Best RV Electric Heater Options for Comfort and Hot Water

Choosing the right RV electric heater depends on whether you need space heating, water heating, or a hybrid solution. The table below summarizes five relevant products for RV owners, covering wall-mounted space heaters, tank-type and tankless water heaters, and hybrid electric conversion kits.

Product	Type	Key Feature
Suburban Wall Mount RV Electric Heater (2691ABK)	Space Heater (Wall Mount)	Slim Profile, Adjustable Thermostat
Dreo Smart Wall Heater WH719S	Space Heater (Smart, Oscillating)	120° Oscillation, App & Voice Control
Briidea RV Electric Water Hybrid Heater Kit	Hybrid Conversion Kit	Converts LP Heater To 120V Electric
Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6DE	6-Gallon Tank Water Heater	Porcelain Lined Tank, Electric Element Option
Feelrogast Electric Tank Water Heater – 8 Gallon	Mini Tank Electric Water Heater	Instant Hot, Adjustable Temp, Wall/Floor Mount

Suburban Wall Mount RV Electric Heater, 2691ABK

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The Suburban Wall Mount RV Electric Heater is designed specifically for RV interiors with a compact footprint and a slim profile that stays under five inches deep. It mounts to the wall to deliver targeted space heating without occupying floor space.

• Warm & Welcoming: Intended to bring heat to a wide range of interior areas for comfort.
• Slim Profile: Less than 5 inches thick for discrete placement and minimal intrusion.
• Adjustable Controls: Variable heat settings and an adjustable thermostat with a single-speed internal fan for gentle distribution.

Installation is suited to RV interiors where space is limited and a low-profile, permanent heater is preferred. The design emphasizes integration with existing RV wall cavities and usability via manual controls rather than smart connectivity.

Dreo Smart Wall Heater WH719S

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The Dreo Smart Wall Heater WH719S is a wall-mounted electric heater with advanced distribution and smart controls. While not RV-specific, its slim mount and efficient heat delivery make it practical for some larger RVs, vans, or cabin-style campers that accept a standard wall heater footprint.

• 120° Vertical Oscillation: Delivers warm air across a wide vertical pattern to reduce cold spots.
• Smart Control: App access, scheduling, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Home.
• Accurate Thermostat: Temperature range from 41 to 95°F with 1°F precision using PTC ceramic heating.

This unit emphasizes even heat dispersion and remote scheduling. For RV owners considering smart features or broader room coverage, Dreo offers a modern option; check electrical compatibility and mounting space before installing in mobile settings.

Briidea RV Electric Water Hybrid Heater Kit

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The Briidea Hybrid Heater Kit converts an existing RV LP (propane) water heater into an electric-capable unit, allowing owners to run the water heater on 120V when shore power or a generator is available. It’s a retrofit approach to add electric heating without replacing the entire tank.

• Design Concept: Adds electrical heating capability to LP-based water tanks for safer, lower-cost operation when electric power is available.
• Wide Compatibility: Brass bushings in 1/2” and 3/4” sizes target common Suburban and Atwood tanks; color-coded wiring simplifies connection.
• Adjustable Thermostat & Switch: Built-in thermostat control and an independent switch provide user control and freeze-prevention capability.

This kit is relevant for RV owners who want redundancy and flexibility: continue using propane off-grid and switch to electric at campsites. Installation requires basic mechanical comfort and attention to wiring, but the product is designed to fit common RV tank configurations.

Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6DE

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The Suburban Advantage SW6DE is a 6-gallon tank water heater built for RV environments, featuring a porcelain-lined steel tank and an optional electric element to operate on campsite or generator power.

• Durable Construction: Porcelain-lined steel tank for corrosion resistance and longevity similar to residential units.
• Advanced Corrosion Protection: Replaceable anode rod that doubles as a drain for easy maintenance.
• Flexible Power Options: Optional electric element allows heating via electric sources in addition to propane.

This model suits RV users who prefer a traditional tank approach with established maintenance practices. The replaceable anode rod helps extend tank life, and electric compatibility offers dual-fuel flexibility for varied camping scenarios.

Feelrogast Electric Tank Water Heater – 8 Gallon

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The Feelrogast 8 Gallon Electric Mini Tank provides point-of-use hot water with a compact footprint suitable for under-sink installation or small RV compartments. It emphasizes rapid recovery and multiple safety features.

• Instant Hot Water & Rapid Reheat: 316 stainless steel heating element with high heat utilization and adjustable temperature from 86–167°F.
• High Quality & Durability: Certified to CE, ROHS, FCC standards with a thick stainless steel tank and enameled coating to resist cracking and corrosion.
• Safety Protection: Electrical insulation on inlet/outlet, leakage protection plug, high-temp limiting device, and auto temperature control.

Ideal for RVs that need reliable hot water at a specific point (kitchen, sink, or small shower), this mini tank balances capacity and recovery speed. Mounting options include wall or floor to fit typical RV layouts.

Buying Guide: How To Choose An RV Electric Heater

Selecting the right RV electric heater requires matching the heater type to your needs: space heating, water heating, hybrid systems, or a combination. Consider these key factors to ensure safe, efficient, and practical operation in a mobile environment.

1. Heater Type And Intended Use

Decide whether you need space heating (to warm the cabin) or water heating (for showers, dishes, and sinks). Space heaters are designed to move air and warm volume; water heaters are either tank-type (steady reserve) or tankless/instant (on-demand). Hybrid kits convert existing propane tanks to electric capability without full replacement.

2. Power Source And Electrical Capacity

Check your RV’s electrical system and campsite shore power limits. Many electric heaters draw significant amperage. Typical considerations:

• 120V vs. 12V: Most electric heaters on this list use 120V AC; dedicated 12V options are rare or limited in output.
• Generator And Shore Power: Confirm your generator or campsite service can supply the heater’s rated power without tripping breakers.
• Continuous Draws: Tankless water heaters and PTC space heaters may pull steady current; compare rated watts and required breaker size.

3. Size, Mounting, And Installation Constraints

Space is limited in RVs. For space heaters, a slim wall-mounted profile preserves interior layout. For water heaters, measure compartment and door cutout dimensions—especially for retrofit kits that must match existing flue openings and tank access. Evaluate whether the heater requires professional installation or can be installed by an experienced DIYer.

4. Heat Output, Coverage, And Recovery Rate

For space heaters, heat dispersion patterns (oscillation, fan distribution) determine how well they heat the living area. For water heaters, consider:

• Tank Capacity: Gallons available at any time (e.g., 6 or 8 gallons).
• Recovery Rate: How quickly the heater reheats the tank after use.
• Tankless Flow Rate: Measured in gallons per minute (GPM); ensures adequate temperature rise at expected flow rates.

5. Control Options And Usability

Controls vary widely. Manual thermostats are simple and reliable. Smart features like app control, voice assistants, and precise digital thermostats add convenience but require connectivity and may present compatibility considerations when traveling.

6. Safety Features

Prioritize models with built-in safety protections such as overheat shutoff, dry-fire protection (for water heaters), leakage protection, pressure relief valves (for tanks), and automatic power cutoffs. For electric conversions and retrofit kits, ensure wiring and breakers meet RV electrical codes and safe installation practices.

7. Durability And Materials

Look for corrosion-resistant materials, especially for water heaters. Porcelain-lined tanks and stainless steel heating elements reduce corrosion risk. Tankless units should have quality heating elements and protections for mineral buildup where water hardness is a concern.

8. Compatibility And Retrofit Considerations

For hybrid kits or replacements, verify door sizes, drain/anode positions, and bushing sizes match your existing tank. Kits advertising wide compatibility typically include multiple bushings or mounting options—measure before purchasing to avoid fitment issues.

9. Energy Efficiency And Cost-to-Operate

Electric heating efficiency is generally high at the point of use, but relative cost depends on local electricity rates and whether you have solar, generator, or shore power. Tankless on-demand systems avoid standby losses inherent to tanks, while small electric tanks reduce recovery time and avoid big power spikes from large tankless units.

10. Practical Scenarios And Recommendations

Consider common RV scenarios:

• Short Trips With Shore Power: A wall-mounted electric space heater with smart controls offers comfort and scheduling convenience.
• Extended Boondocking: A hybrid kit or propane-first approach with selective electric backup provides flexibility without overloading limited electrical resources.
• Frequent Hot Water Use For Families: A reliable tank-type water heater with a replaceable anode or an 8-gallon mini-tank can simplify repeated hot water demands.
• Point-Of-Use Hot Water Needs: Under-sink mini tanks or small tankless units provide instant hot water for sinks and light use without heating a whole tank.

11. Maintenance And Serviceability

Regular maintenance extends heater life: flush tanks to reduce sediment, inspect anode rods, and check electrical connections. For tankless systems, periodic descaling may be necessary in hard-water areas. Ensure replacement parts like anode rods or heating elements are accessible for your model.

12. Regulations And Installation Codes

Follow RV and electrical codes for installations, particularly when modifying propane systems or adding electrical elements. If in doubt, consult a certified RV technician to ensure safe and compliant modifications.

Using these criteria will help you narrow choices among dedicated RV wall heaters, smart wall units, tank or tankless water heaters, and hybrid conversion kits. Match the heater type to your travel style, power availability, and installation constraints to achieve reliable warmth and hot water while on the road.