Choosing a vented propane heating solution for an RV involves balancing space heating, water heating needs, safety, and venting compatibility. This guide compares five vented options and a vent accessory to help American RV owners identify suitable systems for cabins, trailers, and motorhomes.
| Product | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Wall Heater | Vented Wall Heater | 11,000 BTU, Sealed Burn, Wall Mount |
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Wall Heater | Vented Wall Heater | 17,000 BTU, Sealed Burn, Larger Coverage |
| KINGRVER 65,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater (No Door) | Tankless Water Heater | 65,000 BTU, High Altitude, Freeze Protection |
| OEVANT 55,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater | Tankless Water Heater | 55,000 BTU, Remote Controller, Fast Heat |
| TOODOO 2 Pack Flying Insect Screen RV Furnace Vent Screen | Vent Accessory | Stainless Mesh Screens, Fits Furnace Vents |
Content Navigation
- Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Gas Wall Heater, Medium, Gray
- Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Gas Wall Heater, Gray, Large
- 65,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater without Door, KINGRVER
- OEVANT RV Tankless Water Heater, 55,000 BTU RV Instant Water Heater
- TOODOO 2 Pack Flying Insect Screen RV Furnace Vent Screen
- Buying Guide: How To Choose A Vented RV Propane Heater
Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Gas Wall Heater, Medium, Gray
Type: Direct vent propane wall heater. Heating Capacity: 11,000 BTU, rated to heat up to 375 sq. ft. The heater uses a sealed burn system that draws combustion air from outside and vents exhaust outdoors, reducing interior moisture and combustion byproducts.
Safety And Controls: Includes a matchless piezo ignition and a safety pilot with an integrated pressure regulator that stops gas flow if the pilot is extinguished. These features support safer operation in mobile settings.
Installation And Size: Wall-mount design with dimensions roughly 20″ H x 17″ W x 7″ D. The compact footprint suits many RV interiors where floor space is limited.
Best Use Case: Provides efficient, vented space heating for small to medium RVs or cabins where sealed combustion is preferred for indoor air quality and safety.
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Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Gas Wall Heater, Gray, Large
Type: Direct vent propane wall heater. Heating Capacity: 17,000 BTU, intended to heat up to 570 sq. ft., making it suitable for larger RVs, travel trailers, or park models that require more output.
Safety And Features: Shares the sealed burn technology, matchless piezo ignition, and pressure-regulated safety pilot. Sealed combustion minimizes interior air contamination and conserves oxygen inside occupied spaces.
Dimensions And Fit: Larger footprint than the 11,000 BTU model: approximately 20″ H x 27.3″ W x 6.5″ D. Requires checking wall framing and vent locations for proper fit and clearances.
Best Use Case: Better for RV owners needing a vented heater with higher output for colder climates or larger interior volumes where a sealed combustion vented solution is required.
65,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater without Door, KINGRVER
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Type: Propane tankless water heater designed for RVs. Produces up to 65,000 BTU with low-pressure activation at 0.5 GPM, enabling hot water delivery under low-flow conditions.
Venting And Installation: Intended to be installed through an RV exterior access door or custom opening; the product is sold without a door but offers multiple optional door sizes for refitment. Proper venting through the RV exterior is required for safe combustion air intake and exhaust.
Altitude And Cold-Weather Features: Specified for stable operation at altitudes exceeding 9,800 ft and includes automatic freeze protection that activates below 42.8°F, a useful feature for winter or high-altitude travel.
Best Use Case: RV owners who need continuous hot water for showers and sinks and who prefer a vented, propane-driven tankless solution that performs in extreme environments.
OEVANT RV Tankless Water Heater, 55,000 BTU RV Instant Water Heater
Type: Propane tankless water heater for RVs. Rated at 55,000 BTU and claims fast heat-up times with staged combustion technology to stabilize water temperature and avoid overheating.
Controls And Monitoring: Features a microcomputer control panel and an included remote controller. Users can adjust temperature across a range (about 95–123°F) and receive error codes for troubleshooting, improving system diagnostics.
Venting And Compatibility: Designed for through-wall installation using the front outlet and a specified door size (16″x16″ door listed). Proper venting ensures combustion byproducts are expelled outside the RV.
Best Use Case: Those who want quick, adjustable hot water delivery with electronic controls and clear diagnostic feedback in a vented propane tankless configuration.
TOODOO 2 Pack Flying Insect Screen RV Furnace Vent Screen
Type: Vent accessory: stainless steel mesh screens designed to fit common RV furnace vents and water heater vents. Each screen measures approximately 2.8″ diameter and 1.8″ height.
Function: Prevents insects, mice, and small birds from entering vent openings while allowing airflow for combustion and exhaust. The package includes spring hooks and an installation tool for mounting.
Compatibility: Designed for many Duo-Therm and Suburban style furnace vents; check exact vent dimensions on your RV to confirm fit. Mesh grid size is about 0.11″, balancing protection with airflow needs.
Best Use Case: RV owners installing or maintaining vented propane heaters or tankless water heaters who require protective screens to keep vents clear and avoid blockages caused by pests.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Vented RV Propane Heater
Vented vs. Vent-Free: Vented (direct vent or through-wall) systems draw combustion air from outside and exhaust outside. This prevents moisture buildup and combustion byproducts from entering the living space—an important consideration for indoor air quality in confined RV interiors. Vent-free units release combustion products into the cabin and are not considered vented despite some marketing overlap.
Heat Output And Coverage
- BTU Rating: Match BTU capacity to the square footage and insulation level of the RV. Small units (≈11,000 BTU) are suitable for compact trailers; larger space needs may require 17,000 BTU or higher.
- Room Volume And Insulation: Consider ceiling height and insulation. A larger BTU rating compensates for heat loss in under-insulated or cold-climate projects.
Sealed Combustion And Safety Features
- Sealed Burn System: Preferred for RVs to isolate combustion from cabin air. Look for direct vent or sealed combustion wording.
- Ignition And Pilot Safety: Matchless piezo ignitions, electronic ignition, and safety pilots with pressure regulators reduce the risk of unintended gas flow. For tankless water heaters, check for flame failure and freeze protection.
- ODS And CO Safety: Some appliances include Oxygen Depletion Sensors (ODS) or require CO alarms. Ensure compatible safety monitoring is in place per RV and local codes.
Venting Requirements
- Exterior Penetrations: Confirm available wall space and clearances for vent termination. Many vented heaters and tankless units require specific door kits or vent pipes.
- Airflow: Protective screens or insect guards must allow sufficient combustion air and exhaust flow; avoid overly restrictive screening.
Water Heater Considerations
- Tankless vs. Tank: Tankless provides on-demand hot water and saves space; ensure propane supply and venting can support peak flow rates.
- Activation Flow Rate: Low activation GPM is useful when water pressure is low in parks. Verify the minimum GPM spec if you often encounter low inlet pressures.
- Altitude And Climate: Choose models rated for high-altitude operation if you travel to mountains and consider built-in freeze protection for cold-weather camping.
Installation, Maintenance, And Replacement Parts
- Professional Installation: Vented propane appliances typically require professional installation to ensure correct vent routing, gas connections, and compliance with RV manufacturer guidance.
- Parts And Doors: Some tankless units are sold without exterior doors; verify availability of compatible door kits for a clean, sealed exterior installation.
- Serviceability: Check availability of replacement components (igniters, sensors, control boards) and whether the unit includes diagnostic readouts for easier troubleshooting.
Accessory And Vent Protection
- Mesh Screens And Guards: Use purpose-designed vent screens like stainless steel mesh to keep pests out without restricting required airflow.
- Clearances And Blocking: Maintain manufacturer-specified clearances from combustibles and ensure the vent termination is unobstructed by awnings or storage.
Comparison Perspectives
- Space Heating vs. Hot Water: Wall-mounted direct vent heaters (11k–17k BTU) focus on interior warmth and sealed combustion. Tankless water heaters (55k–65k BTU) focus on continuous hot water and require through-wall venting and door kits.
- Portability And Footprint: Wall heaters save floor space but require permanent mounting. Tankless units replace traditional tank units and need larger exterior openings and venting consideration.
- Operating Environment: For high-altitude or cold-weather travel, prioritize models with altitude certifications and freeze protection features.
Final Installation Notes: Always follow the RV manufacturer’s recommendations and local codes. Ensure propane supply lines, regulators, and vent terminations are sized and installed by qualified technicians. Regularly inspect vent screens and terminations for blockages and corrosion to maintain safe operation.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.