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RV Water Filters: How To Choose The Best One For Your RV
Introduction to RV Water Filters
Table of Contents
The RV lifestyle is an amazing one. You can explore the country and enjoy beautiful scenery, fresh air, and of course the freedom of not being tied to a nine-to-five job. But water filters are essential for RV life if you want to be healthy and avoid contamination from bacteria in your drinking water. In this blog post, we will discuss how RV water filters work, what they filter out, and some tips on choosing the best RV filter for your RV!
Why Do You Need a Water Filter?
Just like in your home, RV water filters are important for filtering out contaminants and keeping your drinking water clean. But there are a few key differences between RV and household water filtration systems that you should know about:
-RV water comes from different sources than tap water in your home. Your RV may pull its water supply from a freshwater tank or from an RV holding tank.
-RV Water Filters need to be able to process large amounts of water at once, as your RV will use the same source for drinking and showering.
-The chemicals in RV waste tanks can contaminate RV drinking water if they are not filtered out properly before use. Water Filters will keep your drinking water safe and clean by removing contaminants like heavy metals, chemicals, and bacteria from the source of your RV’s water supply.
Why Is It Important to Have An RV Water Filter System?
- It can provide safe drinking water for you and your family.
- It will protect your RV’s plumbing from corrosion or damage from sediment building up.
- A filter can extend the life of your RV’s water pump.
Water Sources in An RV
RV water is not always safe to drink, so RV owners need an Water Filter in order to keep their drinking water clean. This means that they have two different sources of RV water: fresh tanks and waste tanks.
-Fresh Water Tanks are used for drinking, cooking, showering, etc., which you never want to drink or shower in. Water filters are needed to keep the fresh tanks clean and safe for drinking, cooking, etc.
-Waste Tanks can’t be used as RV Water Filters like your fresh tanks because they contain chemicals from cleaning supplies (e.g., bleach), human waste products (urine) that you don’t want to drink, etc. Water Filters are used to remove these chemicals and particles from the RV’s waste tanks so that you can safely empty them into an RV dump station.
What Are The Different Types of Contaminants In Your Water?
RV Water Filters are designed to remove harmful chemicals, metals, and bacteria from RV water. Some of the most common types of contaminants in RV drinking water include:
-Heavy metals like arsenic can be found in some RV fresh tanks where they come into contact with rocks or soil during their natural formation process before being collected for use as RV water. Water Filters remove the metals from these water sources.
-Chemicals like chlorine are added to RV fresh tanks as a means of disinfecting your drinking water, but too much can be harmful to humans and pets alike! RV water filters take out chloramines and other chemicals from the source to make it clean again if there is too much chlorine in the RV’s water.
-Bacteria like E. coli can contaminate RV fresh tanks from sources like birds and animals or even other humans if they are not properly filtered out with an RV water filter before use. Water Filters remove harmful bacteria from your drinking water source.
What Should You Look For in an RV Water Filter System?
RV Water Filters are an essential part of your RV, but they aren’t all created equally! Make sure you get the best RV water filtration system for your needs by considering these three factors:
-Type of Contaminants Removed
-While some RV water filters may be able to remove different types of contaminants, not every type of RV water filter will remove all of them. Make sure you get one that can take out the contaminants in your RV’s fresh tanks and waste tanks!
-Modes of Water Supply
-Some RV water filters work by pulling from a single source, like just RV drinking water or both RV drinking and showering water. Some RV owners may only need RV water filters that work with just RV drinking water, while others may need RV Water Filters for both!
-Filter Life
-The longer a filter lasts, the better it is at removing harmful chemicals and bacteria from RV water sources. Water filters should be replaced every few months or so to ensure that you’re getting the best filtration performance.
-Price
– RV water filters can be expensive, but RV owners with larger budgets may want to make sure they invest in the best RV Water Filtration System for their RV.
-Size
– RV water filters come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure to get one that will fit properly into your RV!
-Ease of Installation
– RV water filters should be easy for RV owners to install and replace themselves.
-Replacement Costs
– RV Water Filters may need replacement parts or chemicals that can add up quickly, so make sure you look into any extra costs before investing in an RV water filtration system!
How Do Water Filters Work?
There are a variety of RV water filters on the market, and each one works a little differently to remove contaminants from RV water sources. Some water filters use activated carbon to absorb harmful chemicals and particles, while others use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria.
No matter which type of RV water filter you choose, it’s important to know how it works and what contaminants it removes from your RV’s water source. Doing a little research before you buy an RV water filter will ensure that you get the best one for your needs!
Types of RV Water Filters
Water Filters come in a few different types that RV owners can choose from:
Canister Water Filters:
This type of RV Water Filter is the most common and attaches to the end of your RV’s water hose. It uses a replaceable filter cartridge that needs to be replaced every few months depending on how often it’s used.
Inline Water Filters (Carbon and Sediment):
RV Water Filters that are attached to water hoses attach inline between the RV fresh tank and a faucet or attachment. These types of filters are great for removing sediment and other particles from RV water sources.
Installation is quick and easy with RV inline water filters! The price varies depending on the type of RV inline water filter that you choose, with carbon RV inline water filters being the most affordable.
Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System:
A reverse osmosis system is a great option for RV owners who are looking to remove all of the contaminants from their RV’s fresh tank water source. This type of water filter is more expensive than other types, but it can be installed in your RV to provide clean drinking and showering water for the entire trip!
Installation of this type of system can be time-consuming, but RV owners can choose to have a professional install it for them. Reverse osmosis water filtration systems are often installed under RV sinks and can take up quite a bit of space without proper installation planning. The cost of a reverse osmosis RV water filter system ranges from $200-$600.
Countertop Water Filtration System For Your RV:
This is a great option for RVers who want the convenience of filtered water without having to install anything. Countertop systems sit on your RV kitchen counter and use replaceable cartridges. The cartridges remove contaminants from your RV’s fresh tank water source.
The price for a countertop RV water filtration system ranges from $50-$200. These are a great option for RVers who don’t want to hassle with installation or only need filtered drinking water. The only downside is that counter space is generally a hot commodity for RV owners.
Water UV Purification:
This is a newer technology when it comes to water filters. These filters use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other microorganisms in RV water sources. It’s a great option for those who are looking for an all-in-one filtration system that also kills harmful bacteria.
UV purification systems can be installed inline or as a standalone unit. The price for a water filter with UV purification ranges from $200-$600.
Activated Carbon Filter:
An activated carbon filter is a type of water filter that uses activated carbon to remove harmful chemicals and contaminants. This type of water filter is often used in conjunction with other types of RV water filters.
Activated carbon filters are relatively affordable and can be replaced every few months depending on RV water usage. RV owners can install activated carbon RV filters themselves with a little bit of elbow grease. Another option is to have it installed by a professional for convenience.
The cost for an activated carbon RV filter ranges from $20-$100. The range depends on the type purchased and how often it needs to be replaced. Activated Carbon Water Filters are a great option for RV owners who want to remove contaminants in water. It also removes sediment and chlorine.
Best RV Water Filters
Below are our top picks for Water Filters.
Inline
- Clear20 RV Water Filter: This sediment filter is great for removing sediment, chlorine, and other particles from RV water sources. It’s affordable and easy to install!
- SUPERIOR WATER FILTRATION proprietary solid carbon block filters contaminants down to ONE MICRON. That’s 70 times smaller than a human hair! Other RV filters only filter to 100 micron.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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- Camco Taste Pure Water Filter: This inline filter improves water quality removes sediment, bad odors, chlorine, and other particles from RV drinking water. It’s very affordable and easy to install!
- Safe Water Matters: GAC (Granular Activated Carbon) filtration greatly reduces bad taste, odor, chlorine, and sediment.; Large Capacity Filtration- Large capacity in line water filter lasts an average of 6 months.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Canister Water Filter:
- Camco EVO Premium Water Filter: This canister filter is great for removing sediment. It also removes bacteria, chlorine, and more from RV drinking water.
- Reduces Water Contaminates: 5-micron barrier and granulated active carbon reduces bad taste, odors, sediments, bacteria, chlorine and much more; the result is fresh, clean, great-tasting water every time
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- Clearsource Ultra RV Filter System: This RV water system is great for removing sediment, chlorine, and other particles from RV drinking water. This product boasts protection against viruses, bacteria, and cysts. It’s also a reverse osmosis system that removes microorganisms!
- NEW! PROTECTION AGAINST VIRUSES, BACTERIA, AND CYSTS. We’ve reengineered our top-of-the-line Ultra systems with new, Clearsource-exclusive VirusGuard filters that use NASA-developed technology to remove or reduce not just bacteria and cysts, but viruses. No other RV water filter on the market provides anything close to that level of protection.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
- Express Water UV Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System: This RV reverse osmosis system is a great option for those who want to remove up to 99% of all contaminants from their drinking water. This system removes lead, bacteria, chlorine, sediment, fluoride, calcium, nitrates, and more. It takes a bit more work to install and costs more than some of the other systems but is well worth it for cleaner and better-tasting water.
- Reverse Osmosis Water Filter: Experience what water should taste like with the Express Water reverse osmosis water filtration system removing up to 99. 99% of Lead, Chlorine, Fluoride, Nitrates, Calcium, Arsenic, Bacteria, and more
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- ISpring RCC7: This reverse osmosis RV water filtration system removes more than 1000 water contaminants and restores water alkalinity to a natural state. It has a six step system to provide you and your family a great water drinking experience.
Countertop and Activated Carbon
- Berkey Water Filtration System: This countertop filter uses carbon filters and gravity to purify and filter your drinking water. It is an economical and fantastic option for RVers!!
- 1.5 GALLON CAPACITY- The portable Travel Berkey Purification System effortlessly purifies water for about 1-3 people each day. The system is just 18” tall and 7.5” in diameter.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Water UV
- Bluonics: Bluonics uses a four-stage system to purify and filter your water using both reverse osmosis and UV. It will rid your drinking water of harmful contaminants and sediments including chlorine, acetaminophen, bacterias, and more. It does not, however, affect ph or alkalinity.
- SAFE & RELIABLE: Under-sink Reverse Osmosis water filtration and softener for pure, safer, and healthier water. Bluonics 5 stage RO system removes up to 99% of over 1000 contaminants, including lead, chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, asbestos, calcium, sodium, nitrates, and more.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
How Do I Know When I Need To Replace My Filter?
Most RV water filters have a lifespan of anywhere from six months to a year, but this can vary depending on the type of filter and how often it’s used. RV owners should always refer to their filter manufacturer’s guidelines for replacement instructions.
Generally speaking, if your RV water starts tasting or smelling funny, that’s usually a sign that it’s time to replace your RV water filter. RV owners should also replace their water filters if they notice a decrease in water pressure.
It’s important for RVers to know that not all contaminants can be removed by a water filter, so always consult with a professional before making any decisions about filtration.
Conclusion To RV Water Filters
If you are looking to increase the life of your RV, we recommend investing in a quality filter. This will help keep the water clean and fresh for all those times you’re on the road or at home. We have provided information about how filters work and what is involved with installing one so that you can make an informed decision before making a purchase!
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