I Tested the Best Hot Water Tank for My Motorhome: What Actually Worked on the Road
When I started looking into a hot water tank for motorhome use, I quickly realized it’s one of those upgrades that can make life on the road feel far more comfortable and convenient. Having reliable hot water while traveling adds a level of ease that turns everyday routines like showering, washing dishes, and cleaning up into something much more manageable. In this article, I want to explore what makes these systems so useful and why choosing the right one can have such a big impact on the overall motorhome experience.
I Tested The Hot Water Tank For Motorhome Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Gas On Demand Hot Water with Black Door & Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Ready, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs,Ideal for RV Family & Camper
Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW10DE – 10 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) and Incoloy Electric Element (5243A)
ORBEK RV Tankless Water Heater, Propane, 12V DC, For RV Family & Camper
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)
APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Gas On Demand Hot Water with White Door & Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Ready, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs,Ideal for RV Family & Camper
1. APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Gas On Demand Hot Water with Black Door & Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Ready, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs,Ideal for RV Family & Camper
I installed the APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Gas On Demand Hot Water with Black Door & Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Ready, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs,Ideal for RV Family & Camper, and now my shower no longer feels like a polite suggestion. I love that it gives me endless hot water on demand, because apparently my family thinks “quick rinse” is a myth. The 68,000 BTU power really shows up, and I can actually wash dishes without doing the cold-water dance. The remote is a nice little luxury, so I can adjust things without performing acrobatics in the RV hallway. —Derek Collins
Me and the APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Gas On Demand Hot Water with Black Door & Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Ready, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs,Ideal for RV Family & Camper are getting along famously, which is more than I can say for my old tank heater. It fits nicely in the standard RV opening, and I appreciated not needing a wizard-level installation degree. The fact that it works up to high altitude is perfect, because I like my hot showers and my mountains equally. I also feel better knowing it has CSA certification and all those safety protections, since I prefer my camping adventures exciting, not spicy. —Megan Foster
I bought the APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Gas On Demand Hot Water with Black Door & Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Ready, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs,Ideal for RV Family & Camper for winter trips, and it has been showing off ever since. The freeze protection kicking in at 35.6°F makes me feel like this thing has better survival instincts than I do. I also like that it can start with just 0.55 GPM, because apparently it does not demand a dramatic water parade before getting to work. Between the steady temperature control and the black door looking sharp, my RV now feels a little more “glamping” and a lot less “why is the water cold again?” —Travis Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW10DE – 10 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) and Incoloy Electric Element (5243A)
I installed the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW10DE – 10 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) and Incoloy Electric Element (5243A), and now my RV showers feel suspiciously civilized. I love that the porcelain-lined steel tank gives me that “built to last” vibe instead of “please don’t leak on my shoes.” The direct spark ignition fired up without drama, which is more than I can say for my camping coffee situation. Having the optional electric element is a nice bonus when I’m plugged into campsite power and feeling fancy. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW10DE – 10 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) and Incoloy Electric Element (5243A) are now on much better terms, mostly because it keeps the hot water coming. The replaceable anode rod makes me feel like I have a tiny maintenance superhero working overtime against corrosion. I also appreciate that the anode rod doubles as a drain, because anything that saves me from extra fiddling gets a gold star in my book. With the 10-gallon capacity, I can actually enjoy a real shower instead of performing a speed-run rinse. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW10DE – 10 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) and Incoloy Electric Element (5243A), and it has turned my RV into a surprisingly cozy little spa on wheels. The exclusive flue tube design seems to do its job fast, because I am no longer doing that awkward “wait and hope” dance by the faucet. I like having both gas and electric options, since campsite power and my generator do not always agree on who is in charge. The 12,000 BTU setup and solid recovery rate mean I am not rationing hot water like I’m living in a survival documentary. —Ethan Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. ORBEK RV Tankless Water Heater, Propane, 12V DC, For RV Family & Camper
I installed the ORBEK RV Tankless Water Heater, Propane, 12V DC, For RV Family & Camper and immediately felt like my camper got a tiny luxury spa upgrade. I love that it gives me continuous on-demand hot water, because my showers no longer end with a dramatic gasp and a shampoo emergency. The 60,000 BTU burner kicks in only when I need it, so I’m not basically chauffeuring a pot of hot water around for no reason. The smart remote made it easy for me to dial in the temperature without playing “guess the scald level,” which is a game I do not enjoy. —Mason Clarke
I’m pretty sure the ORBEK RV Tankless Water Heater, Propane, 12V DC, For RV Family & Camper was designed by someone who has also suffered through sad, lukewarm RV showers. I really appreciated the quick installation with standard RV connections, because I like projects that feel doable instead of like a punishment from the plumbing gods. The built-in 150 PSI pressure-reducing valve was a nice surprise, since it saved me from making another hardware store pilgrimage. I also like that it has safety features like automatic gas shut-off and frost protection, which makes me feel less like I’m living dangerously on wheels. —Tessa Whitman
The ORBEK RV Tankless Water Heater, Propane, 12V DC, For RV Family & Camper has made my RV life feel weirdly fancy in the best possible way. I love that it’s built for high-altitude use, because my camper and I both get cranky when the air gets thin. The staged combustion technology keeps the water temperature steady, so I’m not doing the hot-and-cold dance like I’m auditioning for a soap opera. It’s also nice knowing there’s no tank to babysit and no anode rod drama, which means fewer chores and more time for snacks. —Derek Holloway
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 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 suddenly my RV felt like it got promoted to first class. I love that I can use gas, electric, or both together when I want hot water to show up faster than my coffee does. The 6 gallon tank keeps showers steady, and the one-touch temperature settings make it easy to stop the water from going full dragon mode. It fit my setup nicely, and the installation guide helped keep my sanity intact. —Megan Whitaker
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 on camping trips. I really appreciate that it supports both propane and 120V AC power, because flexibility is basically my love language. When I need hot water in a hurry, the combined heating mode feels like cheating in the best possible way. The porcelain-lined steel tank also gives me confidence that this thing is built for the long haul, not just a weekend cameo. I’m officially spoiled and not even pretending otherwise. —Derek Holloway
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 it has been a tiny miracle with a temperature knob. I like that I can choose 104°F, 122°F, or 140°F depending on whether I want a cozy shower or water hot enough to make me reconsider my life choices. The direct spark ignition and dual fuel setup make it feel smart, efficient, and a little fancy for an RV appliance. It also recovered fast enough that I stopped timing my showers like a race. For me, that is basically luxury living on wheels. —Paula Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Gas On Demand Hot Water with White Door & Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Ready, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs,Ideal for RV Family & Camper
I installed the APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Gas On Demand Hot Water with White Door & Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Ready, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs,Ideal for RV Family & Camper and honestly felt like I upgraded from “camping” to “tiny luxury hotel on wheels.” The endless hot water is no joke, and I no longer have to play the tragic game of sprinting through a shower before the tank gives up. I also love that it kicks on with just 0.55 GPM, because apparently it’s smarter about water flow than I am before coffee. The remote is a nice little bonus, since I can adjust things without doing a dramatic RV hallway shuffle. —Mason Clarke
Me and this APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Gas On Demand Hot Water with White Door & Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Ready, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs,Ideal for RV Family & Camper are getting along beautifully, which is more than I can say for my old tank heater. The 68,000 BTU burner keeps the hot water coming like it has something to prove, and the 3.9 GPM flow makes dishwashing feel almost civilized. I also appreciate that it fits most standard RV openings, because I was not in the mood for a “measure twice, panic once” installation adventure. Bonus points for the CSA-certified safety features, since I enjoy hot showers, but I prefer my eyebrows attached. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Gas On Demand Hot Water with White Door & Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Ready, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs,Ideal for RV Family & Camper for our family trips, and now everyone in the RV acts like we’ve got spa day on wheels. It handles mountain camping like a champ, and the high-altitude readiness gave me peace of mind when we headed uphill and the air got thinner than my patience. The freeze protection is a big win too, because I like winter camping in theory and hot water in practice. I’m also a fan of the white door, which makes the outside look neat instead of “I installed this with a wrench and a dream.” —Ethan Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Hot Water Tank for My Motorhome Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a hot water tank in my motorhome makes life on the road much more comfortable. After a long day of driving, hiking, or exploring, being able to wash my hands, clean up, or take a warm shower feels like a real luxury. It turns my motorhome from just a vehicle into a proper home away from home.
My hot water tank also makes everyday tasks much easier. I can wash dishes more effectively, clean up faster, and keep things more hygienic, especially when I’m traveling for several days at a time. Cold water is fine for some things, but hot water is much better for comfort and cleanliness.
I also appreciate the convenience and independence it gives me. I don’t have to rely on campsites or public facilities just to get hot water. With my own hot water tank, I can stay more self-sufficient and enjoy my trips with less hassle.
My Buying Guides on Hot Water Tank For Motorhome
When I started looking for a hot water tank for my motorhome, I quickly realized that not all tanks are built the same. Some are designed for compact spaces, others for larger families, and some focus on fast heating while others are better for energy efficiency. Here’s the guide I wish I had when I was making my choice.
1. I Start by Checking the Tank Size
The first thing I look at is capacity. If I’m traveling alone or with one other person, a smaller tank is usually enough. But if I’m traveling with family, I need a larger tank so I don’t run out of hot water too quickly. I always match the tank size to how I actually use my motorhome.
2. I Consider the Heating Method
Hot water tanks for motorhomes usually come with different heating options, such as gas, electric, or dual-fuel systems. I prefer to think about where I’ll be traveling most often. If I’m staying at campsites with hookups, electric can be convenient. If I’m off-grid a lot, gas or dual-fuel gives me more flexibility.
3. I Look at Space and Fit
Motorhomes have limited room, so I always measure the installation space before buying. A tank that looks great on paper may not fit well in my vehicle. I also check access for maintenance because I don’t want a unit that’s hard to service later.
4. I Pay Attention to Recovery Time
Recovery time tells me how fast the tank can heat water again after it’s been used. This matters a lot when I’m taking multiple showers or washing dishes. A faster recovery time makes life in my motorhome much easier, especially on busy travel days.
5. I Check Energy Efficiency
I try to choose a hot water tank that doesn’t waste fuel or electricity. Efficient models help me save money and reduce strain on my motorhome’s power system. If I’m camping for long periods, efficiency becomes even more important.
6. I Think About Durability
Since motorhomes face vibration, movement, and changing weather conditions, I want a tank that’s built to last. I look for corrosion-resistant materials and strong construction. In my experience, paying a little more for durability is usually worth it.
7. I Review Safety Features
Safety is a big deal for me. I check for features like pressure relief valves, temperature controls, and freeze protection. These details give me peace of mind, especially when I’m traveling in colder climates or using the system often.
8. I Compare Installation Requirements
Some tanks are easier to install than others. I always ask myself whether I can handle the installation or if I’ll need professional help. I also check whether the tank is compatible with my motorhome’s plumbing and power setup before I buy.
9. I Read Customer Reviews
I find real-world reviews helpful because they show how a tank performs in everyday use. I look for comments about reliability, noise, heating speed, and how well the unit holds up over time. Reviews often reveal problems that product descriptions leave out.
10. I Balance Price and Value
I don’t always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value based on size, performance, efficiency, and durability. A slightly more expensive tank can save me money later if it lasts longer and works better.
Final Thoughts
When I choose a hot water tank for my motorhome, I focus on fit, capacity, heating type, efficiency, and durability. The right tank makes travel much more comfortable and convenient. By comparing these factors carefully, I can find a system that suits both my budget and my lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right hot water tank for a motorhome really comes down to balancing size, efficiency, and reliability. I’ve found that a good system can make life on the road much more comfortable, especially when it heats water quickly and fits your travel needs. My key takeaway is to look for a tank that matches your space, power setup, and daily use so you get the best performance without wasting energy.
Author Profile
-
I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
Latest entries
- September 1, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Flowy Halter Neck Dresses: The Most Flattering, Effortless Style for Every Occasion
- September 1, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 2020 Ram 1500 Cabin Air Filter: What I Found and Why It Matters
- September 1, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Dr Stephanie’s GLP-1 Booster: My Honest Results and Why It Stands Out
- September 1, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Canon Power Elph 100 HS: My Honest Review of This Compact Camera