Best Water Filter System For RV?

Water is essential to life. Having a clean source in your RV is essential to living your best RV life. There are many different options for us RV dwellers and travellers to get fresh water in our campers. Whether you are building your own rig or you bought a prebuilt RV that’s ready to hit the road, you are going to need a source for water in the form of some kind of onboard tank or bottle. Every RV small or large will require water for at least drinking. We all use and drink water every single day of our lives. This article we are going to discuss rv basics and the different ways to make drinking water accessible in your RV life. The best water filter system for rv looks a little different based on space and lifestyle.

Fresh Water Basics For Life in an RV

Here are some essential items that every RV should have in their fresh water kit:

1. Fresh Water Hose: A clean and durable hose designed for RV use is essential for filling your fresh water tank and connecting to external water sources. Most of the freshwater hoses you see are either blue or white. The reason for this is to make it really obvious that the hose is designated for clean water. The last thing you want is to contaminate your fresh water hose with your waste tank usage.
2. Pressure Regulator: A water pressure regulator can help protect your RV’s plumbing system from damage caused by high water pressure.
3. Water Filter: A filter can help remove impurities and contaminants from your RV’s water supply, making it safer and more pleasant to use. There are many different types of filters available we are going to discuss that in detail below.
4. Tank Sanitizer: Over time, your RV’s water tank can accumulate bacteria and other contaminants. A water tank sanitizer can help keep your tank clean and fresh, and ensure that your water supply remains safe to use. It’s important to clean your onboard fresh water tank every spring at least.
5. Water Test Kit: A water test kit can help you determine if your RV’s water supply is safe and free of contaminants. This can give you peace of mind and help you avoid potential health problems.
6. Water Container: In case of emergency, it’s a good idea to have a backup supply of fresh water. A water container can be used to store additional water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

I think it’s important to have a designated storage system for your freshwater kit. A tote or a bag to keep it separate when travelling. You definitely don’t want to store your freshwater items anywhere near your black tank accessories. Check out my post about RV toilets here. Having these items in your RV’s fresh water kit can help ensure that your water supply is clean, safe, and reliable throughout your travels. It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect and maintain your RV’s water system to ensure that everything is in good working order.

Here are some quick links to all the items I have in my “Fresh Water Kit” in my RV

What are the Different Ways to Have Fresh Clean Water in your RV?

Bottled Water

I spend most of my time in Canada at the moment. The tap water here is really great. But when I head to Mexico I bring along a large 5-gallon jug. If I’m boondocking I will also have one of these on hand. The only problem is that they take up a lot of space and can be challenging to lug around to get refilled. Personally, I think this is a better choice environmentally than having individual single use plastic water bottles. Probably it’s a lot more cost effective. It’s important to have a pump of some kind to make it easier to get the water out of the jug if you don’t have a water bottle dispenser like this…

I love these big dispensers with hot and cold water at your finger tips but it takes up a lot of space and you need power if you want the hot and cold sides to work. For off-the-gridI options I really like the following three choices.

I have used a few different manual pumps over the years. I much prefer the rechargeable USB style. If you buy the manual pump try it out a few times before the return window closes. They are not all built equally. I’ve had more than one that was nothing but frustration.

In-Line Filter – Exterior

In-line filters are a convenient and effective way to filter the water supply before it enters your RV. These filters are typically designed to be connected to the hose that supplies water to your RV, and they can help remove impurities, sediment, and other contaminants from the water.

Some benefits of using an in-line water filter for your RV:

1. Improved Water Quality: In-line water filters can help improve the taste, smell, and overall quality of your RV’s water supply. They can remove sediment, chlorine, and other impurities that can affect the water’s taste and odor.
2. Protect Your RV’s Plumbing: The filter can also help protect your RV’s plumbing system from damage caused by sediment or other contaminants. This can help extend the life of your RV’s plumbing system and reduce the need for repairs.
3. Convenience: In-line water filters are easy to install and require minimal maintenance. They can be easily attached to the hose outside your RV and can be replaced when needed.
4. Cost-Effective: In-line filters are an affordable solution for improving the quality of your RV’s water supply. They are typically less expensive than other types of filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis or UV systems.

When choosing an in-line filter for your RV, be sure to consider the filter’s micron rating, flow rate, and filter life. These factors can affect the filter’s effectiveness and how often it needs to be replaced.

Here are the three best selling with the best reviews on Amazon.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis is one of the best water filters for RV life. R.O. water filter systems are a popular choice for RV owners who want a high-quality filtration system that can remove a wide range of contaminants from their water supply. Some RV’s come with an R.O. system onboard!

Here are some key features and benefits of reverse osmosis water filter systems:

1. Filtration: Reverse osmosis systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out impurities, minerals, and other contaminants. The membrane has tiny pores that allow only water molecules to pass through, while blocking larger particles.
2. Effectiveness: Reverse osmosis systems are highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants from water, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and minerals like calcium and magnesium that can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
3. Improved Water Quality: Reverse osmosis systems can greatly improve the taste, smell, and appearance of your RV’s water supply, making it more pleasant to drink and use for cooking and cleaning.
4. Space-Saving: Many reverse osmosis systems designed for RVs are compact and easy to install, making them a convenient option for RV owners who are short on space. Some of the conventional versions of these aren’t very practical for small space installation.
5. Low Maintenance: Reverse osmosis systems are typically low-maintenance and require only occasional filter replacement. This can save time and money compared to other water filtration systems that require more frequent maintenance.

A reverse osmosis system might be the most effective water filter system for RV, but there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. These systems can be more expensive than other types of water filters, and they can also produce wastewater, which may not be ideal for camping in areas with limited water resources.

R.O. also removes some of the things in water that are good for you so you will want to add alkaline to your water with something like this…

Overall, reverse osmosis filter systems are a great choice for RV owners who want a high-quality water filtration system that can remove a wide range of contaminants and improve the taste and quality of their RV’s water supply. Here are the top picks for Reverse Osmosis as the best water filter system for RV life. This type of filtration may not be bet for folks who do a lot of boondocking because of the waste water factor. Boondockers don’t usually have unlimited access to water, wasting a drop is not ideal.

Under Sink Filtration

Under sink filtration systems are a popular choice for RVers who want the best RV water filtration system that is out of sight and does not take up valuable counter space. These systems are installed under the sink and are typically connected to a separate faucet, providing clean and filtered water for drinking and cooking. I managed to install a 3 step filtration system all by myself! I did already have an existing designated faucet. No drilling of holes in my counter required.

Here are some key features and benefits of under sink filtration systems:

1. Filtration: Under sink filtration systems use a variety of filters to remove impurities, sediment, and other contaminants from the water. The specific type of filter used can vary depending on the system and the contaminants present in the water.
2. Effectiveness: Under sink water filtration systems are highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine, lead, bacteria, viruses, and other impurities that can affect the taste, smell, and overall quality of the water.
3. Improved Water Quality: Under sink water filtration systems can greatly improve the taste, odor, and appearance of your RVs water supply, making it more pleasant to drink and use for cooking and cleaning.
4. Convenience: Under sink water filtration systems are installed out of sight and do not take up valuable counter space. They also provide clean and filtered water on demand, without the need to refill a separate container.
5. Low Maintenance: Under sink water filtration systems are typically low-maintenance and require only occasional filter replacement. This can save time and money compared to other water filtration systems that require more frequent maintenance.

While there are many benefits to using an under sink water filtration system, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. These systems can be more expensive than other types of water filters, and they may require professional installation, which can add to the overall cost. Additionally, under sink water filtration systems may not be ideal for for RVs that don’t have much cupboard space.

Overall, under-sink water filtration systems might be the best water filter system for RVers who want a high-quality water filtration system that is out of sight and does not take up valuable counter space. They can greatly improve the taste and quality of your home’s water supply, making it more pleasant to drink and use for cooking and cleaning. It’s important to measure your under sink space. It’s also important you take extra care when installing these. For most RVers, the thought of drilling holes in your RV is a major source of concern!

Ultra Violet – UV Filtration

UV (ultraviolet) water filtration systems for RVs are a popular choice for RV owners who want a water filtration system that can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in their water supply.

Here are some key features and benefits of UV water filtration systems for RVs:

1. Filtration: UV water filtration systems use a UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the water. These systems do not remove sediment or other contaminants from the water, so they are typically used in conjunction with a pre-filter to remove larger particles.
2. Effectiveness: UV water filtration systems are highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the water. They can provide a high level of protection against waterborne illnesses and other health risks associated with contaminated water.
3. Improved Water Quality: UV water filtration systems can greatly improve the safety and quality of your RV’s water supply, making it more pleasant to drink and use for cooking and cleaning.
4. Space-Saving: Many UV filtration systems designed for RVs are compact and easy to install, making them a convenient option for RV owners who are short on space.
5. Low Maintenance: UV water filtration systems are typically low-maintenance and require only occasional bulb replacement. This can save time and money compared to other water filtration systems that require more frequent maintenance.

While there are many benefits to using a UV filtration system for your RV, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. These systems do not remove sediment or other contaminants from the water, so they may not be effective in areas with high levels of sediment or other particles. Additionally, UV water filtration systems may not be ideal for camping in areas with limited resources, as they require a steady supply of electricity to operate.

UV filtration systems are best water filter process for rv RV owners who want a water filtration system that can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in their water supply. They can greatly improve the safety and quality of your RV’s water supply, making it more pleasant to drink and use for cooking and cleaning.

I’m not 100% sure that the system below is the best water filter system for RV it requires a bit more research. I imagine if you have the space for it and the knowledge to hook it up properly it wold work just fine. I didn’t find a lot of information for RV specific applications.

Counter Top

It’s important to note that not all RV faucets have threads to allow some of these countertop water filters to be installed that way. You may have to do some work under the counter to have this style. Keeping that in mind countertop water filtration systems are a convenient and effective way to filter tap water in your RV. These systems are designed to sit on your kitchen countertop and connect directly to your faucet, providing a steady supply of clean, filtered water for drinking, cooking, and other household uses.

Here are some key features and benefits of countertop water filtration systems:

1. Filtration: Countertop filtration systems use a variety of filtration methods to remove impurities from tap water. Some common filtration methods include activated carbon, ceramic filters, and reverse osmosis. These systems can effectively remove a range of contaminants from tap water, including chlorine, lead, pesticides, and other impurities that can affect the taste and quality of your water.
2. Convenience: Countertop filtration systems are easy to install and require no plumbing or permanent installation. They can be quickly attached to your faucet, providing a steady supply of clean, filtered water without the need for bottled water or other alternatives.
3. Cost-Effective: Countertop filtration systems can be a cost-effective alternative to bottled water or other more expensive water filtration systems. They typically have lower upfront costs and require less maintenance than other systems.
4. Improved Water Quality: Countertop water filtration systems can greatly improve the taste and quality of your tap water, making it more pleasant to drink and use for cooking and cleaning.
5. Sustainability: By reducing the need for bottled water, countertop water filtration systems can help to reduce plastic waste and support more sustainable water usage practices.

Overall, countertop filtration systems are a convenient and effective way to filter tap water in your home. They can provide a range of benefits, including improved water quality, convenience, and sustainability, while also being a cost-effective alternative to bottled water or other more expensive filtration systems.

The Berkey The Best Water Filter System For RV

The Berkey is thought to be the best water filter system for RVs. This device requires no power or plumbing installation and is a favourite of nomads and off-grid aficionados.

Berkey filters are a type of gravity-fed water filtration system that are designed to remove impurities from water, making it safe and clean for drinking and other purposes. These filters are highly regarded for their ability to remove a wide range of contaminants from water, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and heavy metals.

The Berkey water filter uses a combination of several filtration technologies to remove impurities from water. The system includes two chambers, an upper chamber where the water is poured in, and a lower chamber where the filtered water is collected. Water is gravity-fed through a series of filters that remove contaminants as the water passes through.

One of the key components of the Berkey water filter system is the Black Berkey filter element, which is made from a proprietary blend of materials that are designed to remove a wide range of impurities. The filter elements are highly efficient and long-lasting, with each filter able to treat thousands of gallons of water before needing to be replaced.

Berkey water filters are highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of settings, from outdoor activities such as camping and hiking, to everyday use in the home or office. They are also popular among preppers and those concerned about emergency preparedness, as they can be used to treat water from a variety of sources in the event of an emergency.

Overall, the Berkey is considered the best water filter system for RV campers and are highly regarded for their ability to provide safe and clean drinking water, and are a popular choice for those looking for a reliable and effective water filtration system. They come in different sizes I’ll likely be picking up the travel size for my journey to Mexico this fall.

Jug Water Filtration

If you have access to clean water to start with you might just want to go with the in-fridge jug filters they are small, replaceable filters that are designed to be used with water jugs or pitchers that are kept in the refrigerator. These filters are typically made from activated carbon or other materials that are designed to remove impurities from drinking water, such as chlorine, sediment, and some heavy metals. They may not be the best water filter system for RV purification requirements, but like I said, if you are starting with good clean water this may be just enough to level up your taste.

Fridge jug filters work by trapping impurities as water passes through them. Activated carbon is a common material used in these filters because it has a large surface area and can effectively trap many types of contaminants. Other materials, such as ceramic, may also be used in these filters.

Fridge water jug filters are easy to use and can be a convenient way to ensure that the water you are drinking is clean and safe. They are typically replaced every 2-3 months, or as recommended by the manufacturer, to ensure that they continue to function effectively.

One of the main advantages of fridge jug filters is that they are relatively inexpensive and do not require any installation. They are also easy to use and can be a good option for those who want to improve the taste and quality of their drinking water without investing in a more expensive water filtration system.

However, it’s important to note that fridge water jug filters may not be as effective as other types of water filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filters. They may not remove all types of contaminants, and their effectiveness may decrease over time as they become clogged with impurities.

Overall, fridge water jug filters can be a good option for those who want to improve the taste and quality of their drinking water, but they may not be the best choice for those who are looking for a more comprehensive water filtration solution.

On The Go or In The Wild – pills, purifying bottles, uv light

There are several different methods you can use to purify when you are in the wilderness. Some of the most common methods include:

1. Boiling: One of the simplest and most effective ways to purify water is to boil it for at least one minute. This will kill most types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be present in the water.
2. Chemical treatment: You can also use chemicals such as iodine or chlorine to purify. Follow the instructions on the product you are using, as the amount of chemical needed and the contact time can vary.
3. Filtration: Water filters can remove many types of contaminants from water. There are several types of water filters available, including pump filters and gravity filters. Be sure to choose a filter that is appropriate for the types of contaminants that may be present in the water you will be drinking.
4. UV light: UV light can also be used to purify. UV water purifiers are small devices that emit UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These devices are easy to use, but they require batteries or a power source to operate.
5. Distillation: Distillation involves boiling water and collecting the steam. The steam is then condensed back into water, leaving behind many types of contaminants. This method requires specialized equipment, so it may not be practical for wilderness situations.

It’s important to note that each of these methods has its own strengths and limitations. For example, boiling is effective at killing most types of contaminants, but it may not remove heavy metals or other chemicals. Be sure to choose a method that is appropriate for the specific situation you are in and the types of contaminants that may be present in the water.

Best Agua Filter System For RV Travel To Mexico

When traveling to Mexico, it’s important to take precautions to ensure that the “agua” you drink and use for cooking and cleaning is safe. While there are a variety of water filtration systems available that can be effective in removing contaminants from the water, it’s important to choose the best water filter system for RV that is specifically designed for use in Mexico and other areas where the water quality may be poor.

Here are some options for filtration systems that may be effective in Mexico:

1. Reverse Osmosis System: Reverse osmosis systems are effective at removing a wide range of contaminants from the water, including bacteria, viruses, and other impurities that can be found in Mexican sources. These systems are typically installed under the sink and can provide a steady supply of clean, filtered agua for drinking and cooking.
2. UV Water Filtration System: UV agua filtration systems use a UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the agua. These systems do not remove sediment or other contaminants from the water, so they are typically used in conjunction with a pre-filter to remove larger particles.
3. Portable Filters: Portable water filters, such as those designed for camping and outdoor activities, can also be effective in removing contaminants from Mexican water sources. These filters are typically compact and easy to carry, making them a convenient option for travellers.

It’s important to note that no filtration system can guarantee 100% protection against all contaminants in Mexican sources. It’s also important to follow other guidelines for staying safe when traveling to Mexico, such as avoiding ice in drinks, avoiding tap agua for brushing teeth, and washing produce with bottled or filtered agua. Una bottela de agua!

As with almost everything I recommend for your RV lifestyle the best water filter system for RV applications is dependent on many different factors. Are you stationary? Are you in the back woods alone? Do you have power? There are always questions to ask yourself when deciding what’s best for your lifestyle and your actual real-life application. For me, personally, I have my Wee Beastie campervan that is off grid a lot more than the Big Beast is. I think everyone should have a simple pump on hand for use with the 5-gallon water jugs you can get almost anywhere. Let me know in the comments section what works for you and why?

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Here’s some other articles I’ve written you might find helpful.

1. What’s the Best Heater for RV living?
2. Everything You Need to Know about RV Toilets.
3. Best Dehumidifier for RV Life.

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