Last Updated on August 10, 2020
Best Camping Water Heater: Quick List
- Mr. Heater Basecamp Battery Operated Shower System
- Coleman Hot Water on Demand H2Oasis Portable Water Heater
- Camplux Propane Gas Outdoor Portable Tankless Water Heater
- Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater
- Ecosmart ECO MINI 120V Electric Mini Tank Water Heater
A camping hot water heater is a great luxury to have. While not a necessity, a camping water heater for a shower and washing does provide numerous benefits for campers who opt for using a camping hot water heater. Some of the benefits include hot water’s ability to kill germs and better cut through dirt, grease, grime and oils while showering or cleaning dishes. Below we review a number of different types of hot water heaters that can be used while camping. Above is a quick list of our favorite picks for each type of camping water heaters.
The Best Camping Water Heater
Mr. Heater Basecamp Battery Operated Water Heater Shower System
The Mr. Heater Water Heater Shower is another super portable option that is extremely versatile for your camping water heater needs. Mr. Heater has a few models, our favorite is the XB13 for it’s versatility. The BaseCamp B.O.S.S XB13 is the first and only hot water system using D-Cell batteries to gain CSA safety certification. All you need is a water source, a 1lb. propane cylinder and 6 D-Cell batteries to have hot water at your fingertips in even the most remote places.
We recommend making this a rechargeable unit using EBL Rechargeable D Batteries. These batteries are large capacity and hold a charge and can power this water heater for hours. Get 2 sets to have a backup set while camping.
Details from the Mr. Heater website:
- Portable, Durable, Self-Contained Hot Water On-Demand System
- Matchless Electronic Pulse Ignition produces Hot Water at the Flip of a Switch
- Scald Protection,Tip Switch and Flow Driven Ignition
- Certified for use in USA and Canada
Coleman Portable Water Heater
The Coleman Hot Water on Demand H2Oasis Portable Water Heater is another super portable option to provide hot water whenever and wherever you need it. Even though this option is more expensive than other models, we recommend it for campers looking for an entire package that includes a built-in lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from your car outlet with the included charger, powers the electric pump and LED display. The packages also includes a 5-gallon water carrier and a shower head that can be placed in the adjustable holder for use as a sink faucet, or you can detach it for use as a handheld sprayer with the 6-foot, non-kink hose.
Specifications from the Coleman website include:
- Dispenses hot water up to 125 °F in approximately 30 seconds
- Instastart™ ignition for automatic, matchless lighting
- PerfectFlow™ technology provides consistent performance, even in extreme conditions
- Adjustable to dial in the perfect temperature
- LED display provides easy-to-see hot water and status indicators
- Shower head with 6-ft. non-kink, silicone hose for convenient use
- Multi-position shower head holder with height adjustment and multi-axis rotation
- Quick connect brass hose fittings – easy, durable hose attachments
- High-power submersible electric pump provides reliable, strong water flow
- Built-in lithium ion rechargeable battery powers the electic pump and LED display
- 12V charger to recharge from your car outlet
- 16.4-oz. propane cylinder (sold separately) heats up to 40 gallons of water on high on one
- Perfect for washing, hot beverages or showering when camping, hunting or enjoying other outdoor occasions
- Mesh storage bag and 5-gallon collapsible water carrier included
- 3-year limited warranty
The Best Hot Water Heater for Your Camper, RV or Van
Camplux Propane Gas Outdoor Portable Tankless Water Heater (2.11 GPM)
The Camplux Portable Propane model is the most versatile of the tankless water heaters for RV, Camper and van users. This version connects to a propane line or tank and can be used both inside and outside. It sets up in minutes, so for outdoor use, you can hang it outside your vehicle and attach to a tank and shower or rinse dishes with hot water right next to your vehicle. If using indoors, make sure the water heater is well ventilated. One way to vent effectively is if a flue pipe is installed additionally (the flue pipe not included). The ideal operating range for the 2.11 GPM Camplux portable tankless water heater is 3.0～110.0 PSI water pressure. For reference, a typical home water pressure is about 45-55PSI with water faucets reaching up to 80 PSI. If you’re going to use a water basin rather than a water hook-up, we recommend using a water pump optimized for this unit. The Camplux 12V Water Pump 65PSI DC 1.6GPM 6LPM, is your best option.
The Camplux Tankless Water Heater is a nice unit that is truly portable and versatile for a bunch of camping situations. More details about this camper hot water heater are below:
- Outdoor use approved. It can be also mounted indoors if well ventilated with a flue pipe installed additionally. (Flue pipe not included)
- Turn the ignition on with 2 “D”cell batteries whenever electricity is not needed!
- Applicable water pressure from 3.0～110.0 PSI. Hot water output 2.11 gallons per minute.
- Eco/Full switch function, save more gas in summer time! Also works great with Camplux 12V 1.6 GPM water pump.
- Overheat protection, dry combustion protection, flame failure device, anti-freezing protection to ensure safety.
- Maximum power output 55,000btu/hour,compact and light weight structure with 11.5% energy saving technology. You can get instant endless hot water easily wherever you are.
- Comes with CSA approved gas regulator and required adapters.
- Save Money-High thermal efficiency at 88.5%.
- Save Space-Traditional tank heaters take up a lot of space.
Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater
The Bosch Mini Tank Tronic 3000T camper water heaters offer Poin-of-Use hot water at a sink or shower. If you’re looking to switch your camper, RV or Van water heater from propane over to electric, this is a great model to look at. We recommend either the 4 gallon or 7 gallon models for a camper water heater.
The 4 Gallon Model is perfect for under a sink in the kitchen or bathroom, or can be used for short showers. It has a lightweight, compact design that’s easy to handle and install. It can be wall-mounted and includes a 3 foot cord and standard 120-Volt wall plug. The water connections for inlet and outlet are 1/2″ Male NPT.
The 7 Gallon Model can be used in a bathroom for a sink and shower or anywhere on demand hot water is needed. This hot water heater is designed to be hardwired. It’s a little larger than the 4 gallon model, so attention should be paid to how much room you have and the size of the unit. The water connections for inlet and outlet are 3/4″ Male NPT.
Both models have some similarities and common functions. More details about this camper hot water heater are below:
- Thick CFC-free foam insulation maximizes energy efficiency. Thermal efficiency is 98%.
- Units can be wall / floor mounted (bracket included) with multi-directional mounting available (ES8 model only).
- Temperature / pressure relief valve included.
- Glass-lined tank for long service life.
- 6 year limited warranty.
- 6.8 Gallons per Minute recovery rate.
- 150 PSI water pressure range.
- 65 degrees – 145 degrees temperature range.
- Draws 1440 watts/12 amps. A 15 amp dedicated breaker or 20 amp shared breaker.
- Installation Instructions
Ecosmart ECO MINI 120V Electric Mini Tank Water Heater
The Ecosmart Eco Mini Water Heater is another electric Point-of-Use hot water heater providing heated water at a sink or shower. If you’re looking to switch your camper, RV or Van water heater from propane over to electric with requiring ventilation and recirculating lines and pumps, this is a great model to look at as well. There are 4 sizes total, we recommend either the 4 gallon or 6 gallon models for a camper water heater.
The 4 Gallon Model is perfect for under a sink in the kitchen or bathroom, or can be used for short showers. It stores up to 3.8 Gallons of water to supply hot water. Easy installation requires appliance line cord included plug. Plugs into standard 120V outlet.
The 6 Gallon Model can be used in a bathroom for a sink and shower or anywhere on demand hot water is needed. It stores up to 6.1 Gallons of water to supply hot water. Easy installation requires appliance line cord included plug. Plugs into standard 120V outlet.
Both models have some similarities and common functions. More details about this camper hot water heater are below:
- 99.8-percent energy efficient
- Easy installation requires appliance line cord included plug
- Requires no venting, unit can be installed directly at the point-of-use
- Adjustable temperature range of 50-140 degrees F
- For booster and point-of-use applications
- Plugs into standard 120V outlet. Amperage Capacity is 12 Amps.
- Pressure relief valve included
