APUS RV Tankless Water Heater (68,000 BTU) Propane On-Demand Instant Hot Water, 3.9 GPM, 12V with Remote
Product description
What it is and why RV buyers look at it
The APUS RV tankless water heater is a propane, on-demand system designed to deliver instant hot water without the wait you get from traditional tank heaters. The headline here is performance for everyday RV tasks: dishwashing, kitchen cleaning, and showers where you don’t want the temperature to fade halfway through.
On paper, the 68,000 BTU output and stated 3.9 GPM hot water flow are built for “enough for normal life on the road.” It’s also compact for an RV setup, and the install concept is straightforward: you connect 12V DC power and use standard NPT fittings.
Still, there’s a real-world limitation to keep in mind: if your RV isn’t set up for proper ventilation and consistent power, any tankless heater can become a hassle—especially in colder weather where the unit relies on freeze protection behavior.
Key features that affect everyday use
The system is aimed at continuous hot water, which is exactly what you want when you’re doing back-to-back tasks. Instead of heating a storage tank and then waiting, it’s designed to heat as needed. That “on demand” approach can help you avoid the classic tank problem of running out of hot water during a longer shower.
Temperature control is also a big part of the pitch. The heater is described as keeping water between 95–124°F and automatically adjusting based on incoming water temperature. In practice, that matters because your incoming water temperature changes with season and campsite conditions.
There’s also an energy-saving angle. The staged combustion control is described as using only the power needed, which is one reason RV owners care about fuel consumption and refilling frequency.
And yes, it includes a remote, which is the kind of practical detail you notice quickly when you’re standing near the RV bathroom or kitchen and don’t want to reach the unit.
Tech specs that matter for RV fit and operation
For RV shoppers, the “will it fit and run where I am?” question is usually the deciding factor. This model is designed around RV installation space and propane operation.
Tech specs
- Name: APUS RV Tankless Water Heater (Propane)
- Type: Tankless, on-demand instant hot water heater for RV use
- Capacity: 68,000 BTU output
- Output flow: 3.9 GPM
- Power: 12V
- High altitude: available, designed for altitudes up to 9,800 feet
- Freeze protection: automatic freeze protection activates at 2°C (35.6°F)
- Relief valve: 203 PSI pressure relief valve
- Certification: CSA certified
- Dimensions: 14.96 x 14.96 x 14.18 inches
Safety and cold-weather considerations (read this part carefully)
If you’re comparing propane tankless units, safety systems are not just marketing—they’re what you rely on when something goes wrong. This model is described as including flame-out protection, gas leak protection, and freeze protection. It also has a built-in forced exhaust fan on top and an automatic gas shutoff if the flame goes out.
The freeze protection details are worth special attention. The heater’s automatic freeze protection is stated to activate at 2°C (35.6°F). That’s helpful, but it also comes with an important caveat: you need the RV to remain ventilated and powered in low-temperature environments. So if you’re the type of owner who turns everything off and hopes for the best during cold snaps, this might not match your habits.
Also, high-altitude performance is supported up to the stated limit. That’s a plus if you travel mountains, but if you’re running in extreme conditions beyond what’s specified, you’ll want to confirm setup requirements before relying on it.
Where it shines vs. where it may fall short
Where it really makes sense is when you want on-demand hot water and you don’t want to manage hot water storage like a finite resource. If you frequently cook, wash dishes, and take showers without wanting a “tank recovery” delay, the whole design is aimed at that comfort.
You may want to skip it if your RV space is tight but you still want an easy swap without checking dimensions and cutout/fit. The unit is described with a compact footprint and an opening size that “can replace” certain 6/10/12-gallon storage water heaters, but replacement fit depends on your RV’s existing setup.
And while it’s built to keep water in a stated comfort range, tankless performance is still influenced by incoming water temperature and flow demand. If you expect maximum hot water on demand at very high flow rates all at once, you could end up disappointed—this is more “workhorse for typical RV use” than “unlimited luxury for peak usage.”
Should you buy it? (final verdict)
It’s a buy if you want an RV propane on-demand tankless water heater that prioritizes instant hot water, steady temperature control in a comfort range (95–124°F as stated), and built-in safety + freeze protection—with a 12V setup and remote convenience.
You should think twice if your RV won’t stay ventilated and powered in cold weather, or if you’re looking for a guaranteed drop-in replacement without confirming the physical fit and your existing installation details.
Quick FAQ
Is this heater meant to replace an RV tank water heater?
The description indicates it can replace certain storage water heaters (6/10/12-gallon classes) depending on installation fit, so replacement is plausible—but you still need to verify spacing and connections in your RV.
Does it provide hot water on demand?
Yes. The unit is described as instant hot water supply with on-demand operation, avoiding waiting time typical of tank heaters.
What happens in freezing temperatures?
Freeze protection is described as automatic and activating at 2°C (35.6°F), but it also notes that the RV must remain ventilated and powered in low-temperature environments.
What safety features are included?
It’s described as including a 203 PSI pressure relief valve plus flame-out protection, gas leak protection, and freeze protection, with forced exhaust and automatic gas shutoff if the flame goes out.