Cleaning yourself under hot or warm water after an all-day trip is an indulgence. Having this at home is a normal thing. However, having this in your RV will feel like a privilege. A hot water shower is not difficult to get in your RV as long as your water tank has the water heater element for RV. With heating elements installed, you can easily have hot running water anytime.
In order to ensure that you have a constant hot water supply in your RV, you need to get the correct and good water heater elements for the camper. Of course, there are many types available that you can pick, yet, you need to get the best water heater elements for the camper that match. Getting one has many considerations, from price, size, power wattage, and voltage, to types of heating elements needed. Hence, we have compiled a list of water heater elements that you can look at. Let’s take a look below.
Table of contents
- DERNORD 2 Inch Tri-Clamp Water Heating Element
- TonGass RV Water Heater Elements
- Camco Hot Water Hybrid Heat Kit
- PAMASE RV Water Heater Anode Rod and Flush Wand.
- Diximus Anode RV Water Heater
- Ozek RV Water Heater
- Eleventree 3 Pack RV Water Heater Anode Rod
- Camco 09883 Screw-in Element Wrench
- RO6G Atwood Water Heater
- Camco 02203 Water Heater Element
- ONENESS 369 RV Water Heater Element
- Suburban 520900 Element Kit
- Camco 02463 Water Heater Element
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Water Heater Elements for Camper
- Which Water Heater Element is Better, Stainless Steel or Copper?
- How Do I Know Which Water Heater Element to Buy?
- Is Higher Heating Element More Efficient?
DERNORD 2 Inch Tri-Clamp Water Heating Element
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Constructed out of stainless steel material of SUS 304, DERNORD 2 Inch Tri-Clamp Water Heating Element surely offers you a strong standard material. It is a U-type product that can provide 6000w of power from a 240v source. If your RV has a large power tank that can accommodate 240v of power, then Dernord is a good water heater element for your RV for you.
The U-type elements are designed for ultra-low wattage, thus providing a longer use for you. It is very handy to install, and if you have a standard American coupler of tri-clover, Dernord will fit well into it. Thereafter, you need to keep in mind that this water heater element for the camper is not allowed to be dry burning. You need to keep this heating element for the camper hot water heater submerged in the water at all times.
Pros
- Dernord’s flange is equipped with a screw for safety precautions during grounding.
- It can be used in equipment to process food and beverage.
- The package comes with a cover made from stainless, a silicone gasket, and a protector for the cable
Cons
- The size may not fit an old-model water heater.
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TonGass RV Water Heater Elements
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It is always better to have a backup item during a trip for an alternative, which can also be applied to the water heater element for the RV. Therefore, you may want to get TonGass RV Water Heater Elements that come in 2 pieces in one package. TonGass water heater element for the camper is equipped with gaskets that will fit the Suburban SW series. The gaskets are made to be a universal fit for SW models, and it also comes in 2 pieces in this package.
TonGass heating element for camper hot water heater is made out of uncoated SS 304 stainless steel material that provides a longer lifespan. It is rust and corrosion-resistant, which will guarantee that it is more efficient in recovery. Don’t forget that when trying to install this heating element, you must use the correct socket to avoid any damage.
Pros
- It is rated 120v with 1440 wattage power.
- TonGass can heat a minimum of 6 gallons/hour.
- The installation is easy, especially indoors.
Cons
- It does not fit several Suburban SW series, so double-check the compatibility.
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Camco Hot Water Hybrid Heat Kit
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If your RV water heater is running on propane, yet you would like to minimize the usage of propane, you can get the Camco Hot Water Hybrid Kit. This water heater element for an RV can convert your propane power into electric power, saving more of your propane while enjoying the hot water hassle-free.
The Camco water heater element package for the camper already includes the power switch and the necessary mounting bracket. The power switch will give you ease to turn on and off the heating element for the camper hot water. It also comes with a thermostat so that you can easily check the temperature of your water tank.
Pros
- It converts the propane power on the water heater into 120v electricity.
- The package has all the cords and wire, which is color coded, as well as assembling instructions.
- It can manage up to 6 gallons of water.
Cons
- The length of wires may sometimes be too long or too short for some RV water heaters.
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PAMASE RV Water Heater Anode Rod and Flush Wand.
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Cleaning our RV water heater may be the work that we least pay attention to. Meanwhile, the heat from the heater pipe would create condensed scales that pile up over the years. To fix this, you can get the PAMASE RV Water Heater Anode Rod and Flush Wand. It will rescue you as it comes in a pack that includes a flush wand and two pieces of anode rod for your water heater element for RV. By then, you can clean and have hot water from your tank.
The flush wand will make your cleaning job easy with its nozzle that is detachable. You can turn the nozzle clockwise or vice versa and come up with the water spray that you want. On the other hand, the anode rod will be the water heater element for a camper that will ensure your hot water runs well. The rods are made of Magnesium alloy with no odor and non-toxic material. The material will help to sustain the inner part of the water tank clean from coagulation.
Pros
- It is compatible with a Suburban water heater as well as Mor-Flo.
- The package also includes PTFE Teflon tape to install the rod tighter.
- It comes at an affordable price!
Cons
- The socket to install rods is not included in the pack.
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Diximus Anode RV Water Heater
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Another rod that is compatible with Suburban and Mor-Flo water heaters is Diximus Anode RV Water Heater. This water heater element for RV comes in ¾ inch thread size made from Magnesium. It uses premium magnesium that guarantees better durability than other rods made of Aluminum zinc.
Diximus anode rods water heater element for camper will perform as a dynamic filter for water in your tank. It will also protect your heater from corrosion, leading to a longer lifespan. The rods will absorb possible erosion caused by hot water and keep your tank free of coagulation. Hence, you can preserve your water tank for more years to come. Speaking of which, if you are in search of tank options, you can look at these water tanks for campers to add up your RV.
Pros
- The installation is quick and effortless.
- Diximus is made of non-toxic material, which is safer for our health.
- It comes in 2 pieces per pack, so you will have a spare when one is used.
Cons
- The rod may not fit several water heaters, and we need to add an extra socket to install it.
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Ozek RV Water Heater
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Need a water heater element for an RV that can handle 12 gallons of water? Ozek RV Water Heater is the answer for that. This anode rod is able to heat up from 6 to 12 gallons of water in the tank. It is also compatible with both electric water heaters and one that runs on gas. As a filter, it keeps corrosion away from the tank and extends the water life inside the tank for your long trip.
Ozek heating element for camper hot water is also very safe for your family, especially if you have babies or small children. Its magnesium material will keep odor away from the water. And since it is a non-toxic material, you can safely shower your children with no worries. Now you can have a relaxing trip and enjoy your clean hot water on every trip. Additionally, you can also complete your RV with choices of showers for camper vans that will make your showering experience on a trip more enjoyable.
Pros
- The price is a money saver.
- It has durable and compatible with most Suburban RV water heaters.
- Super easy installation.
Cons
- It only comes in 1 piece/pack, so you need to get another one if you would like to have a backup.
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Eleventree 3 Pack RV Water Heater Anode Rod
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Eleventree 3 Pack RV Water Heater Anode Rod is claimed to be the perfect replacement for the water heater element for the RV for Suburban 232767. It can also support Mor-Flo on its 6-gallon heater. Eleventree is committed to providing divine product quality for many activities, especially outdoors. They would like you to have a higher quality product that you can rely on. The Eleventree Anode Rod is suitable for an electric water heater element for the camper that will serve you hot water in many settings, including the campsite.
We are all aware that the water tank has the danger of being corrosive after a certain amount of time. Therefore, it is advised that you always replace the heating element for the camper hot water heater annually or a maximum of 2 years. This is to ensure that you will have safe water that will not threaten you with any possibility of being electrocuted or poisoned. By this also, Eleventree has placed the best Magnesium material that will help you prevent such things.
Pros
- The material uses AZ-31 Magnesium which is safe for our bodies.
- The package comes in 3 packs, saving more cost as you will have extra 2 spare rods.
- It is cheap yet reliable!
Cons
- The installation may sometimes take a while to align the threads while inserting them into the water heater.
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Camco 09883 Screw-in Element Wrench
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To complete the water heater element for the RV that you have, you will also need to own Camco 09883 Screw-in Element Wrench to complete the set. Camco 09883 element wrench is specially designed to help remove heating elements for camper hot water heater screw-in types. This wrench will help you remove or install faster than manually.
Camco 09883 zinc plate is made of steel material. It is resistant to rust and has quite a long durability. The design has a cross hole in case you need additional force or need to use a screwdriver for installation or removal. Camco 09883 fits almost all screw-in elements, even if it comes from a different brand. It is also a universal fit for many elements.
Pros
- It is 5 inches wide, which fits all standards screw-in.
- It can be used in offsets where another adjustable wrench cannot.
- It can be used in residential.
Cons
- It may not be easy to use for lower-level elements in the tank.
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RO6G Atwood Water Heater
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One of the most important things when purchasing a water heater element for an RV is the ability to save costs. RO6G Atwood Water Heater is able to do this as it is structured by screw-in. When you have an RO6G heating element for a camper hot water heater, it will only take minutes to do maintenance routinely. Moreover, RO6G only needs less time to heat up the water than others, which saves money since less energy is used from the electricity.
RO6G is also compatible with an electronic heater. Hence, it is suitable for an RV or camper van that runs a water heater on electric power. It is rated 110/120V with consumes up to 1440W of power. This is already the standard power water heater element for RV for indoor and outdoor usage. This means that you will find no problem getting hot water even when you park down on a campsite and get an outdoor shower. You can check the outside shower for a camper to add one to your RV trip equipment too.
Pros
- It is constructed with premium Copper, which conducts strong thermal.
- The Alloy material helps to heat water in a quicker time.
- The supplier is providing an exchange warranty with 30 days return policy.
Cons
- The rubber ring may not fit well for some heater types.
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Camco 02203 Water Heater Element
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Most Compatible. Fit in well with the most common water heaters, Camco 02203 Water Heater Element can be used in any water heater that serves similar wattage and power. This water heater element for RV is offering High Watt Density as its element to match most tanks. It is rated 120V with 2000W of power, which can heat up your water quickly. Check out more details info at Camco’s official website!
The Camco water heater element for the camper is suggested to be paired with a tank that has a minimum of 9 inches diameter. It comes with a gasket that makes it easier to install. Camco design is made of steel material with copper sheath range in 11 and half inch NPSM size. The construction is made of screw-in, which will keep this heating element for the camper hot water more steady.
Pros
- It is already UL listed in the USA as well as Canada.
- It has 5 years’ warranty.
- It heats up the 6 gallons of water in less than an hour.
Cons
- The copper has a chrome coat that may wear off during usage.
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ONENESS 369 RV Water Heater Element
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Most Sturdy. Are you looking for a water heater element for an RV with sturdy and lasting material? You can consider ONENESS 369 RV Water Heater Element as it is made by Incology 840, which is claimed to be better than stainless steel material. It is sturdy, bulky, and provides a longer life span. The Oneness material can also cope with extreme temperatures and other water issues making it stronger than other water heater elements for campers.
The company, ONENESS 369, is committed to providing the best quality of products and services. Hence, they are providing a 1-year warranty where you can claim a replacement if something does not work well. In terms of pricing, ONENESS heating element for camper hot water heaters offers relatively affordable prices for their quality.
Pros
- It is compatible with 1440W of power and a 120V rating.
- The construction of ONENESS 369 elements is screw-in with easy installation and removal.
- It can heat up to 6 gallons of water and above.
Cons
- The warranty is USA based only.
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Suburban 520900 Element Kit
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Most Affordable. If there are any water heater elements that come in a friendly price with universal fitting to most of RV, the Suburban 520900 Element Kit is the one. The price is lower than other water heater elements for a camper in the market, yet it offers similar functionality and a preferable package compared to others.
Weighing only 0.235 kg, the Suburban 520900 heating element for a camper hot water heater offers an easy installation for your water tank. It performs well in heating water in quite a fair time. You can count on Suburban 520900 for long usage, too, with less worry, especially if you are on a long trip.
Pros
- It is constructed with a screw-in mounting type with a gasket included.
- Get more info from their official website!
- If you love camping, this will fit the campsite settings on 120V with 1440W power.
Cons
- You may need to get a wrench to help install it easier in your tank.
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Camco 02463 Water Heater Element
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Most Valuable. Besides offering high-density products, Camco also comes up with Camco 02463 Water Heater Element with a low-density heating element for a camper hot water heater. By low density, Camco 02463 preserves heat and avoid hot spot generated in the tank, which may result in scalding and corrosion. Thus, the RV’s water heater element’s lifespan will be longer.
Camco 02463 already satisfies the standards of safety listed by Underwriters Laboratories or UL. That is to say that the Camco 02463 water heater element for the camper is secure for the human body. This item normally works on tanks with a minimum diameter of 10 inches that suits well in smaller-size water heaters. Definitely a good value to buy. Need more details? You can watch this YouTube review from TrailerParts.
Pros
- It is more compatible with water that has problems.
- The screw-in installation is very handy to do.
- It fits most American water heater models.
Cons
- It is rated 1500W power instead of 5500W.
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Our Verdict!
After reading through the list above for best water elements for the camper, we believe that you must have several products in mind that you would like to get. If you are still having doubts or unsure about which one to get, we have compiled the narrow-down list below of four that we think would be the best to suit your need.
- Most Compatible: Camco 02203 Heater Element Wrench
- Most Sturdy: ONENESS 369 RV Water Heater Element
- Most Affordable: Suburban 520900 Element Kit
- Most Valuable: Camco 02463 Water Heater Element
How To Choose The Best Water Heater Elements for Camper
Various brands of water heater elements for RVs out in the market offer similar functions that may suit your tank. Each function needs to be paid attention to as it will determine whether your water heater will work properly and serve you good hot water in your RV. Amongst many functions that are there, you need to take a closer look at these important functions below before you decide to get one.
Material
The water heater element for the RV needs to be constructed from durable and strong material to serve a longer lifespan and ensure our safety. There are several materials that are normally used, such as stainless steel, Incology 840, and the most common one, Magnesium. These materials will determine whether your water tank will work properly at certain times. Although it is strongly suggested to replace the heating element for camper hot water annually or for a maximum of 2 years, some element could last longer than that.
Size
There are different water heater elements for RV sizing in the market. In order to get the fit one, you must always double-check with your water heater which size will fit. Therefore, once you are browsing through to get one, you can check if it suits you or if you need to add another bracket or tighten it with tape to make it sit properly in your tank.
Power Rating
As we all know, RV trips will last for days, and in between, the campsite will be the place to stop by and spend the night. To get your hot water running nicely while in a campsite, you must check your water heater element for camper power rating if it fits the electricity source in the campsite. This is why getting the correct power rating in the water heater element for the camper is very important because it will determine if your tank will work well and provide you with the hot water you need.
Which Water Heater Element is Better, Stainless Steel or Copper?
Speaking of better means looking at the durability or lifespan of the water heater element for an RV. Here, Stainless Steel is better than copper as it has a higher resistance to most corrosion forms, resulting in longer usage and cost savings.
How Do I Know Which Water Heater Element to Buy?
You need to check the power rating from the beginning and match it up with your water heater’s capacity. Pay attention to the wattage and voltage on the water heater element for the camper that you will buy, then compare it to the information written on the side label on your water heater. If it matches, then it is good to go.
Is Higher Heating Element More Efficient?
A higher heating element means a higher voltage; to get this, it needs to be connected to an additional circuit externally. This additional circuit will increase the voltage and make the heater produce double power, which won’t be efficient anymore as it will cost double.
