Hot water isn’t just a luxury these days—it’s something most of us expect, even when we’re off the grid at a campsite or deep into a weekend music festival. That’s where the BougeRV Portable Propane Outdoor Camping Water Heater comes in. It’s been getting a lot of attention from campers, vanlifers, and just about anyone who wants the comfort of a warm shower, no matter where they are. Here’s a closer look at how it works, what it offers, and why it’s become a go-to for outdoor living.
What Is a Portable Water Heater, Anyway?
Think of it as your personal on-demand hot water source—only portable. Whether you’re living the van life, camping with family, or even remodeling your home, a portable water heater can seriously upgrade your setup. BougeRV calls it ideal for camping, boating, RVing, or emergencies when you don’t have hot water available. This model is unique in that it can operate on propane, electricity, or battery power, which makes it very versatile wherever you happen to be.
Inside the BougeRV Portable Water Heater
Let’s take a step-by-step look at what keeps this thing going:
- Water Source: You can draw water from anywhere—a hose, pail, or jerry can. The pump that comes with it allows you to draw water from a stationary source, though for best results, you don’t want to use untreated lake or pond water unless you filter it.
- Power Source: It has a rechargeable battery that is built-in and can power the pump and the display for more than an hour. It can be recharged in an outlet, your automobile, or even in a solar generator.
- Burner: The heater is fueled by propane, and with 20,500 BTUs, the water is heated quickly, up to 45 degrees Fahrenheit warmer in a few minutes.
- Heat Exchanger: This is where the water is heated as it goes through.
- Temperature Control: The LED display indicates to you the temperature of the incoming and outgoing water, and a dial allows you to control how hot you prefer it.
- Water Outlet: The shower head features various spray settings and a button that allows you to stop the flow to conserve water.
It’s also small, roughly 15.75 by 6.7 by 14.57 inches, and slightly over 21 pounds. With its two solid grips and color-coded hoses, it’s simple to tote and erect without guesswork.
How It Works
Getting started is pretty simple. Set the heater on a flat, well-ventilated surface (because it runs on propane, you’ll want to use it outdoors). Drop the pump into your water source, hook up the hoses, attach a propane canister, and power it on.
The propane won’t catch fire until water begins to flow. Once the water is running, the flame activates and the water warms up in a split second—no waiting. You can change the temperature by turning the dial, and you can monitor the temperature on the screen to remain within your comfort zone.
There’s even a showerhead bracket to use hands-free, though it’s not the most robust. To get unheated water, a long press of the pump button circumvents the heater.
Where It Comes in Handy
This heater isn’t limited to showers. It’s wonderful for washing off dirty hiking equipment, washing camp dishes, or bathing your dog after a play in the woods. Some have even foregone creating a permanent shower installation in their vans due to the ease and effectiveness of this heater.
You can position it just about anywhere—behind your camper, in a pop-up tent, or alongside a fire pit. It’s versatile enough to accommodate all sorts of outdoor schedules.
How Well Does It Work?
For its size, this heater packs good power. The water output isn’t as strong as a home shower, but it’s far superior to most other camping showers out there. An hour’s worth of charge and one propane tank will provide you with multiple showers or cleanings.
Temperature control is absolute perfection. With how you turn the dial, the water can get hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit in around 30 seconds. There is even a safety device that automatically turns it off if the water gets hotter than 122 degrees Fahrenheit, so you don’t have to worry about burning yourself.
Safe and Built to Last
Safety is certainly a concern with this gadget. It has an auto-shutoff feature for overheating, for example, or if it gets tipped over, or if there is not enough water. It’s also splash-proof, but not waterproof—so don’t leave it out in the rain or take it to the beach.
Maintenance is fairly negligible. Simply keep the pump and hoses cleaned regularly. If you do allow dirt or sediment into the lines, the flow of water may be below that required to light the burner, but clearing out the lines will generally correct the situation in a hurry.
The Ups and Downs
There’s much to cherish here. It’s easy to transport, fast to install, and provides you with hot water reliably wherever you go. The propane burner is strong, and the rechargeable pump provides you with independence from pressurized water connections. It’s safe, simple to use, and truly a game-changer for outdoor life.
That being said, it’s not without its flaws. The showerhead holder is not ideal, and there’s no storage bag provided for all the accessories, which can mean packing up is a bit messy. Other users also pointed to issues with durability after long-term use in harsh conditions. And yes, it’s a bit on the expensive side—but if hot water is something you particularly care about when off-grid, it may be worth it.
Who’s It For?
This heater is a good purchase for anyone camping frequently, van traveling, or simply preferring the capability of having hot water while being outside. Whether for showering, washing dishes, or cleaning equipment, it brings the element of comfort that can greatly enhance your experience. For most users, it’s now an essential piece of their travel equipment.
If being clean and comfortable off the grid matters to you, the BougeRV Portable Water Heater is worth consideration.