RV Tankless Water Heaters: Problems and Possible Solutions
Everyone wants to get as much use out of their RV as possible. To do that, you need to keep it in good condition to avoid costly repairs and breakdowns. You can reduce your costs by investing in a new tankless water heater for your RV.
RV water heaters are generally small and compact to fit into the limited space in an RV’s bathroom. And tankless water heaters, in particular, take up even less space because they don’t have the tank that traditional tankless water heaters have. But there are still problems that may cause people to choose a different option of an RV water heater, and we’ll explore some of those in this article to help you decide which type of RV water heater is best for you and your lifestyle.
Tankless water heaters are known for being energy-efficient and maintenance-free, but there are still some areas where they can be improved. Over time, these appliances may develop problems that make them less reliable than they should be, including lukewarm water and malfunctioning gas valves.
Installation is challenging
Because there are so many different types of RVs, installing a tankless water heater can be difficult. Some RVs have propane lines that will not support an on-demand water heater. Even if it is physically possible to install a tankless unit, you may need to purchase an electric model instead if you cannot run a gas line to it.
Improper installation can damage your RV
When installing water heaters, plumbers have a massive advantage over non-plumbers. Plumbers who are highly trained, experienced, and licensed for their work are best for the installation work. If you hire a non-professional to install your RV tankless water heater, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get an optimal setup. Improper installation can cause damage to your rig.
How much space does it require?
The first thing you need to consider is space. An RV tankless water heater will take up a lot of room in your RV’s bathroom. Make sure that you have enough space for one before you buy one. In some cases, it may be more economical to convert a bathroom into a full shower-bathroom instead of putting in an RV tankless water heater. Another problem with these water heaters is that they are hard to hide when installed.
Maintenance Issues
The biggest issue with tankless water heaters is that they need to be maintained more often than other systems. If something is wrong with them, you won’t get hot water until you fix it—unless your RV has another source of hot water (like a pilot light). You also have to replace its parts every year or two, which isn’t expensive but does add an extra task to your maintenance checklist.
The right size for your needs
The initial cost of an RV tankless water heater is about three times higher than that of a standard RV water heater, so it’s essential to consider how often you need hot water and how long you will keep your RV. If you live in an area where temperatures rarely drop below freezing, then a regular tank model might do just fine. But if the temperatures drop frequently—or if your family likes long showers—it may be worth investing in a more energy-efficient alternative.
How to select the right one for you?
Before buying an RV tankless water heater, you should consider your exact needs. For example, if you live in a smaller rig, you might be okay with one of these models. However, if you’re looking to install a tankless water heater in a large motorhome or fifth-wheel, be prepared to spend more on larger models because they often have more power.
Truma AquaGo On-Demand Water Heater
When it comes to solving most of the problems associated with RV tankless water heaters, Truma’s AquaGo system has you covered. This unit features a standard tank water heater, which means it won’t cycle on and off like other models. Instead, it will keep your hot water at a consistent temperature for hours. You can use your existing pump or have one installed in your RV.
PrecisionTemp RV-550
PrecisionTemp’s model RV-550 is one of the best RV tankless water heaters on our list. We included it here because it uses less power than most other models, which is great for RVs on long trips with limited electricity. Of course, less power also means lower temperature, which might be a problem if you prefer hot showers or baths.
GIRARD 2GWHAM
GIRARD 2GWHAM is called a state-of-the-art RV tankless water heater. It has a high price tag of about $2,000, but it does have some essential safety features which are lacking in many other models. The GIRARD 2GWHAM has an electronic temperature sensor that automatically shuts off power to prevent dangerous overheating situations. This is more convenient than manually turning it off with another switch when you want to stop using hot water for dishes or showering.
What is the significant advantage of having a Tankless Water Heater?
One of the most significant advantages of a tankless water heater is that it cuts down on waste. In homes with a storage-tank water heater, heat is lost as hot water travels from one end of your house to another. This can be especially problematic for those living in larger homes. A tankless system eliminates wasted energy because it only heats water as needed, eliminating any waste.
What is the principal disadvantage of having a Tankless Water Heater?
A significant disadvantage of an RV tankless water heater is that they don’t work well when you are boondocking in remote areas without a propane hookup. This is because if your RV isn’t powered by electricity, you won’t have access to hot water unless you have another means of generating heat.
How does an RV tankless water heater work?
An RV tankless water heater heats water as it flows through it. This means there is always hot water without storing a large volume of water in a tank. In most cases, RV tankless heaters are limited to 10-20 gallons of hot water, which can be enough to wash dishes or shower while camping. RV tankless heaters use less energy than traditional models—on average half as much—and require regular maintenance.