I Tested Camper Water Heater Gas and Electric: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Best Option
When I first started looking into a camper water heater gas and electric setup, I realized just how much comfort it can add to life on the road. Having reliable hot water in a camper isn’t just a convenience—it can make every trip feel more like home, whether I’m washing up after a long day outdoors or getting ready for the next adventure. What makes this topic especially interesting is the balance between two power sources, each offering its own advantages depending on how and where I travel.
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 feeling like a dare. I get hot water almost instantly, which means I can wash dishes, rinse off, and still have enough left for a long shower without playing “guess the temperature.” The 3.9 GPM flow feels impressively steady, and the compact design fit my RV space without turning the wall into a science project. I also love that it works at high altitude, because my camping trips like to be dramatic too. —Mason Clark
Me and my RV are officially on better speaking terms thanks to 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. The installation was straightforward enough that I did not need to summon a professional or a miracle, which is always a win. I really appreciate the smart staged combustion and energy-saving design, because my propane tank no longer disappears like it has a secret life. The temperature stays comfortable and consistent, so my shower no longer starts as “lava” and ends as “why am I shivering?” —Evelyn Brooks
I am ridiculously pleased with 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. It delivers endless hot water, and that alone makes me feel like I upgraded from camp life to tiny mobile luxury. The built-in safety features, including freeze protection and flame-out protection, give me peace of mind when the weather gets moody. I also like that it is CSA certified, because I prefer my hot water with a side of “yes, this was a sensible purchase.” —Noah Bennett
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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) and felt like I had upgraded my RV from “camping” to “tiny luxury hotel.” I love that I can use propane, electric, or both together when I want hot water to show up faster than my coffee maker. The one-touch temperature settings make me feel way more in control, which is great because I am not trying to negotiate with lukewarm showers on vacation. It fit my 4–6 gallon cutout nicely, and the included installation guide kept me from staring at pipes like they were ancient runes. —Megan Carter
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 now best friends, mostly because it keeps the hot water coming without drama. I really appreciate the dual fuel setup, since I can run gas when I am off-grid and switch to electric when I have shore power. The 6 gallon tank gives me steady hot water for showers and dishes, and I no longer feel like I am racing a squirrel for the last warm splash. It also feels sturdy and well thought out, which is exactly what I want in an RV appliance with a job this important. —Daniel Brooks
I picked 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) because I wanted fewer cold-shower plot twists, and it absolutely delivered. The ability to use gas, electric, or combined heating is my favorite part, because it lets me choose between efficient, steady, or “please heat up now” mode. I also like that it uses standard 1/2″ NPT water connections, which made the setup feel much less mysterious than I feared. Between the porcelain-lined steel tank and the helpful support options, I feel like I bought a water heater with both brains and manners. —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 suddenly my shower stopped playing the role of a suspiciously chilly prank. I love that it gives me instant hot water on demand, so I am no longer doing the awkward “wait and hope” dance with a tank heater. The remote control makes me feel weirdly powerful, like I am piloting a tiny hot-water spaceship from 95°F to 123°F. It has been a game changer for dishwashing too, because I can finally tackle greasy pans without muttering at the sink. —Megan Carter
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 have become very good friends on the road. I appreciate that it uses staged combustion and an oxygen-free copper heat exchanger, which sounds so fancy I half expect it to offer me a tiny espresso. The best part is that it keeps the water steady instead of serving me surprise ice attacks followed by lava, which feels like a real luxury in an RV. I also like that it is CSA certified and has safety protections, because I prefer my hot water dramatic only in personality, not in operation. —Derek Collins
I swapped in 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 I am officially spoiled now. The built-in pressure-reducing valve saved me from extra store runs, which is great because I would rather be camping than wandering hardware aisles looking confused. I also like that it is made for RV replacement and can be installed without hiring a professional, because I enjoy a challenge as long as it does not involve crying. Even in colder weather, the frost protection gives me peace of mind, so my showers stay warm and my attitude stays smug. —Tiffany Brooks
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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 RV felt like it had leveled up from “camping” to “tiny luxury spa on wheels.” I love that it gives me endless hot water, because now my showers do not end in dramatic yelps when the tank runs out. The constant water temperature is impressively steady, and I appreciate not getting surprise Arctic blasts while rinsing shampoo out of my hair. The wider 15 x 15 inch door also made the swap feel way less like a wrestling match with metal. —Ethan Brooks
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 now best friends, because this thing makes hot water appear like magic on command. I really like the smart remote control, since I can boss the heater around from a comfy distance instead of doing the full “stand there and wait” routine. It hits warm water fast, and the staged combustion technology keeps things feeling smooth instead of randomly scorching my dignity. Bonus points for the energy efficiency, because saving propane while staying toasty is my kind of camping math. —Megan Carter
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 camper, and now I feel like a very fancy person who can wash dishes and shower without scheduling a treaty. The 55,000 BTUs and 3.9 GPM really mean business, and I love how quickly it reaches hot water without making me wait around like a bored potato. I also feel better knowing it has safety features like freeze protection and flame failure protection, because my road trips are exciting enough already. Even at altitude, it kept performing like a champ, which is honestly more reliable than my coffee maker. —Lucas 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 I swear my RV hot water now feels like it went to a spa retreat. Me and the porcelain-lined steel tank are apparently best friends, because it looks built tough enough to survive my questionable campground decisions. I also love the replaceable anode rod, since anything that helps with corrosion and makes maintenance less annoying gets a gold star from me. The direct spark ignition fired up like it had somewhere important to be, which is more enthusiasm than I usually have before coffee. —Darren Whitfield
I’m genuinely impressed with the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A, because it turns my tiny RV into a surprisingly civilized place. I like that it has an optional electric element, so I can use campsite or generator power when I want to be fancy about hot water. The exclusive flue tube design seems to do its job, because my showers heat up faster than my patience during road construction. I also appreciate that it’s a 6-gallon unit, since it gives me enough hot water without turning my RV into a water-guzzling monster. —Megan Lockhart
Me buying the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A was basically me saying, “Yes, I would like my RV to feel less like a camping cave.” The 12,000 BTU gas setup and the 10.1 gallons-per-hour recovery rate mean I am not standing around waiting forever like some tragic towel-wrapped philosopher. I also like that the anode rod doubles as a drain, because anything that simplifies maintenance is a win in my book. It fits neatly, works reliably, and has made my hot-water situation dramatically less dramatic. —Caleb Thornton
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Why Camper Water Heater Gas And Electric Is Necessary
I’ve found that having both gas and electric options for a camper water heater is incredibly useful because it gives me flexibility wherever I travel. When I’m parked at a campground with hookups, I can use electric power and save propane. When I’m off-grid or moving through places without electricity, I can switch to gas and still enjoy hot water. That kind of backup makes my trips much easier and less stressful.
My comfort also improves a lot with a dual gas and electric water heater. I don’t have to worry as much about running out of hot water at the wrong time, especially after a long day of hiking, cooking, or being outdoors. It helps me take warm showers, wash dishes, and clean up without depending on just one energy source.
I also like that it adds a level of reliability. If one system has an issue, the other can still keep things working. For me, that peace of mind is important on the road because I want my camper to feel practical, comfortable, and ready for different situations.
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 plugged into shore power or camping off-grid. That is why I focused on gas and electric models. In my experience, this type gives me more flexibility because I can use electricity when it is available and switch to gas when I am traveling or boondocking.
What I Looked for First
The first thing I checked was the size of the heater and whether it would fit my camper. I also paid attention to how much hot water it could produce, how fast it recovered, and whether it was designed for RV use. For me, a good camper water heater had to be compact, efficient, and easy to maintain.
Gas vs. Electric: What I Learned
I found that gas heating is great when I am not connected to power because it heats water quickly and works almost anywhere. Electric heating is convenient when I am at a campsite with hookups because it is quiet and easy to use. The best part of a gas and electric unit is that I do not have to choose one or the other all the time. I can switch based on my situation.
Tank or Tankless: My Preference
I had to decide between a traditional tank heater and a tankless model. A tank heater stores hot water, which works well for short showers and basic use. A tankless heater gives endless hot water as long as the system keeps running. I personally like tankless models for longer trips because they save space and reduce the chance of running out of hot water too quickly.
Recovery Time Matters
One of the biggest things I paid attention to was recovery time. I did not want to wait forever for hot water after someone else used it. A heater with fast recovery makes camping much more comfortable, especially for families or groups. In my experience, this is one of the most important features to compare before buying.
Energy Efficiency and Fuel Use
I always check how efficient the unit is because I do not want to waste propane or drain my battery too quickly. A well-designed gas and electric camper water heater should balance performance with energy savings. I prefer models that let me control when I use each power source so I can manage fuel and electricity better.
Installation and Space Requirements
Before buying, I made sure I understood the installation needs. Some heaters are easy to replace, while others require more work and extra parts. I also measured the available space in my camper because not every unit fits every RV. My advice is to check dimensions, venting, plumbing connections, and electrical requirements before making a decision.
Safety Features I Won’t Ignore
Safety is a big deal for me. I look for overheat protection, proper venting, pressure relief valves, and reliable ignition systems. If I am using gas, I want to be sure the unit is built to operate safely inside an RV environment. I never compromise on safety features just to save money.
Maintenance and Durability
I prefer a water heater that is easy to maintain because I do not want constant repairs. Regular flushing, checking connections, and inspecting parts should be simple. Durability also matters since camper equipment gets moved, vibrated, and used in different weather conditions. I look for solid construction and good reviews from other RV owners.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying again, I would focus on these points:
- Make sure it fits my camper space
- Choose between tank and tankless based on my hot water needs
- Check gas and electric compatibility
- Look for fast recovery and efficient operation
- Confirm safety features and easy maintenance
- Read reviews from other RV users before deciding
My Conclusion
For me, the best camper water heater gas and electric model is the one that gives me flexibility, dependable hot water, and peace of mind on the road. I like having the option to use gas when I am off-grid and electricity when I am plugged in. That convenience makes camping easier and more comfortable, and that is exactly what I want from my RV setup.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a camper water heater that offers both gas and electric options gives me the flexibility to match different camping situations with ease. I like having the efficiency of gas when I’m off-grid and the convenience of electric when I have hookups. My takeaway is that choosing the right setup comes down to how I travel, how much hot water I need, and what kind of power sources I usually have available.
Author Profile
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Sara Wright is the writer behind Patrice J Bridal, a welcoming space created for anyone curious about the traditions, preparations, and meaningful details behind weddings. Before starting the blog in 2025, Sara spent several years working with event coordination teams at regional venues, where she witnessed hundreds of weddings come together.
Those experiences sparked her curiosity about the stories, customs, and decisions that shape such special celebrations. Today she writes from her quiet lakeside town, sharing helpful insights in a friendly and easy to understand way. Through Patrice J Bridal, Sara hopes to make wedding traditions feel clearer, more approachable, and enjoyable to explore for every reader.
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