Best RV Water Filters for Cleaner, Healthier Water [2023]
If you’re an RVer, you know how important having a good water filter is. After all, your RV is your home away from home, and you must trust the water you’re drinking.
Clean, fresh water is essential to a healthy lifestyle, so I knew right away, as a new RV owner, that I would require some water filter system for my Airstream. Here is a list of the 5 Best RV Water Filters for RVers.
I have a US Pure Water Filter at home, a reverse osmosis (RO) process. Except for distillation, RO is the only known process that can effectively remove many impurities, including toxic metals, fluoride, asbestos, pesticides, and microorganisms. It also oxygenates the water, which gives it a fresh taste. Naturally, I wanted a similar unit for my RV.
But with so many different RV water filters on the market, how do you know which is best? That’s where this blog post comes in. We’ll look at five of the best RV water filters and explain why each one is worth considering. Hopefully, by the end of this post, you’ll have a better idea of which water filter is right for you.
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Finding Quality Water Sources for RVs
When you visit a State or National Park campground or a private RV campground, they typically have a water source for your RV to hook into to have a direct water flow to your interior faucets. In traveling around the country, I know from personal experience and research that not all water sources are equal. Water quality varies a bit and, in some places, can even be toxic.
My Personal Story in finding the Best RV Water Filters
When starting my first cross-country solo RVing journey, I knew I would encounter various standards of treated water at campgrounds, and I wanted a consistent source of clean water. Therefore, I have two water filters in my Airstream RV setup.
I have an inline filter connecting the campground hose bib to my water hose, which filters out certain levels of bacteria and sediments. I have a Camco 40043 TastePure RV/Marine Water Filter with Flexible Hose Protector, which protects against most bacteria, potentially reduces bad taste and odors, and reduces chlorine and various sediments in the water coming into your RV.
Since I have a PURE Reverse Osmosis Water System in my home, when I bought my 2020 Airstream Caravel, I knew that one of my first equipment purchases would be a water filter. But which one? The list below will give you 5 of the best RV water filters on the market today.
#1: BEST REVERSE OSMOSIS RV WATER FILTER
The Travel Berkey Water Filter System is my top choice of the best RV water filters. Many RV owners turn to the Berkey as a reliable and robust option for purifying their drinking water. It uses reverse osmosis technology to remove particulates, bacteria, and even some heavy metals from your water supply and also includes additional activated carbon filters for extra protection.
Its small size makes it ideal for fitting into areas with limited space. This filter system can be used straight from the tap or connected to an existing water tank for continuous filtration. With its long-lasting filters and easy installation, the Travel Berkey Water Filter System will provide unbeatable peace of mind on the road!
The Travel Berkey Water Kit
Hands down this travel size water filter system was by far my first choice for many reasons. This is the perfect water filter system for RVers especially when Boondocking because it is gravity fed and does not require water pressure or electricity to operate. This is the same system used by the Red Cross when going into areas with non-drinkable water.
Pour water into the top chamber and enjoy the cleanest drinking water possible from the bottom section. The two filters included will filter 6,000 gallons of water; this is easily 7+ years before they need to be changed.
Key Features of #1 Best Reverse Osmosis of the best RV water filters
- A most technologically advanced type of filter
- Capable of producing nearly 100% pure water
- Very effective at removing arsenic, fluoride, perchlorate, hexavalent chromium, and nitrates
- Adding a carbon element can also remove chlorine.
- Gravity-fed and does not require water pressure or electricity to use.
Pricing Plan
- Long-Lasting Filters: The included filters will easily last 7+ years before they need to be changed.
- Convenient: Pour water in and pour water out. There is no need to set up at each campsite.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The filter is made with highly polished stainless steel and won’t be an eyesore on your counter.
- Compact: The Travel Berkey is only 18″ high when in use and can be nested down to 12″ for storage and travel.
- Off-Grid: The Berkey does not require power, so it is perfect for boondockers.
- Effective: Delivers great-tasting, clean water every time we use it.
Product Pros
Product Cons
The Travel Berkey Water Filter is ideal for 1-2 people. Each system has two Black Berkey® Purification Elements, and each water filter will last up to 3000 gallons. The Berkey Water Filter systems can purify treated municipal/city and untreated raw water from remote lakes, streams, and ponds.
#2: BEST INLINE RV WATER FILTER
The Camco 40043 TastePure RV Water Filter is my choice of the least expensive inline of the best RV water filters. This inline water filter is a less expensive alternative to keep sediment out of your RV water tank and improve the taste and smell of your drinking water for about three months. I use this with the Travel Berkey Water Filter to ensure the best-tasting & most purified water for all my needs.
Camco 40043 TastePure RV/Marine Water Filter
Camco’s TastePURE RV/Marine Water Filter comes with a Flexible Hose Protector, which reduces bad taste, odor, chlorine, and sediment in your RV water supply. It is equipped with a 20-micron sediment filter to prevent undesirable bacteria growth when the filter is not in use. It has a durable in-line, exterior wide-body mount filter for increased flow. The flexible hose protector reduces the strain on connections that could impede water flow.
Key Features of #2 Best Inline of the best RV water filters
- Protects Against the Growth of Fungus, Bacteria, and Mold
- Reduces Bad Taste & Odors
- Eliminates Chlorine and Sediments
- Durable Activated Carbon Filter
- 20 Micron Fiber Barrier
Pricing Plan
Product Pros
Product Cons
#3: BEST PREMIUM RV WATER FILTER SYSTEM
The Clearsource 2 Canister Onboard Water Filter System is my choice of best premium of the best RV water filters. A two-stage canister filter is attached between your RV and the city water connection to filter all water coming into the RV. The first-stage 5-micron filter improves taste and removes or reduces sediment, chlorine, VOCs, and other contaminants. Then, the hospital-grade 0.2-micron filter removes or reduces bacteria like Legionella and E. Coli and cysts like Giardia.
Clearsource 2 Canister Onboard RV Water Filter System
The Clearsource OnBoard RV water filter system is built for RVers and easily installs under your sink or utility bay inside your RV. It delivers better water quality and better water flow than most systems.
The unit has built-in PEX fittings, which keep things sanitary, and will stand up to years of use.
The Clearsource Premier system is engineered from the ground up specifically for the RVer. The powder-coated standalone chassis durable construction has changed the industry. Built for optimal water flow, the Clearsource oversized canisters are, and the stainless-steel fittings for the best in class for the ultimate sanitary plumbing for your RV.
Key Features of #3 Best Premium of the best RV water filters
- Industry Leader: the size and quality of their filters, which traps more contaminants.
- Hospital grade 0.2-micron filter captures contaminants other systems miss.
- It uses a coconut shell carbon block filter to improve taste and smell.
- Oversize canisters for maximum water flow.
- Stainless steel fittings for durable, sanitary plumbing.
Pricing Plan
Product Pros
Product Cons
#4: BEST BUDGET INLINE RV WATER FILTER
The Culligan RV-800 is the least expensive option for your RV water filtering needs. This inline filter reduces bad taste and odor, chlorine taste and odor, and sediment. It comes complete with a flexible 12-in. connector hose. Easily attaches to the exterior of RVs, campers, trailers, motor homes, and boats.
Culligan RV-800 Exterior Pre-Tank Recreational Vehicle Water Filter
The Culligan RV-800 recreational vehicle water filter connects easily to campers, trailers, motor homes or boats with its 12 in. flexible hose and slim design. With the high flow rate and quick fill this filter will reduce chlorine taste and odor, sediment and bacteriostatic. Fits standard hose fittings and has a filter cartridge life of up to 2,000 gal.
Key Features of #4 Best Budget of the best RV water filters
- Includes a flexible 12 in. connector hose
- Compatibility, Easily attaches to exterior of RVs
- Granular activated carbon filter is included
- Certification: IAPMO Certified; Genuine OEM product
Pricing Plan
Product Pros
Product Cons
#5: BEST TANKLESS REVERSE OSMOSIS RV WATER FILTER
The iSpring RO500AK-BN Tankless RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System is used effectively in thousands of homes and RVs. It’s easy to install and delivers great-tasting water at a fraction of the cost of buying bottled water.
iSpring RO500AK-BN Tankless RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
The iSpring Tankless Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System has everything you need to set it up. It includes the faucet, all hoses, pipes, filters, and hardware you’ll need to hook it up to your existing faucet.
iSpring RO500AK-BN is the next-generation reverse osmosis filtration system. Experience less waiting time when you fill up your cup, pitcher, or cooking pot with clean and tasty water. With a fast flow rate of up to 0.4 gallons per minute, this RO system can satisfy the water needs of large families in RVs.
Fantastic Filtration Performance came standard with this 3-in-1 composite Sediment, Carbon Block filter, and advanced R.O. Membrane. This unit easily & effectively removes up to 99% of over 1 000 contaminants, including lead, chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, asbestos, calcium, sodium, and more. A Carbon Alkaline Filter made with quality coconut shell activated carbon and minerals further polishes the filtered R.O. water, balances the pH level, and enhances the taste with added-back minerals.
Because of its reinforced integrated water route design, and leak-free DIY installation, filter changes are effortless—no need to shut off the water supply when changing filters. Filter changes can be completed within seconds. Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, 1-year manufacturer warranty, and extended warranty upon registration. Lifetime customer service and tech support from iSpring in Atlanta, GA
Key Features of #5 Best Tankless R.O. of the best R.V. water filters
- Experience less waiting time. Fills an 8oz cup with water in 10 seconds
- Effectively removes up to 99% of over 1, 000 contaminants
- Additional Carbon Alkaline Filter made with quality coconut shell activated carbon and minerals
- Saves water waste by up to 400% compared to traditional R.O. systems.
- Produces 500 gallons of filtered water per day
Pricing Plan
Product Pros
Product Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you drink the water directly from the tap?
Though you can drink tap water at RV campsites, over 30% RVers polled used some filter before they drank the water in their RV.
Where do you attach an RV water filter?
It is recommended that Inline RV water filters should be connected closest to the city water inlet. Most inline water filters come with a hose attachment to attach the filter to the channel.
How long do RV water filters last?
Most RV water filters will last about three months, depending on your use, and a high-quality filter could last up to 12 months.
What is a Micron Rating?
Micron ratings are the size of the openings in the filter. The larger the number, the more it allows through. Bacteria range from 0.2 to 2 microns in width/diameter and 1 to 10 microns in length, and viruses range from 0.004 to 0.1 microns. Insecticides can be 0.5 to 10 microns, and mold ranges from 10 to 30 microns.
What is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse Osmosis is a very popular way to filter water, and combined with UV lighting, it can remove the majority of all impurities. A downside is that Reverse Osmosis also removes some beneficial minerals, like calcium and magnesium, from the water.
How do I select an RV water filter?
Selecting the right one for you & your RV comes down to several factors, such as your budget, how clean you want the water to be, and what contaminants you want to filter out.
SUMMARY: The Top 3 Best RV Water Filters in 2022
#1: BEST REVERSE OSMOSIS RV WATER FILTER
The Travel Berkey Water Filter System is my top choice of the best RV water filters.
#2: BEST INLINE RV WATER FILTER
The Camco 40043 TastePure RV Water Filter is my choice of least expensive inline of the best RV water filters.
#3: BEST PREMIUM RV WATER FILTER SYSTEM
The Clearsource 2 Canister Onboard Water Filter System is my choice of best premium of the best RV water filters.
