When setting up at an RV campsite, having a reliable water hose reel can make all the difference in keeping your fresh water supply flowing smoothly. But with various options on the market, each with different specs and features, how do you choose the right one for your particular RV setup and needs?
This guide will explain the key factors to consider when shopping for an RV water hose reel. We will examine criteria such as hose length, material durability, ease of use, drinking water safety, and more.
Most importantly, we will review our top 3 water hose reels: the FITT Marine Caddy, the Southwire RW40RMK Shoreline Reel, and the budget-friendly Mintcraft YP1121 Flat Hose Reel. By comparing these reels head-to-head, you can determine the ideal choice for your RVing needs and preferences.
So whether you want a lightweight, compact manual reel for occasional use or a heavy-duty motorized model for full-time RV living, read on. We’ve covered you with expert insights to help you find the best RV water hose reel for hassle-free camping.
Water Hose Reels Comparison Table
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of water hose reel specs and features for our 3 top picks:
| Feature | FITT Marine Caddy Hose | Southwire RW40RMK Shoreline Reels | Mintcraft YP1121 Flat Hose Reel with Nozzle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |  |  |
| Price Range | $37.99 (Amazon) and $39.48 (Walmart) | $472.31 | $29.98 |
| Weight | 2.36 lbs (25 ft hose) | 16 lbs | 3.3 lbs |
| Materials | Thermoplastic elastomer (Santoprene TPV), high tenacity fiber reinforcement, HD TECH cover | Brass rotator & fittings, powder-coated galvanized steel frame, anodized aluminum spool | Durable plastics, metal, rubber |
| Durability | Highly durable; resistant to UV, salt air, and water; flexible in cold temps down to -4°F | UV-resistant polypropylene reel for weather resistance; motorized operation for durability | Built for regular use |
| Dimensions | 300″ L x 0.5″ W | 11.5″ L x 10.5″ W x 13″ H | 16″L x 15.5″W x 27″H |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Not specified | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Hose Length | 25 ft, 50 ft, etc. | 40 ft | 50 ft |
| Unique Features | Kink-free design, compact size | Motorized operation, high torque, reel-free spools | Included nozzle, flat design for easy storage |
1. FITT Marine Caddy Hose: Best Lightweight and Kink-Free Option
Price
$37.99 (Amazon) and $39.48 (Walmart).
Features
The FITT Marine Caddy hose is engineered for superior durability and convenience. It has a thermoplastic elastomer (Santoprene TPV) outer layer, an ultra-soft inner core for flexibility, high-tenacity fiber reinforcement, and double NTS PLUS chain mesh technology. This unique construction makes it:
- Abrasion and puncture-resistant.
- UV and saltwater resistant.
- Kink and tangle-free.
- Drinking water safe (no PVC, phthalates, or lead).
- Half the weight of traditional PVC hoses.
- Easy to store with its compact size.
- Reliable even in cold temperatures down to -4°F.
The hose is available in various lengths, such as 25 and 50 feet, with diameter options of 1/2″, 5/8″, and 3/4″. Its maximum working pressure is 120 psi.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact: The FITT Marine Caddy is half the weight and more compact than traditional PVC RV water hoses, making it easy to handle and store.
- Extreme durability: With its High Durable Technology (HD TECH), this hose is built to withstand abrasion, punctures, UV rays, and salt.
- No kinks or tangles: The double NTS chain mesh technology keeps water flowing freely without the hassle of kinks and tangles.
- Drinking water safety: This hose is made without PVC, phthalates, or lead, so you can confidently use it for your RV’s fresh water supply.
- Integrated caddy: Comes with a convenient caddy for organized storage and hassle-free transport.
Cons
- Limited configurations: The hose may not be available in every length or diameter you need for your specific RV setup.
- Specialized use: Primarily designed for marine applications, limiting its versatility for general-purpose gardening or other uses.
2. Southwire RW40RMK Shoreline Reels: Best Motorized Option
Price
Features
This motorized water hose reel from Southwire is built for ultimate convenience and long-term performance. It runs on a 12V or 24V DC chain drive gear motor, delivering 3x the pulling power of previous models with quieter operation. The high-quality materials include:
- Brass rotator and fittings (no plastic parts).
- Powder-coated galvanized steel side frames.
- Anodized aluminum spool sides and core.
Other standout features of the Southwire RW40RMK Shoreline Reels include:
- No remote controls are needed.
- Reel-free spools for easy hose removal.
- Hose can be replaced with standard hand tools.
- Saves space, time, and energy for storing fresh water hoses.
- IAPMO approved NSF standards for drinking water safety.
The reel comes with a white 40-foot hose with a 1/2-inch diameter. It has a 1/2-inch MPT output for connecting to your RV. In normal use, it draws 4-6 amps, with a maximum of 12 amps in a locked rotor condition.
Pros
- Motorized convenience: The motor provides strong pulling power and quiet operation, making it easy to reel the hose in and out.
- High-quality construction: With durable materials like brass, powder-coated galvanized steel, and anodized aluminum, this reel is built to last.
- Drinking water approved: The Southwire RW40RMK meets strict standards for freshwater use in RVs.
- Easy hose replacement: You can switch out the hose using standard hand tools.
Cons
- Expensive: As a heavy-duty motorized model, this is the priciest option among our top picks.
- Heavy: At 16 pounds, the reel may be difficult for one person to lift and install.
- Requires power: The motorized operation requires an electrical connection, which may not be available in all situations.
3. Mintcraft YP1121 Flat Hose Reel with Nozzle: Best Budget Pick
Price
$43.19
Features
For RVers seeking a simple, affordable manual water hose reel, the Mintcraft YP1121 is a solid choice. While detailed specs are limited, here’s what we know:
- Comes with a 50-foot hose.
- The product is extremely lightweight at 3.3 pounds.
- Includes an adjustable spray nozzle.
- Has a flat design for easier storage.
- Made with durable materials (PVC, polyester) for regular use
The reel is estimated to measure around 16″L x 15.5″W x 27″H inches.
Pros
- Affordable price: At under $30, this is the most budget-friendly reel among our top recommendations.
- Included nozzle: The adjustable nozzle provides convenience for various RV rinsing and cleaning tasks.
- Compact storage: The reel’s flat design helps it fit into tighter spaces like RV storage compartments.
- Decent length: 50 feet of hose is enough for many RV campsites and setups.
Cons
- Manual operation: Unlike the motorized Southwire model, you must manually rewind the hose.
Key Factors We Considered When Choosing the Best RV Water Hose Reels
To determine top water hose reel picks, we carefully considered the following criteria –
- Hose length and diameter: We looked for reels with hose lengths of at least 25-50 feet and diameters ranging from 1/2″ to 5/8″, as these are common specs that work well for most RV fresh water setups.
- Materials and durability: Reels and hoses made with high-quality, durable materials like thermoplastic elastomer, brass, steel, and aluminum earned higher marks. These materials are built to withstand regular outdoor use and exposure to the elements.
- Drinking water safety: The reels that supply fresh water to RVs must have drinking-water-safe hose materials without harmful chemicals like lead, PVC, or phthalates. Models with certifications like NSF standards approval were preferred.
- Ease of use: We prioritized reels with convenient features, such as kink-free and tangle-free hose designs, easy rewinding, and motorized operation, in the case of the Southwire model.
- Size and storage: Hose reels can be bulky, so we favored models with relatively compact designs and space-saving features like flat profiles, making them easier to store in RVs when not in use.
- Price and value: While our picks range in price, we sought out models offering the best value and performance for their price category, whether budget, mid-range, or high-end.
By evaluating the top water hose reels based on these key factors, we were able to narrow down our recommendations to the 3 best options for RVers with different needs and budgets.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right RV Water Hose Reel for Your Needs
A reliable, easy-to-use RV water hose reel is essential for a smooth camping experience. Our detailed guide and reviews of the best water hose reels will help you choose the ideal model for your RVing lifestyle.
To recap, the FITT Marine Caddy is an excellent choice for a lightweight, kink-free, drinking water-safe option. If you want the ultimate convenience of a motorized reel and are willing to spend more, the Southwire RW40RMK Shoreline is a top pick. And for RVers on a budget who still need a decent-length hose and nozzle, the Mintcraft YP1121 Flat Hose Reel offers great value.
Whichever reel you choose, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation, use, and maintenance. With the right water hose reel on board your RV, you’ll enjoy hassle-free campsite hookups for many future adventures.
For more expert tips on RV water and plumbing setups, check out our guide to Choosing the Right RV Water Hose.
