If you look around at other rigs the next time you go camping, you’ll likely notice that many people choose to use water filters. Ever wonder why? In this article, we will answer that question, as well as the best water filters for RVs and where to purchase them.
Why You Need an RV Water Filter
When you’re traveling with an RV, you never know what kind of water quality you might end up with. In many campgrounds, the water will be just fine, but in some others, you may come across rusty water, muddy water, and other water problems. Obviously, you don’t want to drink or cook with this less-than-clean water, and washing dishes and showering with yucky water isn’t too appealing. This is where a water filter for your RV comes into play.
RV water filter systems remove impurities in the tap water, making sure you have clean, clear water to use in your day-to-day life. Additionally, they help keep the water systems in your rig clean and free of debris.
The Best RV Water Filter Options
There are a few different kinds of water filters out there. Here are the most common types, the pros and cons of each, and (in our opinion) the best in each category.
Inline RV Water Filter
An RV inline water filter is what most campers choose to go with. These are easy to find and install, and because they’re resistant to mold, they’re perfect for occasional use. These simple filters do not have replaceable cartridges, meaning the entire filter must be replaced when it becomes dirty.
We love the Camco Tastepure RV water filters for an affordable and easy to find inline filter option. It uses an effective granular activated carbon filter that removes most contaminants.
Canister RV Water Filter System
The canister system is also very easy to install. It’s a bit more expensive than the inline filter mentioned above, but it is slightly more thorough. A system like this will use an RV water filter cartridge, meaning you can hold onto the majority of the system and replace only the cartridge when the time comes.
We like the Camco EVO canister water filter as it’s inexpensive and works very well. It also uses a granular activated carbon filter that is resistant to mold and mildew, meaning you can leave it sitting in between trips and return to a clean water filter for your RV.
Reverse Osmosis System
Reverse Osmosis systems are easily the most effective of the water filtering systems. However, they are expensive. On top of that, they waste a lot of water in the process, something that is not eco-friendly and does not lend itself well to boondocking. This method is best for those who spend lots of time in areas with especially dirty water and won’t be camping off-grid.
According to RV water filter reviews, one of the best reverse osmosis systems for RVs is the WECO TINY Compact Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System. This system uses multiple filters, including a sediment filter and an activated carbon block filter. The end result is incredibly clean water.
Countertop Water Filter
Finally, there is the option of filtering your water after it comes in through the tap with a countertop filter. This option does not protect your pipes at all, but it does produce some of the best tasting drinking and cooking water. If you choose to go this route, we recommend pairing the countertop filter with an inline filter.
Our favorite countertop filter options are the Berkey brand filtering systems. These come with ceramic filters which are very effective at removing debris, but not so good at removing chemicals. For this reason, we recommend also purchasing the Black Berkey Filters and Flouride Filters to ensure the cleanest water possible.
After deciding which filter will work best for your needs, it’s time to do some shopping. While there’s no one RV water filter store out there, these filters can be found on Amazon or at nearly any camping store.
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