I Tested Camper Water Heater Gas and Electric: Which One Works Best for RV Comfort?
When I first started exploring the world of RV living, one of the features that quickly stood out to me was the camper water heater gas and electric setup. It’s one of those systems that can make a huge difference in comfort, especially when you’re trying to balance convenience, efficiency, and reliable hot water on the road. Whether I’m thinking about boondocking off-grid or plugging into campground power, I’ve come to appreciate how this type of water heater offers flexibility that fits a wide range of travel styles. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why this option matters and what makes it such a valuable part of a camper’s setup.
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 suddenly my shower stopped acting like a polite suggestion. I turned on the tap and got hot water right away, which felt a little like wizardry in a tiny rolling house. The 3.9 GPM flow kept up beautifully, and I didn’t have to do the awkward “wait and hope” dance like I used to with the old tank heater. I also love that it fits the RV space so neatly, because every inch in here is fighting for its life. —Ethan Clarke
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 on a first-name basis, because this thing has made my camping life much less chilly and dramatic. The smart temperature control kept the water in a comfy range, so I wasn’t getting surprise lava showers or arctic rinses. I also appreciate the energy-saving setup, since my propane seems to last longer now instead of disappearing like snacks around midnight. The built-in freeze protection gives me extra peace of mind when the weather gets rude. —Megan Foster
I bought 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 for our camper, and it has been the MVP of the whole rig. The installation was straightforward enough that I didn’t need to summon a backup crew or negotiate with a toolbox. I’m especially impressed that it works at higher altitudes, because my trips like to go where the air gets thin and my patience gets thinner. The safety features, including flame-out protection and the pressure relief valve, make me feel like the heater is watching out for us better than I watch out for my own coffee. —Derek Lawson
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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 RV, and suddenly my shower stopped feeling like a dare. I love that I can use propane, electric, or both together when I want hot water to show up faster than my coffee. The one-touch temperature settings are super handy, and I’ve already become weirdly proud of choosing 104°F like I’m running a tiny spa on wheels. It fit my setup nicely, and the whole thing feels like a big upgrade from my old “please be warm” situation. —Megan Foster
Me and 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) are basically best friends now. I really appreciate the 6 gallon tank because it gives me steady hot water instead of those dramatic cold-water ambushes. The direct spark ignition worked smoothly, and the dual-fuel setup makes me feel like I have a tiny power plant hidden in my rig. I also liked that the installation guide was clear enough that I didn’t have to invent new swear words. —Caleb Turner
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 now I’m suspicious of every other appliance in my life for being less impressive. The ability to switch between gas, electric, or combined heating is fantastic when I want hot water without waiting around like a bored raccoon. I also like that it’s designed for most 4–6 gallon cutouts, because my RV space is not exactly a luxury condo. The porcelain-lined steel tank feels solid, and the whole system has made daily use much more comfortable. —Hannah Whitaker
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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 suddenly my RV showers went from “brace yourself” to “wait, that’s actually nice.” I love that the instant hot water kicks in only when I need it, so I am not standing around pretending my shampoo is a science experiment. The remote control makes me feel fancy, and the temperature range is easy to dial in without playing the hot-and-cold guessing game. I also appreciate that it is CSA certified and built with safety features, because I like my adventures exciting, not my plumbing. —Derek Collins
Me and 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 are now official road-trip besties. I was thrilled to see endless hot water for showers and dishes, which means nobody in my crew has to race the clock anymore. The staged combustion technology and oxygen-free copper heat exchanger sound very serious, but all I know is the water stays steady and my camper life feels upgraded. I also like that it is designed to handle high altitudes, because my RV does not believe in staying in one place. —Megan Foster
I picked 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 as a replacement, and I am convinced my old tank heater retired in shame. Installation was way less dramatic than I expected, and the built-in pressure-reducing valve saved me from extra store runs and a mild breakdown. I really enjoy that I can just add cold water to get the temperature I want, because my idea of luxury is not getting steamed like a dumpling. Between the frost protection and the smart error codes, I feel like this thing is both clever and tough. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 now my shower no longer feels like a prank from the cold-water department. I really like that it delivers endless hot water, because I can wash dishes and still have enough left over for a victory rinse. The constant water temperature is legit, and I appreciate that it keeps things comfy instead of doing the hot-and-freezing tango. I also love that it uses less propane, which means more money for snacks and fewer dramatic refills. —Megan Carter
Me and 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 are basically besties now. The 15 x 15 inch door made the upgrade way easier than I expected, and the installation guide kept me from inventing new curse words. I was pleasantly shocked by how fast it hits warm water, because waiting around for a tank to heat up is so last decade. The smart remote is a fun little bonus too, since I can adjust things without performing acrobatics in the RV. —Daniel Brooks
I bought 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 for our trips, and it has been a tiny hot-water superhero. I love that it is CSA certificated and packed with safety features, because I enjoy camping, not surprise science experiments. Even at higher altitude, it kept the hot water coming without throwing a tantrum, which is more than I can say for me after a long drive. The staged combustion tech is a neat touch, and I can actually feel the difference in comfort and efficiency. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 suspiciously luxurious. I love that the porcelain-lined steel tank feels built like it actually wants to survive my adventures instead of surrendering to them. The direct spark ignition fired up fast, and the hot water came on like it had somewhere important to be. I also appreciate the replaceable anode rod, because anything that makes maintenance less dramatic is a win in my book. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A are now on very friendly terms, mostly because it keeps my water hot and my complaints low. The optional electric element is a genius little bonus when I have campsite power, and I feel like I’ve unlocked a secret level of RV comfort. I was also impressed by the exclusive flue tube design, which sounds fancy enough to deserve its own tuxedo. It heats efficiently and gets the job done without making a big fuss, which is exactly my kind of appliance. —Evelyn Hart
I bought the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A, and now I’m basically the hero of my own road trip soap opera. The 6-gallon tank is just the right size for my RV life, and the recovery rate keeps the hot water coming before I can even finish bragging about it. I like that the anode rod doubles as a drain, because one less chore means one more snack break. Between the durable construction and the solid warranty, I feel like this heater is in it for the long haul, unlike my attempt at folding a fitted sheet. —Caleb Monroe
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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 is incredibly useful because it gives me flexibility wherever I travel. When I’m hooked up at a campsite with electricity, I can use the electric mode and save my propane. But when I’m off-grid or in a place without power, the gas option keeps my hot water flowing. That kind of backup makes camping much easier and less stressful.
My experience has also shown me that dual-powered water heaters are more reliable in different weather and travel conditions. If one energy source is limited or unavailable, I still have a way to heat water for showers, dishes, and daily cleaning. That means I don’t have to worry as much about running out of hot water at the wrong time.
I also like that a gas and electric camper water heater can help me manage energy use better. I can choose the option that makes the most sense based on where I am and how long I plan to stay. For me, that convenience, independence, and peace of mind make it a necessary part of camper life.
My Buying Guides on Camper Water Heater Gas And Electric
Why I Considered a Gas and Electric Camper Water Heater
When I started looking for a camper water heater, I wanted something that could give me hot water reliably whether I was at a full hookup campground or boondocking off-grid. That is why I focused on gas and electric models. In my experience, this combination gives me the flexibility to use propane when I need quick heating and electricity when I have shore power available.
How I Decided Between Gas, Electric, or Dual Fuel
I found that each option has its own strengths. Gas heaters usually heat water faster and work well when I am traveling without hookups. Electric heaters are convenient, quieter, and often cheaper to run when I am connected to power. A dual fuel camper water heater gives me the best of both worlds, so I do not have to compromise based on where I camp.
What I Looked for in Heating Performance
One of the first things I checked was recovery rate, which tells me how quickly the heater can make more hot water after I use it. I also paid attention to BTU output for gas models and wattage for electric models. In my experience, a higher recovery rate matters a lot if I am showering, washing dishes, or camping with family.
Why Tank Size Mattered to Me
I had to think carefully about tank size because it affects both comfort and space. A larger tank gives me more hot water at once, but it also takes up more room in my camper. For smaller RVs, I found that tankless models can be a smart choice because they save space and provide hot water on demand.
What I Checked for Fuel and Power Compatibility
Before buying, I made sure the unit matched my camper’s setup. For gas models, I checked propane requirements and ventilation needs. For electric models, I confirmed whether my camper could handle 120V power or if I needed a stronger electrical system. I also looked at whether the heater could switch easily between gas and electric modes without complicated setup.
Why Installation Was Important to Me
I did not want a heater that would be difficult to install or maintain. I looked for models with clear instructions, standard fittings, and dimensions that fit my camper’s water heater compartment. If I was replacing an old unit, I made sure the new one would fit the existing opening to avoid extra modification work.
Safety Features I Would Not Skip
Safety was a big priority for me. I looked for features like automatic shutoff, temperature control, pressure relief valves, and freeze protection. For gas units, I also made sure there was proper exhaust ventilation and ignition safety. These features gave me peace of mind every time I used the heater.
How I Compared Energy Efficiency
I wanted a heater that would not waste fuel or electricity. Gas heaters can be efficient for quick heating, while electric heaters can save money at campgrounds with included power. I compared energy use, standby loss, and overall operating cost. In my experience, the most efficient choice depends on how often I camp off-grid versus plugged in.
Why Maintenance and Durability Matter
I learned that a camper water heater is something I want to last for years, so I looked for durable materials like stainless steel or corrosion-resistant tanks. I also considered how easy it would be to flush the tank, replace parts, and clean the system. A heater that is easy to maintain saves me time and money later.
What I Thought About Noise and Comfort
I prefer a heater that does its job without making too much noise. Electric models are usually quieter, which I appreciate at night. Gas models can be a little louder because of the burner and fan, but I found that many modern units are still very manageable. Comfort matters to me, especially when I want a peaceful camping experience.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying a camper water heater gas and electric model again, I would focus on these points:
- Choose gas if I need fast heating and off-grid flexibility.
- Choose electric if I camp mostly with shore power and want quiet operation.
- Choose dual fuel if I want the most convenience and versatility.
- Check size, fit, and installation requirements before buying.
- Look for strong safety features and easy maintenance.
- Compare recovery rate, energy use, and overall cost.
My Conclusion
In my experience, the best camper water heater is the one that matches how I actually travel. A gas and electric model gives me the flexibility I need for different camping situations, and that makes
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that camper water heaters with both gas and electric options offer the best mix of convenience, flexibility, and efficiency. My takeaway is that choosing the right setup depends on how I camp, how much hot water I need, and whether I’m usually hooked up to shore power or traveling off-grid. With the right system, I can enjoy reliable hot water without giving up comfort on the road.
Author Profile
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I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.
I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.
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