When you’re out on the campsite in your RV, sometimes the water supply in some campsites leaves a lot to be desired.
Some water supplies not only have bad-tasting, heavily chlorinated water with poor clarity, but they can be full of contaminants such as pesticides and even lead.
Thankfully, the market is full of great options for water filtration systems designed specifically for RVs.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best options available for you, along with all the pros and cons of each model.
Along with the list of 6 of the very best RV water filters, we have put together a helpful guide of things to look out for when purchasing a water filter for your RV.
There are four main types of water filters. These include sediment filters, carbon filters, ceramic filters, and reverse osmosis filters.
Reverse osmosis is the most effective filter for removing contaminants, but this method has a slower flow rate. Most water filtration systems have a combination of different filters types at different stages.
For example, reverse osmosis filters often have a carbon filter to remove chlorine from the water, as this can’t be done through reverse osmosis alone.
Contents
The Top 6 RV Water Filters
| Top Picks | Features | |
|---|---|---|
1.Clearsource Premium RV Water Filter System |
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2.Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter |
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3.Camco TastePURE RV Dual Canister Water Filter |
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4.Culligan RV-800 Pre-Tank RV Water Filter |
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5.Frizzlife Under Sink Three Canister Water Filter |
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5.Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System |
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Clearsource Premium RV Water Filter System
One of the best-known and most trusted brands of water filters for RVs is Clearsource. Their Premium model of RV water filtration system can be installed permanently on the underside of your RV.
It features a durable design with stainless steel fittings for a long-lasting and reliable performance. The Clearsouce Premium RV water filter is built to last!
With this system, you get large canisters which help to boost the water flow. The filters can process up to 2000 gallons of water before they need to be replaced.
The two-staged filtration system consists of a 5 micron filter followed by a 0.5 micron filter. The second stage is an active carbon filter that can remove chlorine, organic compounds, cysts, and giardia among other contaminants.
The Clearsource does a great job at improving the taste of tap water by lowering the chlorine content and getting rid of any bad odors.
With a very high flow rate of 6.5 gallons per minute, this premium water filtration system gives you convenient access to clean, safe, filtered drinking water whenever you need it.
- Corrosion-resistant chassis
- Durable stainless steel fittings
- Two stage filtration system
- Good flow rate
- Expensive premium model
- Permanent installation
Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
Berkey are world renowned for their gravity-fed water filtration systems. It’s the perfect option if you want to remain off the grid, as they don’t require any electricity to function.
Berkey offer a range of sizes of water filter, ranging from 1.5 gallons to 6 gallons. The one linked here provides a capacity of 3.25 gallons.
This range of capacities gives you the chance to choose the best option to fit your RV, and your water usage needs.
The filter has a capacity of 6000 gallons of water before it needs to be replaced. It is rated for effectively removing up to 99.999% of viruses and bacteria.
With the Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed water filter, you can rest assured that your drinking water will be safe, clean, and great-tasting.
- Available in a wide range of capacities
- Durable, long-lasting design
- Effectively removes bacteria and viruses
- Expensive unit compared to other brands
Camco TastePURE RV Dual Canister Water Filter
Camco are a trusted brand in the world of water filtration. This TastePURE model is designed specifically for use in RVs.
The TastePURE features a two-stage filtration system with a 5-micron barrier that effectively removes chlorine, bacteria, and sediment from the water to provide safe, great-tasting drinking water.
This unit has a solid, durable construction with high-quality connections that will provide a high level of performance with little to no maintenance.
This product comes fully equipped with a water hose, and all the necessary connections for an easy installation.
- 5-micron barrier filter
- Easy to install
- Durable and long lasting
- May leave behind a slight chlorine taste
Culligan RV-800 Pre-Tank RV Water Filter
The Culligan RV-800 is a very reasonably priced filtration system that uses activated carbon to effectively filter out bacteria, chlorine and other contaminants.
This unit comes equipped with s flexible 12 inch connection tube that is designed to not get knotted up.
It comes with a filter cartridge that has a 2000 gallon capacity before it needs to be replaced. It is recommended for use for water between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some users have reported that the Culligan RV-800 reduces the water pressure in an RV significantly.
- Effective filtration to reduce chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants
- Has a 5-year warranty
- Budget-friendly choice
- Reduces water pressure in an RV significantly
Frizzlife Under Sink Three Canister Water Filter
If you’re aware that the water supply you’re using is heavily contaminated, you should definitely consider getting a water filtration system with three canisters, such as the Frizzlife.
The Frizzlife Under Sink water filter performs better than almost any other cartridge-style filter, as it has a three stage filtration system.
The first of which 5 to 10-micron filter for sediment, the second has a 3 to 5-micron filter for the removal of chlorine and other contaminants and the third and final stage uses an 0.5-micron filter to remove the smallest particles.
This stage can effectively remove fluoride and heavy metals from the water.
This filtration system is designed to be installed under the sink of your RV, thus saving valuable space. It also has an inbuilt brushed nickel faucet which is highly durable.
The internal filters for the Frizzlife need to be replaced every few months in order to keep functioning as it should.
- Good flow rate of 1.4 GPM
- Installs beneath the sink
- Includes a faucet
- Three stages of filtration
- Expensive
Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
It’s well known that the most effective method of filtering contaminants out of water is by a process called reverse osmosis.
Another big advantage of using this kind of filter is that they don’t have filter cartridges that need replacing every few months.
The Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis RV water filter operates with a tankless system.
Because of the method of filtration, the flow rate is 0.28 GPM, which is slower than carbon filters, but far more effective at removing contaminants such as viruses.
This unit also features an activated carbon filter, which does need to be replaced approximately every six months.
With a 400 gallon capacity, this water filter is designed for a high level of usage, making it perfect for family RVs.
It is designed to be installed beneath your RV’s sink, saving valuable space. It is approximately 70% smaller than other traditional under the sink-style water filtration systems.
This easy-to-install unit can be installed in as little as 30 minutes, and it includes clear instructions on how to do so.
After the system is all hooked up, the user only has to replace the filters themselves by simply twisting and pulling them out. The filters can last 6 months of heavy, consistent use.
- Long lasting filters
- Compact, tankless design
- Highly effective at filtering water
- Consistently reliable performance
- More expensive than other types of water filters
RV Water Filter Buyers’ Guide
There are a few important things that must be considered before you select the right water filter for your RV.
It may seem like a pretty basic piece of equipment, but there are a few different types of water filters with various features.
It’s important to understand the different types of water filter before choosing the one most suitable for your situation. Let’s look into some of the factors that need to be considered.
Versatility
The main thing you should consider when purchasing a water filter is the type of use case it’s required for.
If you just want to have a water filter for drinking water in your RV, then it’s a good idea to have an under-sink or countertop model.
If you need a water filter for other types of use too, such as a filter that can be used on a garden hose, then you should buy a water filter that has a higher level of portability.
An adaptable water filtration system gives you a lot more utility.
Water Pressure
Generally speaking, water filters are detrimental for the water pressure in a recreational vehicle.
The amount of water that can pass through a water filter varies by the filter type, size, and the manufacturer.
This amount is measured by gallons of water per minute, or GPM. Check with your water filter manufacturer to see what GPM your water filter is.
Installation Requirements
You need to make sure that the water filter you’re buying is compatible with your RV or however you plan on using it.
You should also check with the manufacturer about the process of installation, including whether or not it requires any specialized equipment or tools.
The ease of installation is an important factor to consider if you don’t want to get bogged down in extensive DIY.
Life Expectancy
The lifespan of your RV’s water filter is dependent on the amount of use that it gets. It is also dependent on the type of filter, and its capacity.
Most carbon filter cartridges have a capacity of 100 or 200 gallons. After filtering this amount of water, the cartridge will need to be replaced.
They can last on average 3 to 4 months, depending on the frequency of use.
Check with your water filter’s manufacturer what the capacity of the filter is, and how often they recommend replacing it.
It’s important to replace your filter to cartridge to keep your RV’s water filter functioning as it should.
Housing And Hardware
Filter cartridges need to be housed in some sort of casing. These are typically available in a few different materials, such as plastic or stainless steel.
The other bits of hardware on the water filter are normally made of brass as the material is good at preventing leaks.
Water Temperature
Some water filters are made to be used to filter water at certain temperatures.
Check with the manufacturer of your water filter to see if there’s a recommended temperature range. Most filters operate at their best between 30 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Before you buy a water filter, make sure that its temperature range matches what you need it for.
Water Treatment
Not all types of water filters are able to remove all kinds of contaminants. Check with the manufacturer of the filter to see what kind of contaminants it is able to remove from water. Some of the contaminants that could be effecting your water supply include:
- Sediment
- Rust
- Lead
- Chlorine
- Bad smells
- Poor Clarity
- Bacteria and Waterborne Viruses
- Protozoa
Warranty
If for whatever reason your RV’s water filter is faulty or broken, then you need to check its warranty.
A good deal of water filter manufacturers give their customers a warranty on their products, typically between 1 and 3 years.
Price
The price of your water filter is important to consider as the cost of these products can vary significantly. You should bear in mind what your budget is and how much you’ll be willing to spend.
Like most things, you get what you pay for in terms of build quality and effectiveness, but there are some excellent budget-friendly options when it comes to water filtration systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do RV Water Filters Last?
The lifespan of your RV water filter depends on the manufacturer, the type of filtration, and the frequency of its use.
Some manufacturers advertise that their water filters will last up to a year, while others only last 3 to 4 months before they need their filter cartridges to be replaced.
Can An RV Water Filter Be Used For Filtering Hot Water?
Most RV water filters are not designed to filter hot water. Hot water can sometimes end up damaging the filtration system, and it can make the filter ineffective at removing contaminants.
Check with the manufacturer’s guidance before using hot water in your RV water filter.
How Do You Clean An RV Water Filter?
By taking good care of your RV water filter and keeping it clean, you can help to prolong its lifespan. To clean the water filter, first you should backflush it.
This involves running clean water through the filter in the opposite direction. This removes any debris from the filter that may have accumulated over time.
Depending on the type of filter, you may need to use a different method of cleaning it. Check the manufacturer’s manual for more information.
Why Do I Need A Water Filter?
Whether or not you filter your drinking water is a matter of personal preference. If you find yourself staying in campsites with a poor quality water supply, then it is likely a worthy investment.
Additionally, you can rest assured that your drinking water is safe, free from harmful chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals and even pharmaceuticals.
If the water has a strong taste of chlorine, or it has poor clarity, a simple carbon filter will be able to improve the quality of the water significantly.
An effective water filter will also rid your water supply of any impurities, bacteria or even viruses.
As well as contaminants, certain areas have high levels of minerals in their water supply, such as calcium and magnesium.
These “hard” water areas can cause the build up of sediment in your pipes, which can damage them over long periods of time.
A water filter can greatly improve the taste of your drinking water.
If you want easy access to clean, crisp tasting water, or you want to reduce the amount of plastic waste you’re producing through the use of bottled water, then a good water filter for your RV is a must-buy.
