The Best Drinking Water Hose for RVs and Campers
Whether you’re an RV or camper owner, it’s important to have a good drinking water hose. Not only will it be essential for keeping your food and drink safe, but it can also come in handy for other tasks, like cleaning the inside of your rig or filling up your water tank.
When it comes to owning an RV there are some things you don’t put much thought into, like filling up the water tank. But having fresh water in your tank is one of those things that quickly becomes essential. And nothing puts a damper on that more, than finding out you have the wrong hose.
When we first got our Travel Trailer we went out to the Fleet Farm camping section and picked up everything. Seriously! I couldn’t believe the things they sell there, and we thought we had to have them.
While a hose was one of those things every person needs, the variations sold in most RV stores are not always the one that you want.
After a few years on the road, we quickly found out how big and bulky the hose was. We also found out that it wasn’t the size we needed. Often we’d find ourselves at the park office because the hose isn’t long enough. That’s when we got fed up and decided to invest in proper equipment!
What to look for in a water hose for your RV?
The water hose you choose depends on a few factors. How much space do you have? This is the number one factor most people consider. Thankfully there are a lot of shrinkable and expandable hoses out there for smaller spaces. Your storage compartment is a top commodity for RV campers. I like to take up as little space as possible.
If space isn’t an issue, you can more durable hose.
Make sure your hose has the correct material. UV-stabilized polyether-based polyurethane or polyurethane material are rated drinking water safe.
What size RV water hose is best?
Another common issue people have when first buying a water hose is what size will I need. This all comes down to a few factors. Distance from the water and ease of use.
In my experience, there is no standard size to where the water hookup is placed at a campsite, or at fillup sites. Most RV parks will have it within 10-25 feet of your campsite. In some cases, it can be much further. I’ve also seen them on the opposite side of your campsite, requiring you to have a hose in your living space. You’ll want enough hose to accommodate these situations.
That doesn’t mean you want the largest hose either. Longer hoses are more difficult to manage. It gets kinked and coiled. Having 50 extra feet next to your camper can infuriate RV owners.
I recommend getting two shorter hoses that connect together. This will let you take advantage of your space, and only need to bring out what you need. When it comes to tearing down your campsite, you’ll thank me!
| Pro-Tip: If for some reason you get to your site, and don’t have enough hose, stop in at the park office and see if they have an extra hose you can borrow. In most cases, they are used to this issue and have extras to help out. Supplies are often limited, so I always have extra. |
What is potable water?
Potable water is water that is safe to drink. In order to be potable, water must meet certain standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These standards include testing for fecal coliform bacteria and other contaminants, treating water with disinfectants if necessary, and adding fluoride to public water supplies.
Most campgrounds have potable water onsite. They may be at your campsite, in communal spaces, or by the filling station or sanitization station. The dump station also has non-potable water used to rinse out your RV waste disposal hose. Make sure to always fill up with the one marked pottable water. The other can have bacteria in it.
What is the best way to clean your RV drinking water hose?
At the end of the season, it’s always a good idea to properly sanitize your RV drinking water hose. Since the hose is providing you with fresh drinking water, you need to make sure it’s clean too. The easiest way to clean your hose inside and out is by soaking it in a solution of bleach and water. This will kill any bacteria that may have entered the stream.
Using 1 cup of bleach to 5 gallons of water, let your hose soak in a bin for about 15 minutes. After that, rinse the hose and let the water run through it.
Do I need a Heated Water Hose for my RV?
In most cases no, you do not need a heated water hose for an RV. The only circumstance for needing it is if the outside temperatures are 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If outside temperatures drop below that, your hose is at risk of freezing and the hose can brake.
Heated water hoses differ slightly from standard hoses. They require an electrical connection and will give you peace of mind in cold weather camping.
What is the best way to store an RV fresh water hose?
RV Hoses can be stored in a few different ways. The most common is a sealable storage bucket. They are great for travel because they hold water inside, and prevent the end of the hose from getting contaminated by other things. To prevent foreign objects from getting inside the water hose, you can screw the two ends of the hose together.
I recommend making sure the water in the hose is dry before sealing it up for long periods of time. Often I will unseal the top of the bin we store our hose in once we get back home. This way the hose can properly dry out, without the risk of it getting tipped over during transit.
| Another option is to store the hose in a mesh bag. Pick yours up here! |
Should you filter your water?
I always recommend filtering your water. While at home you wouldn’t think twice before filling up a glass of water from the sink, but most people still prefer filtered water from the fridge. Why would it be any different than when you are camping? The biggest difference here, is you don’t know where your water supply is coming from.
As a camper and outdoors person for years, I am a firm believer in always shaving clean water. Whether it’s a trip in the backcountry with gravity filters, or inside a camper. It is never something I risk!
Filtering your water is super simple and doesn’t require you to use up storage space in the fridge either. The most trusted filter is the Camco TastePURE RV Water Filter. It connects right to the hose and filters the water before it makes it into your fresh water tank.
| Water always tastes better when it’s filtered. Make sure you have a water filter on your RV too! Pick one up by clicking here. |
What other accessories should I get?
Attached to a 90-degree elbow is a great way to extend the life of your hose. The main reason for this so is that your hose isn’t bending in an unnatural way.
A 90-degree elbow screws to the city water connection on the outside of your camper. From there, attach the water filter and then the hose. This ensures your investment in your hose lasts, and you have a clean supply of water coming in.
What is the difference between an ordinary garden hose and an RV drinking water hose?
Garden hoses are very similar to RV Drinking hoses. The biggest difference is the materials. A run-of-the-mill garden hose is designed for transferring water to water the yard or wash the car. Having heavy metals, leads and other toxins isn’t a concern in those cases.
A freshwater hose is made with human consumption in mind. They are made from different types of material and designed for colder climates. Every component is made with your safety in mind.
Should I use a pressure regulator with your RV water hose?
Yes, you should always use a pressure regulator whenever connecting to unknown water sources. A pressure regulator is a valuable tool to have if you’re using an RV water hose. When using the hose, there’s a risk of over-pressurization, which could lead to bursting pipes or other damage. A pressure regulator can help reduce that risk. This is one of the RV accessories I will never go without.
A pressure regular is an inexpensive attachment that can save you tons of money in potential damage. A basic model is only $10. They also make adjustable pressure regulators that let you have more control of the water flow. This is great for adjusting water pressure for showers but still making sure you don’t exceed the capacity of the water pipes.
| Make sure you protect your water lines. Having a simple pressure regulator on your waster connection can save you tons in repairs! Basic RV Water Pressure Regulator Recommended: Adjustable RV Water Pressure Regulator |
But which are really the best drinking water hoses for your RV?
Teknor Apex Zero-G RV Water Hose
Best Collapsible Drinking Water Hose
Weight: 1.98 pounds
Price: $45
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The Tenkor Apex Zero-G RV Water Hose has a kink-resistant design for uninterrupted flow. It lays flat, making it ways to store and compact. The hose is made from a Tough G-Force woven fiber making it resistant to leaks, abrasions, and punctures.
This is one of the highest-rated hoses out there. The price tag may seem like a lot but when you consider the quality that comes with it, it’s considered one of the best hoses you’ll come across.
Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose
Best Heavy Duty Drinking Water Hose
Weight: 4.64 pounds
Price: $35
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The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose is a quality hose that will help you to have clean and safe drinking water. The hose is made from high-quality materials, so you can be sure that it will last longer and be durable. The hose is also easy to use, so you will be able to get the best possible water quality.
Camco hose is made with 20 percent thinker inside walls making them heavy duty. It has an anti-kink design for added durability. The hoses are lead-free, BPA-free, Phthalate-free, and UV stabilized for a longer lifespan.
Camco TASTEPure Heated Drinking Water Hose
Best Heated Drinking Water Hose
Weight: 5 pounds
Price: $170
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The Camco TASTEPure drinking water hose is designed to keep your water line from freezing, and it does this by using a self-regulating heat source. The heat shrink on the ends of the hose provides strain relief, and the NSF-61 certified hose means that it is safe to drink. The matching female fittings make it easy to use with power from your RV or campground power source.
The heated RV water hose is designed for drinking water. It provides protection down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is one of the best hoses out there when cold temperatures sneak up or if you are doing late-season camping! You won’t have to worry about freezing temperatures destroying your system.
Valterra AquaFresh High-Pressure Drinking Water Hose
Best Budget Standard Drinking Water Hose
Weight: 2 Pounds
Price: $21
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The Valterra AquaFresh 25-foot high-pressure drinking water hose is designed for RV hookups and is built with a durable construction that will last for years of quality use. The versatile hi-flow fittings fit all RVs, campers, trailers, and more, making it easy to install.
This is one of the best budget hoses on the market. With all the basic necessities you need in a hose. It will work great for your first few trips out, or if you need a little extra length on an existing hose setup.
Flexzilla Garden Hose with Swivel Grips
Best Heavy Duty, Light Weight Garden Hose
Weight: 4 Pounds
Price: $42
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The Flexzilla hose is designed to be extremely flexible and all-weather compatible. It features a durable outer cover and crush-resistant anodized aluminum fittings. This makes it easy to maneuver around obstacles and trees, and the hose will not kink under pressure. The hose is also lightweight making it easier to carry and move around the yard. Finally, the O-ring design ensures long-term leak-free connections.
What I love about the Flexzilla Garden Hose is its flexibility of it. Its bright color makes it easy to spot so you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving it behind. The connections are easy to grip, making it easy to take down or set up in rain.
Water Right Professional Coil Garden Hose
Best Coiling Drinking Water Hose
Weight: 2 Pounds
Price: $34
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Water Right Coil Garden Hose is perfect for smaller settings. The coil hose contains no phthalates, is drinking water safe, and is flexible in all weather conditions. The straight tail leads on each coil end makes installation and use easier than with other hoses.
The coil allows you to store it quickly. Depending on the distance between your RV and the water source, it may not even touch the ground. It’s perfect for closer water connections. The coil allows you to quickly store the hose. I recommend connecting the two ends together while storing to prevent tangling.
Aqua Joe Pro Fiber Jacket Water Hose
Best Budget Flat Drinking Water Hose
Weight: 1.9 Pounds
Price: $21
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Aqua Joe Pro Fiber Jacket Water Hose is another great option. It is a high-quality and innovative water hose made out of marine-grade fiber. It is free of lead, phthalates and BPA, making it a safe and environmentally friendly option. This hose is also up to 50% lighter than traditional hoses, making it easier to maneuver and take with you on your outdoor adventures. The flexible construction maintains its flexibility down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for use in cold weather conditions.
This is a great hose, especially for those on a budget. Its lightweight and portability will make you reconsider why you ever had a traditional PVC hose in the past!
HoseCoil Expandable Water Hose
Best Expandable Drinking Water Hose
Weight: 1.5 Pounds
Price: $31
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The HoseCoil Expandable Hose is a lightweight and flexible hose that is easy to handle. It is made from high-quality materials, including a double-layered rubber inner tube and a tough Dacron outer cover. The hose shrinks from its full 25′ length down to less than 9′, taking up much less storage space than a traditional garden hose of the same length. The hose comes with one spray nozzle included.
This is a convenient drinking hose to have around. What I love about the HoseCoil is that it shrinks down so small you can put it in the shoe box. Or you can use the convenient mesh bag that’s included. This is the best option for space saving.
What is the best Drinking Water Hose for your RV?
I am partial to the collapsible and expandible versions for RV camping. They make things so much easier to store. When you consider that some RV Parks don’t put the water in a convenient spot, having an extra hose is always great, but make sure you buy it in a manageable size. This will take care of one less stress for your RV Trip.
