I have a new on demand and am wondering what it will take to convert it to use in an RV since it's for a house. It's elec. and propane and I'm at a loss as to what to do because it's the only one i have......if anyone has any ideas it would be much appreciated , I'm tired of bumming showers and my kitchen looks like a cyclone hit it!!
on demand WH
- Thread starter Candiclaw
- Start date
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Back2PA
Well-known member
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Residential electric on demand water heaters will not work in an RV, so although I am not familiar with an electric/gas model as you describe, I'm going to guess that you aren't going to be able to install it.
Are you saying you do not currently have a water heater?
Are you saying you do not currently have a water heater?
Frank B
Well-known member
A residential unit will most certainly be 240 volt on the electric side, and you will have to make big holes (chimney) to vent the propane exhaust. Just not practical. I doubt a home unit could be safety certified for an RV installation.
Frank B
Well-known member
Did the RV not come with a water heater, or is it broken? If it never had one, that is indeed strange. If it is broken, fixing or replacing it would be an easier option.
Frank B
Well-known member
Again, I would like to suggest that you wait for the experts to comment here before you buy something else you may regret. There are pros and cons to these units that I am not qualified to consider with you. Please read the comments section at the bottom of the linked article.
https://rvshare.com/blog/rv-tankless-hot-water-heater/
https://rvshare.com/blog/rv-tankless-hot-water-heater/
catblaster
Well-known member
Frank B said:
Our Rinnai propane water heater is 110V on the power side, the only thing that power is used for is controls and ignition. I even ran it off of an extension cord when I first installed it. Curious about where you thought it would be installed? That might be the safety part. Like Frank says it must be vented, clearances to combustible materials will be listed on the unit and in the installation instruction. If installed inside there needs to be a provision for combustion air since the flame will deplete oxygen in the RV, especially if it is sealed properly. Thats why almost all home units are installed on an outside wall.
I have an electric on-demand heater that was given to me but never installed because it has to be on a 50 amp circuit of its own and 240 V....
Just did a search and this model came up, it looks like a drop in replacement for an RV heater and it is an on demand type.
https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-appliances/rv-water-heaters/rv-water-heaters/rv-tankless-water-heater-girard-gswh2_42.3250?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnY_jBRDdARIsAIEqpJ1mcuZqn8n8cXcn-ZkDSNO_-BpkWxTfXJB1akdmEBQH5bYcfmSzPiQaAm2lEALw_wcB
and here is a video of one being installed in an RV...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfocby8zSno
