RV Water Filters: Good, Better & Best

RV water filters are a secondary thought before hitting the road. There’s a certain freedom that comes with living life on the road—the open highways, the ever-changing landscapes, and the simple joy of waking up to a new view outside our Alliance fifth wheel’s window each morning.

My wife and I have embraced this nomadic lifestyle wholeheartedly, trading the monotony of a stationary home for the endless possibilities that come with full-time RV living.

But amidst all the adventure, there’s one thing we’ve learned you can’t compromise on: clean, safe drinking water.

Why Water Filters Are Essential on the Road

When you’re constantly moving from one campground to another, you quickly realize that not all water sources are created equal. We’ve encountered everything from crystal-clear mountain spring water to taps that spew out something resembling a science experiment gone wrong.

According to the Environmental Working Group, tap water in many U.S. cities contains contaminants that exceed health guidelines, including lead, arsenic, and harmful disinfectant byproducts.

Take Flint, Michigan, for example—a stark reminder that water quality can’t be taken for granted. Or consider that the Natural Resources Defense Council found that nearly 77 million Americans were served by water systems violating federal protections in 2015 alone.

As full-time RVers, we’re exposed to a patchwork of municipal and well water systems, each with its own set of issues.

So, unless you’re keen on turning your stomach into a filtration system, investing in a reliable water filter isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. After trial and error (and a few unfortunate sips), we’ve narrowed down our top three picks for RV water filters: the good, the better, and the best.

The Good: Camco TastePURE Water Filter

Approximate Price: $20-$30

Features and How It Works

The Camco TastePURE Water Filter is like the trusty pocketknife of RV water filters—affordable, straightforward, and gets the job done when you need it. This inline filter connects directly to your freshwater hose, filtering the water before it even enters your RV’s system.

Key Features:

• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): Reduces bad taste, odors, chlorine, and sediment.
• KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) Technology: Prevents bacterial growth when the filter is not in use.
• High Flow Rate: Ensures adequate water pressure for showers and appliance use.
• Flexible Hose Protector: Prevents kinking and extends the life of the filter.

Installation

Installation is as painless as our neighbor’s chihuahua is loud. Simply screw the filter onto the campground’s water spigot, attach your drinking water hose to the other end, and you’re in business. No tools, no fuss—just the way we like it.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable: Won’t break the bank, leaving more funds for that extra tank of gas or a campground upgrade.
• Easy Installation: No need to summon your inner MacGyver.
• Compact and Lightweight: Easy to store when not in use.

Cons:

• Limited Lifespan: Typically lasts one camping season or about three months.
• Basic Filtration: Doesn’t remove all contaminants, especially not the microscopic nasties.
• Flow Rate May Decrease Over Time: As sediment builds up, you might notice a drop in water pressure.

Ideal For

The weekend warrior or part-time RVer who needs a quick, affordable solution to improve water taste and reduce basic contaminants. If you’re not too concerned about ultra-purification and just want to avoid drinking water that tastes like a rusty pipe, this is your filter.

Our Hot Take

We’ve used the Camco TastePURE during our early days on the road (and still use it as our first line of defense today). It was a significant step up from unfiltered water, especially in campgrounds where the water tasted like it had ambitions to become a mineral deposit.

However, as our travels took us to more remote locations with questionable water sources, we felt the need for something more robust.

The Better: Big Berkey Water Filter System

Approximate Price: $350-$400

Features and How It Works

The Big Berkey Water Filter System is the overachiever in the world of gravity-fed water filters. Standing tall on our countertop, it became an indispensable part of our daily routine.

Key Features:

• Gravity-Fed Filtration: No electricity or plumbing required.
• Powerful Purification Elements: Removes over 200 contaminants including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
• Long-Lasting Filters: Each Black Berkey filter element lasts up to 3,000 gallons.
• Stainless Steel Construction: Durable and easy to clean.

Installation

Setting up the Big Berkey is about as straightforward as assembling a two-piece puzzle:

1. Assemble the Chambers: Stack the upper chamber (where unfiltered water goes) onto the lower chamber (where filtered water collects).
2. Prime the Filters: This involves flushing water through the filters to remove any manufacturing dust.
3. Install the Filters: Screw the Black Berkey elements into the upper chamber.
4. Add Water: Fill the upper chamber and let gravity do its thing.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional Filtration: Removes a wide range of contaminants, making even pond water safe to drink (though we haven’t been that desperate—yet).
• No Electricity Needed: Perfect for boondocking or during power outages.
• Economical in the Long Run: Despite the upfront cost, the long filter life means less frequent replacements.

Cons:

• Bulky: Takes up valuable counter space in our RV kitchen.
• Manual Operation: You have to refill it manually, which can be a chore if you consume a lot of water.
• Pricey Initial Investment: It’s a chunk of change upfront.

Ideal For

Full-time RVers or families who prioritize clean drinking water and are willing to invest time and counter space for peace of mind. If you find yourself in areas with highly questionable water quality, the Big Berkey is a reliable companion.

Our Hot Take

The Big Berkey became our road-trip sidekick for a good while. Knowing we had access to clean, safe drinking water regardless of our campground’s water source was a game-changer. The manual refilling was a small price to pay, though we did grumble on occasion—usually when one of us forgot to refill it and discovered this fact only after working up a thirst.

The Best: Acuva UV-LED Water Purification System

Approximate Price: $600-$1,200 (depending on model)

Features and How It Works

Enter the Acuva UV-LED Water Purification System—the Rolls-Royce of RV water filters. This under-sink system uses advanced UV-LED technology to zap 99.9999% of bacteria and viruses, ensuring every drop is as pure as a mountain spring (minus the bears).

Key Features:

• UV-LED Technology: Instant purification without the use of chemicals.
• Long Lifespan: LEDs last significantly longer than traditional UV lamps.
• On-Demand Purification: Activates only when you turn on the faucet, conserving energy.
• NSF/ANSI Certified: Meets rigorous standards for drinking water safety.

Installation

Installation is a bit more involved and might require channeling your inner handyman—or hiring one:

1. Mount the Unit: Typically installed under the sink or near the water source.
2. Connect the Tubing: Attach the system to your cold water line and dedicated faucet (included in most kits).
3. Power Connection: Requires a 12V DC power source, common in RVs.
4. Test the System: Check for leaks and ensure the UV light activates when the faucet is turned on.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High-Level Purification: Eliminates virtually all harmful microorganisms.
• Low Maintenance: No filters to change regularly; just occasional cleaning.
• Compact Design: Saves counter space—a precious commodity in RVs.
• Eco-Friendly: No waste water or chemical additives.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: It’s an investment, but can you really put a price on not getting Giardia?
• Requires Power Source: Needs electricity to operate, which could be a concern when boondocking unless you have a robust solar setup.
• Professional Installation Recommended: Unless you’re confident with plumbing and electrical work.

Ideal For

The discerning RVer who wants the highest level of water safety without compromising on space or convenience. Perfect for full-timers who frequent remote locations or international travelers where water quality is uncertain.

Our Hot Take

After installing the Acuva system, we felt like we’d upgraded from a trusty steed to a rocket ship. The convenience of on-demand purified water straight from the tap was a luxury we quickly got used to. The initial cost stung a bit, but considering the peace of mind and the savings on bottled water (not to mention the reduction in plastic waste), we saw it as a worthwhile investment in our health and comfort.

Comparison Chart

Feature	Camco TastePURE	Big Berkey	Acuva UV-LED System
Approximate Price	$20-$30	$350-$400	$600-$1,200
Filtration Method	GAC & KDF	Gravity-fed filters	UV-LED Purification
Contaminants Removed	Basic (chlorine, sediment)	Over 200 contaminants	Bacteria, viruses, microorganisms
Installation	Simple, inline setup	Countertop assembly	Under-sink, more complex
Maintenance	Replace every 3 months	Replace filters every 3,000 gallons	Minimal, occasional cleaning
Ideal For	Part-time RVers	Full-time RVers	Health-conscious full-timers
Pros	Affordable, easy install	Excellent filtration, no power needed	High-level purification, compact
Cons	Limited filtration, short lifespan	Bulky, manual refilling	High cost, requires power

Our Ideal Water Filter Set Up Now

So, we’ve got to be honest. The Camco Taste Pure is our favorite filter for ease of use and price. However, it’s not the only one we use. In the world of RV water filtration, we believe redundancy is key.

Using the Acuva filter as our final method of defense, with the Camco on the frontlines, gives us the best-tasting, cleanest water and, importantly, the most vital peace of mind.

We recommend a multistep filtration process for all RVers who spend significant time traveling across the USA.

The Dangers of Traveling Without a Water Filtration System

Embarking on the open road without a reliable water filtration system is a bit like skydiving without checking your parachute. Sure, you might be fine, but is it worth the risk?

The water quality across the U.S. varies dramatically, and contaminants aren’t always visible to the naked eye.

Health Risks Include:

• Bacterial Infections: E. coli, Salmonella, and other bacteria can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
• Viral Contaminants: Viruses like norovirus can lead to outbreaks in confined spaces—your RV included.
• Chemical Exposure: Lead, arsenic, and nitrates can have long-term health effects, including neurological damage and increased cancer risk.
• Parasitic Infections: Parasites like Giardia lamblia can turn your dream trip into a nightmare.

Real-World Examples:

• Rural Areas: Often rely on well water, which isn’t subject to EPA regulations and may contain high levels of minerals, nitrates, or bacteria.
• Old Campground Infrastructure: Aging pipes can leach metals into the water or harbor biofilms where bacteria thrive.
• Natural Disaster Zones: Areas recovering from floods or hurricanes may have compromised water systems.

Other Considerations:

• Taste and Odor: Unfiltered water can have unpleasant tastes and smells, making hydration a less enjoyable experience.
• Appliance Damage: Sediment and hard water can shorten the lifespan of your RV’s plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Which RV Water Filter (or Filters) Will You Use?

Water is the essence of life, and when your home is on wheels, ensuring that essence is pure becomes a mobile challenge. Whether you’re a weekend camper or a full-time road warrior like us, investing in a reliable water filtration system is not just about health—it’s about enhancing the quality of your journey.

From the affordable simplicity of the Camco TastePURE to the high-tech assurance of the Acuva UV-LED system, there’s a solution out there that fits your needs and budget. After all, the only surprises we want on the road are the breathtaking vistas around the next bend—not unexpected bouts of stomach unrest.

So here’s to clear water, safe travels, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing every sip is as pure as the adventures that await.

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