The Best RV Water Filter

Are you shopping around for the best RV water filter? In our RV lifestyle, we sometimes get to destinations where water can be unsuitable for using or drinking. And that we should not let happen.

For this reason, it is important to install and use an RV water filtration system or kit in our camper, trailer or vehicle with a water hookup. As with it, we will always be prepared to filter water and make it cleaner and safer for drinking and/or using.

To help you get started in choosing the right water filter for your needs, we have come up with a guide featuring the top picks for your reference and comparison.

And then later in this guide, we’re also listing some factors to consider when looking for one. So if you’re ready, let’s begin.

Best RV Water Filters

1. Camco 40045 TastePURE Inline Water Filter

When shopping around for a water filter for RV hose, you must look for one that can effectively reduce the odor, bad taste, chlorine odor and sediment in our RV water.

After all, your family’s health matters. This 40045 is a two-pack inline water filter, which can purify water going into your motorhome or recreational vehicle.

We also love that this product has a higher flow rate versus the competition.

This Camco TastePURE filter has this offered benefit. It is why we recommend it if you’re looking for a decent inline water filter that does not only have the ability of purifying water and making it free from sediments, bad odor and taste and chlorine, but it also give us a higher flow rate.

It also has a large capacity for its wide body and be aligned easily with our RV water hose. You can also rely on it because one can last for an entire camping season. That said you would save money for not having to replace it from time to time.

This one also works smartly against odor because of its granular activated carbon. This can deliver clean and safe drinking water, no matter the source.

So wherever is the source of your water, from the camping ground or city water source, you can filter water effectively.

The Camco TastePURE Inline Water Filter 40045 can be used and attached to your water hose or gardening hose for cleaner and safer water.

We also love the Kinetic Degradation Fluxion technology in this product. It works by using oxidation/reduction chemical process to get rid of the chemicals, which give unpleasant taste and odor in the water. A few of these include chlorine and hydrogen sulfide.

When not in use, the KDF technology gives it the ability of removing mold, bacteria and fungus from the filter.

2. Camco EVO Premium Water Filter

The Camco EVO water filter 40631 is one of our most favorite among the top choices in RV water filters because it works excellently in reducing bad taste, bacteria, sediment, chlorine and odor and so many more.

We recommend that it is an ideal pick for marine and RV uses because it is also made of high quality and durable materials.

It is also a complete kit because it already comes with an extension hose, a replaceable filter cartridge and filter housing. Part time and full time RVers can depend on it for its effective filtration.

It works with KDF technology and granulated activated carbon that improves bacteria control and filtration. These features offer great filtration technique through its porous shell with an opening not more than five microns (diameter). The activated carbon reduces the bad odor and taste in city water or water from any other sources.

It is compatible and ideal for many applications. It allows easy setup and installation, too. This EVO model can keep the water contaminants and sediments out of your water tank. It can improve the smell and taste of drinking water, too. This filter can also be attached easily and quickly to a garden or water hose connection as well.

When washing your car, this product is also useful because it can help you prevent mineral deposit spots and stains in your car. You can also use it when filtering water for filling up a hot tub or pool, for boating and for home brewing.

It is also a complete kit with an extension hose, cartridge wrench, Teflon tape, filter housing and replaceable filter cartridge.

3. Clearsource Premium RV Water Filter System

Aside from comparing Camco 40043 vs 40045, you might also want to include the Clearsource water filter system when choosing a filtration system. It is an effective RV filter because it is designed and constructed with high quality and durable materials.

For one, it has the first stage filtration to remove the sediments with its 5-micron. Next, it has the second stage filtration for its .5-micron filtration system to remove organic compounds, chlorine, Giardia, cysts and other water contaminants.

The least we would like to have in our RV is stinky and dirty water. None of us would like to compromise our health. That is why we need a water filter system in our recreational vehicle. We have to make sure that water going into it is clean and safe.

When it comes to durability, this model is made with powder-coated metal chassis, allowing for long-lasting use. This chassis also allows for quick and easy installation between the fresh water connection on your camper or recreational vehicle and your water source.

It also offers two stages of water filtration to remove all contaminants, including sediments, volatile organic compounds and chlorine. This product can also get rid of the bad taste and odor of the water coming into your RV.

The stainless steel inlet fitting is also anti-rust and anti-corrosion. This Clearsource Premium RV Water Filter System also comes with a built-in stand and offers a high water flow rate for quick filtration.

4. Camco 40013 TastePURE KDF/Carbon Water Filter

It is one of the highest rated water filters for RVs online and in the world. There is no wonder because Camco is an established brand that is committed to the design, engineering and creation of high quality and durable water filtration systems on the market.

Just like what you will also read in Camco RV water filter instructions, this Camco 40013 is very easy and quick to install in your RV. Without any hassle, you can easily have it ready in minutes.

One of the best features we love about it is its double high tech features, including an activated carbon and KDF. These features work harmoniously in getting rid of many types of water contaminants, including bacteria, sediments, chlorine, bad odors and taste and so many more.

With these features, you can have peace of mind that you will get clean and safe drinking water all the time.

We also love that it has a large capacity. Did you know that it could last for the entire camping season? With that said, you can have an ultimate camping season without having to replace your filter from time to time.

This model is made with 100-micron fiber filter, which makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a reliable and top water purifying results. It also has the KDF for preventing the growth of mold, fungus and bacteria when the filter’s not in use. It has a large capacity that lets you filter a more water and faster with a higher flow rate.

5. Culligan RVF-10 Exterior Filter

The RV Drinking Water Filter is one of the top choices among products in the same category. This Culligan RV water filter can ensure that your drinking water will be clean and safe. It has a sturdy design and construction, which can make it a long lasting water filter for the entire camping season.

The exterior filter can let you and your loved ones enjoy a cleaner storage tank and better tasting water. It works by removing most contaminants in the water, including bacteria, fungus, sediments, bad odor and taste, chlorine and so many more.

On the downside, this product has a shorter limited lifetime warranty than others in the same category have.

It has a solid and compact design, which makes it ideal for an exterior filtration system. This model also has a slim design that makes it easy to use and takes up smaller space.

The water filter kit also comes with durable and convenient hose fitting, which gives you an easier time to set up or install this filter. The product also has a replacement cartridge that has a 3-month lifespan to filter up to 250 gallons of water.

The Model RVF-10 also comes with a strong construction to last for many years even with heavy abuse and use. So if you’re a full time RVer, you might want to consider this filtration system for savings and the best results in filtering water getting into your RV.

6. AQUACREST RV KDF Water Filter

This is a two-piece pack water filter that can be interchanged with the 40045 TastePURE filter. We love that it is versatile and allows for that interchange, giving us more options for our water filtration requirements.

The AQUACREST RV KDF Water Filter offers us with reliable and effective filtration, to supply our families with clean and safe drinking water all the time. It also works with the KDF system that can help in getting rid of most water contaminants.

While efficient in removing water contaminants, it is affordable. This is one of the things we love about this product. It allows us to enjoy safe and clean water but without putting a hole on our pockets. If you’re looking for a top end but reasonably priced water filter, then you might want to check out this one.

When it comes to installation, none of us would like to spend so much time on it. We want an easy to set up product so that we can use it right away in filtering water entering our RV tank. Without any stress, you can set this filter system with help from the detailed manual of instructions coming with every purchase.

Another good thing about this AQUACREST filter is that it can fit Camco 40045 water filter. It is also made of advanced materials for that ultimate experience and use. One of the main missions of the brand is to provide your loved ones with fresh and clean drinking water all the time.

This system can be used for up to three months. However, it might be dependent on the water quality you’re getting from the source. Finally, using a water filter, you can help save the earth because plastic water bottles use will be minimized.

7. GOLDEN ICEPURE Inline RV Water Filter

The replacement filter comes with a flexible hose protector is one of the best choices around because it made with quality, durable and solid materials. The long service life of the RV water filter also makes it one of the best choices on the market now.

The Golden Ice Pure water filter allows water filtration that can work efficiently for up to 120 days. It can last for the entire camping season, but then it will vary based on the condition of the water.

It also works with the KDF technology that prevents bacteria from getting into the filter. When looking for a new RV water filter, you should look for one with this technology to ensure that water quality won’t be compromised even when the filter is not in use.

The Golden Ice Pure Activated Carbon and KDF water filter is a complete kit with all you need to set up and use it immediately. It comes with a flexible hose protector, replacement filter and two pieces of filters.

This product is also made with certified and guaranteed effective filter media, which is certified by the NSF. It is a natural coconut shell activated carbon that can get rid of odor, volatile compounds, THMs, chlorine and odor with its KDF55.

In addition, the filter can get rid of heavy metals and pesticides in water. It can also prevent the microorganism growth and improve your hair, nails and skin condition.

8. Culligan RV 800 Exterior Pre-Tank RV Water Filter

The Culligan RV 800 is one of the high quality RV water filters we found around because it has the top features that make it a good choice for water filters. When choosing a filtration system, features includes a connector hose must be included in the purchase to prevent spending on buying a separate one.

We love that this RV 800 water filter is also versatile enough to be attached in motor homes, boats, trailers, campers and recreational vehicles. It is one of the top characteristics to look for when buying a new RV filter. Versatility is important to ensure that we can use it for many purposes and applications.

This smart filter is also made with a Bacteriostatic filter media. It works by preventing and limiting bacterial growth in the filtration system. The filter is also a genuine OEM filter that is long lasting and durable for many years of service.

It also removes water contaminants, including bad odor and taste, bacteria, chlorine taste and odor and sediments. That’s one of the reasons we are recommending this product to our readers.

The Culligan RV-800 offers a high flow rate, working efficiently and fast to reduce chlorine taste and odor and other contaminants in the water entering your RV freshwater system.

The filter is also compatible with many hose fittings. Its cartridge also has a long life span of up to 2000 gallons. Finally, we love that this product is NSF certified and has a five-year warranty included.

9. Fette Filter RV & Marine Inline Water Filter

For this review of the best RV water filters for drinking water, we find it valuable to include this RV and marine inline water filter. It is one of the most convenient and easiest to install of them all. That is why we recommend it to those looking for an easy to use yet effective water filter for their RVs.

This product can be compared to a Camco water filter 2 pack inline water filter because it works as effectively and has high quality, too.

Every purchase of the product also comes with complete accessories including a hose protector. This model also comes with two pieces of inline water filters.

The inline water filter is designed with a high flow rate and high capacity. It can be used for the entire camping season, but length of use might depend on the quality of water from the source.

But then, the product works effectively because it has an activated carbon that can make safe drinking water all the time. With clean water, you can also look forward to healthy nails, skin and hair.

This is a sediment filter that can work in reducing bad odors and taste as well as most sediments and chlorine in your RV’s drinking water source. That said you don’t have to deal with these water contaminants because the inline water filter can get rid of them for you.

However, it might need immediate replacement quickly if poor quality water is what you’re always filtering. This product, in general, can last for three months or the entire camping season.

10. Hydro Life 52700 Inline Water Filter

In addition to comparing different water filters like the Camco 40013 vs 40043, you should also check out top contenders for the best inline water filters like the Hydro Life 52700. It is complete with a hose protector and other accessories for quick and easy use.

The Hydro Life 52700 is ideal for many uses including on hydroponic gardens, organic vegetable gardens and urban gardens. That is one of the versatility features of this 52700 model.

It is not only for delivering clean water into your RV but also for ensuring of your family’s health. Using the inline water filter, you can also look forward to healthy nails, skin and hair of your loved ones.

This product is made with a catalytic carbon, which can reduce chloramines and chlorine and other types of contaminants in the water.

When shopping around for a reliable water filter, you should also look for one that has the ability of removing heavy metals and volatile compounds in the water.

It includes a KDF 55 filter media, working to extend the carbon filer’s life. It also bonds with chloramines and heavy metals and traps these substances within the hose.

The C-85 Inline hose Filter, overall, is a highly recommended product if you’re looking for cleaner and safer water from any potable source.

11. Hydro Life 52141 HL-200 External Filter Kit

This Hydro Life Water Filter Exterior kit model is perfect for those who love to go for outdoor adventures! It is perfect to use in trailers, RVs, boats and other vehicles that has an exterior hookup.

This filter kit can purify water before it enters your water system. It is one of the essentials when finding a new RV filter because it can ensure that water will be cleaner and safer to use. It can also make sure that you will have healthy nails, hair and skin for using cleaner water from any source.

The product has the KDF filter media, an EPA approved material that can prevent the growth of bacteria, fungus and mold that may come in contact with the activated carbon filter especially when it is not in use. The Hydro Life 52141 also has a high water flow rate of up to 2.5 GPM and has a working pressure range between 20 and 125 PSI.

You can also use it for permanent installation, making it versatile to use in many applications. You can also depend on it for high volume filtration to deliver fresh and clean water to your RV. It can remove lead, heavy metals and chlorine in the water.

The model that gets rid of most water contaminants can deliver better quality, cleaner and safer water for your RV water system.

It also comes with garden hose connectors, allowing you to change the cartridge without using any tools. All these features and more make this water filtration system a top choice for us.

12. Watts POE12DSA1KDF Dual Exterior Water Filter Kit

The Watts RV water filter is an external filtration kit that comes with top quality features and functions you will love. For one, the kit can filter water effectively that it can have a satisfying and crispier taste. That is one of the things that you should look for when buying a new RV water filter.

It also has replaceable cartridges that you can switch out easily without any worries. This water filtration system can also work effectively when removing contaminants, including sediments, volatile compounds, heavy metals, chlorine taste and odor and so many more.

This product is also versatile to use for many purposes including in vegetable gardening, filling up water on tubs and cleaning the car.

The versatility of this product is one of the things we love about it. It is also one of the reasons we recommend it for you if you’re looking for high quality and convenient water filter. It has overall dimensions of 14.8 x 14 x 6.4 inches.

The Watts POE12DSA1KDF also has a longer lifespan of up to one year versus other products that can only be used for three months or an entire camping season. However, it might need replacement if you’re using poor quality water for filtration.

The GAC/KDF filter can reduce bad odor and taste in water. It can also get rid of any inorganic contaminants in the water before they even reach the product’s carbon bed. This action protects it from any buildup and fouling due to bacteria.

Why You Should Trust Us

You should trust SmartRVing.net when buying RV water filters because we’ve carefully looked into the things to look for, including amount of water to filter, price, ease of installation and use, micron ratings and size.

Looking into these characteristics, we’re able to pick the best water filters on the market. Our reviewers are consumers themselves, too, so they also want to use the best RV gears, appliances, accessories and systems.

Using our reviews as a guide, you can have peace of mind that we’ve carefully picked and highlighted the things you need to know when buying an RV water filter that’s right for you.

What Is An RV Water Filter

An RV water filter is one of the essentials for your recreational vehicle, camper, trailer or any vehicle that has a water hookup. The best ones can be used for applications and purposes, including gardening, cleaning the car and filling up water tubs. But at the very least, one is used in a recreational vehicle’s water system. It has the main function of getting rid of chlorine taste and odor, sediments, volatile compounds, heavy metals and other impurities.

It works by filtering the water that gets into your water system tank. Most of these can be attached or connected to a hose. They also come with a hose protector to prevent the straining in your faucet or spigot.

Some are inline units. They combine sediment removal and carbon filtration – few of the best features to look for when buying an RV filter. The best ones also include accessories, including an RV water filter stand.

Many of these also come with technologies including a KDF, which works by improving water taste and odor. It can also prevent bacteria from building up or collecting in the system when it is not in use. Most also have high flow rate, commonly 2.5 GPM and can handle up to 125PSI.

Some are smaller in size, suiting families who do not use their RVs often. But for those who use their recreational vehicles in the entire camping season or looking for a more heavy-duty product, they can opt for canister systems.

How Does It Work

Filtration systems are recommended for every RV owner because they can filter water wherever we’re parked or camping aboard our vehicle. As you know, pure and clean water is essential for our health. For this reason, we have to use a water filter that will help us filter water during our trip. Many of them also work to eliminate any bad smell and odor of water. They can also function to remove contaminants, including sediments from the water.

Types Of RV Water Filters

When looking for the best water filter for RV hose, you should first know the types of filtration kits and systems available on the market. What are the different types to which you need to get yourself familiar? By knowing the following types, you can have a better guide when trying to choose one.

Sediment water filter

It is one of the most basic types that work like a traditional strainer. This type can catch particles found in the water. It is chosen by those who want to protect their faucets, toilet valves, water heater and water pump.

But then, this type of water filter will require more maintenance than other types of water filtration systems on the market do. The sediment filter can be a good choice if you’re trying to filter water going into your recreational vehicle.

Activated carbon water filter

Just like the sediment water filter, the carbon water filter is another good choice for part time or full time RVers, but it does more than sediment filtration. It also works by improving the overall taste and odor of water getting into your tank.

That is why it is a cooler choice if you also want to get rid of that foul odor and bad taste in city water commonly used in RV camping grounds.

Most types available now can filter water and improve the overall quality. They can also get rid of volatile organic compounds, mercury, asbestos and lead, among other heavy metals to find in water. For this type, you have three options.

• Solid block carbon
• Modified carbon block
• Granular activated carbon

In general, more people prefer the GAC, as it is the most cost-effective types yet is also one of the most effective in getting rid of contaminants.

Ceramic water filters

Aside from the sediment and carbon filters, there are also the ceramic water filters. At the very least, they have holes, the ones filtering out the contaminants, including bacteria, protozoa and sediments.

On the downside, they seem to be ineffective when removing the chemical contaminants, including chlorine, lead, mercury and other chemicals.

The good thing is that many of the newer types have combined carbon materials to remove the chemicals in the water. So if you’re buying a ceramic filter, you should choose one that has carbon filter component and made for recreational vehicles.

Why Do You Need An RV Water Filter

Maybe you’re asking, why you need a recreational vehicle water filter. There are many benefits of having one for your RV. As you may know, heavy metals, sediments and other particles can damage your RV’s water system. For better explanation, check out the following for the benefits of having a good RV water filtration system or kit.

Sediment removal

It causes cloudy, turbid and dirty water, leading to inconvenience of your loved ones. But it is more than an inconvenience because sediments can also harm your equipment, which might need replacement sooner.

Chlorine odor and taste reduction

Most campgrounds provide water supply, but it is mostly chlorinated. Chlorine is needed for treatment all the pollution and contaminants in the water.

But with its high content, other heavy metals, such as lead, can leach into the water especially if it gets in contact with old alloy pipes. That’s not all though. Chlorine also makes unpleasant odor and taste in water.

By using a good water filtration system, you can reduce its level in the city potable water available in the camping ground. Remove the chlorine smell and taste from the water going into your RV using one of our top recommendations above.

Bacteria reduction

One of the most proven benefits of having a high technology water filtration system is its ability of destroying harmful organisms. Some of these include fecal coliform, parasites and campylobacter jejuni. Exposure to harmful bacteria can lead to digestive problems, including stomach discomfort and diarrhea. That is why it is essential to use a powerful water filtration kit for your RV.

Hair, skin and nail health

Having an RV water filter kit or system, you can also improve your and your loved ones’ skin, nail and hair health, as it can get rid of unwanted minerals and harmful contaminants that would otherwise cause skin, hair and nail issues.

Factors To Consider Before Buying An RV Water Filter

Check out the following for the most important things to consider when buying a recreational vehicle filtration system or kit.

Amount of water to filter

How much water to filter? Do you only want to filter drinking water? Or do you want to purify all the water getting into your RV water system? Thinking about it, you can choose the filter with the right capacity to work based on your specific needs.

Price

Just like when buying anything online or in store, you should determine how much you’re willing to spend on the RV filtration system. Doing so, you can save so much time because you will be able to narrow down your options based on the budget you have set for the new investment.

Micron ratings

These water filters are rated with a micron rating, referring to how small the particles that the kit or system will let pass. The more pollutants and contaminants will be filtered out by those with a smaller submicron or micron rating.

Ease of installation and use

Do not go for those with complicated set up processes. Instead, look for one that you can install easily and coming with a detailed instruction on how to do it. You must also choose one that won’t give you a hard time to replace the filter when the time comes.

Size

What filter size do you need? When deciding for this one, you should also look into your water pressure. The more powerful is the flow of water of a bigger filter. That is one thing to note when searching for the right filtration system for your RV.

Nevertheless, you should choose a filter size that will accommodate your filtering needs especially if you have to purify all the water getting into your RV.

Type

When looking for one for your RV, you should consider the type of product you’re getting. Start from the list of types we have highlighted in this guide.

If you need a basic filtration of sediments and particles, choose the sediment filter or an inline filter. You might also get a canister type that you can customize based on your requirements.

Brand

When buying a new water filter, make sure that you’re getting one from a reputable and trusted brand. See to it that it is committed to quality and durability of their products.

Most of them also offer highly precise filtering systems with both carbon filter and KDF technology.

They can also give peace of mind because they have been established in the industry, meaning customers all over the world trust them for their commitment to high quality filtration kits and systems.

There you have what to look for when buying a replacement or a new filter kit or system. Again, consider the size, type, micron rating, size, amount of water to filter and price.

Compare your options well and pick the right one based on these things and other factors you deem important when buying an RV water filter. To start with the comparison, try to use our top recommended products for your reference and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Camco 40043 vs. 40045: Which is better for you?

A: Both are good choices, as they’re from a top brand, Camco. Between the two, it is better to consider your needs and price preference. Either way, both are powerful and effective in filtering potable city water.

Q: Camco 40013 vs. 40043: Which is better for you?

A: Again, there is no specific answer to this question, as no two families have the same needs in filtering water getting into their RV. Nevertheless, both are top raters and highly reviewed. They are also long lasting and offer precise water filtration results.

Q: How long do RV water filters last?

A: Many of them are durable and efficient, lasting anywhere between 3 months and one year. Some of the featured products we have above can last an entire camping season or three months. But there are also models to last up to 12 months.

Q: How to install (change) RV water filter?

A: It is very easy to change or install a new filter, depending on the type. You just have to read and understand the user manual coming with every purchase. In most cases, installing or changing it takes only less than or about an hour.

Q: How much water should I filter?

A: Each water filters have their capacities. Check that on the label and brochure before buying one. Some RV owners only want to filter a small amount of water, while some choose filtering all the water getting into their vehicles.

To decide on how much to filter, you should check the capacity of the filter system you’re planning to buy.

Q: Should I filter all the water used in RV or only the drinking water supply?

A: This question is answerable by you. Some owners choose filtering all the water while the others only the drinking water. For us, it is better to purify all the water getting into the RV because it can also improve nail, skin and hair health.

Q: Should I use reverse osmosis (RO) for my RV? When?

A: Yes, you can if you want to, especially when you want to have salt-free and pure drinking water. This process is also for you if you want peace of mind that your water is pure and free from most contaminants.

Q: Can I use RV water filter for hot water?

A: We have not encountered this before, but generally, most filters are not meant for hot water use. Nevertheless, you can contact the maker just to be sure if the filtration kit or system can be used for hot water filtration or not.

Q: How to clean RV water filter?

A: As RV water filters come in many types, designs and features, the best way to clean one may be slightly different from one another. But just like installing it, cleaning is also a breeze for most models like the Camco EVO premium water filter. In all cases, you might want to consult the user manual for specific instructions.

Conclusion

Hope you picked up something from our guide on what to look for when buying an RV water filter, including size, price and type. We also hope we’re able to answer some of the most common questions you have in mind when buying a new or replacement filter. Have you decided on the best RV water filter? Study your options well and pick the right filtration system that fits your needs today! If you are looking for other RV freshwater system products, you should read these articles: best RV shower heads, best RV tankless water heaters, best RV water pressure regulators, best RV water hoses, best RV water pumps and best RV water softeners. We do hope you like them. Thanks!