Best RV Water Heaters for Hot Showers

By Jake Morris — RV Gear Expert & Contributing Editor· June 10, 2026· 10 min read

Written by Jake Morris Senior RV Gear Writer at ShopRVGear

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Jake has spent 8 years full-timing in a Class A motorhome and has personally tested hundreds of RV products across North America. He is the lead gear reviewer at Shop RV Gear, covering solar setups, backup safety syst…

8 yrs experience·Last updated: Jun 10, 2026

Best RV Water Heaters for Hot Showers

If you’re searching for the best RV water heater, you’re probably tired of lukewarm showers, slow recovery times, or old units that struggle to keep up with life on the road. The right water heater can improve comfort, save propane or electricity, and make your RV feel much more like home. In this Shop RV Gear buyer’s guide, we’ll compare top options, explain what matters most before you buy, and help you choose the best fit for your RV and travel style.

Quick Comparison Table

Best RV Water Heater Picks

1. Suburban SW6DE

The Suburban SW6DE is one of the most dependable choices for RV owners who want a straightforward replacement or first-time upgrade. It’s a 6-gallon tank-style heater with both propane and electric operation, making it a practical fit for campers who split time between hookups and boondocking.

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Why we like it

This model hits a sweet spot between simplicity, reliability, and replacement compatibility. Many RVs are already built around a 6-gallon format, so upgrading to a unit like this is often easier than switching to tankless.

Pros

• Gas and electric operation for flexible use
• Familiar 6-gallon design fits many RV setups
• Good recovery time for typical shower needs
• Proven brand reputation in the RV market
• Easier learning curve than tankless systems

Cons

• Limited hot water compared with tankless models
• Bulkier than compact on-demand units
• Recovery lag if several people shower back-to-back

Best for

RV owners who want a dependable, easy-to-service replacement with minimal surprises.

2. Dometic WH-6GEA

The Dometic WH-6GEA is another excellent 6-gallon gas/electric water heater that competes closely with Suburban. It’s designed for RV use, offers reliable performance, and is a strong option for owners replacing an aging OEM unit.

Why we like it

Dometic is a trusted RV brand, and this model is especially appealing for users who want familiar operation, decent recovery, and broad support from RV service centers.

Pros

• Dual fuel flexibility
• Reliable hot water for small families
• Good parts availability and service support
• Suitable for many factory RV installations
• Strong all-around value

Cons

• Still limited by tank size
• Not as efficient as premium tankless units for long showers
• Installation may require matching doors or trim kits

Best for

Campers who want a mainstream replacement from a widely recognized RV brand.

3. Girard GSWH-2

The Girard GSWH-2 is a popular tankless RV water heater built for owners who want continuous hot water instead of waiting for a small tank to recover. It uses propane and is designed specifically for RV applications, not residential retrofits.

Why we like it

For many RVers, tankless means no more timing showers around a 6-gallon tank. The Girard is compact, efficient, and appealing for couples or travelers who want a more modern hot water experience.

Pros

• Continuous hot water when flow demand is met
• Compact design frees up space
• No tank to keep heated between uses
• Great for frequent showering and daily use
• Modern controls compared with older tank systems

Cons

• More sensitive to water flow and pressure conditions
• Installation can be more complex than swapping a tank unit
• Temperature stability may vary with changing flow rates

Best for

RVers ready to move to tankless and willing to dial in their plumbing and pressure setup.

4. FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Pro

The FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Pro has gained attention as a high-output tankless RV water heater with strong temperature consistency and user-friendly controls. It’s built for RV travel and targets owners who want long showers without running out of hot water.

Why we like it

This is one of the more compelling tankless options for full-timers and larger rigs. If your travel style includes daily showers, dishwashing, and frequent hot water use, it offers meaningful convenience.

Pros

• High flow output for RV use
• Better temperature management than some entry-level tankless units
• Endless hot water potential
• Good fit for heavy-use households
• Contemporary feature set

Cons

• Usually costs more than standard tank heaters
• Requires proper gas supply and water pressure setup
• May be overkill for occasional weekend campers

Best for

Full-time RVers or families who want a premium tankless experience.

5. Suburban SW10DE

The Suburban SW10DE is a 10-gallon tank-style water heater for RV owners who prefer the proven simplicity of a tank but need more hot water on hand. It’s especially useful for larger households or rigs with higher demand.

Why we like it

Some RVers don’t want the complexity of tankless, but they do want better shower capacity. This model offers a practical middle ground: familiar operation with more reserve hot water.

Pros

• Larger hot water reserve than 6-gallon models
• Dual gas/electric operation
• Good for multiple users in a row
• Straightforward use and maintenance
• Reliable traditional design

Cons

• Larger footprint and added weight
• More standby heat loss than tankless units
• Not ideal if your RV has limited installation space

Best for

Families or larger RVs that benefit from extra stored hot water without switching to tankless.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Which One Wins?

Clear Verdict

If you want the best overall RV water heater for a broad mix of campers, the Suburban SW6DE is our top pick. It offers the easiest balance of price, compatibility, reliability, and dual-fuel flexibility.

If you specifically want endless hot water, the FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Pro is the strongest tankless choice in this lineup, with the Girard GSWH-2 close behind for owners who want a compact, RV-focused on-demand system.

If you camp with a family and prefer a traditional design, the Suburban SW10DE is the best pick for more stored hot water.

How to Choose the Best RV Water Heater

Tank vs. Tankless

A traditional tank water heater stores hot water, usually in a 6- or 10-gallon tank. These systems are familiar, generally easier to replace, and often less expensive upfront.

Tankless water heaters heat water only when you turn on the tap. They can provide continuous hot water, but they usually need more careful setup and can be more sensitive to water pressure and flow.

Choose a tank model if:

• You want easier installation
• You’re replacing an existing tank unit
• You prefer lower upfront cost
• Your hot water use is moderate

Choose tankless if:

• You take frequent or longer showers
• You want to avoid running out of hot water
• You don’t mind a more involved installation
• You want a more modern feature set

Fuel Type: Propane, Electric, or Both

Most RV water heaters rely on propane, electric, or a combination of both.

Propane

• Best for boondocking
• Heats water quickly
• Works without shore power

Electric

• Useful at campgrounds with hookups
• Can reduce propane use
• Often quieter and convenient

Gas/Electric Combo

• Most versatile option
• Great for mixed travel styles
• Lets you choose the most efficient power source for the moment

Capacity and Recovery Rate

Capacity matters most on tank models. A 6-gallon heater is enough for many couples and weekend campers, while a 10-gallon model better supports families or back-to-back showers.

Recovery rate refers to how quickly the heater can raise a fresh tank of water back to usable temperature. A strong recovery rate reduces waiting time between showers.

Fit and Compatibility

Before ordering, verify:

• Exterior cutout size
• Door and flange compatibility
• Gas line connection type
• Electrical requirements
• Bypass and plumbing configuration

This is one of the most common upgrade mistakes. Even a highly rated unit can become a headache if it doesn’t fit your RV’s existing opening.

Practical Buying Advice for RV Owners

Think about your camping style

Weekend campers often do perfectly well with a standard 6-gallon gas/electric model. Full-timers may appreciate tankless convenience much more.

Don’t buy more heater than you need

A premium tankless system can be excellent, but not every owner needs endless hot water. If your current setup mostly works and you just want a reliable replacement, a traditional tank model may offer the best value.

Protect your plumbing system

A quality water pressure regulator helps prevent damage to your heater and RV plumbing. This is especially important at campgrounds with inconsistent city water pressure.

Winterize correctly

Even the best RV water heater can fail early if it freezes. Always follow the manufacturer’s winterization procedure before cold-weather storage.

How to Replace an RV Water Heater

Replacing an RV water heater can be manageable for experienced DIY owners, but if you’re unsure about propane or electrical work, hire a certified RV technician.

Materials Needed

• New RV water heater
• Screwdrivers and nut drivers
• Adjustable wrench
• Pipe thread sealant approved for gas/water use as required
• Butyl tape or suitable exterior seal
• Replacement fittings if needed
• Voltage tester
• Work gloves and eye protection

Numbered Steps

1. Turn off all utilities. Shut off propane, disconnect shore power, switch off the battery if needed, and turn off the water supply.
2. Relieve water pressure. Open a hot water faucet and allow the system to depressurize before disconnecting lines.
3. Drain the old heater. Remove the drain plug or anode rod if applicable and let the tank empty completely.
4. Disconnect plumbing, gas, and wiring. Label connections so reinstallation is easier.
5. Remove the mounting screws and old unit. Carefully slide the heater out through the exterior opening.
6. Inspect the opening. Clean away old sealant, check for water damage, and verify dimensions.
7. Install the new heater. Apply fresh butyl tape or approved sealant around the flange and slide the unit into place.
8. Reconnect all lines. Attach plumbing, gas, and electrical connections according to the manufacturer instructions.
9. Test for leaks. Restore water pressure and inspect all fittings. Then test the gas system with an approved leak detection method.
10. Power up and test operation. Run the heater on gas and electric modes if equipped, and confirm proper heating.

Safety Tips

• Never work on propane lines with active gas supply.
• Do not energize an electric water heater tank until it is full of water.
• Use only manufacturer-approved parts and follow local codes.
• If you smell gas or suspect improper venting, stop immediately and call a professional.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring fitment details

Many returns happen because buyers focus on features but forget to measure the cutout, door size, or plumbing layout.

Choosing tankless without understanding flow requirements

Tankless units are excellent, but they work best when water flow, propane supply, and installation conditions are correct.

Forgetting maintenance

Tank-style heaters may need anode rod inspection, flushing, or sediment removal. Regular maintenance improves efficiency and lifespan.

Overlooking your power setup

If you mostly boondock, electric-only convenience won’t help much. Match your heater to the way you actually camp.

FAQ

1. What is the best RV water heater for most people?

For most RV owners, a 6-gallon gas/electric model like the Suburban SW6DE is the best overall choice because it balances reliability, compatibility, and value.

2. Is a tankless RV water heater better than a tank model?

It depends on your needs. Tankless models are better for longer showers and continuous hot water, while tank models are often easier to install, cheaper, and simpler to maintain.

3. Can I replace my RV water heater myself?

Yes, many experienced DIY RV owners can handle a replacement, especially a like-for-like swap. But if propane, venting, or electrical work makes you uncomfortable, professional installation is the safer choice.

All Picks & Comparison

#		Product	Price	Rating
#1		Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW10D - 10 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5242A	$586.22	★★★★☆ (998)	View on Amazon
#2		Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6DE - 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) and Incoloy Electric Element (5239A)	$499.99	★★★★★ (3,334)	View on Amazon
#3		Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW10DE - 10 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) and Incoloy Electric Element (5243A)	$641.92	★★★★★ (3,334)	View on Amazon
#4		Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A	$449.99	★★★★☆ (998)	View on Amazon
#5		RV Tankless Water Heater, Propane-Powered, with 15"×15"Black Door and Remote Control, 12V DC, Compatible with All RVs	$399.98	★★★★☆ (181)	View on Amazon