How to Choose the Right RV Water Heater for Your Setup
A cold shower at the end of a long day on the road? No thanks. Whether you're camping on weekends or living full-time in your rig, a reliable water heater can make a big difference in how comfortable and functional your space feels.
how cold showers feel :(
But with so many types of RV water heaters out there—propane, electric, tankless, hybrids—it can be tough to figure out which one makes the most sense for your setup. In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each type, and help you think through what’s best based on how (and where) you travel.
Propane Water Heaters
These are the old-school workhorses - simple, dependable, and great if you’re often off-grid. They run on liquid propane and don’t need shore power.
Good for: Boondockers, budget builds, and people who value simplicity.
What to know:
-Heats water slower than other options
-Usually comes with a 6–10 gallon tank
-Doesn’t drain your battery or require a hookup
Electric Water Heaters
Electric heaters are ideal if you mostly camp in RV parks or somewhere with shore power. They’re quiet and don’t burn fuel—but they do need electricity to run.
Good for: Campground regulars, solar users with solid battery banks
What to know:
-No propane needed
-Can be slow to heat
-Not a great choice for dry camping unless you’re wired for it
Hybrid Water Heaters (Electric + Propane)
These give you flexibility. Use propane off-grid, and electricity when plugged in. They're popular in higher-end rigs and among full-timers who need more hot water, more often.
Good for: Travelers who mix off-grid and campground life
What to know:
-Faster heat-up times
-Switches between fuel sources automatically
-Slightly more complex to install
Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters
Want hot water now and not worry about running out? Tankless models heat water as you use it, which is great if you like long showers or travel with more than one person.
Good for: Full-timers, families, vanlifers looking to save space
What to know:
-No storage tank = more room in your rig
-Uses more power or fuel while in use
-May need decent water pressure to function properly
What to Consider Before Buying
How you travel: Are you off-grid more often, or mostly in parks with hookups?
How much water you use: Couples and solo travelers can probably get by with a traditional tank. Bigger families or full-timers might prefer tankless.
Your power setup: If you don’t have solar or a generator, a propane-only model may make more sense.
Space and install complexity: Tankless units take up less room, but may need more setup.
Final Thoughts
There’s no perfect water heater for everyone—it all depends on your rig, your power system, and how you like to travel. If you want something simple and affordable, propane gets the job done. If you want comfort and flexibility, a hybrid or tankless model might be worth the investment.
Here at Viajo Gear, we source RV appliances that are road-tested and rugged enough to go the distance. If you’re not sure which unit makes the most sense, we’re happy to help. Shoot us a message or check out our most popular water heaters .