
Water quality is a key concern on RV trips, as campground water can be unreliable, containing sediment, chemicals, microorganisms, and an unpleasant taste. While a basic inline filter may suffice for occasional use, if you’re RVing full-time, you will need a more robust system that handles high volumes and removes a wide range of contaminants. We’ve reviewed the top 3 RV water filters to help you find the best system for your needs.
Water Filters Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison of our top 3 water filters picks:
Product | Clearsource Ultra™ RV Water Filter System | Tastepure RV Water Filter with Flexible Hose Protector | Clear2O RV Inline Water Filter |
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Price | $599.99 | $34.99 | $36.99 |
Weight | 28 lbs | 1.5-2 lbs | 1.05 lbs |
Material | Powder-coated metal chassis, stainless steel fittings | GAC, KDF, flexible hose protector | Carbon fiber |
Durability | Rugged metal chassis, commercial-grade components | Durable filter media and hose protector | Wide-body, high-capacity with a 1-micron solid block carbon filter |
Dimensions | 18.75″ W x 15.25″ H x 7.5″ D | 2.5″L x 2.5″W x 9.44″H | 10.9″L x 2.8″W x 2.7″D |
Warranty | Check with manufacturer | Check with retailer | 90 day-limited warranty |
Contaminants Removed | 99.99% of bacteria, cysts, viruses, chlorine, VOCs, and more | Chlorine, lead, sediment, bad taste/odor | Microplastics, bad taste/odor, chlorine |
Filter Life | N/A | N/A | Up to 3 months, depending on use and water quality |
Flow Rate | 4.5 GPM | N/A | N/A |
1. Clearsource Ultra™ RV Water Filter System: Best Overall Pick
Price: $599.99
Features:
- Comprehensive Filtration: A 3-stage system with a 5-micron sediment filter, 0.5-micron coconut shell carbon block, and VirusGuard™ filter removes 99.99% of bacteria, cysts, and viruses.
- Safe Water: Delivers clean, great-tasting water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
- Durable Build: Powder-coated metal chassis and stainless steel fittings ensure long-lasting performance.
- High Flow Rate: Oversized canisters provide 4.5 GPM flow, supporting multiple fixtures without pressure drops.
- Versatile Compatibility: Easily integrates with external RV water softeners for added functionality.
Pros:
- The 3-stage system removes sediment, chemicals, microorganisms, and bad taste/odor.
- Metal chassis and stainless fittings stand up to outdoor use.
- 4.5 GPM accommodates multiple fixtures.
- Works with external water softeners.
Cons:
- At $599.99, it’s one of the more expensive options.
- 28 lbs weight may be challenging for some to handle.
2. Tastepure RV Water Filter with Flexible Hose Protector: Best Budget Pick
Price: $34.99
Features:
- Affordable and Practical: A budget-friendly, no-frills option ideal for occasional RV use.
- Effective Filtration: Uses GAC and KDF media to reduce chlorine, lead, sediment, and unpleasant taste/odor.
- Flexible Hose Protector: Includes a flexible hose protector to prevent kinking and extend hose life.
- Easy to Handle: Compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store.
- Easy Installation: It attaches to any standard garden hose without needing tools.
- Basic Particle Capture: Equipped with a 100-micron fiber filter to trap larger particles.
- Great Value: Offers reliable basic filtration at an unbeatable price point.
Pros:
- The inline filter attaches to any garden hose.
- Prevents kinks and extends hose life.
- Adds minimal weight to your RV setup.
Cons:
- May not remove all contaminants.
- Replacement interval not specified.
3. Clear2O RV Inline Water Filter – Best for Easy Installation
Price: $36.99
Features:
- Advanced Filtration: One-micron solid carbon block filter removes lead, chlorine, VOCs, microplastics, and more.
- Improves Water Quality: Eliminates bad tastes, odors, and sulfur smells for better-tasting water.
- Durable Design: Wide-body, UV-resistant plastic housing ensures high flow and capacity.
- Easy Installation: Attaches to any standard 3/4″ water hose without the need for tools.
- Convenient Storage: Includes end caps to protect the filter when not in use.
Pros:
- One micron solid carbon block filter removes a wide range of contaminants.
- Attaches to standard hoses without any tools.
- Durable plastic housing stands up to outdoor use.
Cons:
- In areas with high sediment, a separate pre-filter is recommended to prevent clogging.
- Not recommended for use with fish tanks or ponds.
How We Picked the Best Water Filters for RVs
Here are the key factors we considered when selecting the best water filters:
- Filtration Performance: We focused on filters that remove sediment, chemicals, heavy metals, microorganisms, and bad taste/odor. NSF-certified options scored higher.
- Flow Rate & Capacity: We preferred high GPM flow rates for whole-RV systems to prevent pressure drops, with capacity influencing filter replacement frequency.
- Durability & Build Quality: We prioritized rugged materials like stainless steel and BPA-free plastics to withstand regular use, outdoor exposure, and travel vibrations.
- Ease of Installation & Use: Systems with simple setup and minimal tool requirements ranked higher. Inline hose filters and pitchers scored well for convenience.
- Size & Weight: Compact, lightweight designs fit RV space constraints, while larger systems were evaluated for their performance-to-size balance.
- Cost: We considered filters across various price ranges, ensuring each offered strong performance and value for its tier.
Get the Best Water Filters for Your RV Adventures
Clean water is essential for any RV adventure, whether a weekend trip or a full-time living. Choosing the right water filter depends on your setup, trip length, consumption, and budget.
The Clearsource Ultra™ RV Water Filter System is ideal for most RVers, offering multi-stage filtration and a strong flow rate. Budget-conscious users can rely on the Tastepure RV Water Filter. If you want a water filter that’s easy to install, the Clear2O RV Inline Water Filter is your best bet. Follow manufacturer guidelines for proper use and maintenance.
And while you’re gearing up for your next trip, check out our guide to must-have RV accessories for expert recommendations.