The Shower
"To stinky or not to stinky, that is the question"
The largest two questions for a shower when it comes to building your capervan is the space you will decide to use for it as well as the element you will decide to use for heating the water. In modern van culture there has been a shift from propane to electric water heaters for heating water in a van. The rational for this is that propane can be scary to many with possible leaks and toxic fumes & introduces a propane tank into already precious space. In our campervan set up we actually had both. Well.... we had an electric water heater at first and then decided to go with a tankless propane water heater after weighing the benefits & spending time with the heater. One thing we noticed about the electric water heater is that it EATS electricity. This might be obvious, but for some it might come as a surprise. Electric water heaters only come in AC, meaning that you will need to run a high wattage inverter to sustain the draw of DC from your batteries. The thermal capacity of water and the amount of energy needed to heat a tank of water is astronomical. Especially when you're heating it with batteries. If we were to keep the water heater we would need to invest in more flooded batteries or a lipo battery with more capacity. After making the transition to the tankless propane water heater, I can honestly say we have no regrets. The water heater provides instant boiling water and never touches our precious electricity. Although I agree that adding a big propane tank into the van was a little scary at first. We have come to realize that modern regulators and propane is actually very safe; even inside a small space like a van. We also take up the same amount of space due to the fact that there is no tank involved with the propane water heater. We do get a little bit of a smell from the burning of the propane, but this is only if the space is completely enclosed and we are running it constantly. (not as bad as we first thought it would be)
Top Propane Water Heaters
1. **Eccotemp L10 Portable Tankless Water Heater:** Meet the Eccotemp L10, the adventure buddy you never knew you needed. This little powerhouse is the ultimate companion for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seeking RV owners. With its compact and portable design, it's always up for an adventure, fitting snugly into your RV and ready to provide a toasty shower or dishwashing session at a moment's notice. Offering a maximum flow rate of 2.6 gallons per minute (GPM), the Eccotemp L10 ensures you never miss out on the luxury of hot water, even in the most remote camping spots. Get ready to enjoy your travels like never before, with the Eccotemp L10 by your side!
2. **Camplux 5L Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater:** Introducing the Camplux 5L - your trusty and eco-conscious RV companion. This charming tankless water heater may be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to providing you with reliable hot water during your adventures. With a flow rate of up to 1.32 GPM, it's the ideal match for smaller to medium-sized RVs, ensuring you stay refreshed and rejuvenated on your journey. Its energy-efficient nature makes it an eco-warrior, conserving propane while keeping your hot water supply consistent and dependable. Get ready to embark on a greener and more enjoyable RV escapade with the delightful Camplux 5L!
3. **Rinnai V65EP Tankless Propane Water Heater:** Say hello to the Rinnai V65EP - the powerhouse of tankless water heaters for your grand RV adventure. This bad boy means business, offering a maximum flow rate of 6.6 GPM. With precise temperature control and an endless supply of hot water, the Rinnai V65EP treats you like royalty during your extended stays in your home on wheels. Its compact design is deceiving, as it unleashes the might of hot water whenever you call for it. For those who don't compromise on comfort and luxury, the Rinnai V65EP is the ultimate companion that guarantees a first-class experience on your RV journey!
4. **Girard 2GWHAM On-Demand Tankless Water Heater:** Meet the Girard 2GWHAM - your smart and savvy RV sidekick. This nifty tankless water heater knows how to impress with its automatic ignition and temperature adjustment capabilities. Always ready to please, it delivers hot water at the perfect temperature, making you feel like a master camper and adventurer. With a maximum flow rate of 2 GPM, the Girard 2GWHAM proves that good things come in small packages, fitting into tight spaces and providing a steady supply of hot water. Trust this tech-savvy companion to make your RV life hassle-free and full of delightful moments!
5. **PrecisionTemp RV-550 Tankless Water Heater:** Say hello to the epitome of luxury - the PrecisionTemp RV-550! If your RV dreams include endless hot showers and a spa-like experience, this high-end tankless water heater is your golden ticket. With adjustable temperature settings and a flow rate of up to 1.5 GPM, the RV-550 treats you to the most lavish hot water experience on your travels. It's like having a personal hot water butler catering to your every desire. Sleek and sophisticated, this beauty integrates seamlessly into your RV's plumbing system, ensuring a continuous flow of comfort and pampering as you explore the world in style!
6. **Atwood 96110 3 Gallon Tankless Water Heater:** Meet the Atwood 96110 - your compact and continuous-flow water hero! Although not entirely tankless, this little wonder ensures you have a never-ending supply of hot water, making you feel like you've hit the jackpot. With a 3-gallon capacity, it's lightweight, space-saving, and the perfect match for smaller RVs and campers. The Atwood 96110 knows how to make the most out of every drop, keeping you cozy and content on your nomadic adventures. It may be pint-sized, but its performance is larger than life, delivering hot water like a pro wherever your wanderlust takes you!
7. **Excel Tankless Gas Water Heater:** Enter the Excel Tankless Gas Water Heater - your reliable and versatile hot water genie. Excel offers a range of tankless propane water heaters, tailored to your unique needs and RV size. Picture your very own hot water fairy, waving its magic wand and delivering hot water with varying flow rates (GPM) to match your preferences. Excel knows that every RVer deserves the best, and their tankless water heaters are crafted to ensure you enjoy the comforts of home while on the road. Prepare for an enchanting journey with the Excel Tankless Gas Water Heater as your devoted companion!