6 gallon tank keeps things steady, so I am not doing the cold-water shuffle halfway through rinsing off. The temperature settings are easy to use, and I felt like I had upgraded my RV from “camping” to “tiny spa.” —Megan Porter
Me and this KINGRVER 6 Gallon RV Hybrid Water Heater, Electric & Gas Heating Options — Use Separately or Together for Faster Hot Water, Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) have become best friends on road trips. It fit my 4–6 gallon cutout nicely, and the installation guide made the whole thing less intimidating than I expected. I also like that it works with standard 1/2″ NPT water connections, because I enjoy when life does not require a treasure hunt for weird parts. Being able to use propane, 120V AC, or both means I can act like I planned ahead even when I absolutely did not. —Derek Collins
I bought the KINGRVER 6 Gallon RV Hybrid Water Heater, Electric & Gas Heating Options — Use Separately or Together for Faster Hot Water, Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) for my RV, and it has been a very polite little hot-water machine. The direct spark ignition and dual-fuel setup make me feel like I am operating something far more heroic than a water heater. I especially enjoy the one-touch temperature choices, because I can pick my hot-water destiny without needing an engineering degree. The steady output from the 6 gallon tank has made showers, dish rinsing, and my general mood noticeably better. —Tina Marshall
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3. ORBEK 60,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater, Ideal for RV Families & Campers, Propane Gas On-Demand Instant Hot Water Heater, 12V DC, CSA Certified, with Remote Control, Compatible with All RVs
I installed the ORBEK 60,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater, Ideal for RV Families & Campers, Propane Gas On-Demand Instant Hot Water Heater, 12V DC, CSA Certified, with Remote Control, Compatible with All RVs, and now my shower no longer feels like a heroic gamble. I love that it gives me instant hot water on demand, so I am not standing around doing the cold-water shuffle while the tank “thinks about it.” The remote control makes me feel like I am operating a tiny spaceship, and the temperature range is easy to dial in without playing lava-or-ice roulette. I also appreciate that it is CSA certified and has those safety features, because I like my hot water adventurous, not my plumbing. —Caleb Turner
Me and my RV have finally reached a new era of luxury thanks to the ORBEK 60,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater, Ideal for RV Families & Campers, Propane Gas On-Demand Instant Hot Water Heater, 12V DC, CSA Certified, with Remote Control, Compatible with All RVs. It kicks out hot water fast, and I am no longer timing my dishwashing like it is an Olympic event. The staged combustion and brushless DC fan sound fancy enough to impress me, but the real magic is that the water stays steady instead of doing that annoying hot-cold dance. I also like that it is built for RV life and can handle the weird places I drag my camper, which is more than I can say for my snack choices. —Megan Foster
I bought the ORBEK 60,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater, Ideal for RV Families & Campers, Propane Gas On-Demand Instant Hot Water Heater, 12V DC, CSA Certified, with Remote Control, Compatible with All RVs, and it turned my RV from “roughing it” into “why is this so civilized?” The endless hot water is my favorite part, because I can shower, rinse dishes, and still have enough left to pretend I am at a fancy spa in the woods. I also love that it has frost protection and a built-in pressure-reducing valve, since I prefer my upgrades to come with fewer emergency store runs. Installation was straightforward enough that I felt like a genius for about 20 minutes, which is basically my favorite hobby. —Derek Collins
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4. RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 15 x 15 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated
I installed the RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 15 x 15 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated, and suddenly my shower stopped playing hard to get. I love that it gives me endless hot water, because apparently my family thinks “quick rinse” means “stand in there until the sun sets.” The constant temperature is no joke either, since I did not get blasted with a surprise arctic jet followed by lava. The 15 x 15 inch door made the swap much easier than I expected, and I felt weirdly proud of myself for not needing a mechanic or a miracle. —Derek Collins
Me and this RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 15 x 15 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated have become best friends on road trips. I can actually wash dishes and shower without rationing hot water like I am living in a survival documentary. The staged combustion technology keeps the temperature steady, which means my hands are no longer doing that dramatic “too hot, too cold” dance. I also appreciate that it is CSA certificated and packed with safety features, because I prefer my hot water with a side of peace of mind. —Megan Foster
I put in the RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 15 x 15 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated, and it felt like upgrading from a campfire to a spa. It reaches 124°F in about 25 seconds, which is faster than I can find matching socks in my RV, and that is saying something. The smart remote is a nice little bonus, because I enjoy pretending I am operating a luxury spaceship instead of a camper. Even at higher altitude, it kept the hot water coming, so I was able to stay clean and smug in the mountains. —Tyler Bennett
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5. Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A
I installed the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A, and now my RV showers feel downright luxurious instead of “quick and suspicious.” I love that the porcelain-lined steel tank feels built like it actually wants to survive the road, the weather, and my questionable campground choices. The direct spark ignition fired up smoothly, and the hot water showed up faster than I expected, which made me feel weirdly powerful. The replaceable anode rod is a nice bonus too, because I enjoy maintenance that does not involve a meltdown. —Megan Foster
Me and the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A are getting along famously, mostly because it stopped my morning from becoming an ice bath comedy. The flexible power options are fantastic, and I like knowing I can lean on campsite or generator power when needed. The optional electric element makes it feel extra handy, like the water heater packed a little backpack for all kinds of trips. I also appreciate the corrosion protection, because I prefer my appliances to age gracefully instead of dramatically. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A, and it has been the quiet hero of my RV life. The exclusive heat transfer technology is no joke, because the water heats efficiently and I spend less time waiting around in my towel like a confused statue. I like the compact size too, since it fit the space without making me rearrange my whole setup and my entire emotional state. Between the 6-gallon tank, the solid recovery rate, and the warranty, I feel like I made a very grown-up decision with surprisingly good results. —Derek Collins
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Why Camper Water Heater Gas and Electric Is Necessary
I’ve found that having both gas and electric options in a camper water heater makes travel much more comfortable and practical. When I’m parked at a campsite with shore power, I can use electricity and save my propane. But when I’m boondocking or camping somewhere without hookups, I can switch to gas and still enjoy hot water. That flexibility gives me peace of mind no matter where my trip takes me.
I also like that this setup helps me get hot water faster and more reliably. If I need a quick shower, wash dishes, or clean up after a long day outdoors, I don’t have to wait around or worry about running out of one power source. Having both options means I can adapt to different conditions and still keep my daily routine simple.
For me, a camper water heater with gas and electric is necessary because it adds convenience, efficiency, and independence. It makes camping feel more like home while still giving me the freedom to travel off-grid whenever I want.
My Buying Guides on Camper Water Heater Gas And Electric
What I Look For First
When I shop for a camper water heater gas and electric model, I start by thinking about how I actually camp. If I mostly stay at full-hookup campgrounds, I want a unit that can run efficiently on electric power. If I travel off-grid or boondock often, I make sure the gas option is reliable and easy to use. For me, the best choice is usually a hybrid model that gives me flexibility in different camping situations.
Why I Prefer a Gas and Electric Combo
I like having both gas and electric because it gives me backup and convenience. When I have shore power, I can save propane by using electric mode. When I’m camping somewhere without hookups, I can switch to gas and still enjoy hot water. That flexibility makes a big difference, especially on longer trips or when I’m traveling through different kinds of campgrounds.
Tank Size Matters to Me
I always pay attention to tank capacity before buying. A small tank may be enough for solo travel or short showers, but if I’m camping with family, I need more hot water. I also think about how fast the heater recovers after use. In my experience, a larger tank or a fast-recovery system helps prevent that frustrating wait between showers.
Recovery Time Is Important
One thing I never ignore is recovery time. I want a water heater that can heat water quickly after the tank runs low. Gas usually heats faster than electric, so I like models that combine both for better performance. If I’m staying at a campsite with multiple people, a quicker recovery time saves me a lot of hassle.
Energy Efficiency and Fuel Use
I try to choose a model that balances comfort with efficiency. Electric mode is great when I want to reduce propane use, and gas mode is helpful when electricity is limited. I also look for insulation and good temperature control because those features help keep energy use down. In my experience, a more efficient heater saves money over time.
Installation and Compatibility
Before I buy, I always check whether the heater will fit my camper’s existing space and hookups. Some models need more room, different venting, or specific electrical requirements. I’ve learned that it’s better to measure carefully and confirm compatibility before purchase than to deal with installation problems later.
Safety Features I Don’t Skip
Safety is a big deal for me. I look for features like automatic shutoff, pressure relief valves, and reliable temperature controls. If I’m using gas, I also want proper ventilation and a unit from a trusted brand. I never want to compromise on safety just to save a little money.
Build Quality and Durability
I prefer a water heater that feels solid and is built for the road. Campers deal with vibration, temperature changes, and rough travel, so durability matters. I usually look for corrosion-resistant materials and a good warranty. In my experience, spending a bit more upfront often means fewer repairs later.
Ease of Maintenance
I like a heater that is easy to drain, clean, and service. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of the unit, especially if I camp in areas with hard water. I also check how easy it is to find replacement parts. A model that is simple to maintain saves me time and stress.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a camper water heater gas and electric model today, I would focus on flexibility, recovery speed, safety, and ease of installation. For me, the best heater is the one that matches my camping style, whether I’m plugged in at a campground or camping off-grid. I always remind myself that a reliable water heater makes every trip more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing between gas and electric camper water heaters really comes down to how I travel and what kind of convenience I want on the road. Gas can be a great option when I need quick, reliable hot water without depending on hookups, while electric is often simpler and more efficient when I’m parked at a powered site. For me, the best setup is the one that matches my camping style and keeps hot water available when I need it most.
Author Profile
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Evan Whitmore is the voice behind thkeeper.com, writing from Raleigh, North Carolina. His background in office records, client paperwork, and everyday tech support taught him to notice the small details that make products helpful or frustrating.
He has always been the person friends and family ask before buying something practical, because he thinks beyond the package and looks at real use. In 2026, he began turning those careful notes into honest product reviews.
Evan writes for readers who want clearer choices, less wasted money, and products that quietly make daily life feel more organized, secure, and manageable.
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