Winter-Ready Caravan Heating: Which Water Heater Works Best?

Cold snaps are coming. You want hot water that just works. No faff. No surprise cold showers. In this guide, you will quickly see which caravan water heater suits winter use, what to fit in a static caravan, and how to size it right before Christmas shutdowns.

Quick answer: what is the best water heater for a caravan?

For most static caravans used over winter, a modern room sealed LPG water heater is your best bet. Look for a low-pressure, low-flow-friendly model that lights automatically, regulates the flame, and protects itself from frost. That combination gives you safe operation, stable temperatures, and efficient gas use during the colder months.

If you are touring with variable water supply, an instantaneous LPG unit can be fine. In a static, room sealed is safer and more consistent because combustion air is taken from outside and fumes are expelled outside. You get peace of mind and fewer nuisance shutdowns.

Why low-pressure LPG shines in static use

Water pressure in parks varies. Taps and showers in older vans can also restrict flow. Many combis and high-demand gas units need strong flow to fire and stay lit. A low-pressure LPG water heater starts and modulates at lower flow rates, so you still get hot water when pressure dips in winter.

Look for:

Automatic ignition, so no pilot light wasting gas
Flame ionisation control, so the gas shuts off if the flame is not correct
Thermostatic control, so shower temperatures do not swing when someone runs a tap
Overheat protection and self-diagnostics, so faults are obvious and safe
Anti-frost protection and a drain valve, so a cold snap does not crack your heat exchanger

Room sealed construction, so combustion is isolated from your living space These features are standard on quality LPG units designed for static caravans. The result is hot water on demand, steady showers, and safer winter use.

What type of boiler is in a static caravan?

You will typically find one of three setups:
1. Instantaneous LPG water heater, room sealed
2. LPG combi boiler that does heating and hot water
3. Electric cylinder or immersion heater in parks with robust electrical supply

In many statics, an LPG room sealed water heater is preferred for hot water only. It is compact, simpler, and more tolerant of low flow than many combis. If you need space heating as well, a combi can make sense, but it needs correct flue routing, adequate gas supply, and a healthy water flow to avoid cycling. If your goal is reliable hot water through winter, a dedicated LPG water heater is often the easiest and most robust option.

Instantaneous LPG vs combi for statics

Instantaneous LPG water heater, hot water only. Quicker to install in a like-for-like swap. Excellent at providing showers and sinks through winter if it supports low pressure and has anti-frost protection.
LPG combi boiler, hot water plus radiators. Good for full central heating, but more complex. For small families or seasonal stays, it can be overkill if you only need hot water.

What is the best combi boiler for a static caravan? The best one is the one specifically rated for LPG, flued correctly, and supported by your park’s gas and water supply. Look for room sealed construction and frost protection. That said, if your priority is dependable hot water with simple upkeep, a dedicated LPG water heater will usually be easier to live with.

Feature checklist for winter-ready hot wate

Use this quick list when comparing models:

Room sealed flue system Automatic ignition, no standing pilot
Flame ionisation safety
Overheat and gas evacuation controls
Low-pressure, low-flow start-up Thermostatic panel with precise temperature setpoint
Frost protection and a drain valve
Durable valves, brass or aluminium components
Self-diagnostics with clear error codes
Compact size for tight cupboards

Tick most or all of these and you will have a winter winner.

Sizing guide: 6L vs 10L vs 12L

Choose by how you use hot water:

6L, small footprint, great for a single point. Ideal for one sink or careful single-shower use. Best for couples or minimal demand.
10L and 11L, the sweet spot for most statics. Comfortable showers plus kitchen use if not simultaneous. Good balance of flow and gas use.
12L, for families and two outlets in light overlap. Better shower comfort in colder inlet-water conditions. Extra headroom when temperatures drop.

Cold winter mains means your heater works harder to lift temperature. If you like 40 to 43 degrees showers and your site’s incoming water is near freezing, a 10L or 12L model will feel far nicer than a 6L.

Need a hand choosing or want it before the holidays? See our LPG range and next day options on our lpg water heater page.

Installation, safety, and servicing

Professional installation matters. A room sealed flue must be routed and sealed correctly. Gas connections must be tested. Ventilation requirements must be followed to the letter.

How often should a caravan boiler be serviced? Annually. Book a Gas Safe engineer qualified for LPG and caravans. 

Boost your shower experience

A great heater deserves a steady, comfortable shower. Pair it with a thermostatic mixer that copes well with low flow. If you need an upgrade, check out the v100 shower valve for precise control that complements low pressure LPG heaters. For horizontal setups, our v200 shower mixer is a popular caravan favourite.

Recommended next steps before Christmas

Pick your size, 6L, 10L, or 12L, based on your household and winter mains temperature
Book a professional installer early, slots fill fast
Order by midday for next day delivery to UK mainland where available
Add a compatible shower mixer and new hose if yours is tired
Plan your winter routine, drain down when away, and use frost protection
Want everything from one place with fast dispatch? Browse our caravan spares to tick off your list and stay toasty all winter.

Final verdict: what is the best water heater for a caravan?

For static winter use, a room sealed LPG water heater with automatic ignition, flame ionisation, thermostatic control, and anti-frost protection is the smart choice. It handles low pressure, keeps showers steady, and protects itself when the temperature drops. Choose 10L for most families, 12L for extra comfort in deep winter, or 6L for compact, single-point use. Get it fitted by a pro, service it annually, and enjoy hot water that just works.

Need advice or a fast delivery to UK mainland? Call us on 01284 277159, or order today for next day delivery on many models. Stay warm; winter will not wait.