When you’re living or traveling in an RV, hot water can make all the difference in comfort, especially after a long day of hiking or driving. After working with RV owners and installing a few tankless water heaters myself, I’ve come to realize that the best 110-volt tankless water heaters are compact, energy-efficient, and powerful enough to give you a comfortable shower on the road.
Here’s a detailed look at the best 110V tankless water heaters for RVs and why they’re worth considering.
Top 3 110V Tankless Water Heaters for RVs
| Heater Name | Max GPM | Power Consumption | Temp Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoSmart ECO 11 | 1.3 GPM | 13.3 kW | 80°F to 140°F | Showers and sinks, energy-efficient |
| Stiebel Eltron DHC 3-1 | 0.5 GPM | 3.0 kW | 86°F to 109°F | Small point-of-use like a sink or handwashing |
| Camplux ME25 Mini-Tank | 2.5 Gallon | 1.44 kW | Up to 140°F | Instant hot water, small shower or sink |
1. EcoSmart ECO 11 – Best Overall for RVs
The EcoSmart ECO 11 is my top pick for an RV tankless water heater. It offers just enough flow for a shower and sink, while being energy-efficient and compact. This is the perfect blend of power and portability for most RVs.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: Offers 1.3 GPM in warmer climates, which can handle a single shower or a shower and sink combo in an RV.
- Power Consumption: Uses 13.3 kW at 110 volts, which is relatively low compared to other electric models, making it more RV-friendly.
- Temperature Range: Adjustable between 80°F and 140°F, allowing for precise temperature control depending on your needs.
Why It’s Great for RVs:
- Compact Design: It’s wall-mountable and space-saving, perfect for the limited space in an RV.
- Energy Efficiency: Its self-modulating technology ensures you only use the amount of energy necessary to heat the water, reducing propane or electric usage.
- Simple Installation: If your RV already has a suitable electrical system, installation is straightforward.
Pros:
- Provides enough hot water for a shower and a sink.
- Digital temperature control for consistent water temperatures.
- Reliable and durable for long-term RV use.
Cons:
- In colder climates, the GPM may drop, reducing performance for showers.
2. Stiebel Eltron DHC 3-1 – Best for Point-of-Use
The Stiebel Eltron DHC 3-1 is perfect for RV owners who need a compact, point-of-use solution. While its flow rate isn’t as high as some other models, it’s ideal for a sink or a single fixture like a small shower.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: Delivers up to 0.5 GPM, which is enough for handwashing, a small kitchen sink, or even a low-flow shower.
- Power Consumption: Uses just 3.0 kW at 110 volts, making it incredibly energy-efficient and perfect for the lower power consumption needs of an RV.
- Temperature Range: Heats water between 86°F and 109°F, providing a comfortable water temperature for small fixtures.
Why It Works for RVs:
- Small and lightweight, it’s ideal for RVs with limited space.
- Doesn’t require heavy electrical loads, making it more compatible with an RV’s electrical system.
- Great for low-flow fixtures like bathroom sinks or outdoor showers.
Pros:
- Easy to install, with minimal power requirements.
- Super compact, perfect for tight spaces in RVs.
- High-efficiency and low-maintenance.
Cons:
- Not powerful enough for multiple fixtures or long showers.
- Best for warmer climates, as it may struggle to maintain hot water with very cold incoming water.
3. Camplux ME25 Mini-Tank – Best Alternative to Tankless for Small Showers
If your RV’s electrical system can’t handle the demands of a tankless heater, or if you want a simple, instant hot water solution, the Camplux ME25 Mini-Tank is an excellent alternative. This isn’t truly tankless, but it’s compact, plugs into a standard 110V outlet, and heats water instantly.
Key Features:
- 2.5-gallon mini-tank: While not tankless, this model gives you instant hot water on demand for short showers, handwashing, or dishwashing.
- Power Consumption: Uses 1.44 kW at 110 volts, which is very low, making it great for RVs with limited electrical setups.
- Temperature Range: Adjustable up to 140°F, so it can provide very hot water in seconds.
Why It’s Ideal for RVs:
- No waiting for hot water. This mini-tank stores hot water, making it perfect for a quick shower or washing dishes in an RV.
- Plugs directly into a 110V outlet, so there’s no need to worry about overloading your electrical system.
- Super easy installation—mount it under a sink, next to a shower, or in a storage compartment, and it’s ready to go.
Pros:
- Instant hot water at any time.
- Small and portable, easy to fit in RV spaces.
- Doesn’t need complex installation, just plug it in.
Cons:
- The 2.5-gallon tank means limited water capacity, so it’s only suitable for short showers or handwashing.
- Not technically tankless, so it requires periodic reheating, which consumes more energy.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a 110V Tankless Water Heater for Your RV
1. Flow Rate (GPM)
- GPM (Gallons Per Minute) determines how much hot water the unit can provide at one time. For RV use:
- 1-1.5 GPM is ideal for showers and sinks.
- 0.5 GPM is suitable for sinks or light washing.
- Keep in mind that in colder climates, the flow rate may drop due to lower incoming water temperatures.
2. Electrical Power Capacity
- Your RV likely runs on 110V electrical systems with a limited amp capacity. Make sure the heater doesn’t overload your electrical system.
- Heaters like the EcoSmart ECO 11 or Stiebel Eltron DHC 3-1 work within RV power limits but always check your RV’s wiring and breaker capacity before installation.
3. Installation Space
- RVs have tight spaces, so choose a compact, lightweight heater. Wall-mountable units like the EcoSmart ECO 11 or mini-tank options like the Camplux ME25 are ideal for these tight quarters.
4. Climate
- In warmer climates, a 110V tankless water heater will perform well with high GPM.
- In colder climates, you may need to lower the flow rate or add a low-flow showerhead to maintain consistent hot water.
Pros and Cons of 110V Tankless Water Heaters for RVs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and space-saving | Lower GPM compared to 240V units |
| Energy-efficient, only heats when needed | Cold climates reduce performance |
| Lower power consumption | May require low-flow fixtures for consistent heat |
| Easy installation and RV-compatible | Limited flow, can’t handle multiple fixtures at once |
Conclusion: Which 110V Tankless Water Heater is Right for Your RV?
For the best overall performance, the EcoSmart ECO 11 provides plenty of hot water for RV showers and sinks while being energy-efficient and easy to install. It’s compact and ideal for most RV setups, delivering a steady flow of hot water as long as you’re not in a very cold climate.
If you’re just looking to heat a single fixture like a sink or for point-of-use applications, the Stiebel Eltron DHC 3-1 is a more lightweight and lower power-consuming option.
For those wanting instant hot water without the complexity of tankless installation, the Camplux ME25 Mini-Tank is an excellent, compact, plug-and-play option that will serve quick showers and dishwashing perfectly.
No matter your choice, these options ensure you can enjoy hot water on the road without overwhelming your RV’s electrical system.