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Sorry, I just saw this thread! Here’s my long-winded take since we upgraded from a 6-gallon tank to a tankless and have used the tankless for over a year now.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
Tank Water Heater: The Good and the Bad
Pros:
- Simple and reliable. It’s a “set it and forget it” system that just works, as long as you don’t push it too hard.
- No sudden temperature swings. Once the water’s hot, it stays at a consistent temp (as long as you don’t run out).
- Affordable upfront. Tank models are cheaper to buy and install, which is great if you’re on a budget.
Cons:
- Limited hot water. If you’re a fan of long showers or washing dishes back-to-back, you’ll run out of hot water quickly.
- Heavy and bulky. Tanks take up space and add weight, which isn’t ideal for an RV.
- Reheating takes time. If you run out, you’ve gotta wait for the tank to heat up again—kind of a pain when you’re in a rush.
Tankless Water Heater: What’s It Like?
Pros:
- Endless hot water. This was the biggest game-changer for me. I can take longer showers or do dishes without worrying about running out.
- Compact and lightweight. It takes up way less space than a tank, which is a win for RVers.
- More efficient. It only heats water as you need it, so you’re not wasting propane or electricity keeping a tank warm all day.
Cons:
- Temperature fluctuations. If the water flow changes (like someone turning on a faucet while you’re showering), you might get hit with cold water for a second.
- Higher upfront cost. Both the unit and installation are pricier than a tank water heater.
- Dependent on water pressure. If your RV park has low water pressure, the heater might struggle to perform well.
For me, the switch was worth it. I love the convenience of unlimited hot water, and the space savings are a bonus. That said, I think whether or not it’s right for someone else depends on their needs:
- Go tankless if: You value long showers, frequently dry camp (since they’re more efficient), or want to save space.
- Stick with a tank if: You’re on a tight budget, prefer a simpler system, or don’t mind managing your hot water usage.
If you do decide to go tankless, make sure to get a good model that’s RV-specific, like the Girard or Truma. Installation might take some tweaking if your rig wasn’t set up for it, but once it’s done, it’s a game-changer. Oh, and get a water pressure regulator to help avoid those cold-water surprises.
Hope that helps!
Every time we leave the campground we do.
Thanks! It’s been a game changer for us. Here’s the one I got: https://www.amazon.com/Collapsible-Storage-Organizer-Toddler-Playroom/dp/B0D8TCRDD5/
We travel with two young kids so this question hits home! lol We have a collapsible “toy box” with a divider so each child can fill their half of the box with whatever they want and that’s it! We also allow tablets since they take up virtually no room and my kids act like they’ll die without htem. Of course, implement set “electronic” times.
We collect magnets and coffee mugs. The magnets stay on our fridge in the RV and the mugs stay in our home (no room in the RV for ALL my mugs lol)
+1 for RV Lock. Installed one last Spring. Worked great so far. Its tsarting to get cold out now so we’ll see how it performs in freezing weather….
^This! The Breeze is awesome!
We use the keurig mini too. And put it in the box it came in and place it on the floor in the pantry
My clothes rack is packed so tight the hangers aren’t going anywhere! lol
Same. Too bad I’ll be winterizing this weekend. 😭
Trying to find a campsite to book without planning 6 months to a year in advance is frustrating. ALong with climbing campground fees, gas, and everything else going up.
The mini Keurig machine (gotta have my coffee) and the mini doesnt take up much space. And I’ll +1 the new mattress.
The only thing we’ve had stolen was some garbage by a raccoon. 🙂
Closing all entry points is the closest thing you’ll get to a guarantee. And you didnt specify if you have a motorized RV or trailer. Motorized can be a little harder since mice can easily access the engine area and enter. Thats where the cat comes in handy! LOL
This is a good resource for Rvers with pets, founded by Rvers with pets. 🙂 https://www.gopetfriendly.com/
