Camplux camper water heaters earn high marks for fast, safe, reliable hot water.
You know the feeling: a crisp morning at camp, cold hands, and a sink full of dishes. Or that post-hike moment when a warm shower would turn a good day into a great one. That is exactly where Camplux steps in. These portable and RV-ready heaters bring on-demand hot water to campsites, vans, RVs, cabins, food trucks, and off-grid spots. In this guide, I share camplux camper water heater reviews based on hands-on use, user feedback, and brand data, so you can pick the right model with confidence.
Camplux AY132 1.32 GPM Portable Propane Heater
This is the classic Camplux portable. It’s a 1.32 GPM, propane-fired, on-demand unit that many campers trust. It lights fast, heats water quickly, and works with low inlet pressure. I’ve used it for showers, dish duty, and pet baths without fuss.
The setup takes minutes with a 20 lb propane tank and a garden hose. The front dials make temperature and flow simple to set. Safety features help protect the unit in use. It’s a compact, light heater that fits in most adventure kits.
Pros:
- 1.32 GPM flow is plenty for a steamy outdoor shower.
- Starts with low water pressure, great for basic camp setups.
- Easy controls for temperature and water flow.
- Quick ignition and steady flame for consistent heat.
- Compact and light, easy to hang or mount.
- Basic safety features and drain plug for off-season storage.
- Good value for portable hot water on a budget.
- Works with garden hose, RV hookups, or gravity-assisted sources.
Cons:
- Outdoor use only; do not use in closed spaces.
- Manual dial control means minor temp swings at low flow.
- Needs propane and batteries for ignition.
My Recommendation
If you want your first portable heater, start here. It’s simple, proven, and affordable. In my camplux camper water heater reviews, the AY132 is the go-to for weekend campers, van conversions with outdoor showers, and anyone who wants quick, hot water without heavy wiring. It’s ideal for dishes, rinsing gear, and cozy showers after a long day outside.
It is best when you have basic water pressure or a mild gravity feed. If your source is a bucket or you need consistent pressure, the pump kit version below is a better match.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Weekend campers | Easy setup, quick heat, solid price-to-performance ratio |
| Truck campers & van lifers | Compact size; hangs outside for safe showers |
| Pet owners & beach trips | Warm rinse for sandy paws and gear on the go |
Camplux AY132P43 Heater & 12V Pump Kit
This bundle adds a 12V pump and hoses, which makes a huge difference. You can pull water from a jerry can, stream, or tote with a filter in line. The pump gives steady pressure, so the burner stays lit and temp stays stable. It’s a great kit for truly off-grid camps.
I like that the kit reduces guesswork. You get the heater, pump, power cables, and long hoses to reach a water source. The setup is straightforward for first-timers. If you camp where hookups are rare, this solves water delivery and heating in one move.
Pros:
- All-in-one hot shower kit with pump, hoses, and cables.
- Pump keeps pressure steady for consistent hot water.
- Works from a tank, bucket, or nearby stream (with filtration).
- Fast setup; minimal parts to buy later.
- Portable and easy to stash in a rig or bin.
- Good for boondocking, overlanding, and remote camps.
- Reliable ignition and responsive temperature control.
Cons:
- Pump adds noise and draws 12V power.
- More pieces to manage, clean, and winterize.
- Flow can vary with lift height and hose length.
My Recommendation
If your water source is a tank or bucket, choose this kit. It takes the guesswork out of pressure and gives a smoother shower. In my camplux camper water heater reviews, the AY132P43 stands out for off-grid ease, steady flow, and real-world reliability. It is a smart pick for overlanders, boaters at anchor, and anyone running lean on hookups.
It trades a bit of noise for a lot of control. If you want the simplest setup and always have pressurized water, the base AY132 may be enough.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Boondocking & overlanding | Self-contained pressure and heat from a single kit |
| Off-grid cabins | Pulls from barrels or totes; consistent hot water delivery |
| Group camps | Steady flow supports several back-to-back showers |
Camplux Classic 65K BTU RV Tankless (2.64 GPM)
This is a built-in RV tankless upgrade with 2.64 GPM output. It is designed for on-demand hot water in travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes. The 65,000 BTU burner ramps fast, so showers feel residential. A compact 15×15 door and the included remote make day-to-day use simple.
It’s engineered for RV life with freeze-minded design elements and certifications to match. Expect better runtime, fewer re-lights, and cleaner installs than DIY retrofits. I’ve seen these deliver steady temps at normal RV flow rates. It’s a serious step up from small six-gallon tanks.
Pros:
- Real on-demand hot water at up to 2.64 GPM.
- 65,000 BTU burner handles shower plus sink duty.
- Fits common 15×15 RV water heater openings.
- Remote control lets you dial in temperature inside.
- Designed with freeze and high-altitude use in mind.
- CSA/NSF certifications for safety and sanitation.
- Clean, modern exterior door in black.
Cons:
- Install requires RV plumbing, 12V, and propane work.
- More sensitive to low-flow fixtures than tanked heaters.
- Upfront cost is higher than portable units.
My Recommendation
Choose this if you live in your RV or travel often and want home-style hot water. In my camplux camper water heater reviews, this model shines for families, full-timers, or anyone tired of lukewarm, short showers. The 2.64 GPM output supports a normal shower and a kitchen rinse without drama.
If you are comfortable with RV installs or have a shop do it, the payoff is big: steady temperature, less waiting, and fewer compromises on the road.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Full-time RVers | Endless hot water; residential-like experience |
| Family travel | 2.64 GPM supports back-to-back showers and dishes |
| Cold-weather trips | Freeze-minded design reduces winter headaches |
Camplux AY132B 1.32 GPM Portable (Black)
The AY132B is the black-finish twin of the classic portable. Same 1.32 GPM flow and propane-fired heat. The darker shell hides scuffs and dust, which I like for rugged trips. It looks sharp on a gear rack or mounted on a van door.
Performance mirrors the white model with simple dials and fast hot water. It handles outdoor showers, dishes, and gear cleanups with ease. Carry handle and small footprint make moves a breeze. It’s also easy to winterize with a quick drain.
Pros:
- Matte black finish hides camp grime and looks sleek.
- Quick ignition and stable heating for showers and dishes.
- Low water pressure operation for simple setups.
- Light and compact, easy to store or hang.
- Budget-friendly way to add hot water anywhere.
- Simple maintenance and straightforward winterization.
- Reliable for seasonal camp kitchens and outdoor rinses.
Cons:
- Outdoor use only; always ventilate well.
- Manual temperature control can fluctuate with flow.
- Not built for deep-freeze use without extra steps.
My Recommendation
Pick the AY132B if you want that stealthy black look and the same proven guts. It’s ideal for overlanders, surf trips, and hunting camps where gear takes a beating. In my camplux camper water heater reviews, this one hits the sweet spot for style and function without extra cost.
If you need to pull from a bucket often, consider the pump kit. If you have pressurized water, this is perfect and simple.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Overland rigs | Rugged black shell hides wear; compact setup |
| Beach & surf camps | Fast rinse for salt and sand; easy to mount |
| Budget builds | Strong performance without a high price tag |
Camplux 1.3-Gal Electric Under-Sink Water Heater
This compact, 1.3-gallon electric tank lives under a sink and cuts wait time to near zero. It runs on 120V and delivers instant warm water for handwashing, quick dishes, or a coffee bar. It’s great in RV galleys, tiny homes, and food trucks where space is tight.
Recovery is quick for a small tank, and it installs without fuss. The unit is UL listed and built for wall or floor mount. It plays well as a booster for a main heater. You get less water waste and faster daily routines.
Pros:
- Instant hot water at the tap; no long pipe runs to heat.
- Small footprint fits tight cabinets and van galleys.
- 120V operation is RV- and food-truck friendly.
- Quick recovery for a mini-tank design.
- UL listed for safety and compliance.
- Reduces water waste at sinks far from the main heater.
- Works as a point-of-use booster with tankless systems.
Cons:
- Limited capacity; not for showers.
- Electric draw requires proper wiring and breaker.
- Not a substitute for a main RV hot water system.
My Recommendation
Use this mini-tank as your sink hero. It cures the long wait for warm water in an RV kitchen or bathroom, or in a food truck handwash station. In my camplux camper water heater reviews, the 1.3-gallon electric shines as a smart add-on that saves water and time every day.
Pair it with a portable or RV tankless unit for full coverage. The combo gives you fast tap water and steady hot showers without waste.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| RV kitchens & baths | Instant hot water, less waiting and water waste |
| Food trucks | Compact, UL listed, and simple to power |
| Tiny homes | Space-saving point-of-use heater for sinks |
FAQs Of camplux camper water heater reviews
Are Camplux portable heaters safe to use indoors?
No. Use them outdoors only, in open air, with good ventilation. Always follow the manual and local codes for safe use.
What propane tank size works best for the AY132 models?
A standard 20 lb propane tank is common and easy to manage. Small cylinders can work with the right regulator, but runtime will be shorter.
Do these heaters work with low water pressure?
Yes. The AY132 units fire with low pressure. The pump kit version gives even steadier flow from buckets or tanks.
Can I use Camplux portables in freezing weather?
You can, but you must drain the unit after each use. Do not let water freeze inside. The RV tankless model has freeze-minded design features but still needs winter care.
How much hot water can the RV tankless deliver?
Up to about 2.64 GPM depending on inlet temperature. It supports a normal shower and a sink in many RV setups.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want simple, portable hot water, grab the AY132. Need steady pressure from a tank or bucket? Choose the AY132P43 pump kit. For home-like showers in an RV, the Classic 65K BTU tankless is the upgrade to beat.
For instant sink water, the 1.3-gallon electric is a perfect add-on. In short, these camplux camper water heater reviews point to a match for every rig and budget.
