When traveling in an RV, you have to bring everything with you, including water. However, depending on where you go, water sources may not be the highest quality. So, to ensure the health and safety of you and your fellow travelers, you need to install a water filter.
In this article, we’re going to look at the best RV water filters on the market so you can make the right decision for your needs. Whether you travel regularly or only on occasion, these filters can make a significant difference.
COMPARISON CHART
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
---|---|---|
1. Camco 40043 TastePure RV/Marine Water Filter
|
LEARN MORE ► | |
2. Camco EVO Premium RV & Marine Water Filter
|
LEARN MORE ► | |
3. Culligan RV-800 Exterior Pre-Tank Recreational Vehicle Water Filter with Hose
|
LEARN MORE ► | |
4. Beech Lane External RV Dual Water Filter System
|
LEARN MORE ► | |
5. AQUA CREST RV Inline Water Filter
|
LEARN MORE ► |
OUR TOP 5 PICKS
#1 Camco 40043 TastePure RV/Marine Water Filter
Features
As far as RV brands go, Camco is one of the most well-known and reliable. So, any product with the Camco name is likely to deliver quality results. The TastePure is one of the simplest and most effective filters on the market - here’s what you should know.
Granular Activated Carbon Filter
Because water quality can vary greatly depending on where you are, a filter is necessary. Most modern filtration products use granular activated carbon to remove most of the chemicals and bacteria from water sources.
Although this isn’t the only way to get clean water into your RV, it often yields the best results. For example, in many places, water is treated with chlorine, which can leave a bad taste. Once you run the liquid through this filter, it should be a lot better.
High-Flow Design
The way that most RV water filters work is that you connect them either to the outside of your rig or to the water spout directly. In either case, the liquid flows through the filter and into your RV’s piping.
One problem that plagues most filters is that they reduce the water pressure too much. Fortunately, this model is a high-flow unit, so you won’t notice much of a difference.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
This filter's ease and simplicity are incredible, meaning that anyone can master the installation process almost immediately. While I sometimes prefer sediment filters, granular activated charcoal is the industry standard. Overall, this product will do its job very well.
Video
#2 Camco EVO Premium RV & Marine Water Filter
Features
Because Camco is such a big brand, it makes sense that the company would make more than one water filter. This system is slightly different from the TastePure because you can change the filter without replacing the whole unit. Here are the top features of the EVO.
Replaceable Filter System
Typically, RV water filters are designed to last about a full season, or three months. That’s if you’re using the product regularly. If you only travel in the RV for a couple of weeks out of the year, you can go much longer between changes.
One feature that sets this model apart is that you can swap out the filter itself for more convenience. This way, if you’re a full-time RVer or you regularly travel throughout the year, the EVO is more cost-effective.
Filters Down to Five Microns
One way to compare water filters is to measure its micron level. The smaller the number, the more particles the product removes. While 20 microns are relatively standard, this unit can filter everything above five microns.
This rating means you get cleaner water than the competition. However, because the spaces are so small, you’ll notice a dip in water pressure.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
The EVO is one of the more convenient water filters out there, thanks to its replaceable design. Also, I appreciate that the screen itself is so efficient. I can feel a lot more confident drinking water out of the EVO than other models.
Video
#3 Culligan RV-800 Exterior Pre-Tank RV Water Filter with Hose
Features
If you’re familiar with the Culligan brand, you know that the company mostly sells water jugs for offices and homes. However, if you want Culligan-quality water in your RV, you’ll have to buy this filter instead.
Two-Thousand-Gallon Filter
When buying a product like this, you want to be sure that it will last a long time. While most filters come with a monthly time frame, this one will go through two-thousand gallons of water before it needs changing.
Considering how few gallons you’ll likely be using in the RV, this rating means you can rely on the filter for a long time.
Bacteriostatic Filter
One of the primary concerns RVers have with getting a water hookup is that the source may not be as clean as it should. Typically, these reservoirs get treated with chlorine and other chemicals to kill bacteria, but not always.
Thankfully, this filter has bacteriostatic properties, meaning that these microbes won’t make it into your tap. Instead, they’ll cling to the sides of the filter and get trapped more easily.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
Overall, this filter isn’t too remarkable, but I like the high-capacity design and the filtration system. This model is also pretty easy to set up, so both new RVers and veterans can get a lot of use out of it.
#4 Beech Lane External RV Dual Water Filter System
Features
In most cases, RV water filters are designed to be disposable products that quickly hook up and detach. This model, however, goes against the norm by being a semi-permanent installation. Here are the top features you should pay attention to from the Beech Lane Filter.
Dual Water Filter Design
If you’re highly concerned with the cleanliness of the water coming into your RV, you’ll appreciate the extra layer of filtration that comes with this system. The first filter removes particles down to five microns. The second gets them down to 0.5.
This is one of the most efficient water filters you can buy compared to most other models on the market.
Mounted Unit
Although most water filters are easy enough to set up and dismantle, it can sometimes be a pain to go through the steps. With this unit, however, you can mount it to the side of your RV so that it’s always ready to go.
Also, because this product is mounted, you can replace both filters whenever they’re finished. Over time, this setup will save you money.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
I loved the heavy-duty materials of this filter, and I know that full-time RVers will appreciate its mounting capabilities. If you’re a weekend warrior, however, this model may be a bit much. I also like the dual-filtration system, even though it lowers the water pressure immensely.
#5 AQUA CREST RV Inline Water Filter
Features
Some water filters are designed for high-use vehicles, while others are made for weekend warriors who only travel on occasion. This filtration system from Aqua Crest is for the latter group.
Fluoride Removal
Depending on who you talk to, fluoride in the water can either be helpful or harmful. While I won’t weigh in here, I can say that this is one of the only filters that focused on fluoride specifically. So, if that matters to you, I would recommend this unit.
Food-Grade Plastic Housing
One issue that can occur with other filtration products is that they can blow a gasket or seal. Since the water has to flow through such small holes, the pressure builds up until it breaks.
This model, however, is more rugged and thus resistant to a blowout. While it’s not impossible, the chances of a burst gasket are much lower.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
Overall, this filter is suitable for casual RVers who just want something quick and easy. While I don’t care about fluoride removal, some individuals might see that as a positive.
CONCLUSION
Finding the best RV water filter is crucial to ensure the health and safety of you and your travelers. For that reason, I highly recommend the Camco TastePure Filter. This model is easy to set up and use, and it does an excellent job of removing the majority of chemicals and sediment.