Top 5 Cold Weather Camping and Heated Water Supply Hoses
Introduction
Modern campers are designed for year-round camping. They are well insulated, and often equipped with built-in heating and hot water systems. We have had two such campers, one, a 36-ft model that I lived in for work year-round for five years in New Jersey. At the time I was unaware of electrically heated water hoses and wrapped my water supply hose with an electrical heat tape. That worked but was a lot of trouble and it had no temperature control.
These heated water hoses are practical, maybe even essential, for full-time and winter RVers
Features and Characteristics to Look For
Here is what we learned in researching the different brands of heated water hoses designed to use with campers.
Features to look for:
- Temperature Rating
- Temperature Control
- Energy Draw
- Length of Electrical Connector
- Hose Lengths
- Hose Diameter
- Hose Connectors
Temperature Rating: Not all heated hoses are alike. Some are rated for use at exceptionally low temperatures, i.e., to -40° F, while others only protect down to -20°F.
Temperature Control: Each of the hoses reviewed have temperature control devices, so on a warm day, it will not be drawing power. Also, as temperatures drop, the power is adjusted automatically to ensure water will not freeze unless temperatures drop below the hoses rated minimum temperature. Temperature ratings range from -20°F and to as low as -40°F.
Energy Draw: All these hoses require access to 120VAC and are rated in amps per feet and/or Watts (W)per foot. A 25-ft hose using 8 Watts per foot will draw 200 (8 x 25) watts of power, or the same power as a 200-Watt light bulb. If you must connect the hose heater to the camper power, you may have to manage power use to avoid popping a circuit breaker.
Electrical Connector Length: The length of the connecting electrical cord of the hoses vary, but usually are no more than five or six feet. An extension cord maybe be necessary. On a typical trailer, the electrical outlet is on the curb side of the camper, while the water hookup is on the street side—a common layout—and an extension cord is required. It may be necessary to run an extension cord around or under the camper to connect the heating element of the hose. The short connector cord may work if the water hookup and electrical outlets are mounted near each other. Use an appropriately rated exterior-use extension cord.
Lengths: Heated water hoses intended for drinking water come in lengths including 15, 25, 50 and even 100 feet. A length of 25 feet seems adequate most of the time. Water hoses are enough of a challenge to coil and store and 50 or 100-ft hoses may be impractical. Consequently, most of the hoses reviewed are 25 feet in length and fit comfortably in the street-side locker.
Hose Diameter and Connectors: Hoses come in either 1/2 or 5/8 inch inside diameter, but in any case, the connectors are standard hose connections.
Note, we always recommend using a water pressure regulator between the water source and the camper to protect camper plumbing from high public water pressures.
Additionally, if the connections, including the pressure regulator, at either end of the hose are exposed, it would be wise to wrap them with insulating material—water at the connectors may freeze.
A Feature We Like: Some heated water hoses are fitted with female connectors on both ends of the hose, and the manufacturer provides a male adapter that allows the hose to be hooked up so that the electrical plug is located to the end most convenient to the electrical source.
Hose Material and Weight: Note that there are electrically heated water hoses available for home and garden use that are made of materials not approved for drinking water. Make sure the hose is “approved” or “safe” for drinking water. All hoses reviewed are compliant with all federal and state level Low Lead Laws and certified safe for drinking water.
Most 25-ft heated water hoses weigh less than 10 pounds. Of course, longer lengths will be heavier and require more storage space.
Price Range: Like most products, there are catalog prices and current list and sale prices, especially when shopping online. The price ranges shown here were current as of this writing and are subject to change at any time.
Reported Manufacturing Defects
Unfortunately, as with any product, there may occasionally be manufacturing defects that escape a company’s quality control. All the water hose manufacturers have warranty and return provisions for their products. The quality of all these water hoses is highly rated.
To avoid winter disappointment, we recommend purchasing your heated water hose well before the winter season and testing it. Key things to test for are tight fittings that do not leak under pressure. Also, check for cold-weather operations as soon as outside temperatures are forecast to be freezing or below. This will provide you with time to have the unit replaced early in the winter camping season if necessary.
Food for Thought
All these hoses do basically the same thing and all with acceptable or better quality. The final order of selection is based on perceived quality and price.
Buying Recommendations
Our Top Five Heated Water Hoses
1. H&G Lifestyles Heated Water Hose – Editor’s Pick
Inner Diameter: 1/2 in.
Rated to: -40°F/C
Power Source: 120 VAC
Power draw: 200 Watts per 25 ft, or 8/W per ft
Fittings: Brass, Female, ¾ in.
Warranty: 18 Months
Self-Regulating Temperature: Yes
Price Range: $89 – $99
Hose connectors are matching female connectors allowing either end to be attached to the trailer, depending on the location of the nearest electrical outlet. A female-to male adapter is provided for the other end of the hose.
The sturdy hose is rated to 180 psi. The durable exterior jacket protects the hose and heating cable from damage and should provide service years beyond the warranty.
- Heated Water Hose for Camper: Designed for campers and RVs,our heated water hose ensures you have a reliable water source,even in freezing temperatures as lo as -45℉。
- Safe and odor free: Our food-grade heated RV water hose is designed to deliver safe and clean drinking water to your RV or camper.It ensures not only a reliable water supply in freezing temperatures but also a fresh and odor-free drinking experience. Unlike other brands that may have unpleasant odors,our hose is designed for your peace of mind
- Leak-proof reliability: Rest assure,our heated water hose is engineered for leak-proof performance.No more worries about unexpected water leaks during your camping adventus,so you can enjoy a hassle-free experience.
2. Camco 22911 TastePURE Heated Drinking Water Hose
Inner Diameter: 5/8 in.
Rated to: -20°F/-28°C
Power Source: 120 VAC
Power draw: 200 Watts per 25 ft
Fittings: Nickle-plated, Male, ¾ in.
Warranty: 36 Months
Self-Regulating Temperature: Yes
Price Range: $89 – $99
The built-in thermostat only heats when needed, saving energy. The fittings are heavy duty machined and plated for maximum corrosion resistance.
A nickel-plated adapter is provided to connect one end to the water source. The durable exterior jacket protects water hose and electrical components from damage or exposure.
- Premium Grade Drinking Water Hose: Camco's RV water hose is constructed with NSF/ANSI 61 certified hose for drinking water. Lead, BPA, & phthalate-free, this quality RV accessory prioritizes your health with every use.
- Provides Freeze Protection: Receive water line freeze protection down to -20°F (-28°C) with this 25' Camco heated water hose. Whether for RVing, livestock, home, etc. it ensures your water supply stays unfrozen when you need it most.
- Energy-Saving Technology: Save money on your electric bill with the energy-efficient, thermostat-controlled heating cable that only heats as needed. This camper must-have operates on 120VAC & uses an 18AWG, 6' power cord with LED indicator plug.
3. Pirit Series IV Heated Hose
Inner Diameter: 5/8 in.
Rated to: -42°F/-41°C
Power Source: 120 VAC
Power draw: 180 Watts, 1.5 Amps
Fittings: Nickle-plated 3/4 brass fittings
Warranty: 36 Months
Self-Regulating Temperature: Yes
Price Range: $134 – $150
This hose has nickel-plated brass fittings—a female end and a male end. The electrical connection is at the female (trailer) end. If you want the connector at the water source, you will need a male-to-female adapter to connect the hose to the camper.
The electrically heated no-freeze water hose is thermostatically controlled, preventing freezing down to -42ºF / -41ºC. The hose is rated to 200-PSI working pressure. Inner surface is made with food-grade PVC materials approved by FDA for potable water.
- Tested down to -42 Fahrenheit
- Extremely durable 200 psi
- 10Ft power cord with lighted plug
4. Valterra W01-5325 Heated Fresh Water Hose
Inner Diameter: 1/2 in.
Rated to: -20°F/-28°C
Power Source: 120 VAC
Power draw: 150 Watts for 25 ft
Fittings: Nickle-plated, Male, ¾ in.
Warranty: 3 Years
Self-Regulating Temperature: Yes
Price Range: $109-$130
Note, the hose, like all hoses in this review, does not provide hot water, but maintains the temperature sufficient to prevent water from freezing. The hose uses a self-regulating heating design, using only the power needed to ensure running water.
Another feature are the zippered insulation cuffs at each end of the hose for added freeze protection.
- Provides smooth flowing drinking water in sub-zero temperatures
- Freeze protection down to -5°F
- Self-regulating heat source supplies additional heat as the temperature drops
5. Camco 22912 50 ft., TastePURE Heated Drinking Water Hose
Inner Diameter: 5/8 in.
Rated to: -40°F/C
Power Source: 120 VAC
Power draw: 15 amps for 25 ft
Fittings: Nickle-plated, Male, ¾ in.
Warranty: 36 Months
Self-Regulating Temperature: Yes
Price Range: $241-$400
Like some other heated hoses, it is equipped with female connectors on both ends of the hose so that you can connect the hose to the nearest source of electricity. A nickel-plated male adapter is provided to connect one end to the electrical source. The energy saving thermostat ensures that the hose is heated only when needed.
The fittings are heavy duty machined and plated for maximum corrosion resistance. The durable exterior jacket protects water hose and electrical components from damage or exposure.
- Premium Grade Drinking Water Hose: Camco's RV water hose is constructed with NSF/ANSI 61 certified hose for drinking water. Lead, BPA, & phthalate-free, this quality RV accessory prioritizes your health with every use.
- Provides Freeze Protection: Receive water line freeze protection down to -20°F (-28°C) with this 50' Camco heated water hose. Whether for RVing, livestock, home, etc. it ensures your water supply stays unfrozen when you need it most.
- Energy-Saving Technology: Save money on your electric bill with the energy-efficient, thermostat-controlled heating cable that only heats as needed. This camper must-have operates on 120VAC & uses an 18AWG, 6' power cord with LED indicator plug.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does a heated hose use?
Typically, when operating at 100%, a 25-ft hose draws 180 Watts—about the same as three 60-Watt lightbulbs; 50-ft hoses draw twice that or 360 watts.
Do heated hoses heat water?
Heated hoses maintain sufficient heat to ensure the water does not freeze in the hose. They do NOT produce “warm” water.
Are heated water hoses grounded?
Typically, heated hoses are grounded from end-to-end, including the connecting fittings. When the hose is connected to a water source, that completes the grounding.
Can DC power be used to power a heated hose?
No. Heated hoses are designed to operate with 120 VAC (alternating current), only.
Can I connect two or more heated hoses together?
Manufacturers discourage connecting heated hoses together. First, the metal connectors between the two hoses may not be heated or insulated and the water at that point will freeze. Also, connecting two hoses together may require an equally long extension cord to power at least one of the hoses, and there may be insufficient current to enable the heating elements to keep the water thawed. If necessary, have one power connection from one source, for example the trailer and the other powered from a connection near the water source. You may need adapters to connect the two hoses together, and you may need to insulate that connection.
If a hose freezes, how long will it take to thaw?
There are several variables to consider. First the actual outside temperature at the time the heated hose is activated—the colder the longer to thaw. In extremely cold weather, it may take 35 to 50 minutes to thaw.
Does a heated hose need to be “turned on or off”?
No. There is no switch-control for the hose. Since all these hoses use an automatic temperature control, when the outside temperature is above freezing, they automatically cut off.
Will a heated hose prevent the water connections such as the water tap (spigot) or camper connection from freezing?
No. You will have to ensure that the water source is freeze-proof. Additional protection may be needed at the camper.
Last update on 2024-12-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API