Taking your RV out around the country can be incredibly rewarding and help you reconnect with nature. Unfortunately, sometimes that nature is polluted, often in the case of water supplied at campgrounds or that you store in your RV’s tank.
If you want to drink water in your RV, some sort of filtration system is a must. In some parts of the United States and Canada, microorganisms such as giardia and E. coli are present in water. In addition to capturing potentially harmful microbes, you also want to be sure you aren’t drinking or showering in water with hazardous elements such as lead or even arsenic. Here’s what to look for in an RV water filter system:
Source: wandrlymagazine.com
Buying Guide
- Microns filtered. The best RV water filters will remove particles down to roughly four or five microns. If a filter only removes larger microns, you are still at risk for bacteria and such in your water.
- National Sanitation Certification (NSC) class rating, either I, II, or III. Class I filters will be the best at chlorine removal from your water.
- Flow rate. All water filters will slow down your water flow to some extent, so you need to balance proper filtration with the amount of water pressure you require.
- Lifespan. Many filters last around three months, but some need changed sooner, while others can last up to a year.
- Filtration type. Some units only have activated carbon, while others have kinetic degradation fluxion (KDF), reverse osmosis, and even UV light. The UV light will help sterilize water.
- Installation. Some water filters are hooked up to the line entering your RV’s water tank (also called inline), and some need mounted under the sink for filtration of drinking water only. If you need water filtered for your entire RV—showering also—you will need a unit that also filters the water entering the storage tank. You can combine filters to remove pollutants from the container, and then further filter the drinking water at your tap.
Buying Recommendations
Best Budget RV Water Filters
1. Camco TastePURE Inline RV Water Filter – Editor’s Pick
Filter Lifespan: 3 months
- KDF protection to prevent bacteria growth inside the filter
- Excellent for large-capacity use
- Budget-friendly two-pack
- Simple to install
- Made in the USA
- Only removes particles 20 microns and up
- Does not kill bacteria in water
- Advanced 6-Step Filtration Technology: Experience the extraordinary power of Hex-Flow Technology & its remarkable 6-step filtration process. Every layer works together to provide you with water that is exceptionally clean.
- Certified Lead Free: These camping water filters are independently tested & listed to standards NSF/ANSI 42 & NSF/ANSI 53. They are CSA lead-free content certified to NSF/ANSI 372 & compliant with all federal & state-level lead-free laws.
- Access to Pure, Great-Tasting Water: Enjoy clean water wherever you go. These RV inline filters reduce unpleasant tastes, odor, chlorine, sediment, etc. GAC filtration, combined w/ KDF controls bacteria & mold growth when the filters aren’t in use.
2. AQUACREST RV Inline Water Filter
Filter Lifespan: 3 to 6 months
- Reduces heavy metals and fluoride
- Two-stage KDF and activated carbon filtering
- Excellent for shorter, seasonal use
- The more robust, upgraded unit helps prevent bursting
- Affordable four-pack
- Only removes particles 20 microns and larger
- Does not soften water or kill bacteria
- Advanced 6-Step Filtration Technology: Experience the extraordinary power of Hex-Flow Technology & its remarkable 6-step filtration process. Every layer works together to provide you with water that is exceptionally clean.
- Certified Lead Free: These camping water filters are independently tested & listed to standards NSF/ANSI 42 & NSF/ANSI 53. They are CSA lead-free content certified to NSF/ANSI 372 & compliant with all federal & state-level lead-free laws.
- Access to Pure, Great-Tasting Water: Enjoy clean water wherever you go. These RV inline filters reduce unpleasant tastes, odor, chlorine, sediment, etc. GAC filtration, combined w/ KDF controls bacteria & mold growth when the filters aren’t in use.
Best Premium RV Water Filters
1. CLEARSOURCE Premium RV Water Filter System – Editor’s Pick
Filter Lifespan: 2000 gallons or 3 months
- Filters down to impressive 0.5 microns
- Excellent for large capacity and flow
- Ideal for removing giardia, cysts, and other small microns
- Robust powdered stainless steel housing
- A bit expensive
- Can leak if not tightened properly
- INDUSTRY-LEADING 0.2 MICRON PROTECTION. Our two-stage filter system, with best-in-class 0.2-micron protection against contaminants – better than all other in -line, single or dual canister RV water filter systems on the market.
- CLEANER, SAFER WATER THAN OTHER SYSTEMS. Tighter filter pores trap more contaminants. We lead the industry in the size and quality of our filters. Other systems offer 0.5-micron capability with “nominal” rated filters - meaning some but not all of the pores are the rated size.
- HOSPITAL-GRADE 0.2-MICRON FILTER CAPTURES CONTAMINANTS OTHER SYSTEMS MISS. Unlike the filters in other systems, our 0.2 micron filter carries an “absolute” rating – meaning every pore is the rated size or better. With this enhanced protection, the Clearsource Premier removes or reduces bacteria like Legionella and E. Coli, and cysts like giardia.
2. Express Water Alkaline Ultraviolet Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Filter Lifespan: 6 months
- Combines several types of filtration for best water quality
- Restores beneficial minerals to filtered water
- Comes with leak-stop valve and pressure gauge
- Ideal for filtering drinking water
- Fantastic for long-term use
- Requires room under RV sink to set up
- Must be plugged into a 110-volt outlet for UV light filter
- INDUSTRY-LEADING 0.2 MICRON PROTECTION. Our two-stage filter system, with best-in-class 0.2-micron protection against contaminants – better than all other in -line, single or dual canister RV water filter systems on the market.
- CLEANER, SAFER WATER THAN OTHER SYSTEMS. Tighter filter pores trap more contaminants. We lead the industry in the size and quality of our filters. Other systems offer 0.5-micron capability with “nominal” rated filters - meaning some but not all of the pores are the rated size.
- HOSPITAL-GRADE 0.2-MICRON FILTER CAPTURES CONTAMINANTS OTHER SYSTEMS MISS. Unlike the filters in other systems, our 0.2 micron filter carries an “absolute” rating – meaning every pore is the rated size or better. With this enhanced protection, the Clearsource Premier removes or reduces bacteria like Legionella and E. Coli, and cysts like giardia.
Best RV Water Filter for Full-Time Use
1. PureDrop Aquacube 4-Stage Compact High-Efficiency Water Filter System – Editor’s Pick
Filter Lifespan: 6 months, dependent on the use
- Quick and simple installation
- Compact for RV under sink water filtration
- Filters down to 0.01 microns
- Can remove some bacteria and giardia
- LED filter change indicator
- A bit pricey
- Not ideal for excessively hard water
- [Better-tasting Water]: The 4-stage multipurpose undersink water filtration system with its 0. 01 micron Ultra Filtration (UF) stage removes up to 99% of most problematic pollutants, including chlorine and chlorine treatment by-products, lead, arsenic, and much more while retaining minerals.
- [Efficient and Convenient]: Enjoy a faster water flow (0. 32-0. 5 GPM vs 0. 03 GPM with traditional water filter systems). The unit can be placed under the sink or connected to your refrigerator(ICEK needed). The elegant, modern, compact design needs no tank, wastes no water, and provides ultra-quiet operation. Stay informed on your filter’s status with the integrated LED filter change indicator. Just press and hold both buttons to start.
- [Easy Installation and Maintenance]: Cut hassles, not corners with a typical installation time of less than 30 minutes. The unique design of the integrated water route reduces installation time dramatically, and the click-on filter installation ensures easy installation and maintenance.
Best Part-Time RV Water Filter
1. USA Adventure Gear 3-Stage RV/MARINE Inline Water Filter – Editor’s Pick
Filter Lifespan: 25,000 gallons or one year
- Long-lasting water filter
- Does not hinder much water pressure (5 gallons per minute)
- No bulky unit to install
- Filters many microorganisms
- Approved for portable water systems
- A bit expensive for inline filter
- No UV or reverse osmosis
- Highest Level Of Protection: USA Adventure Gear’s 3 in 1 inline water filter offers the highest level of protection from water impurities with 3 levels of protection. No other inline filter on the market offers this protection.
- Most Filtering Capacity On the Market: While the competition inline filters last 3-4 months and less than 5000 gallons, Our 3 in 1 inline water filter last up to a year, or 25,000 gallons.
- Use Fewer Filters: 4 of their filters equals 1 of ours: Eliminates excess waste.
Best Seasonal RV Water Filter
1. Beech Lane External RV Dual Water Filter System – Editor’s Pick
Filter Lifespan: 6 months
- Filters down to .5 microns
- Comes with mountable bracket
- Round wrench included
- Comes with a 100 percent lifetime warranty
- Affordable
- Some rare issues with leaking
- No UV or reverse osmosis filtration
- Heavy Duty Construction Designed Specifically For RV Use | Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty | The housing, fixtures, and bracket are manufactured by Beech Lane specifically for outdoor RV use and the rough exposure that comes with it. Thick walled water canisters, tight seals, and internal components are designed to last on the road. The filter includes a wrench to make removing the housing easy
- Lead-Free Brass Fixtures Prevent Leaks | The use of 3/4" lead-free brass fixture provides a strong connection to the inlet and outlet hose with increased leak resistance when compared to plastic fixtures on competition.
- Includes 5 Micron and 0.5 Micron Filters To Maximize Water Quality | Using both a 5 micron sediment and 0.5 micron carbon block filter for double filtration works to filter both large particles such as sand and dirt along with smaller particles such as chlorine. The water filters can be replaced by Beech Lane Water Filter replacement filters or any brand of the same specifications
Best Compact Canister RV Water Filter
1. Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter – Editor’s Pick
Filter Lifespan: up to 6 months
- Easy-change cartridges
- Filters down to 5 microns
- Removes up to 99.99 percent of heavy metals like lead
- Auto shut-off
- Does not remove essential minerals from water
- Does not filter all microorganisms
- Not ideal for especially hard or dirty water
- [Two-stage Advanced Water Filter With 0.5 Micron]: The Frizzlife MP99 Water Filtration System includes a TWO-STAGE High precise compound filter including a unique technology that reduces contaminants while leaving in all essential minerals. Certified to reduce Lead, Chlorine, Taste & Odor and Particulates. Enjoy healthy water from the tap.
- [Dedicated Faucet & Brass Feed Water Adapter Valve Included]: Frizzlife Undersink water filtration system includes a dedicated stainless steel faucet that can be installed in most sinks providing cleaner filtered water for cooking or drinking. NO plumbing would be required. it comes with a 3/8" compatible brass feed water adapter, brackets, and STEP-TO-STEP Installation manual, you can mount the water filter as you wish within 10 minutes.
- [Best Auto Shut Off Design]: Utilizing quick change twist-in installation design makes it take less than 3 minutes for you to install the system or doing a filter replacement. Provides for easy, tool-free, no mess filter replacement. The filter cap is designed with a BUILT-IN shut off valve. You don't even need to shut off the water supply whenever you work on the filter cartridge replacement.
Best Inline RV Water Filter
1. Culligan Single Unit RVF-10 Level 1 RV External Water Filter – Editor’s Pick
Filter Lifespan: 250 gallons or 3 months
- Level I filter
- Filters water before entering RV tank
- Fantastic for seasonal use
- Simple to install
- Five-year limited warranty
- Metal fittings can break
- Will not filter out all bacteria
- Provide your family with visibly clean, great-tasting water for drinking, cooking, and more
- COMPATIBILITY: The Culligan RVF-10 filtration system works with the Culligan D-15 filter cartridge
- FILTER LIFE: Up to 3 months or 250 gallons, depending on usage and water conditions
Best Reverse Osmosis RV Water Filter
1. APEC Top Tier 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter – Editor’s Pick
Filter Lifespan: 6 months to one year
- Lead-free sink faucet included
- Filters down to 5 microns and capture some bacteria/viruses
- Outstanding user ratings
- Can be used with well water
- Two-year extended warranty available
- Bulkier than some filter types
- A little pricey
Final Thoughts
Don’t set out in your RV without at least a budget water filter. If you can afford one that removes microorganisms, it’s a worthwhile investment in your health. Remember to change your filter cartridges as needed—a dirty water filter will not do you good. Now pick your favorite option today and get on the road to adventure and cleaner water, the way nature intended.
Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API