Suburban Tankless Water Heaters: 2 Picks Ranked by Specs

Quick picks

Our 2 picks

1 Best overall

Suburban 6-Gallon Gas and Electric RV Water Heater

Best for: small RVs needing dual-fuel flexibility

Fuel Type

Electric, Gas

BTU

12,000 BTU/h

Wattage

1,440 W

Capacity

6 Gallon

Dimensions

12.69 x 12.69 x 19.19 in

Use

RV

View on Amazon: Suburban 6-Gallon Gas and Electric RV Water Heater Affiliate link

This Suburban unit combines a 6-gallon steel tank with gas and electric heating options. It delivers a gas recovery rate of 10.1 gallons per hour and an electric rate of 6.1 gallons per hour. The porcelain-lined tank includes a replaceable anode rod for corrosion protection. Its compact 12.7-inch square footprint fits standard RV cutouts. You get reliable hot water for showers and sinks in mobile living spaces.

Pros

• Dual fuel capability with 12,000 BTU gas and 1,440-watt electric elements
• Porcelain-lined steel tank resists corrosion
• Replaceable anode rod doubles as a drain for easy maintenance
• Compact 12.7-inch square design fits standard RV spaces

Cons

• Small 6-gallon capacity limits continuous hot water flow
• Electric element input is low at 1,440 watts
• Shorter 2-year limited warranty compared to residential units

Good fit if

• You need a compact heater for a small RV or camper
• You want to switch between generator power and campsite electricity
• You prioritize tank durability with corrosion protection

Skip if

• You require high-volume hot water for multiple simultaneous uses
• You need a unit with a large storage tank
• You prefer a purely gas-powered system without electric options

Verdict: Suburban 6-Gallon RV Water Heater suits RVers who need a durable, space-saving heater with flexible power options. It provides steady hot water for small households but cannot support high-demand scenarios.

2 Best budget

Suburban 60,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater

Best for: High-demand RV hot water needs

Fuel Type

Propane

BTU

60,000 BTU

Dimensions

12 x 12 x 20 inches

Use

RV

Weight

21 pounds

View on Amazon: Suburban 60,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater Affiliate link

The Suburban ST-60 delivers 60,000 BTU of hot water for RV use. It measures 20 x 12 x 12 inches and weighs 21 pounds. The unit includes active freeze protection and voltage safeguards. You get a max output of 131 F with a child lock at 113 F. This model fits travelers needing reliable, safe hot water on the road.

Pros

• 60,000 BTU heating capacity
• Active freeze protection
• Child lock limits temp to 113 F
• Voltage protection shuts down unit safely

Cons

• Heavier than the 6-gallon alternative
• Requires separate door kit for installation
• No remote control included

Good fit if

• You need high flow for multiple fixtures
• You travel in cold climates
• You prioritize safety features like child locks

Skip if

• You want a compact 6-gallon tank
• You need a complete installation kit included
• You prefer a lighter unit under 10 pounds

Verdict: Suburban ST-60 60k BTU RV Tankless Heater provides robust heating for RVs. It suits travelers who need reliable hot water and safety protections in varying weather conditions.

Specifications side by side

Suburban Tankless Water Heaters At A Glance

Suburban offers two distinct RV water heating options. The top-ranked model is the Suburban 6-Gallon Gas and Electric RV Water Heater. It measures 12.7 inches on all sides and weighs 32.9 pounds. This compact unit suits small RVs requiring dual-fuel flexibility. Its 4.0-gallon capacity provides steady hot water for small households. It cannot support high-demand scenarios. Shoppers needing space-saving durability should consider this pick.

The second option is the Suburban 60,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater. This model measures 20 inches in length and weighs only 21 pounds. It features a standard size and gold finish. This heater provides robust heating for travelers. It suits those needing reliable hot water in varying weather. Shoppers with high-demand RV hot water needs will find this also-great choice suitable.

Who Suburban Tankless Heaters Suit

Suburban’s current lineup targets RV owners who need compact, durable hot water solutions. The range spans from the 6-gallon dual-fuel storage unit to a 60,000 BTU tankless model. Both units fit within similar width and height dimensions, roughly 12 to 12.7 inches, keeping them easy to install in tight spaces. However, the selection is narrow. You will not find residential whole-home units or high-capacity commercial options in this list. The gap between small storage tanks and mid-size tankless heaters leaves a void for larger travel trailers needing continuous flow without storage constraints. Shoppers must choose between flexibility and raw output within this specific RV-focused scope.

Choosing the Right Suburban Unit

1. Match fuel to your rig

   Check your RV power setup before buying. The top pick uses both gas and electric power. This dual-fuel design lets you switch sources depending on where you park. If your camper only has electric hookups, this flexibility ensures you still get hot water. The second model relies on gas heat. You must verify your RV’s fuel lines match the heater’s requirements. Choosing the wrong fuel type leads to installation headaches. Always confirm your vehicle’s electrical and gas systems support the specific unit you select for your travels.

2. Check physical dimensions

   Measure your available space carefully. The best overall unit measures 12.7 inches on all sides. Its cubic shape fits tight corners in small RVs. The runner-up model is taller at 20 inches long but narrower at 12 inches wide. You need to ensure your storage compartment or utility closet has enough height and width. The weight also matters for transport. The first unit weighs nearly 33 pounds, while the second is lighter at 21 pounds. Heavier units may require additional support brackets during installation.

3. Consider capacity needs

   Decide how much hot water you need daily. The top-ranked heater holds 4 gallons of stored water. This capacity suits small households or quick showers. It cannot support high-demand scenarios like long baths. If you need continuous hot water for multiple users, the second model offers tankless heating. It provides robust heating for larger groups. You must weigh the convenience of instant heat against the space required for a larger unit. Small RVs often benefit from the compact storage design of the first option.

4. Verify installation location

   Ensure your RV has proper ventilation. Both units require specific clearance for safe operation. The compact cube shape of the first model allows placement in tight spaces. The longer second model needs more linear space along a wall. You must check local RV regulations for venting requirements. Proper airflow prevents carbon monoxide buildup. Measure the distance from the heater to the nearest exit or window. Incorrect placement can void warranties and create safety hazards. Always follow the manufacturer’s spacing guidelines for your specific RV layout.

5. Review weight limits

   Check your RV’s payload capacity. The first unit weighs 32.9 pounds. This adds noticeable weight to your camper’s total load. The second model is lighter at 21 pounds. If you are towing a smaller vehicle, every pound counts. Heavier units may affect fuel efficiency and handling. You must distribute weight evenly across your RV’s axles. Consider the weight of water inside the tank as well. A full 4-gallon tank adds significant mass. Balance your gear carefully to maintain safe driving dynamics on the road.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• suburban 6 gallon gas electric RV vs 60000 btu RV tankless water
• suburban sw6de 6 gallon RV water review
• best tankless water heaters with tankless
• apec water apec tankless ro water review