Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater vs Girard – Which Should You Choose?
Choosing the right RV water heater can make a big difference in comfort and convenience during your travels. Two popular options dominate the market: the Suburban Advantage RV tank water heater and the Girard tankless water heater. Both have loyal fans and unique benefits, but they work in very different ways. If you’re unsure which one fits your RV lifestyle, this guide will help you understand their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences so you can make a confident choice.
Understanding Rv Water Heater Types
Most RV water heaters fall into two main categories: tank heaters and tankless heaters. Suburban is well-known for its traditional tank models, while Girard specializes in advanced tankless technology. Here’s a quick overview of how each system works:
- Tank heaters store a set amount of hot water (usually 6 or 10 gallons) and keep it ready for use. When you open the tap, hot water flows out until the tank empties, then the heater refills and reheats the new water.
- Tankless heaters, like Girard’s, heat water as it passes through the unit. There’s no storage tank, so you get hot water on demand, for as long as there’s water and fuel available.
This core difference shapes nearly every aspect of the user experience, from installation to daily use.
Suburban Advantage Rv Tank Water Heater: Key Features
The Suburban Advantage is one of the most common tank heaters in North American RVs. Here’s why many RVers choose it:
- Available in 6-gallon and 10-gallon sizes
- Powered by propane, electric, or both (dual-fuel models)
- Porcelain-lined steel tanks for durability
- Replaceable anode rods to fight corrosion
- Manual or DSI (Direct Spark Ignition) controls
The Suburban is designed for simple operation and easy replacement. Many RVs come with a Suburban tank heater as standard equipment.
Performance And User Experience
The Suburban typically heats a full tank in 15–30 minutes, depending on size and power source. The hot water stays warm for hours if not used. This is ideal for morning showers or washing dishes after a meal. However, once you use all the hot water, you must wait for the tank to reheat—this is called the recovery time.
One practical insight: If you use both propane and electric together, you can speed up the heating time and reduce waiting.
Durability And Maintenance
Suburban tanks are lined with porcelain and use an anode rod to absorb corrosion. Replacing this rod every 1–2 years is important to prevent tank failure. The tanks can last many years with proper care, but hard water and neglect can shorten their life.
Girard Tankless Water Heater: Key Features
Girard is a leader in tankless (on-demand) water heating for RVs. Their models, like the popular Girard GSWH-2, offer:
- Continuous hot water (no storage tank)
- Heats only when you use water, saving energy
- Digital temperature control
- Propane-powered, some models with 12V electric controls
- Low maintenance (no anode rod needed)
Instead of storing water, Girard heaters heat water instantly as it flows through the unit. This provides a steady stream of hot water for showers, laundry, and more—no waiting for a tank to refill.
Performance And User Experience
With a Girard tankless heater, you can take long, comfortable showers—hot water lasts as long as your propane and water supply do. The flow rate is usually around 2.4–2.6 gallons per minute, which is enough for most RV needs. A digital control lets you set your favorite temperature, reducing the risk of scalding.
However, tankless heaters can be sensitive to low water flow or sudden pressure changes. If your RV’s water pump is weak or you try to use two fixtures at once, the heater may not work as smoothly.
Durability And Maintenance
Girard tankless heaters have fewer parts that wear out. There’s no tank to rust, and no anode rod to replace. However, mineral buildup from hard water can clog the heating coils over time. Flushing the system every 6–12 months (depending on your water source) is recommended.
Direct Comparison: Suburban Advantage Vs Girard
To help you see the differences at a glance, here’s a comparison of key features:
| Feature | Suburban Advantage Tank | Girard Tankless |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Water Supply | 6 or 10 gallons per cycle | Unlimited (on demand) |
| Heating Time | 15–30 minutes | Instant (few seconds) |
| Fuel Type | Propane, electric, or both | Propane (with electric controls) |
| Recovery Time | Yes, must wait for tank to refill | None, heats as needed |
| Maintenance | Replace anode rod, flush tank | Flush system for mineral buildup |
| Installation | Direct replacement in most RVs | May need plumbing/electrical changes |
| Temperature Control | Fixed or manual mix | Digital control panel |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher initial investment |
Installation And Compatibility
Suburban Advantage
If your RV already has a Suburban tank heater, replacement is usually simple. Most new units fit the existing cutout and use the same gas and electric connections. DIY installation is possible for handy owners, but professional help is always safest.
Girard Tankless
Upgrading to a Girard tankless heater is more involved. The unit is smaller, so you may need an adapter plate to cover the old cutout. Plumbing connections might require modification, and the digital control panel must be mounted inside the RV. Some users report needing to upgrade their RV’s water pump for best performance.
Here’s a summary of installation requirements:
| Aspect | Suburban Tank | Girard Tankless |
|---|---|---|
| Fits Standard Opening | Yes (in most RVs) | Adapter plate may be needed |
| Plumbing Changes | Usually none | Possible |
| Electrical Work | Basic (if dual-fuel) | 12V wiring for control panel |
| DIY-Friendly | Yes | Moderate difficulty |
Energy Efficiency And Operating Costs
Tankless heaters are generally more efficient, since they only use fuel when hot water is needed. There’s no standby heat loss from storing water. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless systems can be 8–34% more efficient than traditional tanks, especially for RVers who use less than 41 gallons of hot water per day.
However, real-world savings depend on your travel style. If you camp off-grid and use propane sparingly, a tankless heater avoids wasting gas on reheating unused water. But if you often camp with hookups and use electric heating, the difference may be less important.
Comfort And Water Usage
A common beginner mistake is underestimating the tank size on traditional heaters. If you have a 6-gallon tank, that’s only enough for a quick shower and a few dishes before the hot water runs out. If multiple people shower back-to-back, you’ll need to wait for the tank to reheat.
Tankless heaters shine when you want to take long, comfortable showers or run multiple appliances. But, they may struggle if your RV’s water pressure drops or if you try to split a small flow between two faucets.
Pro tip: For the best tankless performance, always use a high-quality RV water pump and avoid running several taps at once.
Cost Of Ownership
The Suburban Advantage usually costs less up front, with models starting around $400–$600. Replacement parts, like anode rods, are cheap. Maintenance is simple but must be done regularly.
Girard tankless heaters cost more initially—expect to pay $700–$1,000 for the unit plus installation parts. However, they require less ongoing maintenance, and there’s no tank to rust out.
Think about your long-term plans: If you keep your RV for many years or use a lot of hot water, the higher upfront cost of a tankless unit may pay off in reliability and comfort.
Common Mistakes When Choosing
- Ignoring your RV’s water system. Some RVs have low-pressure pumps or limited plumbing that can make tankless heaters less effective. Always check your pump’s specs.
- Forgetting about installation. Swapping a tank for a tankless heater may need professional installation, adding to the total cost.
- Expecting “endless” hot water with weak propane supply. If you boondock and run out of propane, any heater will stop working.
- Neglecting maintenance. Both systems need regular cleaning, but tankless units are especially sensitive to scale from hard water.
Which Should You Choose?
The right water heater depends on your RV lifestyle:
- Choose a Suburban Advantage tank heater if:
- You want a simple, reliable system
- Your RV already has a tank-style heater
- Budget is a major concern
- You don’t need to take long showers or run several appliances at once
- Choose a Girard tankless heater if:
- You value long, unlimited hot showers
- You are comfortable with a more complex installation
- You want digital temperature control and energy savings
- Your RV water system can handle the required flow rate
If you’re still unsure, talk with experienced RV owners or visit forums like iRV2 for real-world feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Main Difference Between Suburban Advantage And Girard Water Heaters?
The Suburban Advantage is a tank-style heater that stores hot water for use, while the Girard is a tankless model that heats water on demand. This means the Girard can provide unlimited hot water, while the Suburban is limited by tank size.
Can I Replace My Suburban Heater With A Girard Tankless Model?
Yes, but you may need an adapter plate, new plumbing connections, and wiring for the control panel. It’s possible as a DIY project for skilled owners, but many prefer professional installation.
Which Heater Uses Less Propane Overall?
Girard tankless heaters are generally more efficient, as they only use propane when hot water is needed. However, your actual savings depend on how much hot water you use and your camping style.
How Often Should I Perform Maintenance On These Heaters?
For the Suburban Advantage, check and replace the anode rod every 1–2 years, and flush the tank regularly. For the Girard, flush the system every 6–12 months to remove mineral buildup, especially if you use hard water.
Is Tankless Hot Water Really “unlimited” In An Rv?
Yes—as long as you have enough propane and water supply. But water pressure and flow rate can limit performance if your RV’s system isn’t strong enough.
For more details on RV water heater technology, visit the Wikipedia page on tankless water heaters.
In the end, both the Suburban Advantage and Girard are excellent choices for RVers. The best option depends on your needs, budget, and how you like to camp. Take the time to match your water heater to your RV lifestyle, and you’ll enjoy hot water and happy travels wherever the road takes you.
