FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus Rv Tankless Water Heater Review: Operates at Altitudes up to 9,800 Feet

Where the InstaShower 8 Plus Fits

FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus Gen 2 FS08B1SWD produces 2.9 Gallons Per Minute of hot water for a family of four or a van life shower.

Providing a steady shower for a family of four requires a flow rate of at least 2.5 GPM, a requirement this unit meets with its 2.9 Gallons Per Minute output. Owning an rv tankless water heater (recreational vehicle tankless water heater) means having reliable hot water on demand without the weight of a large traditional tank.

The FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus delivers this result through a 2.9 Gallons Per Minute flow rate and a 12 Volts (DC) input voltage. The 12V DC power enables operation from a house battery bank without requiring a dedicated AC inverter, making it a versatile choice for off-grid setups.

We evaluated 38 rv tankless water heaters and selected 15 for full review. This model was chosen because it has 523 buyer ratings, the 5th most of the 38 screened. Our review is based on a data-driven spec breakdown of the products we compared. This review is for shoppers looking for an off-grid solution that fits a standard 15 x 15 inch door footprint.

For a higher-powered alternative, see our full review of the InstaShower 9 Pro.

The Short Answer on the InstaShower 8 Plus

Best for: you need a high-flow system for a family of four or a large truck camper where a 2.9 GPM output is required.

The FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus is a capable mid-range choice at $449.99.

• Pro: The 2.9 GPM flow rate provides enough volume for a family of four to shower simultaneously.
• Pro: It includes a remote control, which 34 of the 38 rv tankless water heaters we evaluated offer.
• Pro: A 4.3 rating from 523 buyers provides a significant sample of user feedback.
• Con: The 55,000 BTU output is insufficient to maintain consistent flow at high altitudes like 10,000 feet.
• Con: The 15 x 15 inch door size requires you to confirm your mounting space, as a 10 gallon tank retrofit requires a larger 18 x 18 inch opening.

Don’t buy this if: you need to maintain a steady hot water flow at elevations above 9,800 feet.

Price assessment: The $449.99 price is fair for a unit providing 2.9 GPM and remote functionality.

You might also consider the FOGATTI FS10B1S spec breakdown for different heating requirements.

The Specifications That Matter

The Flow Rate of 2.9 GPM measures the volume of water delivered per minute, which provides enough hot water for a shower for a family of four.

Before You Buy: Rv Tankless Water Heater Checklist

The first thing to check is the size of your current door opening to ensure the unit fits without requiring you to modify the frame.

• ☐ Measure your door opening—the InstaShower 8 Plus requires a 15 x 15 inch door to fit. If your opening is smaller, you will have to return the unit or modify the door frame.
• ☐ Confirm your current tank brand—this model is a direct retrofit for Suburban and Atwood 6 gallon tank water heaters. If you have a different brand, you may need to consult a professional to ensure compatibility.
• ☐ Verify your water usage needs—the 2.9 GPM (gallons per minute) flow rate is enough to provide a steady shower for a family of four. If you require a higher flow, the unit may provide cold water as the pressure exceeds the heater’s capacity.
• ☐ Check your mounting space—this model requires an 18 x 18 inch door for a 10 gallon tank water heater retrofit. If you are performing this specific upgrade, the 15 x 15 inch door size will be too small.
• ☐ Plan your drainage—improperly routed drainage leads to internal moisture buildup and premature electronics failure. You must ensure a drainage path is available before installation.

You should not buy this product if you need to maintain hot water at high altitudes, as the 55,000 BTU output is below the 60,000 BTU minimum required for consistent flow at 10,000 feet.

Performance: What the Specs Deliver

High Altitude Performance

The InstaShower 8 Plus supports operation at altitudes up to 9,800 feet. This high altitude suitability mode allows you to maintain water temperature in mountain environments where thinner air can cause standard heaters to struggle. While the 60,000 BTU figure marks the category’s minimum for consistent flow in extreme cold or high elevations, the InstaShower 8 Plus provides 55,000 BTU of heat output.

Because the 55,000 BTU output is below that 60,000 BTU reference point, you should expect a reduction in flow or temperature if you are at the highest reaches of its rated altitude. You can still use the unit at 9,800 feet, but you may need to adjust your shower head’s flow to ensure the heater keeps up with the demand. This specific BTU rating provides enough energy to run a 10-minute shower without a flame out at the easier end of the altitude range.

Staged combustion technology reaching 84% efficiency

Staged combustion, which is a method of controlling the fuel-to-air ratio to increase heat output, allows this unit to reach 84% efficiency. This efficiency rating means a higher percentage of the propane fuel is converted into usable heat rather than being wasted. You can rely on this performance to provide a steady shower for a family of four, as the 2.9 GPM flow rate is sufficient for multiple users.

The 84% efficiency works alongside the 55,000 BTU output to manage your fuel consumption during long showers. Since the unit provides a flow rate of 2.9 GPM, it is capable of providing enough hot water for a van life shower or a truck camper setup. You can expect the system to provide a hot water supply duration of over 40 minutes, which is a primary benefit of choosing a tankless system over a traditional tank.

Compatibility with Suburban Atwood Girard and Furrion systems

The InstaShower 8 Plus is compatible with Suburban and Atwood 6 gallon tank water heaters, as well as Girard and Furrion tankless water heaters. This compatibility allows you to integrate the unit into existing systems without replacing the entire plumbing infrastructure. You can use the 15 x 15 inch door size to mount the unit in standard RV configurations.

If you are performing a retrofit for a 10 gallon tank water heater, you must ensure your mounting area provides an 18 x 18 inch door, as the unit requires that specific clearance for that installation. Because the opening size is 13 x 13 inches, you should measure your available space before ordering to confirm it accommodates the 15 x 15 inch exterior dimensions. A qualified installer should perform the mounting to ensure the 12 Volts (DC) power supply and propane lines are secured according to local safety standards.

Which Jobs the InstaShower 8 Plus Handles, Worked Out From Its Specs

The InstaShower 8 Plus against the jobs buyers ask about, worked out from its listed BTU output and flow rate and a typical need for each job.

Make sure to understand RV tankless water heater terms before making your final purchase.

How the InstaShower 8 Plus Compares to Other Rv Tankless Water Heaters

You want a reliable hot water supply for your RV without the weight of a large tank. The InstaShower 8 Plus provides a flow rate of 2.9 GPM, which is enough to provide a steady shower for a family of four or a quick shower in a truck camper.

Comparison of flow rates and prices with similar models

The InstaShower 8 Plus offers a higher flow rate than the CAMPLUX RV Tankless Water Heater, which provides 2.64 GPM.

• The Ranein RAS65-W 65,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater matches the $449.99 price of the InstaShower 8 Plus.
• The RecPro RP-1057-42BTU Tankless Water Heater provides 42,000 BTU, which is less than the 55,000 BTU of the InstaShower 8 Plus.
• The VancEpic Ranein RV Tankless Water Heater is $0.99 cheaper than the InstaShower 8 Plus.
• The Nessxa RV Tankless Water Heater is $50 cheaper than the InstaShower 8 Plus.

If you need the highest possible heat output for extreme cold, choose the Ranein RAS65-W 65,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater instead of the InstaShower 8 Plus.

From Delivery to First Use with This Rv Tankless Water Heater

Setting up your This Rv Tankless Water Heater

You need a 12 Volts (DC) power source, such as a house battery bank, before the InstaShower 8 Plus can operate.

1. Mount the unit to a surface where you can clear a 15 x 15 inch door for access.
2. Connect the propane fuel line and attach a pressure regulator to maintain consistent gas flow to prevent flame outs.
3. Install the 12 Volts (DC) power connection and the water supply lines.
4. Attach a condensate drain hose to the unit to prevent moisture buildup and internal corrosion.
5. Pair the remote controller to the unit to allow for temperature adjustment from outside the unit.

Warranty and support: what to check

Warranty coverage and support terms differ by seller and country.

• Confirm the CSA Certification status to ensure the unit meets North American safety standards for gas pressure and electrical components.
• Verify the 55,000 BTU heat output matches your required flow rate to prevent a flow rate drop, which occurs when the shower head’s pressure exceeds the heater’s capacity.
• Check that the 15 x 15 inch door size provides enough clearance for your specific RV mounting location.
• Verify that the 12 Volts (DC) input matches your battery bank’s output to avoid electrical issues.

Test the unit for a full 40-minute hot water supply duration the day it arrives while the return window is still open.

The InstaShower 8 Plus: Remaining Questions

Power Draw and Battery Impact

The InstaShower 8 Plus draws 46 watts of power from your 12V DC system. This power draw is what determines how much of your house battery’s capacity is used during a shower, similar to how a light bulb’s wattage determines how quickly it drains a flashlight’s battery. Because the unit operates on 12 Volts (DC), it runs directly from a house battery bank without requiring a dedicated AC inverter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does the FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus draw from my house battery?

The FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus draws 46 watts of power from your 12V DC system. This allows you to calculate your energy usage based on your specific battery capacity, though the exact duration of use depends on your total available amp-hours.

Can the FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus provide enough hot water for a family of four?

Yes, the FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus provides enough hot water for a family of four because it delivers a flow rate of 2.9 GPM. This output exceeds the 2.5 GPM needed to maintain a steady flow for four people simultaneously.

Is the FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus compatible with my existing RV setup?

Yes, the FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus is compatible with Suburban and Atwood 6 gallon tank water heaters. It is also compatible with Girard and Furrion tankless water heaters, though a 10 gallon tank retrofit requires a larger 18 x 18 inch door.

Does the FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus work at high altitudes?

The FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus includes a high altitude suitability mode for operation up to 9,800 feet. However, it states a 55,000 BTU output, which is below the 60,000 BTU figure required to maintain consistent flow rates in extreme cold or at high altitudes.

Is the InstaShower 8 Plus Right for You?

Who the InstaShower 8 Plus suits and the jobs it is the wrong choice for, listed below with the reason for each.

Where to Buy This Rv Tankless Water Heater

When we looked in November 2026, the InstaShower 8 Plus was listed at $449.99 – a snapshot that may have changed since.

Rv tankless water heaters are sold by the retailers below – we do not track which of them has the InstaShower 8 Plus in stock, so check availability and the current price with the retailer before making a trip.

• eBay (online only) — open-box and refurbished stock
• Amazon (online only) — wide selection of brands and consumer reviews
• Camping World (online and physical stores) — large physical footprint and specialist staff
• REI (online and physical stores) — outdoor gear expertise and in-store returns
• RVStore (online only) — specialist retailer for RV components and accessories
• Walmart (online and physical stores) — accessible pricing and physical store availability

Final Verdict on the InstaShower 8 Plus

You should choose the FOGATTI InstaShower 8 Plus if you need a compact rv tankless water heater that provides enough hot water for a family of four or a van life shower. This unit costs around $449.99.

The InstaShower 8 Plus provides a 2.9 GPM flow rate, which is enough to provide a steady shower for a family of four or a truck camper. It also features a 4.3 rating from 523 buyers.

Skip it if: You need to maintain hot water at 10,000 ft elevation, as the 55,000 BTU output is not enough for that altitude.