Fogatti tankless water heater review- If you’re tired of running out of hot water in your RV, a tankless water heater can sound pretty appealing. Instead of heating and reheating a limited tank of water, a tankless system heats water as you need it.
We had a traditional RV water heater. It gave us about eight minutes of hot water. Then we waited another 10 minutes. With three kids, that got old FAST.
After using it, we’ve noticed some definite pros and cons. Here’s our honest Fogatti RV tankless water heater review, including what we like, what we would change, and if we think it’s worth considering for RV life.
Why We Switched to a Tankless RV Water Heater
With three kids, hot water can disappear pretty quickly.
An RV’s standard water heater can work just fine, but having a limited amount of hot water isn’t always ideal when multiple people need showers, dishes need to be washed, and you’re trying to keep up with everyday life in a small space.
That’s one of the reasons we decided to make the switch to a tankless system.
We wanted something that would give us hot water when we needed it without relying on a small storage tank.
Our Fogatti Tankless Water Heater
We chose the FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Pro RV Tankless Water Heater for our RV. This is a propane-powered, on-demand water heater designed specifically for RVs.
The InstaShower 8 Pro has a 55,000 BTU output and a maximum flow rate of 2.9 GPM. Instead of storing a set amount of hot water in a tank, it heats the water as it flows through the unit.
One of the things I really liked about the Fogatti is how quickly it heats the water and keeps the temperature consistent.
With three kids and all of us using the RV shower, having hot water when we need it has made a huge difference. It’s also been really easy to use, which is exactly what I wanted in an RV water heater.
Installation was pretty easy for us because we hired a local RV tech to do it. He had the Fogatti installed in about two hours and honestly made it look so easy. He handled the connections and setup, tested everything when he was finished, and we were ready to use it.
One thing I noticed right away was how fast the water heated up and how much longer I was able to do dishes without running out of hot water. Yay! As a mom of three, that alone made me pretty happy!
How Does the Fogatti Tankless Water Heater Perform?
Before I tell you how the Fogatti performs, I feel like I need to explain where we started.
When we first moved into our RV, our hot water heater wasn’t installed correctly. Somehow, one of the elements was turned around and upside down… don’t ask. We had to get that figured out before we could even have hot water.
Once we finally had hot water, I remember thinking, Okay, so I guess hot water is just a luxury when you live in an RV.
Then I realized our “luxury” lasted about eight minutes.
After that, the water would turn freezing cold, and we’d have to wait around another 10 minutes for it to heat back up.
That setup was… not exactly convenient.
And when you have two toddlers crying because they both want to be the first one in the bath, standing around waiting for the hot water to come back is about as fun as it sounds.
We eventually decided we needed a better solution and upgraded to the Fogatti InstaShower 8 Pro RV Tankless Water Heater.
And honestly? Whoa. My nights just got easier.
We no longer have to plan showers and baths around how much hot water is left in the tank. We don’t have to wait for the water heater to catch up before the next person can get in.
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Hot Water
Our experience with the hot water has been really great. The water heats up quickly, and we’ve noticed we can run the hot water for much longer, which has been especially helpful when doing dishes and using the shower. It’s made a noticeable difference for our family.
The InstaShower 8 Pro is rated at up to 55,000 BTU and 2.9 GPM, but what matters most when you’re actually living in an RV is how it performs during everyday use.
For us, the water heats up really quickly, and the temperature stays nice and consistent. During showers, we’ve been able to enjoy much longer hot showers without running out of hot water, which has been a huge improvement for our family.
For our family, this has been especially helpful because we have five people using the hot water throughout the day.
We can do dishes, showers, and everything in between without constantly worrying about running out of hot water.
Showers
Showers are probably the easiest way to tell If an RV water heater is actually working well for your family.
For us, this has been one of the biggest improvements with the Fogatti. We don’t have to worry as much about using up all of the hot water before everyone gets a chance to shower. The water heats as it flows through the unit, so we’re not relying on a small tank of hot water sitting there waiting for us.
The temperature has also been much more consistent than our previous water heater, which is something I really appreciate. With three kids and two adults using the same RV water heater, being able to take a shower without constantly thinking about how much hot water is left makes a big difference.
Washing Dishes
The Fogatti has also been useful for everyday things like washing dishes.
Before installing the Fogatti, hot water was something I had to think about more. With a traditional RV water heater, you’re working with whatever hot water is available in the tank.
With the Fogatti tankless water heater, I can turn on the faucet and have hot water without using up a tank of stored hot water first. That’s especially convenient in the kitchen, where we’re constantly washing dishes, cups, and whatever else has made its way into the sink.
The water temperature has also been consistent for what we need it for, which makes washing dishes much easier.
Check out my RV kitchen essentials post for the kitchen items we actually use in our RV or shop my RV kitchen essentials list on Amazon if you’re ready to start shopping.
We Don’t Have to Rely on a Small Tank
This was probably the biggest reason we wanted a tankless system in the first place.
With a traditional RV water heater, you’re working with a limited amount of hot water stored in the tank. Once you’ve used it, you have to wait for more water to heat.
That isn’t something I wanted to keep dealing with. When you’re using an RV water heater for showers, dishes, and everyday cleaning, it doesn’t take long to go through a smaller tank.
The Fogatti heats the water as we use it, so we’re not relying on a small storage tank. That’s been one of the biggest advantages we’ve noticed since making the switch.
If you’re wondering are tankless water heaters reliable, our experience with the Fogatti has been positive so far. Having hot water available when we need it has made the system much more convenient for everyday RV life.
Looking for simple meals to make in your RV? Check out my easy RV camping meals for simple ideas that don’t require a complicated RV kitchen setup.
It’s Designed for RVs
One thing I like about the Fogatti is that it’s made specifically for RV applications.
We’re not taking a residential water heater and trying to make it work in an RV. The InstaShower 8 Pro was designed around RV installation, including multiple common door/opening sizes.
It also has features specifically intended for RV use, including a 12V DC remote, built-in pressure-reducing valve, water pre-filter, forced exhaust fan, automatic gas shutoff, and anti-freeze protection.
It’s Been a Good Fit for Our Family
Hot water gets used for a lot more than showers around here.
Between dishes, cleaning, washing hands, and normal everyday use, having reliable hot water is something I notice more now that we have the tankless system.
The biggest difference is really the convenience. I’m not thinking as much about how much hot water is left or whether someone else just used it all.
That’s one of the reasons I think a tankless water heater for an RV can make sense if you’re already considering an upgrade.
Our favorite feature – The Temperature Control
One of my favorite features is the temperature control.
I like being able to set the temperature instead of constantly adjusting the faucet to get the water where I want it.
The Fogatti also has a remote control, which gives you another way to control the unit without having to access the water heater itself.
The unit can also adjust the flame intensity based on the water flow and temperature needs, which is another feature I appreciate.
What We Don’t Like About the Fogatti
No product is perfect, and I don’t want this Fogatti tankless water heater review to only list everything I like.
There are a few things worth knowing before making the switch.
Installation Is More Involved Than Replacing a Traditional Water Heater
This isn’t something I would personally consider a simple weekend DIY project.
Our Fogatti was installed by an RV technician, and I was completely fine with that.
Actually, after finding out that our original RV water heater had been installed incorrectly when we first moved into the RV — one of the heating elements was literally turned around and upside down — I definitely wanted the new unit installed correctly.
If you’re replacing an existing RV water heater, make sure you understand your current setup and the requirements of the new unit before ordering.
Make Sure It’s Compatible with Your RV
Before buying a Fogatti tankless water heater for an RV, you’ll want to check your existing installation.
Things like the opening size, propane connection, water connections, electrical requirements, and other installation specifications matter.
The InstaShower 8 Pro comes in multiple door sizes, which gives you more flexibility, but I would still measure everything before ordering.
Tankless Is Different from a Traditional RV Water Heater
If you’re used to a traditional storage-tank water heater, a tankless system works differently.
Instead of keeping a tank of water heated and ready to go, the Fogatti heats the water as it flows through the unit.
That’s one of the biggest benefits, but it’s also something you’ll want to understand before switching.
Here are the things we’ve noticed.
Fogatti Tankless Water Heater vs. a Traditional RV Water Heater
The biggest difference is simple: a tankless water heater heats water as you use it, while a traditional RV water heater stores and heats a limited amount of water.
That difference is really what made the Fogatti appealing to us.
| Feature | Fogatti InstaShower 8 Pro | Traditional RV Water Heater |
| Heating style | Tankless | Storage tank |
| Fuel | Propane | Propane/electric depending on model |
| Hot water supply | Heats water as needed | Limited by tank capacity |
| BTU output | 55,000 BTU | Varies |
| Max flow rate | 2.9 GPM | Varies |
| Water storage tank | No | Varies |
| RV-specific | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Frequent/back-to-back use | Lower hot-water demand |
Is the Fogatti Tankless Water Heater Worth It?
For us, yes.
The biggest reason is convenience.
We’re no longer working around a small tank of stored hot water, and that’s something I’ve noticed in everyday use.
If you’re already replacing an older RV water heater, I think it’s worth looking at whether upgrading to a tankless system makes sense instead of simply replacing your existing unit with another traditional tank-style water heater.
And if you’re wondering are tankless water heaters worth it, I think it really comes down to how you use your RV.
If you regularly run out of hot water, want a more convenient setup, or simply don’t want to rely on a small storage tank, a tankless system is worth considering.
Just make sure you check the specifications for your RV before ordering, including the installation opening, propane requirements, electrical connections, and water connections.
Would We Buy the Fogatti Again?
Yes.
The biggest difference for us has been having hot water available when we need it without having to think as much about the size of the hot water tank.
That’s what I wanted from a tankless water heater, and the Fogatti has delivered that for us.
I also like that the InstaShower 8 Pro was designed specifically for RVs rather than trying to adapt a residential system to an RV setup.
For the way we use our RV, I would choose the Fogatti again.
Final Thoughts on the Fogatti Tankless Water Heater
After using the Fogatti, I’m glad we made the switch from our traditional RV water heater.
The biggest benefit isn’t one flashy feature. It’s the convenience of having hot water available when we need it without relying on a small storage tank.
That’s useful in the shower, in the kitchen, and during all of the little everyday things that require hot water.
And considering what we started with — a water heater that had been installed incorrectly before we even moved into the RV — replacing it gave us the opportunity to fix the problem and upgrade at the same time.
If you’re researching a Fogatti tankless water heater review because you’re considering one for your own RV, my experience has been positive. I’d just make sure you check the installation requirements and choose the correct model and door size for your RV before ordering.
Fogatti Tankless Water Heater FAQs
Does a Fogatti tankless water heater work in an RV?
Yes. Fogatti makes tankless water heaters specifically for RV applications. The InstaShower 8 Pro is a propane-powered RV tankless water heater, but you’ll still want to confirm that the specific model and installation configuration are compatible with your RV.
How long does a Fogatti tankless water heater last?
The lifespan will depend on the specific model, installation, maintenance, and how frequently it is used. Follow Fogatti’s maintenance recommendations for the best results.
Does a tankless water heater save propane?
It can reduce propane use from repeatedly heating and maintaining a tank of hot water. However, actual propane savings will depend on how much hot water you use, your temperature settings, water flow, and how your RV’s system is operated.
Can you install a Fogatti tankless water heater yourself?
Installation depends on your RV, the existing water heater, and your comfort level with RV plumbing, propane, and electrical connections. If you’re not comfortable working with those systems, professional installation is the safer choice.
Does a tankless RV water heater provide unlimited hot water?
A tankless system heats water as it flows through the unit instead of storing a fixed amount in a tank. However, that doesn’t mean every RV setup will provide unlimited hot water under every condition. Water flow, temperature settings, propane availability, water pressure, and the RV’s electrical system can all affect performance.
Thinking about upgrading your RV water heater? Check the current Fogatti InstaShower model, confirm the opening size and installation requirements for your RV, and compare the options before ordering.