What it delivers
The Rheem RTG-70XLN-3 160,000 BTU Natural Gas Outdoor Tankless Water Heater is an outdoor gas tankless with a 160,000 BTU/h burner and a stated maximum flow of 7.0 GPM.
At a 45°F rise (mild inlet water to a 120°F set point) it holds about 5.5 GPM, 2 showers at 2 GPM; in winter, at a 70°F rise, about 3.5 GPM, 1 shower at 2 GPM. Size it to your fixtures and climate.
Gas load at full fire: about 154 cubic feet of natural gas an hour. An older half-inch line that already feeds a furnace often can't spare that, so have a gas fitter check the pipe size and run.
As an outdoor model it mounts on an exterior wall and needs no vent pipe; in freezing climates check the maker's freeze protection and cover the connections.
The listing describes its venting as: Outdoor installation.
From the listing: material: Stainless Steel; model: RTG-70XLN-3.
The listing gives dimensions of 13.5 in (W) x 20.75 in (H), a weight of 39.3 lb and display in the box.
Right unit for this house?
Install it when
- One shower at a time in cold climates
- Replacing a gas tank heater
Look at another unit when
- More than 1 winter shower at once
- Homes without a gas line
Strengths and trade-offs
Strengths
- 160,000 BTU/h input
- Up to 7.0 GPM
- No vent pipe
Trade-offs
- Gas pipe sizing to confirm
- Needs freeze protection outdoors
- Scale builds up without flushing
Install limits
- Figures are the maker's or seller's own. Flow at a rise is our estimate from the input; gas, venting and electrical work needs a licensed professional.
Rated performance
Every figure below comes from the source shown in brackets. Where the maker doesn't state something, we say so instead of estimating.
| Model number | RTG-70XLN-3 | Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (seller) | 13.5"W x 20.75"H | Retailer |
| Max flow (maker) | 7 GPM | Retailer |
| Input (maker) | 160,000 BTU/h | Retailer |
| Product weight | 39.3 lb | Retailer |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Retailer |
| Fuel | Natural Gas | Retailer |
| Venting | Outdoor installation | Retailer |
| Condensing | Non-Condensing | Retailer |
Rival units at this flow
More gas tankless water heaters rated for similar demand
- Rheem RTG-95XLP-3 199,900 BTU Propane Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
- Westinghouse HS180A0G-NG 180,000 BTU Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
- Noritz NR50ODLP Propane Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
- Noritz NR66ODNG Natural Gas Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
Full gas tankless water heaters spec grid · Every Rheem unit in the catalog
Final verdict
A solid outdoor gas tankless for one shower at a time in cold climates.
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