10 Best RV & Caravan Water Filter

Types of RV Water Filters

As we discussed before, you can get your hands on different types of water filters. Each one has a specific technology of its own, and you need to be aware of their differences before deciding which one you should buy.

Sediment filters

A sediment filter is mainly responsible for removing dirt and debris from your drinking water. They also increase the filter lifespan of the other filters present.

Sediment can affect the odor and taste of the water. It can clog your pipes and other water appliances. They also reduce the water pressure and efficacy of your other water systems.

Thus, this filtration method would be necessary to keep such sediment issues from happening in your RV.

Reverse osmosis systems

A reverse osmosis system is a compelling filtration process. Water is made to pass through a semipermeable membrane during the filtration process that removes all dissolved solids and salts from the water.

Usually, reverse osmosis systems are not really feasible for an RV. This is because the reverse osmosis system requires its own storage tank as well as a booster pump.

It pumps a great deal of wastewater called brine, which can become hard to deal with in campsites.

But then again, with some effort and thought, you might be able to make a reverse osmosis system work for your RV.

And if you do, you’ll be in luck because reverse osmosis is one of the best ways to filter water.

Carbon filters

The carbon filter is the most popular for restoring a good taste to water. In city water, chlorine is added to it destroy harmful bacteria, but it leaves a sharp taste and smell. Carbon filters then manage this.

Carbon filtration also eliminates other elements like pesticides, herbicides, VOCs, etc.

Ultraviolet purification

These water filters work by neutralizing the bacteria present in your water through exposure to UV light. Thus, they cannot infect your water anymore.

It does not improve the taste of the water, however, and you will have to pair it with another water filter for the most optimal results.

Installing an RV water filter

You first need to decide whether you want a carbon block purification method, sediment filters, UV light purification method, or a reverse osmosis system.

This will depend on your need and the quality of the water that you need to filter, and whether it is city water or not.

The next step is to install this water filter. An inline filter or canister RV water filter will either be placed externally outside your RV or below the sink.

A filter/pitcher combination will be a countertop filtration system.

Figuring out the correct configuration is necessary to ensure you have the right product according to your needs.

Hence, you need to check your water supply and carefully determine which of these water filters will work the best for you.

Best RV Water Filter Comparisons

Best Caravan Water Filter Reviews

The brief specifications can only tell you so much about a product. This detailed review section discusses all the products mentioned above in great detail to help you make a decision.

1. Travel Berkey (Top pick)

This Travel Berkey RV water filtration system is one of the best ones available in the market. It can provide filtered water for up to 3 people every day.

The best feature that makes this RV water filter our top pick is the purification system installed in it.

The purification elements in this water filter not just filter the water but purify it from almost 99% of bacteria, heavy metals, pharmaceutical drugs, and other contaminants; thus making sure that the best water quality is available to you, either to use as drinking water or for other purposes.

This RV water filter undergoes multiple testings to see which contaminants it can remove before it is sold to the people. This extreme testing provides credibility for the water filter.

The water filter will last for almost 6000 gallons of water before you need to make replacements.

You do not require any electricity, tools, or plumbing for this product. Take it anywhere, and enjoy the unique gravity-fed filtration system.

Specifications:

• Weight: 4 Pounds
• Dimensions: ‎7.5 x 7.5 x 18 inches
• Finish: Stainless Steel

Other features:

• Black Berkey Purification Elements
• 1.5 Gallon Capacity
• Independently tested for Lead and PFCs

Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

2. Waterdrop RV Filter (Budget Pick)

This is the cheapest out of all the RV water filters available on this list. This characteristic makes it the perfect caravan water filter to buy if you want to travel on a budget.

This is an inline caravan water filter that can remove many chemical contaminants from your dirty water.

This RV inline water filter will almost last you three long months and hence proves itself in its durability. It has its most ideal use inside an RV, but you can also use it for other purposes.

You can attach it with any standard garden hose and use it for gardening. You can also utilize it for car washing or in boating.

The inline water filter comes with a flexible hose protector, which keeps the hose from breakages and dents.

For anyone looking for inline RV water filters, who does not want to spend a lot of money, this Waterdrop filter is the perfect product.

Specifications:

• Operating Pressure: 20-100 psi
• Dimensions: ‎2.5 x 10.9 inches
• Operating Temperature: 41-100F.

Other features:

• Polyester membrane
• Flouride remover
• NSF Certified

Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

3. Clearsource premium RV water filter (Trusted Pick)

This trusted pick of ours is a leading product in the RV water filter industry. It works better than a lot of other inline water filters or canister filters.

The filter pores are tighter than usual, and hence they can trap a lot more contaminants. The material itself is specifically used in a strategic way to enhance the functionality of the water filter.

The bulletproof construction and the powder-coated standalone chassis are both features that changed the RV water filtration system. The filter also has a newly upgraded three-canister ultra system.

The oversize canisters provide a good water flow, and the stainless steel fittings massively improve the plumbing. Features like this make this Caravan water filter one of the best RV water filters out there.

Clearsource as a brand has proved itself when it comes to quality assurance. They’ve been featured in multiple magazines like TrailerLife and MotorHome.

Specifications:

• Weight: 17 Pounds
• Dimensions: ‎15 x 7 x 14 inches
• 0.2 Micron protection

Other features:

• Bulletproof construction
• Powder-coated metal chassis
• Stainless Steel fittings

Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

4. Acuva ArrowMax (UV Pick)

The Acuva Arrowmax water filter system comes with a smart faucet built into it. The system has a 0.5 gallons per minute water flow rate and fills up a glass in less than 15 seconds.

It provides a total water supply of about 31,700 gallons in its filter lifespan.

The special thing about this filter is that it does not use any chemicals for its working but instead relies on a UV purification system. The low power of the UV light makes it safe to use in homes as well as in RVs.

The UV purification system has a 2-stage process. The first step removes sediments, and the second step uses UV light to remove 99.99% of the harmful micro-organisms.

The smart faucet is a very valuable part of this water purification system that you usually do not find in other water filtration systems. This is what makes this Acuva RV water filter unique as compared to most RV water filters.

Specifications:

• Weight: 1.25 Pounds
• Material: ‎Glass
• Lower Temperature Rating: 32F.

Other features:

• Mercury-free
• High-quality polymer body casing
• Stainless Steel reactor inside

Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5. Camco 40043

The Camco 40043 uses the GAC filtration method that significantly reduces all forms of foul odor and taste.

The in line water filter comes with a large capacity and lasts up to three months. It has multiple uses, and you can attach it with any standard hose or garden hose to get clean water anywhere.

The sediment filter is 20 microns which is a lot more than usual sediment filters, and hence it removes a lot of particles.

The premium KDF protects the water filter from bacteria growth even when it is stagnant and not in use.

The package also includes a flexible hose protector that really keeps the hose safe from kinking and other breakages.

One of the most prominent features of this RV water filter is that it complies with all federal regulations regarding low lead and is certified for it.

Specifications:

• Weight: 1.15 Pounds
• Dimensions: ‎‎2.5 x 2.5 x 10.5 inches
• Safety rating: CSA.

Other features:

• Durable activated carbon filter
• Removes heavy metals like cadmium
• Streamlined flow

Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

6. Camco EVO Premium

This is another activated carbon filter that removes many kinds of contaminants to provide you with good-tasting, fresh water.

The RV water filter package also contains a replacement filter cartridge along with other essential components. The filter lifespan is usually one camping season; after that, you can easily just replace it.

The water filter is excellent for camping purposes, but it also works perfectly in certain other situations.

Using it for washing your car will reduce mineral spots, and gardening will minimize the amount of chlorine in the water, ultimately providing you with fresh water.

Activated carbon filters are generally a great choice for camping purposes. Get this Camco RV water filter today to convert your chlorinated tap water into fresh drinking water.

Specifications:

• Weight: 1 Pound
• Dimensions: ‎‎‎12.94 x 11.75 x 7.94 inches
• Safety rating: CSA.

Other features:

• Complies with low lead laws
• Premium spun polypropylene filter cartridge
• Easy installation

Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

7. Essential RV Water Filter System

The Essential RV water filter provides excellent flow rates at almost 3-4 gallons per minute. The water pressure is also good (60 psi); these two features work together to provide a smooth and good flow for your RV.

The 2-stage system makes sure to provide you with good tasting water and eliminate the need for ever paying for drinking water again.

The coconut shell carbon block technology provides an even better taste than other carbon filters. The universal mounting capabilities make it the best water filter to mount up anywhere, whether its your RV or a random boat.

This canister filter is the company’s best-selling product because of its effective water filtration system.

The premium filter capacity keeps the RV water filter running for a long time. This RV water filter reviews show more than a thousand five stars Trustpilot, showcasing customers’ satisfaction with the product.

Specifications:

• Weight: 7.78 Pounds
• Dimensions: 12 x 6 x 15 inches
• Operating Pressure Range: 25-75 pounds per square inch

Other features:

• Carbon block purification method
• Top reviewed system
• A dual canister 2-stage system

Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

8. Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter

The Frizzlife under sink filtration system has been tested against multiple methods for multiple contaminants and has shown promising results.

The cartridges of this under sink system contain six layers of filtration materials. You manage to remove almost 9.99% of all harmful particles from the water while still leaving filtered water with the beneficial minerals.

The best thing about this under sink RV water filter is that it is money-saving and eco-friendly. When you replace the filters, you only throw away its core, not the whole plastic casing.

The contaminants pass through 3 stages and six layers, a lot more than other RV water filters, and this leaves almost no space for something to pass by.

For all the environmentalists out there, Frizzlife is here to help you.

Specifications:

• Weight: 8 Pounds
• Dimensions: 15 x 5 x 14 inches
• Lower Temperature Rating: 40F.

Other features:

• Three years guarantee
• Premium filtration technology
• Lead-free delicate faucet

Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

9. Culligan External Water Filter

The Culligan water filter comes in many different models, all of which have their specifications and unique benefits.

This is the Culligan RVF-10 water filtration system that will last you up to three months or by the usage of 250 gallons of water. The exact amount and value will depend on your water usage.

This water filter has a sturdy design that makes this a good product for exterior use as well. You can expect a cleaner storage tank and great water quality from this RV water filter system.

The package also comes with a filter replacement that uses activated carbon technology. This replacement filter works great for removing bad odor and taste.

Culligan is one of the leading brands in the water treatment industry, providing all sorts of water equipment. This speaks for their credibility in the market.

Whether you need an RV water softener or RV water filter, Culligan is your brand.

Specifications:

• Weight: 2.71 Pounds
• Dimensions: ‎4.75 x 4.75 x 11.75 inches
• Safety Rating: NSF

Other features:

• Removes foul odor and taste
• Removes sediment
• Includes D-15 replacement cartridge

Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

10. Culligan RV-800

Like other filters from Culligan, this one is another excellent option to acquire fresh water. This water filter system will last you one RV season or camping season.

This is one of the best RV filter you can use to filter your water supply before it even reaches the dedicated storage tank.

You can attach it to the exterior of any of your RVs, campers, trailers, or even boats. The connector hose easily attaches to any of these vehicles.

This is one of the cheaper Culligan water filters, so you get great quality at a lower price and get a good value for your money.

The IAPMO certification makes it a great product because of the credibility and guarantees attached to the name.

Just use this Culligan water filter to turn your tap city water into a drinking water supply.

Specifications:

• Weight: 1 Pound
• Dimensions:‎ 3 x 5 x 12 inches
• Safety Rating: IAPMO

Other features:

• Removes chlorine
• Flexible 12-inch hose
• Genuine OEM product

Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

What Is an RV Water Filter?

An RV water filter is a convenient device that you can hook up within your RV (or elsewhere) and find clean drinking water from it (or even water for other purposes).

It basically filters out the impurities and contaminations from the water supply through either a chemical/biological process or a physical barrier.

These filtration systems can remove as little or as much of the impurities and contaminant particles found in your water. They also work on the odor and taste of the water.

These RV water filters have various technologies that they can use. Often they come with an activated carbon filter that often uses the ion exchange process for water filtration.

There are also other kinds of these water filters, such as an RV inline water filter or a canister RV water filter.

All of them have a multitude of techniques and processes that work in different ways but are adequate for water filtration.

In short, for those who travel around a lot and would like cleaner, usable, and drinking water on the go, RV water filters are a great product to invest in.

How Does a Water Filter for RV Work?

RV water filters ensure that you always have clean drinking water on the go. They have different methods and different types of filters that remove impurities from the water we utilize.

Usually, the dirt from the water can be removed using any one of the two upcoming mentioned methods:

The first method is simple physical filtration. A filter is used to strain the water to filter out impurities from it. It could be any kind of a thin filter that does not let these impure particles pass and thus, filters them out.

The second method is a more complex chemical filtration. This works a little differently than physical filtration. All of the water passes through a chemical substance that withholds the impurities present inside it.

If you want to filter all of the water from the storage tank of your RV, it is preferable that you find a water filter that connects with a hose.

An inline water filter would be a great choice in this situation. It combines a sediment filter with a carbon filter because they usually work best for situations like this.

You can easily find them in a small size. But if you’re looking for something that has a longer shelf life or a better flow, then canister filters are the way to go for you.

How to Pick a Water Filter for Caravan?

Even after knowing all the different types of water filters, you can choose from and their specifications, you still might be confused about which one you should pick.

That is entirely okay because due to the multitude of factors involved in the process, it can become a little confusing to decide which filter would be perfect for your needs.

This section discusses certain factors that you can evaluate to help yourself make this decision and pick the best RV water filter for yourself.

Understanding the types

After we have taken a detailed look at the different types of water filters we have available in the market; you first need to sit down and see if any of them directly suits your need.

Inline filters are perfect for removing bad smells and tastes from your water. An inline water filter will also be great at sediment filtration.

The reverse osmosis system is good for you if you’re looking for a purification system.

Similarly, all other forms of water filters have their own set of uses, understanding which is crucial in helping you make a decision.

If you are unsure about which water filter does what, you might end up buying something that does not match your needs at all.

It will be a waste of money and also incredibly frustrating to see your water filter not working in the way you would like it to work.

Understanding your water supply composition

First, you need to know what sort of contaminants and harmful materials are present in your water and how you can remove them.

The easiest way to do this is by performing a water test, it can be a little complicated sometimes, but it does give you an appropriate answer.

There are other ways to determine this as well. A lot of campsites are supplied with city water, which has chlorine present in it as a disinfectant. This chlorine gives an unpleasant odor as well as taste to the water.

If your water supply comes from a well, then that contains a lot of other microorganisms and heavy metals, which are dangerous in their own way.

Until you know what is contaminating your water, you will not be able to fix the problem without most likely messing something else up.

Understanding your water consumption

Decide how much water you will utilize and for what purposes. If you’re going camping with your whole family, you’ll probably need inline filters or multi-canister filters, which have the capacity to provide filtered water to more people.

There are also specific filtering systems that just focus on supplying water you can use for cooking and drinking, but they will not keep any harmful materials away from your appliances.

Understanding the frequency of your water usage

Sit down and evaluate how much you are going to use your RV in the months to come.

If you plan on taking frequent trips, invest in a complex and comprehensive filter.

But that will not be necessary if you just plan on using it once in a blue moon, then investing in a highly complex water system will only be a waste of your money.

Carbon and sediment filters are usually the baseline of the least you should have in your water filter.

Understanding budget

Do not look at just the purchasing costs of a water filter but also the maintenance costs.

For example, you frequently have to change the filters inside your unit. You need to replace the lamps in a UV system once every year at the very least.

IF you have a carbon filter, it will start getting weaker after a while and will need to be replaced.

Suppose you have not taken these factors into account along with the previously mentioned ones. In that case, you will just be aimlessly shifting multiple water filters throughout the year, which is going to become extremely costly for you in the longer run.

Understanding ease of use/installation

Again, know for a fact that replacing the filter is going to eventually come in, whether three months later or a year, it is finally going to be something you have to do,

If you install a very hefty or hard-to-install kind of water filter, who is going to help you replace it after a while?

Either no one, in which case it will become a hassle for you, or you’ll have to call a professional plumber who will cost you many bucks.

So do ensure that you buy a filter that matches your expertise in the installation department.

FAQs on Best RV Water Filter

Conclusion

Camping is a beautiful experience, and dirty, contaminated water can ruin it for you. This article discussed in detail all the essential things you need to know about filtering the water inside your RV.

Make sure to stay safe on all those fantastic camping adventures.