Camplux Water Heater: Complete Buyer’s Guide and Installation Manual
CAMPLUX Propane Tankless Water Heater, Instant Hot Water Heater, 3.18 GPM On Demand, Propane, Indoor, Black
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Camplux water heaters are portable, tankless propane units designed for outdoor showers, camping, and off-grid hot water supply. They deliver 1.32–4.2 GPM of 35–140 °F water using 2–4 D-cell batteries and 20–100 lb propane cylinders. This guide covers sizing, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and cost comparisons for every Camplux model.
What Exactly Is a Camplux Water Heater and How Does It Work?
A Camplux water heater is an on-demand, gas-fired, vent-free portable unit that heats water only when a hot tap opens. When flow reaches 0.4 GPM, a magnetic flow sensor triggers ignition, propane burns across copper fins, and outgoing water reaches set temperature within 3–5 seconds. The system shuts off automatically when flow stops, eliminating standby heat loss.
Camplux units use 25,000–110,000 BTU/hr burners and 6–12 kW equivalent heat exchangers. Water pressure must stay between 3.0 and 110 PSI; below 3 PSI the flame extinguishes, above 110 PSI the relief valve opens. Battery-powered ignition means no 120 V circuit is required, making the heater ideal for cabins, RVs, barns, and emergency backup.
Which Camplux Models Are Available and How Do They Compare?
Camplux sells five portable series: AY132 (1.32 GPM), BD158 (1.58 GPM), BD264 (2.64 GPM), TE264 (2.64 GPM with LED), and 4.2 GPM (whole-house). Price ranges $139–$499, BTU input 25,000–110,000, weight 10–28 lb, and maximum temperature rise 46 °F–114 °F at rated flow.
| Model | GPM | BTU/hr | Temp Rise @ Max Flow | Retail Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AY132 | 1.32 | 25,000 | 46 °F | $139 |
| BD158 | 1.58 | 41,000 | 55 °F | $169 |
| BD264 | 2.64 | 68,000 | 68 °F | $239 |
| TE264 | 2.64 | 68,000 | 68 °F | $269 |
| 4.2 GPM | 4.2 | 110,000 | 114 °F | $499 |
Choose AY132 for single low-flow sink, BD158 for camp showers, BD264 for two simultaneous outlets, and 4.2 GPM for small homes. All models include CSA-certified flame-failure and anti-scald devices, but only the 4.2 GPM version carries an Energy Star rating.
How Do You Size a Camplux Water Heater for Your Application?
Size by peak flow demand and coldest incoming water temperature. Add fixture flow rates: low-flow shower 1.5 GPM, kitchen sink 1.0 GPM, bathroom faucet 0.75 GPM. Multiply total GPM by required temperature rise (desired 105 °F minus winter groundwater temperature).
In northern zones groundwater drops to 40 °F; a 65 °F rise is needed. BD264 produces 68 °F rise at 2.64 GPM, covering one shower plus sink. Southern zones with 65 °F groundwater need only 40 °F rise; the same BD264 supports two showers. Undersizing yields lukewarm water; oversizing wastes propane and increases upfront cost.
Calculate propane usage: 68,000 BTU/hr ÷ 91,500 BTU per gallon = 0.74 gal/hr at full burn. A 20 lb BBQ tank holds 4.7 gal, providing 6.3 hours of continuous hot water. For weekend camping, one tank supplies 40 five-minute showers.
What Tools and Parts Do You Need for Installation?
Ramkle
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Gather 3/4″ GHT drinking-water hose, 5/8″ UNEF propane hose with regulator, 2–4 D-cell batteries, pipe-thread tape rated for gas, adjustable wrench, 7/8″ open-end wrench, spray-bottle leak solution, and screwdriver. Optional: 12 V pump for low-pressure sources, in-line water filter, and quick-disconnect fittings.
Camplux heaters ship with a 5″–7″ WC regulator for 20–100 lb cylinders. For 1 lb disposable bottles you need a separate CGA-600 adapter. If inlet pressure exceeds 110 PSI, install a $18 30-PSI preset regulator. Freeze protection requires brass drain valves; plastic valves crack below 32 °F.
Total parts cost ranges $25–$60 beyond the heater itself. Big-box stores bundle hoses, but the included regulator is often low-grade; upgrade to a Marshall Excelsior MEGR-253 for $29 to prevent lock-ups at high flow.
How Do You Install a Camplux Water Heater Step-by-Step?
1. Mount heater on a stable, vertical, non-combustible surface at least 3 ft from tent walls or overhangs. Use the provided bracket; the unit must hang level to prevent flame rollout. Outdoor installation only—never inside RVs, cabins, or garages.
2. Connect water inlet marked blue to a clean source. Hand-tighten 3/4″ GHT hose, then turn 1/4 revolution with pliers. Install screen washer to stop debris that could clog the micro-switch. Verify static pressure is 3–110 PSI using a $12 gauge.
3. Attach propane to the red regulator inlet. Apply yellow gas-rated PTFE tape on male threads—two wraps, clockwise. Tighten with 7/8″ wrench until snug plus 1/4 turn. Open cylinder valve slowly; listen for hiss indicating cross-threaded fitting.
4. Spray soapy water on every joint—regulator, hose barb, and heater inlet. Bubbles within 10 seconds signal a leak. Close valve, re-tape, and retest. Never use open flame to check leaks; propane sinks and can pool unnoticed.
5. Insert D-cells observing polarity diagram. Open a hot tap until flow reaches 0.4 GPM; the display flashes and ignition clicks. Within 5 seconds a blue flame should appear behind the viewing window. Set temperature dial to mid-range initially.
6. Adjust temperature under full flow. Clockwise increases burner modulation, counter-clockwise reduces it. Maximum setting produces 140 °F—scalding in 3 seconds. Mark your preferred position with paint pen for repeatability.
Total install time averages 25 minutes for first-time users, 10 minutes after practice. No electrical permits are required; however, some jurisdictions mandate a licensed gas tech for propane connections—check local code.
How Much Does a Camplux System Cost to Own and Operate?
Purchase price plus essential accessories runs $164–$559 depending on model. Annual propane cost for weekend campers is $72; full-time off-grid households spend $420–$580 per year. Expect 12-year service life with descaling every 6 months.
| Expense Category | Weekend Camper | Full-Time Cabin |
|---|---|---|
| Propane (per gallon) | $3.20 | $2.85 (bulk) |
| Annual gallons | 22.5 | 180 |
| Descaler (white vinegar) | $8 | $24 |
| Battery replacement | $3 | $12 |
| Total annual | $83 | $564 |
Compared with a 40-gal electric tank consuming 4,600 kWh/year at $0.13/kWh ($598), a BD264 saves $34 annually for full-time use and $515 for part-time use. Payback period versus a $350 electric unit is 4.5 years full-time, immediate for off-grid scenarios where solar capacity is limited.
What Problems Might You Encounter with Camplux Heaters?
Most common issues are ignition failure, temperature oscillation, and burner cutoff. Ignition failure usually stems from weak batteries (< 1.3 V each), water pressure below 3 PSI, or a clogged micro-switch screen. Replace batteries, clean screen with toothbrush, and verify flow with a bucket test—should fill 1 gal in 20 seconds for BD158.
Temperature oscillation occurs when inlet pressure fluctuates or mineral buildup insulates the heat exchanger. Install a simple pressure gauge upstream; swings above 5 PSI cause flame modulation hunting. Descale by circulating 4 gal of white vinegar for 45 minutes every 500 gallons of hard water (> 7 gpg calcium).
Burner cutoff after 20 minutes is normal—CSA safety timer. If flame dies within 5 minutes, check propane level (vapor pressure drops below 11 inWC when tank is < 20 %), regulator freeze-up in cold weather, or wind blowing directly into the venturi. A $19 propane blanket keeps cylinder pressure above 15 PSI at 20 °F.
Error codes: E1 ignition failure, E2 flame loss, E3 overheating, E4 outlet temp sensor fault, E5 inlet temp sensor fault. Most resolve by cleaning sensors with emery cloth and ensuring 1″ clearance around the exhaust slot. Persistent E3 indicates heat-exchanger blockage—back-flush with hose until water runs clear.
How Do You Maintain and Winterize a Camplux Unit?
Descale every 6 months or 500 gal in hard-water regions. Isolate heater, connect a $15 submersible pump to a 5-gal bucket of white vinegar, and circulate for 45 minutes. Flush with clean water until pH returns to neutral. Scale thicker than 1/16″ reduces efficiency 8 % and causes hot spots that warp copper tubes.
Annual inspection checklist: verify ignition electrode gap 0.13″, flame sensor rod clean, burner ports free of spider webs, and O-ring seals supple. Replace any cracked propane hose; UV exposure makes rubber brittle after 3 years. Store unit indoors when not used for more than 30 days to protect electronic ignition board from moisture.
Winterize in four minutes: close propane, run heater until flame extinguishes to clear gas, disconnect water lines, tilt unit to drain exchanger, and blow compressed air (30 PSI) through inlet for 10 seconds. Add RV antifreeze only if storing in freezing garage—1 cup circulated protects to −50 °F. Never store with water trapped; ice expands 9 % and splits welds, voiding warranty.
What Safety Codes and Certifications Apply?
Camplux heaters are CSA 4.98/ANSI Z21.10.3 certified for outdoor use only. Indoor installation violates national fuel-gas code IFC 2018 Section 603 and exposes users to carbon monoxide. Minimum 3 ft clearance from combustibles, 1 ft from windows, and 6 ft from air intakes are mandatory.
Propane systems must include a listed regulator set to 11–13 inWC and an excess-flow POL. Use only rubber hoses marked “UL 569 LP-Gas Hose.” Steel piping is acceptable for permanent mounts but requires pressure testing at 1.5× operating pressure (30 PSI) for 30 minutes with no drop—per IFGC Section 406.
No electrical bonding is required because ignition is battery-powered; however, grounding the metal chassis to RV frame reduces static discharge near propane. A 1/2 lb ABC fire extinguisher must be within 10 ft per NFPA 1192 for recreational vehicles. Never use heater in enclosed tents—CO levels reach 400 ppm in 5 minutes, exceeding OSHA 50 ppm 8-hour limit.
FAQ
#### Can I use a Camplux heater with a 1 lb Coleman bottle?
Yes, but only models up to BD158. Screw a CGA-600 adapter into the 1 lb bottle, then attach the supplied regulator. Expect 42 minutes of continuous burn on high—enough for six 5-minute showers. Keep spare bottles warm; vapor pressure drops below minimum 5 inWC when cylinder temperature falls below 35 °F.
#### Why does my water go cold after 5 minutes even with a full tank?
The CSA 4.98 standard mandates a 20-minute automatic shutoff timer for safety; however, early cutoff indicates low propane vapor rate. A 20 lb tank at 30 °F supplies only 45,000 BTU/hr versus the 68,000 BTU/hr demand of BD264. Swap to a 40 lb cylinder or place tank in a pan of warm water to boost vaporization.
#### How do I increase output temperature above 120 °F?
Install a 0.8 GPM low-flow shower head; reduced flow raises temperature rise from 68 °F to 95 °F on BD264. Alternatively, pre-heat inlet water using a solar coil or black hose in sunlight. Never defeat the 140 °F internal limit—scalding occurs in 3 seconds at 140 °F, violating CPSC safety guidelines.
#### Is professional installation required?
Most jurisdictions exempt portable outdoor heaters from permit requirements. Permanent mounting on a cabin or tiny home triggers IFGC rules: licensed gas fitter, permit fee $75–$150, and pressure test. Check with your local building department; non-compliance fines run $200–$500 and insurers may deny claims if an unpermitted unit causes fire.
#### Can I run the heater on natural gas?
No. Orifices, regulator spring, and air shutter are calibrated for 11 inWC propane. Natural gas delivers 4 inWC—insufficient to close the gas valve. Conversion kits do not exist; attempting DIY drilling voids CSA certification and creates a 2″ flame rollout hazard. Purchase a factory-built NG unit such as Camplux 4.2 GPM Natural Gas model instead.
#### How long will the copper heat exchanger last?
With soft water (< 3 gpg), exchangers last 12–15 years. Hard water (> 10 gpg) reduces life to 6–8 years unless descaled every 3 months. Electrolysis between copper fins and steel mounting bracket can perforate tubes in 4 years if heater is stored wet; always drain and store dry to prevent galvanic corrosion.
#### What size pump do I need for gravity-fed tanks?
Use a 12 V, 3.0 GPM, 55 PSI pump such as Shurflo 2088. The pump must deliver at least 0.4 GPM at 3 PSI to trigger the flow sensor. Install a 30-mesh strainer before the pump to prevent debris from jamming the heater’s micro-switch. Total draw is 7 A; a 35 Ah deep-cycle battery lasts 5 hours of intermittent use.
#### Does altitude affect performance?
Above 2,000 ft air density drops 3 % per 1,000 ft, causing incomplete combustion and yellow tipping. Derate output 4 % per 1,000 ft—BD264 delivers only 2.1 GPM at 5,000 ft. High-altitude orifices (#52 drill) are available free from Camplux support for installations above 6,000 ft. Without correction, CO production doubles and flame rods soot up within 20 hours.
#### Are replacement parts available?
Yes. Common stock parts: igniter assembly $18, flame sensor $12, micro-switch $8, gas valve $45, and heat exchanger $89. Parts ship from Walnut, CA within 3 business days. Serial number and purchase receipt are required; warranty covers 1 year on electrical, 2 years on heat exchanger. Out-of-warranty parts total $165—half the price of a new BD158.
#### How noisy is the unit?
Measured at 1 m, sound levels are 49 dBA on low (library quiet) and 63 dBA on high (normal conversation). The 3″ fan in TE264 adds 4 dBA. Noise comes primarily from burner roar; positioning heater 6 ft behind a plywood baffle drops levels 7 dBA without affecting airflow. Campsite neighbors typically notice only the water splash, not the heater.
Conclusion
Camplux water heaters deliver on-demand hot water anywhere propane and modest water pressure exist. Match model to flow demand, maintain 3–110 PSI, and descale regularly to achieve 12-year service life. Total ownership cost beats electric tanks for off-grid users and weekend campers alike. Mount outdoors only, test for leaks with soapy water, and stock spare D-cells for uninterrupted showers. For permanent cabins, consider the 4.2 GPM Energy Star unit tied to a 40 lb cylinder—payback arrives in under five years versus conventional electric heating.
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