Tankless RV Water Heaters

Tankless RV Water Heaters

Shop tankless RV water heaters for motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, truck campers, and other recreational vehicles. Unlike traditional 6-gallon and 10-gallon water heaters, tankless models heat water only when it is needed instead of storing a limited supply inside a tank.

Girard tankless RV water heaters are a leading option for RV owners who want continuous hot water, digital temperature control, propane-powered operation, and a compact replacement for an older Atwood, Dometic, or Suburban water heater.

Girard Tankless RV Water Heaters

Girard specializes in tankless water-heating systems designed specifically for recreational vehicles. The Girard GSWH-2 uses a powerful propane burner to heat water as it passes through the unit, eliminating the recovery period associated with a traditional tank-style water heater.

Instead of heating and reheating 6 or 10 gallons of stored water, the Girard system activates when a hot-water faucet is opened. The burner turns off when the flow stops, reducing unnecessary propane use between periods of hot-water demand.

Girard is now a Lippert brand, and current Girard water heaters, installation kits, replacement doors, trim rings, technical documents, and replacement parts are supported through Lippert.

Girard GSWH-2 Tankless RV Water Heater

The Girard GSWH-2 is a propane-powered tankless water heater built for RV use. Its 42,000 BTU burner produces hot water on demand for showers, sinks, dishwashing, and other onboard uses.

The GSWH-2 uses propane as its heat source and requires 12-volt DC power for its electronic controls. It does not use a 120-volt electric heating element.

The 12-volt electrical system operates the:

  • Electronic ignition

  • Control board

  • Blower motor

  • Gas valve

  • Flow sensor

  • Temperature sensors

  • Safety switches

  • Freeze-protection components

  • Digital wall controller

Because the unit does not depend on a 120-volt heating element, it can operate while boondocking or dry camping as long as the RV has propane, sufficient battery power, and an adequate water supply.

Benefits of Girard Tankless Water Heaters

A Girard tankless water heater can provide several advantages over a traditional RV water heater with a storage tank.

Benefits include:

  • Continuous on-demand hot water

  • No fixed 6-gallon or 10-gallon supply

  • No waiting for a tank to recover

  • Powerful 42,000 BTU propane burner

  • Digital temperature control

  • Automatic electronic ignition

  • Compact and lightweight construction

  • Reduced standby propane consumption

  • No storage-tank drain plug

  • No sacrificial anode rod

  • Replacement kits for common RV openings

  • Available replacement parts and service information

A Girard water heater may be especially useful for families, full-time RVers, couples taking back-to-back showers, and owners who regularly run out of hot water with a conventional tank.

How a Girard Tankless RV Water Heater Works

The Girard GSWH-2 begins operating when a hot-water faucet is opened and the unit detects sufficient water flow.

The flow sensor sends a signal to the control board. The blower starts, the ignition system activates, and the propane burner heats the water as it moves through the heat exchanger.

The heated water then travels directly to the open faucet or shower. When the faucet is closed, water flow stops and the burner shuts down.

Because the Girard water heater only operates during an actual demand for hot water, it does not continuously cycle to keep a storage tank warm.

Continuous Hot Water for Your RV

A Girard tankless water heater can produce continuous hot water as long as the RV has enough freshwater, propane, 12-volt power, and wastewater capacity.

When connected to campground water and sewer, an RV owner can generally take longer showers without exhausting a fixed tank of hot water.

When dry camping, hot-water use remains limited by the RV’s freshwater and gray-water tank capacities. A tankless water heater can continue heating the available water, but it cannot increase the amount of water carried by the RV.

Girard Digital Temperature Control

The Girard GSWH-2 uses a digital wall controller that allows the desired outlet-water temperature to be selected from inside the RV.

For the most consistent performance, the hot-water faucet should generally be opened fully and the desired temperature set through the controller. This allows the water heater to regulate burner output according to water flow and the selected temperature.

This operating method differs from a conventional tank water heater, where very hot stored water is commonly mixed with a large amount of cold water at the faucet.

Excessive cold-water mixing can reduce the flow moving through the hot-water side of the plumbing. If the flow becomes too low, the tankless water heater may reduce burner output or shut off.

Girard Tankless Water-Heater Flow Requirements

Tankless RV water heaters depend on adequate water flow to activate and remain operating. The Girard GSWH-2 must detect enough flow through the hot-water line before the ignition sequence will begin.

Performance may be affected by:

  • Low campground water pressure

  • A weak RV water pump

  • Restricted showerheads

  • Clogged faucet aerators

  • A dirty inlet-water screen

  • Partially closed valves

  • Kinked water lines

  • Excessive cold-water mixing

  • Simultaneous use of multiple fixtures

Consistent pressure and unrestricted flow help the Girard water heater maintain a steady outlet temperature.

Girard Tankless vs. Traditional RV Water Heaters

A traditional RV water heater stores a fixed amount of heated water, commonly 6 gallons, 10 gallons, or 12 gallons. Once that stored supply is depleted, the user must wait while the burner or electric element reheats the tank.

A Girard tankless water heater heats water continuously as it flows through the unit. There is no stored supply to exhaust and no conventional recovery period between showers.

A Girard tankless model may be preferable when:

  • Longer showers are important

  • Several people use hot water consecutively

  • The existing tank runs out too quickly

  • Lower water-heater weight is desired

  • Propane-powered operation is preferred

  • The owner wants to eliminate tank recovery time

  • A compact replacement is needed

A conventional tank-style water heater may be preferable when:

  • A 120-volt electric heating mode is required

  • Stored hot water is preferred

  • The RV has inconsistent water pressure

  • Very low-flow operation is common

  • A direct replacement with minimal changes is desired

Girard Tankless vs. Gas and Electric Water Heaters

Many traditional RV water heaters can operate using propane, a 120-volt electric element, or both heat sources.

The Girard GSWH-2 uses propane to heat the water. It does not provide a 120-volt electric heating mode.

This makes Girard well suited for RV owners who prioritize continuous hot water and frequently camp without electrical hookups. However, it may not be the best choice for owners who specifically want to use campground electricity instead of propane.

A 12-volt DC electrical connection is still required for normal operation.

Replacing an Atwood or Dometic Water Heater

The Girard GSWH-2 can replace select Atwood and Dometic tank-style RV water heaters when paired with the correct exterior door, trim ring, and installation components.

Girard replacement packages are available for openings previously occupied by common 6-gallon and 10-gallon Atwood or Dometic water heaters.

The gallon designation used with a replacement kit refers to the size of the original tank-style opening. The Girard water heater itself does not contain a 6-gallon or 10-gallon tank.

Before ordering, verify:

  • Original water-heater manufacturer

  • Complete model number

  • Existing sidewall cutout

  • Available interior depth

  • Exterior-door dimensions

  • Propane connection location

  • Hot and cold water-line locations

  • 12-volt DC wiring

  • Controller wiring

  • Required exterior door

  • Required trim ring

  • Mounting hardware

  • Intake and exhaust clearance

Replacing a tank-style water heater with a Girard tankless unit may require plumbing, wiring, propane-line, mounting, and exterior-door changes.

Replacing a Suburban RV Water Heater

The Girard GSWH-2 can also replace select Suburban tank-style water heaters with the appropriate installation package.

Suburban water heaters commonly use different exterior openings and mounting arrangements than Atwood or Dometic units. A Girard kit designed for an Atwood or Dometic opening should not automatically be used for a Suburban replacement.

The original manufacturer, model number, tank capacity, cutout dimensions, and door size must be confirmed before selecting a replacement package.

Girard Replacements for 6-Gallon Openings

Girard offers installation packages designed for openings previously occupied by select 6-gallon Atwood, Dometic, and Suburban water heaters.

A package may include:

  • Girard GSWH-2 tankless water heater

  • Exterior access door

  • Door installation kit

  • Trim ring

  • Digital wall controller

  • Mounting hardware

Package contents vary. Review the included components carefully before ordering.

Girard Replacements for 10-Gallon Openings

A Girard GSWH-2 can also be installed in select openings previously occupied by 10-gallon Atwood, Dometic, or Suburban water heaters.

Because a traditional 10-gallon opening is larger than the Girard water heater, the correct door and trim ring are needed to cover and finish the surrounding opening.

Select the installation package according to the original manufacturer and actual opening dimensions rather than relying only on the old tank capacity.

Girard Water-Heater Doors and Trim Rings

Girard tankless water heaters may be sold as standalone units or as complete replacement kits with exterior doors and trim components.

Door and trim options are available for several common applications, including:

  • Atwood and Dometic 6-gallon openings

  • Atwood and Dometic 10-gallon openings

  • Suburban 6-gallon openings

  • Suburban 10-gallon openings

  • Polar white finishes

  • Black finishes

  • Other available exterior colors

The exterior door forms part of the water heater’s intake and exhaust system. Use only a compatible Girard door and approved installation components.

Does a Girard Tankless Water Heater Need an Anode Rod?

Girard tankless RV water heaters do not have a storage tank and do not require a sacrificial anode rod.

Anode rods are used in certain steel-tank water heaters to protect the tank from corrosion. Because the Girard GSWH-2 heats water through a heat exchanger rather than storing it inside a steel tank, an anode rod is not required.

There is also no conventional tank drain plug. The unit still requires proper maintenance, winterization, inspection, and periodic descaling.

Girard Tankless Water-Heater Freeze Protection

The Girard GSWH-2 includes freeze-protection components designed to help protect the water heater under limited cold-weather conditions.

The protection system depends on adequate 12-volt power and propane. It does not protect the rest of the RV plumbing system and is not a replacement for proper winterization.

The water heater must be winterized when freezing conditions are possible and the RV will be stored, disconnected from power, or left without propane.

Water trapped inside the heat exchanger can freeze, expand, and cause serious damage.

Girard Tankless Water-Heater Maintenance

Routine maintenance helps maintain water flow, heating performance, and dependable ignition.

Recommended service may include:

  • Cleaning the exterior intake and exhaust

  • Inspecting the burner area

  • Checking the water-inlet screen

  • Testing propane connections for leaks

  • Inspecting 12-volt wiring

  • Checking the digital controller

  • Confirming adequate water flow

  • Inspecting the pressure-relief components

  • Descaling the heat exchanger

  • Winterizing before freezing weather

Hard water can allow mineral deposits to build up inside the heat exchanger. Periodic descaling may be needed to restore normal water flow and heat transfer.

Girard Tankless Water-Heater Parts

Replacement parts are available for Girard tankless water heaters, including current GSWH-2 units and select older models.

Common Girard water-heater parts include:

  • Control boards

  • Digital wall controllers

  • Water-flow sensors

  • Flow switches

  • Temperature sensors

  • Blower motors

  • Gas valves

  • Igniters

  • Flame sensors

  • Air-pressure switches

  • Thermostats

  • Freeze-protection components

  • Water-pipe assemblies

  • Wiring harnesses

  • Pressure-relief fittings

  • Exterior doors

  • Door latches

  • Trim rings

Parts for older Girard GSWH-1 or GSWH-1M water heaters may not be interchangeable with GSWH-2 components. Use the complete model and original part number when selecting a replacement.

Common Girard Tankless Water-Heater Problems

Many tankless water-heater performance issues are related to water flow, propane pressure, electrical voltage, installation, or maintenance rather than a failed water heater.

Common symptoms may include:

  • Water that does not become hot

  • Burner ignition failure

  • Water temperature fluctuations

  • Burner cycling on and off

  • Low hot-water flow

  • Error codes on the digital controller

  • Blower operation without ignition

  • Water becoming too hot

  • Freeze damage

  • Mineral buildup inside the heat exchanger

Diagnosis should begin with the displayed error code, water flow, propane supply, 12-volt voltage, inlet screen, exhaust clearance, and the troubleshooting information for the exact Girard model.

Choosing the Correct Girard Tankless Water Heater

The Girard GSWH-2 is available as a standalone water heater and in several replacement-kit configurations.

Before ordering, determine:

  • Whether the standalone heater or a complete kit is needed

  • The manufacturer of the original water heater

  • Whether the opening was designed for a 6-gallon or 10-gallon unit

  • The exact cutout dimensions

  • The required exterior-door size

  • The required trim ring

  • The preferred exterior color

  • Whether controller wiring is already present

  • Whether plumbing or propane modifications will be needed

  • Whether professional installation is required

Choosing the correct kit can reduce installation work and eliminate the need to source the door and trim components separately.

Find the Correct Tankless RV Water Heater

Browse Girard tankless RV water heaters, complete installation packages, exterior doors, trim rings, controllers, and replacement parts.

The Girard GSWH-2 provides propane-fired, on-demand hot water for motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, truck campers, and other recreational vehicles. Replacement configurations are available for select Atwood, Dometic, and Suburban water-heater openings.

For the most accurate replacement match, identify the manufacturer and complete model number of the existing water heater. Measure the sidewall opening and available interior depth, then verify the required door, trim ring, wiring, plumbing, propane connection, controller, and installation hardware before ordering.

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