electric water heater for boondocking rv

ELECTRIC WATER HEATER FOR BOONDOCKING RV HOW TO
ELECTRIC WATER HEATER FOR BOONDOCKING RV INSTALL

So, if you plan on boondocking for an extended period, you’ll need a huge amount of solar and a monster battery bank to use a heat exchanger water heater.

However, bear in mind this can only happen when you’re driving.Īlthough some models have an internal element to maintain water temperature, it’ll usually draw a lot of power. Once you’ve connected the unit to your van’s coolant system, the heated coolant is circulated between the engine and the coils in the insulated water tank. Calorifier Water HeatersĪlso known as heat exchangers, calorifier water heaters work by using your engine’s excess heat. In fact, this type of heater uses a surprisingly small amount of fuel to run. Still, a diesel or gasoline water heater is an efficient option in the long run.

ELECTRIC WATER HEATER FOR BOONDOCKING RV INSTALL

You will need to install a water tank to use a diesel heater, and there’s a fair amount of installation to deal with. Not only will you have an efficient air heater, the same unit can heat your water. Diesel/Gasoline Water HeatersĪlthough a diesel or gasoline-powered water heater will be on the expensive side, using this type of water heater in your van can be a fantastic solution. Bear in mind you’ll need plenty of ventilation to use this kind of heater and not all units create enough pressure for a good shower. Plus, the low flow rate means you won’t need a huge water tank. Seeing as a tankless water heater creates hot water instantly, it’s ideal for van life. Even though you’ll need a source of propane on hand, these heaters are affordable, portable, and easy to use.Ī propane water heater can be used by connecting your van water supply to the unit, which can easily be stored when not in use. Propane Water HeatersĪlso called tankless water heaters, propane water heaters are probably the most popular option. It’s really important to make sure you settle on the appropriate type of power source for your heater, or else you may find yourself having cold showers more often than you’d like! Let’s take a look at the most common options. If you’re dead set on installing a campervan hot water heater you’ll need to decide how it’s going to be powered.

ELECTRIC WATER HEATER FOR BOONDOCKING RV HOW TO

How to Power Your Hot Water Heater A tankless water heater on the back of a van

Plus, everything you’ll need to install this hot water heater comes in the package. The Incline Water Heater was designed to fit under the sliding door of a Sprinter van, and its super durable build means it’s pretty much indestructible.

You can just attach the Incline heater to your batteries, set a minimum temperature, and you’ll be good to go. Still, there’s a 12 volt element inside that’ll help maintain temperature when you aren’t driving. Thanks to its well-insulated design, the water tank should keep water hot for at least 12 hours. This process rapidly heats water inside the unit’s 4.2-gallon fresh water tank. The Incline Water Heater is another camper van hot water solution that uses excess heat from the vehicle’s engine.

That means you’ll be able to really extend the amount of instant hot water at your disposal. One awesome feature of the Isotemp Slim Square is its mixing valve, which regulates the hot water coming out of the tank by adding cold water from your van’s supply. Plus, unlike an on-demand water heater, you won’t have to waste water waiting for the heating process to kick in. Still, if you tend to drive a lot, the Isotemp Slim Square will quickly heat water to around 190 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s also the option to heat water using a built-in electrical element, but you’ll need an inverter or shore power. That said, installation of this kind of calorifier heater involves cutting into your vehicle’s coolant lines, which can be off-putting for some. This 4.2-gallon marine-grade water heater uses excess heat from your van’s engine to create hot water. Thanks to its narrow, square shape, the Isotemp water heater should be easy to incorporate into your build. The Isotemp Slim Square is a fantastic van water heater that’s been specifically designed for camper van conversions.

Electric water heater for boondocking rv