How to Choose a Caravan Hot Water System

Nothing compares to heading off a long road trip knowing you have access to hot water anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re looking to take a steamy shower at the end of your day’s adventures or you just want that hot coffee early in the morning, a caravan hot water system is an integral part of your caravan’s set-up. 

Thankfully, there are a huge variety of caravan hot water systems available so you can easily add a new system or upgrade your existing system without much trouble. The only hard part is choosing which hot water system best suits your needs and applications. This guide will cover everything you need to know about caravan hot water systems so you can make an informed choice.

Types of caravan hot water systems

Modern caravan hot water systems are highly versatile and can run on electricity, gas or both. This provides plenty of flexibility that enables you to connect to mains power when available or using gas when you’re out free camping.

One advantage of these systems is that they heat up water pretty quickly. Some models can heat water in under 30 minutes or less and continuously reheat the water while you’re showering so the next person can take a hot, steamy shower as well once you’re finished The system is also quiet in operation which means less noise pollution. Plus, you won’t have to worry about waking up your co-travellers with you.

The drawback is that these caravan hot water systems need a steady flow of clean water, which we all know is not always possible when you’re out on the road. Another potential downside is that when you’re running a caravan hot water system on gas, it tends to condensate, therefore requiring ample external ventilation to prevent this from happening.

There are portable hot water systems available and it’s perfect for those looking for a compact solution to accessing hot water. Portable gas/electric hot water systems use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that automatically charges when driving your caravan. This makes it a great alternative to cleaning, cooking, washing, and the occasional steamy shower.

What to consider when looking for a caravan hot water system

When looking for a caravan hot water system, there are three main factors that you should consider. These will influence your buying decision and help you determine which system fits perfectly with your needs.

1. How often will you use it?

How often you plan on using the hot water system will play a role in its overall storage. In other words, how much hot water you have on tap. There are plenty of things to consider such as how many people are in your caravan, the weather conditions on your trip, and whether you like taking long showers or not Also, it’s worth checking the recovery rate of the system. This determines how quickly it can heat or reheat the stored water inside it. Higher recovery rates mean better energy efficiency so keep that in mind when choosing a hot water system.

2. What power source are you using?

Are you travelling with gas cylinders or do you rely more on a caravan park’s mains power to power up your appliances? The power source(s) you’re using will determine which hot water system you can use. We suggest opting for a combination of gas and electric caravan hot water systems for some flexibility. Other hot water systems require 12v to ignite, then operates on gas or 240-volt power when available. These systems are also adaptable to gas or electric power sources, and stores energy while you drive which brings even more versatility to the table.

3. What’s your budget?

Regardless of which type of hot water system you prefer, it all boils down to your budget and how much you’re willing to spend. Gas-powered hot water systems typically are the cheapest of the bunch while adaptable systems (which can switch between gas and electricity) are more expensive. Set a meaningful budget and go for the best hot water system you can afford. It’s better to invest in a high-quality system that will last you for decades than a cheap system that will break down in just a few years.

Do your research and check out which brands offer the best value in a hot water system. Brands like Dometic and Truma are well-known in the caravanning industry and offer robust, reliable systems with an excellent warranty. If you’re on a tight budget, don skimp on quality and just choose a model with fewer features.

Final thoughts

These are just the basics of hot water systems as there are plenty more features we haven’t discussed. Space-saving designs, faster hot water, greater efficiency – whatever you need, there’s sure to be a caravan hot water system that’s right for you. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices and has given you a good idea of what to look for in a caravan hot water system.