Tips for Campground Hookups and Off-Grid Camping

To use your RV’s tankless water heater, establish a steady water supply, confirm the required power and fuel are available, and follow the heater’s startup instructions. Consistent water flow helps maintain temperature, while thoughtful use conserves fresh water, propane, and battery power when camping off-grid.

What is a tankless water heater?

A tankless, or on-demand, water heater heats water as it flows through the appliance rather than storing a tank of hot water.

Hot water still takes time to reach the faucet because cooler water in the plumbing must clear first. Controls, temperature settings, and operating requirements vary by model.

How do you start your RV tankless water heater?

1. Establish the water supply. Connect to regulated city water or fill the fresh water tank and turn on the pump. With the heater off, purge air from the plumbing and check for leaks.
2. Confirm power and fuel. Many RV tankless heaters use 12-volt power for controls and ignition, with propane supplying heat. Follow your model’s startup sequence.
3. Turn on the heater. Use the required appliance switch and interior controller. Select the operating mode or temperature specified for your equipment.
4. Open the hot-water faucet. Allow the temperature to stabilize and check it carefully before showering.
5. Adjust as directed. Some models let you select a comfortable temperature at the controller and use mostly hot water. Others are designed for mixing hot and cold at the faucet.

There is no universal “hot water only” rule. Use the method specified for your heater. Furrion Manual

Why does the water temperature change?

Flow rate, incoming water temperature, and simultaneous water use can affect performance.

• Hot water takes time to arrive: Some delay is normal while cooler water clears the lines. Collect clean startup water in a basin for another suitable use.
• Water alternates between hot and cold: Check for inconsistent flow or another fixture being used. Avoid running several fixtures while someone showers if this disrupts temperature.
• The burner stops at low flow: The heater may need a minimum flow to operate. A restrictive showerhead or partially closed valve can affect that flow.
• Water is not warm enough: Very cold incoming water or excessive flow can exceed the heater’s ability to reach the selected temperature.

Check displayed fault codes against the manufacturer’s troubleshooting instructions. If the problem persists, contact your dealer rather than adjusting gas components or attempting internal repairs.

What happens when you pause the shower?

Stopping water flow can stop the burner. When flow resumes, the heater may need to ignite again, and water temperature can change temporarily.

Turning the faucet off does not eliminate this restart effect. Follow the shower fixture’s instructions and recheck the temperature before stepping back under the spray.

Short showers can conserve water, but account for the water used each time the flow restarts.

How can you conserve water while boondocking?

Your heater may operate without shore power, but your supplies remain limited.

Water-saving tips

• Collect startup water: Use a clean basin rather than letting it go straight into the gray tank.
• Keep showers brief: Plan washing and rinsing to reduce unnecessary running water.
• Wash dishes in batches: Avoid repeatedly opening the hot tap for individual items.
• Check showerhead compatibility: A water-saving showerhead must still allow the heater’s required operating flow.

Power and propane checks

• Keep batteries adequately charged, including for the water pump.
• Monitor propane levels, particularly when the furnace is also running.
• Watch fresh water and gray tank levels.

A tankless heater does not provide unlimited showers when your fresh water supply or wastewater capacity is limited.

How do you prepare it for winter and seasonal startup?

Winterization procedures differ by heater. Some models permit approved antifreeze methods, while others require draining and bypassing the appliance. Simply opening faucets may leave water trapped inside.

Follow the exact procedure for your installed model. Built-in freeze protection, where provided, may require power and propane and does not necessarily protect the rest of the RV’s plumbing. Furrion Manual 

When returning to service, complete the prescribed flushing and valve setup, establish steady water flow, and inspect for leaks before enabling heat.

Your Owner’s Manual and component instructions provide model-specific operating and troubleshooting guidance.

Share your tankless water-heater tips with fellow owners in Keystone Basecamp.