
Fill RV With Enough Water
- Attach the RV water supply to a hook up (like a hose)
- Ensure water filter is installed and open valve connection
- Add water if needed for the freshwater tank
- Check the panel of the water heater to make sure it is connected
- Make sure the water heater is off
- Once you do turn on the water pump, turn on a faucet for hot water
- Check the water heater bypass valve.
- Open it up and let the water flow into the primary tank.
- Now, connect your RV to a nearby water outlet and use the onboard pump to start pumping water.
- Turn on the hot water tap.
What is the best RV water heater?
Recap: Best RV Water Heaters
- Suburban 5239A Water Heater – Best Tank Heater
- Girard 2GWHAM – Best Tankless Heater
- Eccotemp EM-7.0 Mini – Best for Small Spaces
- Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Best High-End Heater
- GASLAND Outdoors BE158 – Most Affordable
What kind of hot water heater should I get?
- Rheem Performance Platinum 9.5 GPM Natural Gas High-Efficiency Tankless Water Heater
- Rheem Performance Plus 8.4 GPM Natural Gas Indoor Tankless Water Heater
- Rinnai High-Efficiency Plus 11 GPM Natural Gas Interior Tankless Water Heater
How to open a hot water heater?
Turning On an Electric Hot Water Heater
- Step One - Close Open Faucets. If you were working on your hot water tank, you should have opened a faucet to allow air to get into the tank.
- Step Two - Turn On the Cold Water Supply. ...
- Step Three - Remove the Lock Out Safety Tag. ...
- Step Four - Turn On the Water Heater Breaker. ...
What should a hot water heater cost?
New hot water heater costs by type
- Hot water tank cost vs. tankless. ...
- Gas water heater cost vs. electric. ...
- Direct vent vs. power vent water heater cost. ...
- Propane water heater installation cost. Propane water heater installation costs $700 to $3,000 for a tank unit or $700 to $4,600 for a tankless unit.
- Oil-fired water heater replacement cost. ...

How do I turn on the hot water heater in my camper?
Locate your hot water heater access panel, typically on the outside of your RV, and remove it. Find the RV water heater on and off switch on the panel. Typically, it's located on the bottom left-hand side (see image above). Flip the switch to the on position.
How does a hot water heater work in a camper?
How They Work. Propane water heaters often use a pilot light or even a direct spark ignition to heat the water in the tank. They pull water from your hot water tank to send to your fixtures. Once you've used your hot water supply, you'll need to allow the water heater time to reheat.
Should you leave RV hot water heater on all the time?
Just like in your home, it is safe to leave your electric powered RV water heater on all the time whether stationary or on the road. There are other downsides such as cost and environmental impact of fuel consumption – but safety should not be a concern.
How long does it take a hot water heater in a camper to heat up?
RV water heaters typically take 20 minutes to heat up the water. It also depends on how many gallons of water is in it if there are 10 gallons it can take longer to heat up.
Does a camper water heater need electricity?
If you like your water super hot, you'll need more propane to heat it up. While it heats up the water using liquid propane, the internal mechanisms still need 12-volt power to operate. In addition, once your gas reserves run out, so too does your hot water source.
What is the on/off switch on RV water heater?
0:542:12RV Water Heater Switch Lockout - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn the outside of the water heater right tucked up in here is a small rocker switch.MoreOn the outside of the water heater right tucked up in here is a small rocker switch.
Should I drain my RV water heater after each use?
Do You Have to Drain an RV Water Heater? It's important to drain your RV water heater at the end of every season, and anytime it's stored for more than two weeks. Any longer than that, you risk the water becoming stale and/or contaminated, which can give off a sulfur smell and may even be unhealthy if consumed.
How do I know if my RV water heater is full?
0:131:33How To Check That Your RV's Water Heater is Full - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother way to do this would be to go inside and just open up your hot water side to your sink. OnceMoreAnother way to do this would be to go inside and just open up your hot water side to your sink. Once you start getting some water.
When should I turn on my RV tank heaters?
The RV tank heaters should always be switched on if the outside temperature will dip below freezing, as they will keep the water in your tanks from freezing, preventing cracking and other issues. The residual heat from these pads could also help keep surrounding pipes warm, helping prevent burst pipes.
Why is my hot water not hot in my camper?
There are several reasons for not having enough hot water or for running out of hot water too quickly. The reasons could be a malfunctioning thermostat, a broken or damaged dip tube which would allow cold water to mix with the hot water at the top of the water heater, or having the water temperature set too low.
How long can you shower in an RV?
If water conservation is a priority because you're dry camping, 5 minutes or less in the shower is recommended. If you have water hookups and conserving water isn't necessary, you can technically take a shower for as long as your hot water will last. When RVing, a 10-minute shower is reasonable.
Is it better to use electric or gas for RV water heater?
A family camping trip can go through some serious hot water, so in these situations, a propane gas water heater is preferable. Propane gas water heaters have the advantage of producing heat much more quickly than electricity.
Will RV hot water heater run on battery?
Almost all RV water heaters today are electronically controlled, powered by the 12-volt battery system. (Some smaller RVs or older motorhomes may be equipped with pilot-model water heaters, but they are in the minority.)
Does RV hot water tank fill automatically?
Your RV hot water heater tank will fill automatically when you hook up to city water or turn your water pump on as long as it's not being bypassed. Turn on a sink or shower hot water tap to help the water move through the system.
Why Is My RV water heater not heating the water?
The reasons could be a malfunctioning thermostat, a broken or damaged dip tube which would allow cold water to mix with the hot water at the top of the water heater, or having the water temperature set too low. Sometimes it just boils down to having a water heater tank that's too small for your needs.
Can you leave the propane hot water heater on in a camper?
It's safe to leave your RV water heater on all the time, just like at home. You'll want to make sure that there is always water in the heater. And that it's turned off before moving your RV.
Can I leave my RV water heater on?
Chances are you don’t constantly turn your water heater at home on and off. Similarly, you can leave your RV hot water heater on for the duration o...
How long do RV water heaters last?
If you care for your RV water heater properly, it may last as long as a decade. Utilizing an anode rod and being sure to drain the tank during wint...
How do I start my RV water heater?
Wondering how to start the hot water in your RV? In most cases, turning it on is easy: you simply locate your RV electric water heater switch and t...
How to heat water in RV?
First, you’ll need to make sure your hot water tank has water in it. To do this, first ensure any bypass valves that could cut off the water supply to your tank are open instead of closed. Next fill your fresh water tank or hook your RV up to a city water connection. Open a hot tap and let the water run for a few seconds. Doing this will ensure you have water in your tank to heat.
What is the best tankless water heater for RV?
Meanwhile, some would argue that the Girard 1GWHAF Tankless Water Heater or Precision Temp RV 550 is the best tankless water heater for an RV. Do your own research and decide which one will suit your needs and then learn to enjoy long hot showers even when you’re out in the middle of nowhere.
How long does it take to heat water with propane?
Doing so will cut down a bit on the time it takes to warm your water. That said, even with both types of heat going, you will need to wait at least 20 minutes to have a full tank of hot water.
Can you use an electric water heater while camping?
As you might guess, an electric water heater heats water using electricity. This works fairly well and is great for those who have electricity included in their camping fees and wish to conserve propane. That said, a water heater that is solely electric cannot be run while boondocking unless you have an inverter. Additionally, it is relatively easy to mess up an electric water heater by frying the heating element if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Can you use propane and electric water heaters in an RV?
This type of hot water heater for an RV allows the user to employ the electric heating element or the propane option based on what the circumstances call for. It is also possible to use both electricity and propane at the same time in order to heat the water more quickly.
Is RV camping luxurious?
Last updated on May 19th, 2021 at 02:46 pm. Originally published on March 17th, 2019. When compared to traditional camping, RV camping is positively luxurious. Not only do RV campers get to sleep in a comfortable bed every night, they can also have hot showers in their very own bathroom whenever they feel like it.
Can you use a water heater in an RV?
Using a Traditional RV Hot Water Heater. Now it’s time to move onto how to start hot water in an RV. Let’s say you’re in your RV and you’re ready to use the water heater. If you’re working with a traditional water heater—the kind with a tank—there are some things you’ll want to note. First, you’ll need to make sure your hot water tank has water in ...
