11+ Options for the Best RV Water Filter in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST RV WATER FILTER?

You are in the right place because the 11 best RV water filters for your RV are all featured here. How do we know they are the best?  We have traveled in our RV since 2010 and bring you the best information, guides and products for your RV.

We don’t travel in our RV with out a water filter or two. Having the best RV water filter is important to those who spend lots of time in their RV or those weekend warriors who want to have good drinking water.

It can be a bit of a challenge when looking at the different types of water filters and which one fits best for your needs and your budget. We have multiple RV water filters that we use and consider them to be one of our RV kitchen essentials.

Not all water filters filters are created equal. Some water filters work better than others and are made to purify more than others. We have outlined the different types of water filtration systems ad what they will filter so you can find the best RV water filter system for you and your needs.

Types of Best RV Water Filter

The type you are looking for will depend on what you are looking to filter. If you are looking to filter bacteria, chemicals, organic matter, or all of the above you will need to keep reading.

Sediment Filters

Sediment filters are used to filter out organic matter and they are often used to expand the lifespan of your faucets and shower heads. This is because particulates can get into your faucets causing them to become plugged and not functional.

If your goal is to keep your water flowing through your faucets by removing particulates or debris, you will want a sediment filter. These are also used as a prefilter to keep your water filters that filter bacteria and chemicals from getting clogged with larger particles. This is a great filtration method for removing large particles.

Carbon Filters

Carbon filters are very common and effective filters when it comes to removing chlorine, chloroform, agricultural chemicals, organic sediment, and magnesium. However, carbon filters do not remove bacteria. They can remove some lead depending on the micron rating of the filter.

These are most effective at removing chemicals and making your bad taste water better.

Ceramic Filters

Ceramic water filters are excellent water filters they filter out 99% of all bacteria and protozoa. They are also very good at filtering out heavy metals like lead. A very common and great filter that uses a ceramic filter is the Berkey water filter.

Ultraviolent Purification

Ultraviolet water filters are great for killing bacteria. UV light filters work by using ultraviolet rays to kill bacteria. These filters do not remove heavy metals or man-made substances like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or petroleum products.

Reverse Osmosis Filters

Reverse osmosis systems are very good at removing many substances from water. They will remove bacteria, chemicals, salts, nitrates, arsenic, chlorine, pesticides, and other contaminants. Some say this process can remove too much from the water.

However, a balanced diet can give you the nutrients that can be lost from drinking reverse osmosis filters. 

Best RV Water Filter Options

1. Camco taste pure

Camco water filters are the most common RV water filters you will find. They are not very expensive and are your typical canister filters. This is a carbon filter and can filter up to 20 microns.

This will make sure your water tastes good and will help filter out chemicals. It can filter large pieces of lead and heavy metals but its use for filtering heavy metals is limited. The description makes it seem as though it will filter bacteria. This filter will not filter bacteria. It is constructed in a way so that the filter will not grow bacteria while in storage.

We use this filter with our motorhome and have been quite pleased with the taste of the water and the functionality of the filter.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Camco Water Filter!

2. Clear20

Clear20 is a great carbon block filter. It will filter down to 1 micron. This means it will give you better and cleaner tasting water. This is one of the best inline RV water filters you can purchase.

It is super easy to use and easily hooks up to your water hose. The filter will last about a month of heavy use and around 3 to 6 months with light use depending on the water quality.

This filter does restrict water flow, some people find this a bigger issue than others. This is mainly because it filters to 1 micron whereas other carbon filters only filter to 20 microns. For reference, 50 microns can be seen from the naked eye.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Clear 20 Filter!

3. Clear Source Ultra

Clear Source Ultra is your best RV water filter for your inline water system. It has three separate filters. Each filter is made for a different purpose to gradually filter out the water leaving you with excellent drinking water.

The first filter is a 5-micron filter. This filters out rust and other particulates which are of a larger size. The second filter is a 0.5-micron carbon filter. This filter will filter our chemicals and will improve the taste of your water. The third filter is made to filter out bacteria that can make you sick, these would be E. coli, Giardia, and viruses like COVID-19.

If you are looking for a filter that will keep you healthy and make your water taste great, this is the best RV water filter.

There is also a Clear Source Premium RV water filter. This is very similar but slightly cheaper than the Ultra model. The Premium model has two filters, and the Ultra model has 3 filters. The Ultra model will last longer and will not clog as easily if you have larger particles.

Both filters are great and will provide safe, clean, and delicious water.

4. Frizzlife

Frizzlife is a highly rated under-the-sink carbon block water filter. It will remove heavy metals and chemicals and provide an excellent taste for your water system. It will filter down to 0.5 microns and has a capacity of up to 10,000 gallons.

The system can work for up to 2 gallons per minute and is easy to install. Do keep in mind the low-temperature rating for this is 40 degrees. If you think you will experience cold weather, this might not work fully in colder conditions. However, since it is under your sink, you are probably alright if you use your heat.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Frizzlife Water Filter!

5. Camco EVO

If you are looking for a good inline filter, the Camco Evo is comparable to the Clear Source filters but is considerably less expensive.

The filter will filter down to 5 microns. This will make your water taste better and remove some bacteria and chlorine. The filter should be replaced after each camping season.

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If one filter is not sufficient, you can hook multiple of these filters together, putting in a different filter in each one. This will make the filter closer to the quality you get from the Clear Source filters but can save you money.

This will not filter as well as the Clear Source filters, but they do a good job and have many 5-star reviews.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Camco Evo!

6. Berkey

Berkey is one of the best gravity-fed water filtration systems you will find. These filters are compact to make for easier travel and can fit on your countertop. If you are looking for good-tasting and safe water, this will do it.

It has a capacity of 1.5 gallons. It works best for 1-3 people. If you are looking to filter water for more people, you will want to get the full size and not the travel size.

This will filter 99.999 percent of viruses and bacteria. These are used around the world to filter water. The filters will last for up to 6,000 gallons before you will need to get new ones. This is only 2 cents per gallon.

The great thing about this filter is it will keep your drinking water safe. It will clean the water from microplastics and so much more. If you do not want to keep it on your countertop in your RV you can easily move it outside onto a picnic table or place it on a nearby stump.

We would recommend using the travel Berkey if you have a smaller family. The Berkey does have different size options depending on your needs and how much water you will be drinking.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Berkey Water Filter!

7. Culligan

This Culligan water filter is comparable to the Camco EVO water filter. They both work well and have good reviews. This filter has over 3,500 reviews, and almost 80 percent give it a 5-star rating. When using these water filters, it is common to use a stand so they do not rest on the ground.

If you suspend them from the hose or rest them on the ground, they can become damaged. This is another carbon filter, so keep in mind that this will filter best for taste and chemicals.

If you are looking for something that will keep bacteria and viruses out, you may want to look at a little more expensive filter. Your more economical filters will typically not be able to filter for bacteria and viruses.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Culligan Water Filter!

8. Aqua Safe

Aqua Safe is another variation of your carbon filter from Camping World. It will improve taste and smell. This is done by removing chlorine, lead, iron, mercury, and pesticides.

One interesting use that is a great option with carbon filters is to prevent hard water spots while washing your car or RV. This filter is good for up to 10,000 gallons which can equal 1 or 2 years of use possibly.

Many other similar filters only last 3 to 6 months or 3,000 to 6,000 gallons of purified water. The filter is easy to install and will fit your typical garden hose.

▶ Check Prices for the Aqua Safe Filter Here!

9. Waterdrop Under Sink

The Waterdrop filter is an under-the-sink filter. We use a filter under the sink to purify the water we will be drinking. When you use an in-line water filter, you purify water that does not necessarily need purification, such as the water you use to flush your toilet.

This filter is similar to reverse osmosis (RO) RV water filters, but the semipermeable membrane in the Waterdrop filter does not filter out all of the good things found in water like some RO systems.

This water filter can filter up to 16k gallons of water, and since it is only filtering the water you are using from your sink, it will last a lot longer than when you are filtering all the water that enters your recreational vehicle.

This does not filter the hot water. Hot water can damage the filter.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Waterdrop Filter!

10. Water Drop 3 stage

The Waterdrop 3 stage is a full under-the-sink filtration system. It will filter the water used for all aspects of your sink through three filtration systems. Those who use this system in their RV love the convenience and ease of replacing the filters.

You don’t need to unhook it every time you move or change locations since it is hard-mounted under your kitchen sink.

These filters have a lifespan of up to 18 months. It is ANSI and NSF certified. It will expertly filter your water while keeping the natural healthy minerals natural water provides.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Waterdrop Filter!

11. Clear Source Nomad

The Clear Source Nomad is for people who will be needing to filter water that is coming from an open water source such as a pond, river, or lake.

This filter will pull water from a water source and purify it of bacteria, heavy metals, and many other contaminants.

There is a 15-amp water pump that can pull water from a distance of up to 100 feet. This is a great option for those who will be boondocking and need to get clean water from a stream.

This can also be a great necessity for those who are interested in emergency preparedness. Many times, people will try to store water which can be challenging. When you have the ability to purify your own water from a lake or stream you can be prepared to have clean water wherever you are.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Clear Source Nomad!

Best RV Water Filter Accessories

Camco Water Filter Stand

If you are using or going to use the Camco water filter you will want a stand to prevent the filter from resting on the ground. This will prevent children or animals from stepping on your filter while it rests on the ground. This will increase the life of your filter and help prevent leaks.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Camco Filter Stand!

Clear source replacement water filters

No matter what filter you decide to purchase with your RV to filter your water you will need replacement water filters. It is good practice to keep in mind how much your filters will cost and how many you will need by estimating your water usage.

▶ Check Prices Here for Replacement Water Filters!

Water Pressure Regulator

You may or may not already have your water pressure regulator, but if you do not have one already, you should buy one now. Most RVs need a water pressure regulator to make sure too much pressure is not put on your RV pipes.

We replace our pressure regulators periodically because they tend to leak after a time period. If yours is leaking, it is a good idea to get a replacement or to keep a spare on hand.

▶ Check Prices Here for Water Pressure Regulator!

Other Portable Best RV Water Filters

Below are more water filtration systems we use on our travels. They range from filters that filter water directly from your RV to small, portable filters you can take when you go hiking or backpacking.

👉 Click on the pictures below for more product information! 👈

Exterior RV Water Filters

Exterior water filters are typically not a permanent installation for RV use filters. These filters are placed outside between your city water or your water source and your RV. This means you will need to connect and disconnect your filter every time you move your RV.

Exterior water filters are nice because they filter all of the water going into your RV.

Interior RV Water Filters

Interior RV water filters usually have more of a permanent setup in your RV. They are usually installed under your kitchen sink or in a storage compartment. The drawback of this is you need a filter at each sink if you want filtered water however you do not need to worry about anything in your tanks because the water is filtered after sitting in the tank.

We use one exterior water filter and have a second water filter under our kitchen sink. This helps with water taste and cleanliness.

Things to Consider When Looking for the Best RV water filter

There are many things to consider when you are looking for an RV water filtration system. Below are some of the main things to remember when deciding on the filtration system you want for your RV.

What are you trying to filter?

This is one of the most important questions to ask yourself when looking at a water filter for your RV. If you are just looking for better-tasting water you are fine using a basic carbon water filter.

If you are looking for a more advanced filtration system you should expect to pay a little more money to provide great-tasting water and remove bacteria and viruses.

How much will you be using the filter?

Each filter has a different amount of time it will work for. Some filters will work for 5,000 gallons or a month. Some will last a year on the same filter with 10,000+ gallons of water will run through it effectively.

The smaller carbon filters for your RV will generally last a couple of months and provide better-tasting water for those who mostly camp or recreationally use their RV. For others who use more water, they will barely last a month.

How easy is it to install? 

Inline RV filters are by far your easiest filters to install. Inline filters are typically installed and then uninstalled every time you move. They typically connect to your water supply hose. Other filters like under-the-sink filters have a little more initial install time but after that, all you need is to replace the filters when needed. 

Where do you need filtered water in your RV?

Everyone has a little different idea about what water in your RV needs to be filtered. Some want their entire system to have filtered water because they like to bathe and shower in filtered water. Others only filter the part of the sink that they use for drinking water or you can filter your entire sink.

It is good to keep in mind if you are filtering the water at your sink or if you are filtering all of the water in your RV your filters will last very differently. If you are filtering all your water you will use a lot more filters than if you are just filtering the water that you use to drink.

Whichever you decide, remember that it is most important to make sure you are drinking water that is not going to cause you harm. We have filtered all the water and only the water under the sink and don’t necessarily think one way is better than the other. They are just different. Each way works well and it comes down to your personal preference.

However, if you are filtering for bacteria and Viruses it is safest to filter all of your water.

How to Take Care of the Best RV Water Filter

Caring for your RV water filter is important. If you don’t take care of your filter it will not work properly or you will possibly need to purchase a new one. Since some are not very cheap you only want to purchase them once if possible.

The main thing to remember is when using RV filtration systems with replaceable filters when you are not using them you want to dry them out.

An example of this will be your Camco and Clear Source filters should be dried when not in use. Your carbon canister filters you cannot dry out.

Follow the Product Temperature Recommendations

When working with water filters you should be aware of how the filter is affected by different temperatures. Some filters can work with hot water others do not. Some can work with lower temperatures than others but in general, they don’t work well if the temperatures are low.

If you are going to be in cold temperatures, you will want to have a filter that is not going to be outside. Filters can be hard to insulate and will freeze easily.  

Maintain a Healthy Water Pressure

Water pressure is important when you are working with a filter. If your water pressure is too low or too high your water filter will not work properly. If your water pressure is too high you can damage some filters or they will leak. When your water pressure is too high you can also damage the pipes in your RV.

If you have water pressure that is low your filter will filter at a slower rate than normal. This means you will have low water pressure from your faucets, and no one wants that.

Replace Filters as Recommended

You need to follow the recommended schedules for replacing water filters. Water filters will not work properly if they become clogged and you run the risk of getting things that had previously been filtered going into your water.

Another sign you have waited too long to change your water filter is that the water pressure has drastically dropped. If this happens and everything else is normal it could be because the filter is clogged, and needs to be replaced.

It can be a pain to change your filters and you may want to try and save money by not changing your filters, but your filter will become yucky so make sure to get them changed.

Clean Your Fresh Water Tanks 

Make sure you clean your freshwater tanks. Your tanks can sit with water in them for a long time. They can be hard to get dry. If they have water in them bacteria or mold can possibly form in your freshwater tank.

Cleaning your freshwater tank is very simple. You just need to add bleach. You can add 1 cup of bleach for every 10 gallons of water. Make sure to fill the tank and run the water through the lines.

Let the bleach water solution sit for about a day and then dump it out. This will keep your tanks clean from anything harmful that might grow in them. This is a wonderful video that can help explain how to clean your tanks.

Some RV’s have a different way to add water to the fresh water tank and can make it difficult to add bleach. If your RV does not have a direct line to go into the fresh water tank you can use an external pump as directed in the video.

Another way you can do it is to add bleach to your hose before you hook the hose up. After you add the bleach to the hose you can hook the hose up to the water source and the RV and turn the water on. This will push the bleach in. You may need to do this multiple times to add the right amount of bleach if you have a small hose.

Benefits of Using the Best RV Water Filter

There are many benefits of using an RV filtration system. Not only do you get a great bottle of water taste but you get the peace of mind that the water you are drinking is clean and safe.

Sometimes people are hesitant to drink from their freshwater tank because they think it might be dirty or they have not cleaned it well. If you have a filtration system in your RV you don’t have to worry about that. You will be able to have the peace of mind that you have good quality water.

• Good for the Environment
• Keeps Water Clean and Healthy
• Prevents Damage to RV Pipes and Valves
• Prevents Backups In the Water Lines and Helps Regulate Water Pressure

Best RV water filter: FAQ

Do I need an RV water filter?

No, you do not have to have an RV water filter in your RV. However, having a water filtration system is recommended. It can keep you and your family from getting sick and make sure wherever you are you have great water.

Many people will just use bottled water and this can get expensive. If you cook your camping crockpot meals or skillet dinners you will also want to cook with bottled water if you do not have a filter. We have cooked with water in our motorhome that was not filtered and it made everything taste bad because the water was not of good quality.

We now use a water filtration system to keep all of our water fresh and safe for consumption and it tastes great.

How do RV water filters work?

There are many different types of water filters. They can work differently depending on the type of filter you have and what you are trying to filter. A reverse osmosis filter pushed water through a semipermeable membrane similar to purifying salt water. The water passes through the membrane and everything else does not.

Other filters work by filtering the water through specialized filters that are created to prevent different types of bacteria, viruses, or heavy metals from passing into your water system.

For a more detailed look at the different types of filters see our section on the different types of filters you can purchase for your RV.

Where do I attach an RV water filter? 

Depending on your water filter they will attach in different locations but in general, there are two main locations you will attach your RV water filter.

The most common location is between the hose that hooks to your water source and your RV. You will hook your filter up to the spigot using a small hose. You will then hook up another hose to the other end of the filter and connect the hose to your RV

This type of filter is called an inline RV water filtration system. Many filter systems work in this manner, and they can work very well.

The other common way to attach an RV water filter is under your sink. These systems install directly under your sink. They connect between the waterline of your sink and your sink. These systems just filter the water that supplies your sink.

What is a good water filter for an RV?

There are multiple good water filters for your RV. Your best RV water filter for your RV is going to be your Clear Source water filter. This will filter everything you will want to filter including bacteria and viruses.

These filters are also on the more expensive end of your water filtration systems. If you are looking for better-tasting water your basic carbon water filter will work fine. They are relatively cheap some will filter more than others so keep that in mind.

Can I use my Best RV water filter for hot water? 

Some water filters can be used with hot water others cannot. If you are going to run hot water through your RV filtration system, you need to look at the manufacturer’s specifications pertaining to hot water.

For example, the Waterdrop filter uses a type of membrane to filter water. It cannot filter hot water. Hot water will destroy the membrane making so the filter will not work correctly.

Are RV water filters worth it?

If you enjoy drinking and cooking with good quality water, YES they are worth it. If you are concerned about drinking the water from your fresh water tank you should clean the tank with bleach as we described above and then use your RV filtration system.

This will save you money on your RV trip so you do not need to keep a bunch of bottled water stored away in your RV. Do keep in mind, if you have an inline filtration system that is between the water source and your motorhome the water going into your freshwater tank will be purified but if you have not cleaned your freshwater tank it could contaminate the water you just purified.

Make sure you clean your freshwater tank.

Do RV water filters remove bacteria?

Not all RV water filters remove bacteria. The most common carbon filters you see people use do not filter bacteria or viruses out of your water. Therefore, it is important to have a good quality filtration system in your RV to make sure you are drinking good quality water.

How long does the Best RV Water filter last?

How long RV water filters last vary greatly depending on the water filter you purchase and how much you use it. Some filters may only last a month of heavy use while others will last months.

If you are using your RV on a casual basis you should be able to easily get 3 to 6 months out of most filters.

How can I clean my RV water filter? 

You do not want to clean the RV water filter itself. You can clean the housing that holds the filter but if your filter is dirty you need to throw it away and purchase a new one.

Conclusion: Best RV water filter

As you can see there are many filters that fit many different needs of different people. We do think it is important to know about your filters and what they are filtering. You don’t want to think your filter is protecting you from viruses and bacteria when in reality it is just making your water taste better.

Learn about your filters and make a good choice for your RV and your family. You want to make sure you are drinking high-quality water.

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