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A caravan hot water system heats water for showering, washing and cleaning while travelling. A gas hot water system uses LPG to heat water and works off-grid without mains power. An electric hot water system uses a 240-volt mains connection and is simplest to operate at powered caravan parks. A combination hot water system runs on both gas and electric, allowing the owner to switch between energy sources depending on whether the caravan is off-grid or connected to mains power. A storage tank system heats and holds a fixed volume of water (typically 10 to 22 litres). An instantaneous system heats water on demand as it flows through the unit and never runs out. For most Australian caravan owners who split their time between free camping and powered sites, a combination gas and electric storage tank system provides the most flexibility.
- A gas caravan hot water system uses LPG and works off-grid, making it the best option for free camping and remote travel.
- An electric caravan hot water system uses 240-volt mains power and suits travellers who mainly stay at powered caravan parks.
- A combination gas and electric system provides the most flexibility because it can switch between gas when off-grid and electric when connected to mains power.
- A storage tank system heats a fixed volume of water (10 to 22 litres) and takes 15 to 45 minutes to heat depending on the energy source.
- An instantaneous gas system heats water on demand as it flows through the unit, providing continuous hot water without a tank.
- All gas hot water installations in caravans must be performed by a licensed gas fitter and comply with AS/NZS 5601.2 (Gas installations for caravans and boats).
- The caravan electrical system must be able to support the hot water system. Electric systems draw 1,200 to 1,800 watts from 240V and cannot run from a standard caravan battery without a large lithium battery bank, inverter and solar charging system.
A gas caravan hot water system uses LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) from the caravan’s gas cylinders to heat water. Gas systems are available as storage tank models that heat a fixed volume of water, or as instantaneous models that heat water on demand as it flows through a heat exchanger. Gas hot water systems do not require a 240-volt mains connection to heat water, although most models use a small amount of 12-volt power for ignition, controls and safety systems.
Gas systems heat water faster than electric systems, typically reaching showering temperature within 15 to 20 minutes from a cold start. Recovery time between showers is also faster with gas. Popular brands for Australian caravans include Suburban, Truma and Camec.
Works off-grid without mains power, ideal for free camping and remote travel
Faster heating time (15 to 20 minutes) compared with electric
Faster recovery between showers
Instantaneous models provide continuous hot water without running out
Lower running cost per litre of hot water in most conditions
Requires LPG gas supply, which adds weight and needs regular refilling
Must be installed by a licensed gas fitter to comply with AS/NZS 5601.2
Gas flue must not be installed too close to windows, doors or other gas appliance inlets
LPG consumption is approximately 200 to 400 grams per hour depending on the model
An electric caravan hot water system uses a 240-volt heating element to heat water inside a storage tank. Electric systems are designed to run from mains power at a powered caravan site or from a home 240-volt outlet. They are simple to operate, have no gas components and require no licensed gas fitter for installation.
Electric systems heat water more slowly than gas, typically taking 30 to 45 minutes from a cold start. They draw 1,200 to 1,800 watts from the 240-volt supply. Running an electric hot water system from a caravan battery is not practical without a large lithium battery bank, a pure sine wave inverter and a substantial solar charging system. The high power draw would flatten a standard caravan battery in under an hour.
Simple operation with no gas bottles, regulators or flues
No licensed gas fitter required for installation
Lower purchase cost compared with gas or combination models
Easy maintenance with fewer components
No gas consumption, reducing running costs at powered sites
Requires a 240-volt mains power connection to operate
Cannot run off-grid from a standard caravan battery
Slower heating time (30 to 45 minutes from cold)
High power draw (1,200 to 1,800 watts) limits use to dedicated circuits
Not suitable for free camping without a significant battery and solar investment
A combination caravan hot water system can operate on both LPG gas and 240-volt mains electricity. The owner switches between energy sources using a control panel or toggle switch. Gas mode is used when the caravan is off-grid or free camping. Electric mode is used when the caravan is connected to mains power at a powered site. Some models allow both gas and electric to run simultaneously for faster heating.
A combination system provides the most flexibility for Australian caravan owners who split their time between free camping and powered caravan parks. The higher purchase cost is offset by the ability to use whatever energy source is available at each location. Popular combination models include the Suburban SW6DEA and the Truma UltraRapid.
The table below compares all three system types for caravan use.
| Feature | Gas (LPG) | Electric (240V) | Combination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy source | LPG gas cylinders | 240V mains power | Gas and/or electric |
| Off-grid capable | Yes | No (without large battery/inverter) | Yes (gas mode) |
| Heating time | 15-20 min from cold | 30-45 min from cold | 15-20 min (gas), 30-45 min (electric) |
| Recovery time | Fast | Slow | Fast (gas mode) |
| Instantaneous option | Yes | No (storage only) | Some models |
| Tank capacity | 10-22L (storage models) | 10-22L | 10-22L |
| Installation | Licensed gas fitter required | Standard electrical | Licensed gas fitter required |
| Purchase cost | Mid range | Lower | Higher |
| Running cost | LPG consumption | Electricity at site | Varies by mode |
| Compliance | AS/NZS 5601.2 | Standard electrical regs | AS/NZS 5601.2 (gas side) |
A storage tank hot water system heats a fixed volume of water (typically 10 to 22 litres) inside an insulated tank. The water is heated before use and stored at temperature until needed. Once the tank is emptied, the system must reheat a full tank before more hot water is available. Storage tanks suit families because they provide a known volume of hot water at a consistent temperature.
An instantaneous hot water system (also called an on-demand or continuous flow system) heats water as it passes through a compact heat exchanger. There is no storage tank, so the system never runs out of hot water as long as the gas supply lasts. Instantaneous systems use gas only and are not available in electric-only versions for caravans. They suit travellers who want long showers or need to wash dishes without waiting for a tank to reheat.
The best caravan hot water system depends on where you camp, how long you stay and what power sources you have available.
You camp off-grid or free camp frequently
You want faster heating and quicker recovery between showers
You already carry LPG for cooking and heating
You want an instantaneous (continuous flow) option
You mainly stay at powered caravan parks with 240-volt connections
You want the simplest possible setup with no gas components
You prefer lower purchase cost and easy maintenance
You split your time between free camping and powered sites
You want maximum flexibility to use whatever energy source is available
You plan to upgrade your caravan’s electrical system in the future
You want one system that covers every camping scenario
All gas hot water systems in Australian caravans must be installed by a licensed gas fitter and comply with AS/NZS 5601.2 (Gas installations for caravans and boats). The gas flue must be positioned at a safe distance from windows, doors and other gas appliance inlets and outlets. A compliance certificate must be issued after installation.
Electric hot water systems do not require a licensed gas fitter but must be connected to a suitable 240-volt supply. The circuit must be protected by an appropriate safety switch (RCD). If the system is hardwired rather than plug-in, a licensed electrician is required.
A tempering valve is a safety component that mixes cold water with hot water at the outlet to prevent scalding. Most storage tank hot water systems include a tempering valve or require one to be fitted during installation. Check that the hot water system and its water-carrying components carry Watermark certification, which confirms they meet Australian plumbing product standards.
For caravans with lithium battery systems, an electric hot water system can theoretically be powered off-grid using a pure sine wave inverter and a large LiFePO4 lithium battery bank. However, the high power draw (1,200 to 1,800 watts) requires careful calculation of battery capacity, solar charging input and total daily energy consumption before relying on battery power for hot water.
The most common mistake is assuming an electric hot water system will work off-grid. Electric systems draw 1,200 to 1,800 watts and will flatten a standard caravan battery in under an hour without a substantial lithium battery, inverter and solar setup.
Choosing electric only and expecting it to work off-grid without a large battery and inverter investment
Not checking whether the caravan’s gas supply can support a gas or combination system alongside cooking and heating
Ignoring the AS/NZS 5601.2 compliance requirement for gas installations
Buying a storage tank system that is too small for the number of people travelling
Not accounting for recovery time between showers when choosing tank capacity
Forgetting to check whether the caravan has adequate ventilation and flue space for a gas system
Not replacing the anode rod in a storage tank system. The anode rod is a sacrificial component that prevents corrosion inside the tank. It should be inspected annually and replaced when worn down.
HiTech Power Solutions supplies the lithium batteries, inverters, solar panels and charging systems that power caravan hot water systems, especially for travellers considering off-grid electric hot water. The products below support the electrical infrastructure needed to run hot water appliances.
The HiTech 314Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery provides the capacity needed to power inverter-driven appliances, including electric hot water systems, when off-grid. A 200Ah or larger LiFePO4 battery is recommended for any caravan running an electric hot water system from battery power.
The HiTech 2600W Pure Sine Wave Inverter converts 12-volt battery power to 240-volt AC for running electric hot water systems, coffee machines and other mains appliances off-grid. Pure sine wave output ensures appliances run cleanly without interference.
HiTech supplies monocrystalline solar panels and MPPT solar charge controllers to replenish the lithium battery bank after powering high-draw appliances. Adequate solar input is essential for sustained off-grid hot water from an electric system.
The POWERSYNC 3680 combines a pure sine wave inverter, smart charging, MPPT solar input and wireless control in one integrated unit designed for caravan manufacturers and system upgrades.
Browse the full solar and renewable energy range or contact HiTech Power Solutions for help designing a power system that supports your caravan hot water setup.
Choosing the right caravan hot water system depends on where you camp and what power sources you have available. A gas system suits off-grid travellers who want fast heating and quick recovery. An electric system suits those who stay at powered caravan parks and want simple, gas-free operation. A combination system provides the most flexibility for travellers who do both. All gas installations must comply with AS/NZS 5601.2 and be performed by a licensed gas fitter. If you plan to run electric hot water off-grid, size the lithium battery, inverter and solar system carefully before committing.
HiTech Power Solutions supplies lithium batteries, inverters, solar panels, charge controllers and complete power systems including the POWERSYNC 3680 that support caravan hot water and other high-draw appliances. Browse the full range or contact the HiTech team for help.
Not from a standard lead-acid or small lithium battery. An electric hot water system draws 1,200 to 1,800 watts. Running it off-grid requires a large LiFePO4 lithium battery (200Ah or more), a pure sine wave inverter and sufficient solar charging to replenish the battery. Calculate the total daily energy budget before committing to this setup.
A gas storage system takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to heat a full tank from cold. An electric storage system takes 30 to 45 minutes. An instantaneous gas system provides hot water within seconds of turning on the tap.
A typical gas storage system uses approximately 200 to 400 grams of LPG per hour while actively heating. A standard 4kg gas bottle provides roughly 10 to 20 hours of heating depending on the model and ambient temperature. An instantaneous system uses gas only when the hot tap is running.
Yes, for any system that connects to LPG gas. All gas installations in caravans must be performed by a licensed gas fitter and comply with AS/NZS 5601.2. A compliance certificate must be issued after installation. Electric-only systems do not require a gas fitter but may need a licensed electrician if hardwired.
In most cases, yes. However, retrofitting a gas system requires a licensed gas fitter, adequate gas supply, ventilation space for the flue and compliance with AS/NZS 5601.2. A combination system is often a better initial investment because it allows both energy sources from day one without a second installation.
A 10-litre tank suits a single person or a couple with modest hot water needs. A 20 to 22-litre tank suits families or travellers who prefer longer showers. An instantaneous system eliminates tank size as a concern because it heats water on demand without a fixed volume.
Original price was: $895.50.$716.40Current price is: $716.40. + GST
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