Ready to keep your RV water tasting great and your adventures worry-free with this 5 best RV water filters on the road ? Having access to clean and safe water is essential for every RV trip on the road, whether it’s for drinking, washing dishes, taking a shower, or even brushing your teeth. The last thing you want when you turn on the faucet is murky, brown water. Beyond the inconvenience, unclean water can also cause significant harm to your RV’s plumbing system, making it a problem you can’t afford to ignore.
WHY YOU NEED IT ?
To ensures clean, safe water for drinking, cooking, and protecting your RV’s plumbing from sediment and impurities that could cause damage.
HOW IT WORKS ?
By traping and removing unwanted particles like sediment, dirt, rust, and harmful contaminants such as bacteria or chlorine.
We’ve put the 5 best RV water filters to the test, so you don’t have to. Whether you’re out for the weekend like us most of the time or hitting the road full-time, our reviews will help you find the perfect filtration system for clean, fresh water on every trip. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and let’s dive into the best RV water filters you can have on the road !
This RV item is part of our list of ‘25 Essentials Items Every New RV Owner Needs (Level 1)‘.
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Our experience with RV Water Filters Systems
From the moment we purchased our RV, we searched for a solution that would provide fresh, bacteria-free drinking water. There’s nothing worse than getting sick or spending your trip in the bathroom.
Since we prefer to avoid wasting bottled water and contributing to pollution, or lugging around large 5-gallon jugs, we opted for the ultimate solution: the Camco TastePURE Water Filter exterior filter AND the Acuva ArrowMAX 2.0 filter, which kills bacteria. That way, we can drink water anywhere, even from a lake!
We regularly fill water bottles and keep them in the freezer or fridge, so the water is always cold and perfect to drink.
The Camco TastePURE Water Filter, from Camco, is a popular choice for RV owners looking to ensure clean and safe drinking water on the road. After testing it we found that it provides a decent improvement in water quality for everyday use.
From the very first use, you’ll notice a difference in the taste of the water. Gone are the days of plastic or metallic flavors! This filter effectively removes impurities and odors, providing pure, refreshing water. Installation is easy, it easily attaches to your faucet or water hose, making it super convenient and fast.
The Camco TastePURE is also built to last, with an impressive filtration capacity. This means you can enjoy your adventure without worrying about water quality. Plus, it’s lightweight and compact, which is a real bonus for storage in your RV.
Here’s a interesting video about Camco TastePure water filter :
Pros:
- Improved Taste: The TastePURE filter significantly reduces the taste of chlorine, making water more enjoyable to drink.
- Easy Installation: This filter is quick to set up and connects directly to your RV’s water hose with minimal effort.
- Versatile Use: Suitable not only for RVs but also for gardening and other outdoor purposes where water quality matters.
Cons:
- Flow Rate Reduction: small drop in water pressure when the filter is attached.
- Not a Complete Solution: While it improves taste and removes sediment, it doesn’t filter out more complex contaminants like heavy metals or bacteria.
The Travel Berkey water filter , from Berkey, is an excellent option for RVers and campers looking for a reliable way to purify water on the go. This portable system is designed to remove harmful contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and chemicals without the need for electricity, making it ideal for off-the-grid adventures.
However, it’s important to securely fix the unit inside the RV to avoid spills while traveling. Its compact size is great for small spaces, but the limited water capacity may require frequent refills.
While there are several models of Berkey filters available, the Travel Berkey is the size (1.5G) we recommend to travelers and RVers.
Pros:
- Compact and Portable: Easy to carry and fits well in RVs or small spaces, making it perfect for travelers.
- Effective Filtration: Removes 99.9% of contaminants, including bacteria and chemicals, providing peace of mind.
- No Power Needed: Operates without electricity, allowing you to purify water anywhere.
Cons:
- Limited Water Capacity: Requires frequent refills, which may be inconvenient for larger groups. It depends of the size of course !
- Securing in Motion: Needs to be properly secured in an RV to prevent tipping and spills while driving.
The Camco Evo RV Water Filter, from Camco, is a compact and efficient filtration system designed for RVs, ensuring clean drinking water during your travels. Its lightweight design makes it easy to install and remove, while its multi-stage filtration process effectively removes chlorine, sediment, and other contaminants. This filter is particularly useful for those who frequently stay in campgrounds with varying water quality.
Additionally, the Evo RV Water Filter’s affordability makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. Its combination of performance and price points appeals to RV owners looking for a reliable filtration system without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Easy Installation: Simple setup and removal process.
- Effective Filtration: Removes chlorine and sediment for better-tasting water.
- Compact Design: Fits easily in tight spaces, ideal for RV use.
Cons:
- Initial Taste: you might notice an initial plastic taste when first using the filter, which can be off-putting.
- Cost of Replacement Filters: Ongoing filter costs can add up over time.
The Acuva ArrowMAX 2.0 is a powerful water purifier designed specifically for RVs, using cutting-edge UV light technology to effectively eliminate 99.99% of harmful pathogens from your drinking water. Unlike traditional filters that merely remove sediments, this purifier ensures your water is safe and clean.
However, it does require a 12V power connection, which can complicate installation for some users. Additionally, the setup may be more complex than standard filtration systems, and the water flow rate is relatively low, which could slow down the filling of larger containers.
At the very least, this system aims to be the most effective and safe for drinking water from various sources. Not to mention all the water bottles saved along the journey!
Here’s video about how to install Acuva ArrowMax 2.0. For RV, the only difference is that you need to connect it to your 12volts electric system !
Pros:
- Advanced UV Purification: Effectively kills harmful pathogens for safe drinking water.
- Compact Design: Space-saving and ideal for RV installations.
- Long-lasting Lamp: UV lamp lasts about 9,000 hours, reducing replacement frequency.
Cons:
- 12V Power Requirement: Needs a 12V connection, complicating installation.
- Complex Setup: More challenging installation compared to simpler filters.
- Low Flow Rate: Slower water flow may be inconvenient for filling larger containers.
Well, it’s not a water filter, but many people use it, so here’s our take on these water dispensers, available in various models.
Electric water bottle dispensers can significantly enhance the RV experience by providing a convenient way to access water from large bottles (5 gallons jugs) without the need for heavy lifting or manual pouring. With just the push of a button, users can fill cups or containers quickly and effortlessly, making hydration during travel a breeze.
However, in the compact environment of an RV, these dispensers can pose specific challenges. They often require regular bottle replacements, which can consume storage space, and some models depend on electricity, complicating usage when off-grid or boondocking.
Pros:
- Convenient Dispensing: Quickly dispense water with the push of a button, eliminating spills and mess.
- Space Efficiency: Keeps water easily accessible without lifting heavy bottles, ideal for smaller RV kitchens.
- Cheap.
Cons:
- Frequent Bottle Changes: Regularly replacing large bottles can take up valuable space in an RV.
- Power Requirements: Needs electricity, which can be a concern when boondocking or without a reliable power source.
- Bulkiness: Some models can be cumbersome and may not fit well in limited storage areas.
FINAL VERDICT !
After reviewing these 5 systems, the verdict is in! For quality water to complement a water tank or potable water bottles, the Camco TastePURE Water Filter or Camco Evo RV Water Filter systems are an economical and highly effective solution.
However, for potable water wherever you go, a combination of forces is ideal. An external water filter to remove large impurities before the water enters your RV, and an internal purifier like the Acuva ArrowMAX to eliminate bacteria and viruses using UV light. With this duo, it’s a flawless solution! You can drink water from almost any source with confidence, while saving plastic bottles along the way. It’s a verdict that makes sense, right? Case closed!
Beyond the Reviews
Why to buy a RV Water Filtration System ?
Ensuring clean, safe drinking water in an RV is essential due to potential contaminants in campground or public water sources. Water filtration systems remove impurities such as sediment, bacteria, and chemicals, which can impact health and the RV’s plumbing system.
Several types of filters are commonly used in RVs:
Sediment Filters: These filters remove larger particles like sand, rust, and dirt, preventing sediment buildup that can damage plumbing and reduce water quality. They’re often the first line of filtration, prolonging the life of more sensitive filters.
Carbon Filters: Carbon filters are popular for their effectiveness in improving taste and odor by reducing chlorine and certain chemicals. They remove many common contaminants that sediment filters don’t address, providing safer and more pleasant-tasting water.
Ceramic Filters: Ceramic filters have a fine porous surface that blocks bacteria and parasites, providing excellent filtration for those concerned about pathogens. Though they can be pricier, they are highly effective, especially if you travel to areas with unpredictable water quality.
Inline Water Filters: These filters connect directly to your RV’s water hose, filtering water before it enters the RV. They’re easy to install and can combine sediment and carbon filtration for added protection.
Reverse Osmosis Systems: While less common in RVs due to their size, reverse osmosis systems provide highly purified water by removing almost all contaminants. They’re ideal for those staying long-term in areas with uncertain water sources but require more storage and a holding tank for waste water.
Using a combination of these filters ensures that your RV’s water supply remains clean and safe to drink. Given the variable quality of campground water, investing in a filtration system is crucial for health, peace of mind, and the longevity of your RV’s plumbing system.
What is UV Purification?
UV purification is a cutting-edge water treatment technology that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect water by eliminating harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Unlike chemical treatments, UV systems don’t add anything to the water, preserving its natural taste. The purification process involves exposing water to UV-C light, which disrupts the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce or cause illness.
How It Works
The water passes through a UV chamber where a UV lamp emits light at a specific wavelength. This wavelength is highly effective at destroying the genetic material of pathogens. UV purification works almost instantaneously, providing clean, drinkable water without waiting or chemical residues.
Advantages for RVs
For RV users, UV purification systems are incredibly beneficial. Compact models like the Acuva ArrowMax, Viqua, and Bluonics are designed for mobile lifestyles, offering consistent access to clean water no matter where you travel. They provide peace of mind when using water from campground hookups, natural sources, or unknown municipal systems.
UV systems are low maintenance, eco-friendly, and eliminate the need for carrying bottled water. With models like the Acuva ArrowMax, you can enjoy up to 99.9999% pathogen-free water, even from challenging sources, ensuring hydration and safety for every adventure.
