APUS RV Tankless Water Heater (68,000 BTU Propane) with Remote, 3.9 GPM, White Door — CSA Certified
Product description
The essentials (what it does and why you’d want it)
If your RV hot water setup feels like a countdown timer—especially during dishes, showering, or long bathroom routines—this APUS RV tankless water heater is built for “on demand” use. Instead of heating and storing water in a tank, it heats as you need it, so you don’t have to wait for the system to recover.
On paper, the promise is straightforward: a 68,000 BTU propane output and up to 3.9 GPM of hot water per minute, designed to keep up with everyday washing, kitchen cleanup, and comfortable showers. It’s also positioned as an RV-focused replacement approach, including the idea that it can replace certain 6/10/12-gallon storage water heater setups using the right opening.
That said, tankless is still a real-world balance: demand (how many fixtures you’re running), incoming water temperature, and how your RV is set up for ventilation and power all affect the experience. It’s a strong “daily driver” style upgrade, but it can feel limiting if you’re trying to run heavy hot-water loads at the same time.
Quick overview (key points for decision-making)
This unit is a propane gas on-demand tankless water heater for RVs, with a white door design and a remote included in the package description. It runs on 12V DC power, uses standard NPT fittings (per the provided information), and is designed to fit into most RV installation spaces thanks to its compact size.
For many buyers, the biggest practical win is simple: no waiting for the next hot-water “cycle.” If you’ve had a tank heater where hot water fades right when you need it most, switching to an on-demand flow model changes the rhythm of your day.
Also worth noting: it’s designed for high-altitude operation up to 9,800 feet, and it includes freeze protection that activates automatically in low temperatures. There’s even a “staged combustion” control concept aimed at using only the power needed, which the manufacturer ties to less gas waste.
The tradeoff to keep in mind is that tankless systems tend to be more sensitive to conditions than a basic tank—so if your RV is frequently at very cold temps or you run multiple hot fixtures simultaneously, you’ll want to match expectations to the flow rate and your usage pattern.
What stands out in everyday use
The model is built around a few features that affect comfort and safety more than marketing promises.
First, temperature control is described as keeping water between 95–124°F, with checks on incoming water temperature and automatic adjustment. In real camping terms, that’s the difference between “almost right” and actually usable hot water for showering and cleanup.
Second, the freeze-protection approach is meant to prevent cracking and freeze damage: the information provided says automatic freeze protection activates at 2°C (35.6°F). If you travel seasonally—or park where nights dip below freezing—this can reduce the risk of coming back to a broken heater.
Third, safety coverage is not just one checkbox. The unit is listed as CSA certified, and it’s described with a 203 PSI pressure relief valve plus multiple protections, including flame-out protection and gas leak protection. There’s also a forced exhaust fan on top for combustion stability, and a shutoff if the flame goes out.
One more practical detail: the installation is described as requiring a 12V DC power connection and standard NPT fittings. That doesn’t mean it’s “plug-and-play” for every RV, but it does suggest a straightforward conversion path for compatible setups.
Tech specs (the numbers you should care about)
- Type: Propane gas RV tankless water heater with on-demand instant hot water
- Output: 68,000 BTU
- Hot water flow: 3.9 GPM per minute (as stated)
- Power: 12V
- Temperature range: 95–124°F
- High-altitude capability: up to 9,800 feet (2,987 meters)
- Freeze protection activation: 2°C (35.6°F)
- Temperature control approach: smart staged combustion control (uses power needed, per description)
- Safety pressure relief: 203 PSI pressure relief valve
- CSA certification: listed as CSA certified
- Dimensions: 14.96 x 14.96 x 14.18 inches
- Installation opening: 12.6 x 12.6 inches
Installation and replacement considerations (where buyers get tripped up)
The heater is marketed as compatible with all RVs, and the description also suggests it can replace certain storage tank water heaters (specifically mentioning 6/10/12-gallon options) if the RV opening matches. However, compatibility in RVs can be picky: even when the opening size is close, you still need to confirm fitment, routing, and ventilation.
Here’s the limitation to take seriously: the freeze protection guidance explicitly says to ensure the RV remains ventilated and powered in low-temperature environments. That means if you plan to shut everything down completely during cold storage, you may want to rethink how “protected” it will truly be in your situation.
Also, tankless propane units require correct combustion setup. The description includes a forced exhaust fan and notes the need for ventilation, so before buying, it’s smart to verify your RV installation area supports that exhaust/airflow design.
Should you buy it?
Worth considering if you want on-demand hot water in an RV and you’re tired of tank heater recovery time. It also makes sense if your travel includes higher elevations (up to 9,800 feet, per the provided info) or cold snaps where freeze protection matters. The 3.9 GPM and 68,000 BTU figures are meant to target real shower-and-cleanup routines, not just “warm enough for rinsing.”
You may want to skip it if your RV setup can’t reliably provide ventilation/appropriate combustion airflow, or if you’re frequently shutting off power during cold storage (since the description ties freeze protection to being powered). It might not be the best match if you expect to run multiple high-demand hot-water fixtures at the same time and still get a strong, steady output.
A solid way to decide is to match your typical usage: for one-person showers, dishwashing, and kitchen cleanup with reasonable simultaneous demand, this is the kind of upgrade that tends to feel immediately different. If your household style is “everyone turns on hot at once,” you’ll want to be cautious and check whether your installation and usage patterns align with the rated flow.
Mini FAQ
FAQ: How does it provide hot water?
It’s an on-demand tankless propane water heater, so it heats water as you run the hot water instead of storing heated water in a tank.
FAQ: Does it work at high altitude?
Yes, the provided information says it operates efficiently at altitudes up to 9,800 feet.
FAQ: What about freezing temperatures?
The description says it includes built-in intelligent freeze protection that activates at 2°C (35.6°F). It also notes the RV should remain ventilated and powered in low-temperature environments.
FAQ: What temperature range should I expect?
The heater is described as keeping water between 95–124°F.
FAQ: What size RV opening does it need?
The listed installation opening is 12.6 x 12.6 inches, and the unit’s overall dimensions are 14.96 x 14.96 x 14.18 inches.