More than 11 million households in the United States now own a Recreational Vehicle (RV). During camping or vacations, whether within your hometown or out of state, you will always need clean drinking water, which is why RV water filters are so important.
Water filters help eliminate different contaminants from an RV’s water supply. These contaminants include heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, sediments, PFAS and chlorine. High-quality RV water filters, such as the Waterdrop RV inline filter, also improve the taste and smell of the water.
This article will take you through what makes a water filter ideal for an RV, how to store an RV water filter, install it, use it, and most importantly, the top water filters for RVs.
What makes a water filter ideal for an RV
There are different factors that need to be considered before investing in a water filter for an RV. These factors include:
- Contaminants the filter removes
- Capacity
- Installation mechanisms
- Size
- Weight
- NSF rating/certification
1. Contaminants
One of the most important factors that should influence which RV water filter you purchase, is the contaminants that the water filter can remove.
Some water filters only remove chlorine and sediment, and whilst they improve the smell and taste of your water they are not capable of removing heavy metals or toxic compounds like PFAS.
The filtration method you choose for your RV will typically be determined by how often you use it, the contaminants present in the water, and the level of water quality you prefer.
Understanding what each filtering option has to offer can help you to decide which system to purchase. Carbon, sediment, UV, and reverse osmosis are some of the filtration methods available.
- If you want to improve the taste and odor of your water by removing chlorine and chloramines, a simple carbon filter will suffice.
- A sediment filter cleans your water by removing dirt, debris, and grit (perfect for removing particles but insufficient for bacteria, metals or toxic compounds)
- UV systems will kill bacteria, cysts, and viruses in the water (ideal for off the grid camping)
- If you want high-quality water with almost no dissolved solids, heavy metals, bacteria or PFAS, a reverse osmosis system is the way to go.
If you camp or stay in a section of the country where the water is hard, it implies your water is high in calcium and magnesium. If this is the case, a water filter with a scale inhibitor will improve the lifespan and efficiency of your filter.
2. Capacity
One thing to consider when picking a filter for your RV is the amount of water it can filter.
Some filters like RVGUARD inline RV water filter have a capacity of up to 15,000 gallons, whereas the Culligan filters 2,000 gallons, and neo-pure filters 10,000 gallons. However, be wary of extra large capacities, as these are often offset by a fast flow rate with reduced filtration.
If you are interested in installing a water tank for improved capacity, then read this detailed guide for more information.
3. Installation mechanism
An important factor to consider for the best filter for your RV is the installation method.
Inline and countertop filters are available. Some water filters are positioned under the sink for filtration of drinking water alone, while others are simply connected to the line entering your RV’s water tank (inline). These are the easiest to install, even by yourself.
You’ll need a machine that filters the water entering the storage tank if you require water purified for the entire RV. You can use a combination of filters to remove contaminants from the storage tank before filtering the drinking water at the tap.
4. Size and weight
Size and weight are important factors to consider for filters that are ideal for your RV. Inline filters are small and light compared to undersink RV water filters.
If you need an RV water filter that will not take up much space, an inline RV water filter is the best option for you. Normally, undersink water filters are large and take up too much space.
5. NSF rating
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is an organization whose mission is to improve public health by establishing safety and sanitation standards.
Only FDA authorized raw materials are used in NSF certified goods. The NSF certifies that a water filter will decrease the pollutants claimed by the producer. Some NSF ratings for RVs include:
- NSF 42 – Removes aesthetic impurities like chlorine.
- NSF 44 – Reduces water hardness like sodium, potassium and calcium.
- NSF 372 -Removes lead.
Other factors to consider are cost and flow rate.
More information on RV water filters can be found at the end of this article, including:
- How to store an RV water filter
- How to install/connect an RV water filter
- How to use an RV water filter
- How long is an RV water filter good for
- Do RV water filters reduce pressure
Top 12 Best water filters for RVs
1. Waterdrop’s RV water filter
The Waterdrop RV inline water filter lowers hazardous compounds using kinetic degradation fluxion (KDF) and granular activated carbon (GAC).
GAC is the ideal substrate for water filtration in an RV because it also removes PFAS and other toxic compounds from water – making your water safe to drink, no matter where you travel to.
The filter is tested to reduce chlorine and enhance the taste and odor of the water. It can also help remove fluoride, arsenic, and other pollutants from water, making it cleaner and safer.
In fact, it is certified by the NSF against NSF/ANSI 42 and 372 Standard (chlorine and lead removal)
The Waterdrop filter has a long lifespan, which means it can supply clean and safe water for outdoor activities for three months throughout a camping season.
It also connects to any standard 3/4″ garden or water hose, making it perfect for RVs, whilst also using a flexible hose to prevent leakages ( a common problem in other RV water filters).
Pros:
- Easy to install and use
- GAC and KDF filter.
- Long filter life.
- Comes with a flexible hose that is leak-free.
- Multiple uses, i.e., drinking, bathing.
- NSF certified.
- Affordable
2. Camco TastePURE Inline RV Water Filter
The Camco 40045 TastePURE is an RV water filter that uses GAC and KDF filtration to eliminate particles larger than 20 microns and reduce poor taste, odor, chlorine, and sediment in the water.
This filter has a great capacity and lasts an average of 3 months of constant filtration.
When the filter is not in use, it’s premium KDF fluid protects it against bacteria development.
Pros:
- Durable.
- Easy to install and use.
- NSF/ANSI 362 certified.
- Low Lead certified.
- Made in the USA.
- GAC and KDF filters.
- Affordable.
- Fast water flow.
Cons:
- Some reviewers complain about leaks (although this may be an issue relating to either poor installation or the hose)
3. PUREPLUS
PUREPLUS is an inline RV water filter that removes 99 percent of the chlorine and sediment in water, while also dramatically improving its flavour. It has a GAC filter that eliminates chlorine, rust, taste, and odor and an improved KDF filtration media that decreases heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide, and color by 90 percent.
Pros:
- Certified by European TUV, ROHS, REACH, Canadian CSA.
- BPA-free.
- NSF/ANSI 42 and 372 certified.
- Long-life filter-3 months/1056 gallons.
- Multiple uses; drinking, gardening, bathing.
- Easy installation.
- High-quality material.
Cons:
- Low water flow rate.
4. RVGUARD Inline RV Water Filter
RVGUARD is an inline RV water filter that removes pollutants from your water using KDF and Advanced GAC technology. The filter is made from safe materials and significantly reduces chlorine, bad taste, odor, and sediment.
The RV filter has a service flow of 0.5 gpm which is a fast flow rate, a capacity of up to 15,000 gallons, maximum working pressure of 60 psi, an operating temperature range of 34 to 100°F, and an average three-month lifespan.
Pros:
- BPA-free.
- Great tasting water.
- Easy to install.
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they did not see any difference even after using it to filter their water.
5. GLACIER FRESH RV/Marine Water Filter
GLACIER FRESH is an RV water filter that successfully reduces fluoride using a selective GAC and KDF filters meaning it removes most contaminants. The filter life of this brand is three months.
It has been independently tested and certified to remove 97.9% of chlorine and improve the smell and taste of water. Its micron rating is 20 microns.
Pros:
- Multi-stage filtration technology.
- Easy to install and use.
- Multiple uses; drinking, bathing, and gardening.
- Good tasting water.
- BPA-free.
- Lead-free.
Cons:
- Some reviewers complain that it causes low water pressure and leaks.
6. EXCELPURE Inline RV Water Filter
EXCELPURE is an NSF-Certified activated carbon inline RV water filter made in the USA that can successfully remove chlorine, color, and THMs using the KDF and activated carbon filter. It may be connected to any ordinary gardening or water hose to produce healthier drinking water and cleaner water in general. The filter can as well fit refrigerators such as LG or Samsung.
Pros:
- Easy to install and use.
- Greater tasting water.
Cons:
- Some reviewers claim that the soft plastic at the output connection cannot seal, resulting in water leakage.
7. AQUACREST RV KDF Water Filter
AQUA CREST is an NSF-certified inline RV water filter that meets the NSF/ANSI 42 and 372 standards for chlorine and Lead. KDF and activated carbon are used in the filter, efficiently reducing chlorine, unpleasant taste, odor, and fluoride in your water.
You can turn the Aquacrest water filter to 360 degrees for easy connecting. The brand’s hose has anti-rust copper heads on both ends and a silicone gasket on the bottom end to prevent breaking and water leaking.
Pros:
- NSF/ANSI 42 and 372 certified.
- Excellent water pressure as it has a 400 PSI pressure test.
- Easy to install and use.
- 3 months filter life.
- Affordable.
- Multi-usage application
Cons:
- Some reviewers complain that it does not remove chlorine efficiently.
8. BELVITA
BELVITA is an inline water filter that successfully removes chlorine, fluoride, foul taste, smells, heavy metals, and other impurities using sophisticated Granular Activated Carbon GAC and Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF). It filters out particles larger than 20 microns.
Pros:
- Easy installation.
- Lasts 3 months.
- Advanced filtration; KDF and GAC.
9. Beech Lane
Beech Lane is a dual water filtration system for RVs that includes 5 microns and 0.5-micron filters to improve water quality. Large particles like sand and dirt and tiny particles like chlorine are filtered by the sediment and carbon block filter, which uses double filtration.
Pros:
- Improves tastes and eliminates odors.
- Lead-free.
- Easy to use.
- Leak-free.
- Affordable.
- Easy to install and use.
- Smaller filtration size compared to most other brands, which equals improved contaminant removal efficiency.
10. Essential RV Water Filter
The Essential RV Water Filter is a two-stage filtering system that filters chlorine, volatile organic compounds, cysts, giardia, sediments, and other impurities using a 0.5-micron coconut shell carbon block.
Pros:
- Fast water flow.
- Great tasting water.
- Easy to install.
- Two 1-micron sediment filters with a 0.5 micron modified carbon filter.
Cons:
- Some reviewers complain about decreased water pressure.
11. Clearsource Premium
Clearsource Premium is a two-stage RV water filter system with 0.2-micron protection that removes bacteria like Legionella and E. Coli and cysts like Giardia and a 5-micron first stage coconut shell carbon block that improves taste while removing or reducing sediment, chlorine, VOCs, and other contaminants.
This system comes with a built-in stand, which is helpful but can also take up a lot of space.
Pros:
- Durable.
- Easy to install.
- Good tasting water.
Cons:
- Costly.
- Bulky.
12. Culligan RV-800
Culligan RV-800 is an inline RV water filter that minimizes chlorine, sediment, and poor taste. The brand offers a long-lasting filter (up to 2,000 gallons) and pre-tank filtration to keep the storage tank clean.
Pros:
- Easy installation.
- Great tasting water.
Cons:
- Some consumers complain about leaks.
How to store an RV water filter
To store an RV filter, drain the filter and the hose thoroughly, remove the filter, place it in a zip lock storage bag, and store it in the refrigerator. To prevent water dripping into your storage compartment, connect the hose ends. If you can’t refrigerate the filter, store it somewhere dark to prevent bacterial growth. Do not freeze the filter, as this will damage the filtration media.
You may need to store your RV filter because it is not in use or because you are back home. Review your user handbook for specific storage advice. However, many manufacturers recommend refrigeration to help prevent bacterial or fungal growth.
Note: It’s not a good idea to store the RV water filters in the freezer because the crystals in the water turn to ice and rip the paper-like substance. The carbon material in inline filters can potentially be damaged by ice.
How to install/connect an RV water filter
Before installation, you will need the following items:
- RV water filter.
- Pressure gauge.
- Fastener.
- Wrench.
- Two heads with fittings.
- Dual Bracket and screws.
- Plastic bag with O-Rings.
- Canister Wrench.
- Sediment Filter Cartridges.
- One F1PB Modified Carbon Block Filter.
How to install Canister filters
STEP ONE: Indoor bracket attachment.
- Locate the screws in the box taped to the bracket (if you have one). Determine the input and output location on the canister heads and attach the bracket so that the water flows in the desired direction.
- Begin by hand tightening two screws on opposite corners.
- Tighten each of them carefully but do not overtighten.
- Start the rest of the screws by hand and tighten them one by one.
STEP TWO: O-ring installations.
- Look for the O-ringed paper wrapping.
- Each O-ring fits into a groove directly below the threads inside the housing.
- They do not pass through the head’s threads. Place the O-ring in the housing until it is snug in the groove, then set the housing aside, being careful not to dislodge the O-ring.
STEP THREE: Cartridge installation.
- Carefully remove the cartridge from its packaging and discard it.
- Place the sediment cartridge carefully in the center of the canister housing and tighten the head. Do not overtighten the screws.
- Hand-tighten the carbon filter in the second canister.
Note: Any system with one or more sediment cartridges will place the sediment closest to the input fitting first. The carbon filter is added after the last sediment filter. If your system has two carbon cartridges, the order in which they are installed is unimportant. If any specialized filters are required, install them after the carbon filter.
STEP FOUR: Connect to water source-outdoor and indoor mount.
Outdoor.
- Connect the hose to the female fitting on the canister assembly and a second hose to the RV’s output fitting.
- Connect to a water supply and run around 3 gallons of water through the filter to remove dust and carbon particles from the surface.
- Connect your RV’s water source Input after the water is clear.
Indoor.
- Find a wood or metal backing to screw the bracket on.
- Allow at least 2″ clearance on the bottom to remove the housing for filter changes.
- If you already have a built-in filter, you may be able to reuse the fittings and install them in the exact location.
- If not, you’ll have to figure out how to connect the system.
How to install Inline filters.
To install an inline filter
- Turn off the water supply.
- Cut the waterline or disconnect the existing filter where you will install the filter.
- Use Teflon tape to secure fittings in the filter’s ends if necessary.
- Tighten the fitting until it is secure. Please, do not overtighten the fitting.
- Double-check the flow direction before connecting the inlet water line to the filter. You can use two wrenches to keep the fitting from moving.
- Turn on the water and allow ~5 gallons of water to run into a bucket until the filter is clear. Turn off the water supply.
- Check for leaks before turning on the water.
- After a few hours, inspect the filter for leaks that were not seen during the initial installation.
How to use an RV water filter
To use an inline RV water filter, screw the filter in after the hose line. Do not install the filter before the hose as it can increase exposure to contaminants. Turn the tap on for instant purified water.
When the hose sits in the hot sun, bacteria can grow, and putting the filter before the hose will do little to remove or prevent this. You’ll be filtering both the water supply and the pollution in your hose if you install it from the RV end.
How long is an RV water filter good for
Most high-quality RV water filters last for three months. How long an RV water filter’s lifespan is depends on the type of filter, the type and concentration of contaminants in the water, and the amount of water you use. In general, RV water filters should be replaced approximately every three months, but consider replacing them sooner during heavy use.
To replace it:
- Turn off the water supply.
- For inline filters, unscrew it and dispose of it.
- For canister filters, unscrew the housing and remove the filter in the filter canister.
- Pour away the excess water but Be careful not to lose the black O-rings at the top of the canister.
- Unwrap the new filter and put it in the housing.
- Screw the housing back.
- Turn your water back on and check for leaks.
Do RV water filters reduce pressure
An RV water filtration system can cause a reduction in water pressure. The filtration material slows the flow of water. This flow rate and pressure reduction aids the filter’s ability to capture undesirable particles and chemicals and treat the water.
How to bypass an RV water filter
To bypass an RV water filter, close the valve that lets water run through your treatment filter, close the valve that directs water from your water filter to the storage tank, and open the line that delivers water directly from the water source.
If you want to bypass easily, while installing your RV water filter system, install a water pump that has a check valve built-in.