If you look at practically any compilation of must-have RV accessories, you’ll find RV water filters at the top of the list. It’s crucial to put quality water into your rig’s freshwater tank. If not, you could contaminate your water system and cause issues for sensitive components like the pump and your faucets.
Today, we’re taking a deep dive into these accessories and why most people shouldn’t fall for the hype of expensive water filters.
You should likely get by fine with a cheap filter. Let’s get started!
What Are RV Water Filters?
There are a few RV water filters, but they all do precisely what their name implies. They filter the water you put into your RV’s freshwater tank.
You can also attach more expensive options to the water system. The water passes through multiple canisters or UV lights to filter impurities and sediments. These are “in-line RV water filters” because they’re built directly into the water lines and systems.
A budget-friendly option for an RV water filter is a carbon water filter.
Water passes through the carbon in the small tube-like filter, removing much of the odor and tastes familiar to a city water source. As these are one of the cheapest options, they’re not as effective as more expensive options for removing viruses, bacteria, and metals.
Keep in mind: This is the inexpensive water filter that we recommend.
Do I Need a Filter On My RV?
We think that every RVer should use a water filter with their RV. You never know what sediment and other items you could be putting into your water system when filling up your tank.
However, many people don’t like drinking the water from their RV’s water system. They’ll often only use the water for cooking, flushing toilets, or showering and bottled water for drinking.
So while we think you should invest in a filter, you may not need to invest in a complex one. Getting a cheap water filter to keep sediment out of your water system will do the trick for most RVers.
What Type Of Water Filter Is Best?
A reverse osmosis water filter is an expensive and complex water filter system. It takes up a tremendous amount of room but will provide you with the cleanest possible water. Many RVers who go this route will often only use the filtered water for drinking and cooking.
However, while it may provide the cleanest possible water, it’s not the best solution for most RVers.
In our opinion, the best way to filter your RV’s water is typically through a simple exterior filter. They’re easy to use and you can find them at Walmart or Amazon.
Keep in mind: Your fresh water tank may be the real issue. Keep it clean using these easy steps.
How Much Do Water Filters Cost?
There is quite a range when it comes to RV water filters. The primary filters will typically cost $15 to $20, and the more complex systems can be hundreds and even thousands of dollars.
How much money you’re willing to spend will likely depend on how often you use your RV. However, the average RV user will get by just fine using an inexpensive filter while RVing.
Other RV Water Filter Options
You don’t have to drop a considerable chunk of change to have clean water in your RV. While not all RV water filters are equal, some inexpensive options get the job done. If you’re looking for an RV water filter for this camping season, here are a handful of our favorites.
Hansing 25K Gallons RV Water Filter External with 3 Stages Filtration
The Hansing 25K triple filtration system eliminates 99.5% of the chlorine, chloramine, chloroform, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds often found in water. It helps eliminate odors, bad tastes, and other components that leave you unhappy with your water. This filter is 230 times larger than a typical filter.
This product is not just more significant, but the construction is top-notch. Instead of using plastic threading, Hansing uses brass threads and adapters to ensure you get a solid connection every time you connect your water filter. It has an anti-clogging pleated filter to ensure proper flow.
The Hansing 25K is an excellent option for weekend warriors who use their rigs most of the year. Its rugged design ensures it can take a beating as you move from campsite to campsite. It’ll get the job done for many adventures!
Price: $115-$130
FRIZZLIFE RV Water Filter-NSF/ANSI 53&42 Certified Inline Hose Filter for RV-0.5 Micron W/Pressure Regulator
The FRIZLIFE RV water filter has all the certifications you could ask for. It removes chlorine, sediments, lead, and other contaminants that you don’t want in your water. However, it leaves essential minerals to create safer and better-tasting water in your RV.
This is an inline hose filter that you can install in less than five minutes. Each filter can last six to twelve months or approximately 15,000 bottles of water. The easy-to-use twist-in design allows you to replace the water filters in less than three seconds.
It even comes with a pressure regulator to help reduce any damage if you connect to a water source with high water pressure. By choosing this model, you can have cleaner water and reduce your dependence on single-use bottles.
Price: $75-$100
Camco TastePURE RV Dual Canister Water Filter
Camco is one of the most recognized brands regarding RV accessories. Their dual canister TastePURE filter has everything you need to connect it to your RV’s system. A dual-stage filtration system keeps you safe from chlorine, bad tastes, odors, sediment, bacteria, and other contaminants commonly found in unfiltered water.
The nickel-plated brass fittings are incredibly durable and reduce the odds of a loose connection or water leak while traveling. Depending on how often you’re using it, you’ll have clean and safe water for up to six months before replacing the filters, which you can do in a couple of minutes.
Price: $200
Camco 40043 TastePure RV/Marine Water Filter with Flexible Hose Protector
Camco makes one of the most basic RV water filters, but it gets the job done. They generally last three months, the regular camping season for most RVers. It easily connects to the water source and your potable drinking hose to filter out the sediment, chlorine, and other gunk that causes terrible tasting and smelly water.
While these are cheap filters that don’t last forever, they get the job done in most circumstances. The wide-body design helps reduce the chances of clogging and increases the flow rate to avoid reducing water pressure in your rig. This is an excellent option to keep fungus, bacteria, and other contaminants out of your RV’s water system this camping season.
Price: $15-$20
How Often Should You Change Your Filter?
RV water filters usually have a lifespan measured in gallons or months. For the average RV user, an inexpensive water filter will typically last an entire camping season. It’s good to start each camping season with a fresh filter.
If you’re hitting the road and traveling in your RV full time, it’s best to replace your filter several times each year. Depending on how much water you’re using, you may need to replace it every other month or when you start to notice any differences in the taste or smell of your water.
Are Water Filters Worth It?
Using an RV water filter is an effective way to protect your water system and health. The best filters can protect you from harmful viruses and bacteria. Because water is essential for survival, you want to ensure the water you’re consuming is safe to drink. So grab one of the RV water filters before your next trip and enjoy better smelling and fresher tasting water.
Do you drink the water from your RV’s freshwater system?
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