Best RV Water Filters for 2022

Last Updated on January 25, 2022 by TODD FRANZEN

So what are the best RV Water Filters? This has become a hot industry due to the pandemic and huge increase in RV sales over the past 18 months. And with more and more people on the road, access to clean water has become even more important.

This is a two-part review of RV water filters, Part 1 will go through a range of different filter technologies and their pros and cons. In Part 2 we will review some specific products on the market today.

Note: Please keep in mind that all water filters are not created equal! It’s not as simple as keeping a number of microns out of your tank and magically getting good water.

Filters all come down to two basic operating principles: filtering (removing dirt particles) and disinfecting (killing microorganisms like bacteria, protozoa, or viruses). Many filters claim to do both but it’s important you look at the test results for both filtration AND disinfection to ensure you are getting a good quality product.

Basically, the best RV water filter is the one that does what you need it to do – so read through this article and understand your situation before making a purchase!

Let’s get started…

5 Main Types of Water Filters:

Sediment Water Filters:

Sediment filters are the simplest form of filtration. As their name implies, they remove dirt particles and sediment from your water supply.

A good example of this is an under-sink filter for your kitchen sink. The main issue with these types of filters is that they don’t affect bacteria, protozoa, or viruses so if you need to disinfect your water as well as filter it, you’ll need to look at other options.

Many people also find sediment filters difficult to maintain because they’re not designed for continuous use. These filters tend to have a shorter life span. But can be very effective at filtering water for your RV as the first component of a pre-tank inline built system.

Filters can be expensive, but their worth is undeniable. Sediment water filters are something that every RV enthusiast should invest in because they help keep your pumps clean and clear while on the road!

Carbon Water Filters:

Carbon water filters are the most common type of filter on the market today. They are great for removing dirt particles while their carbon core can remove odors, chlorine, and even some chemical contaminants. Carbon water filters are also one of the few methods of disinfection that are considered safe for repeated use.

A downside to these filters is that they don’t remove bacteria, protozoa, or viruses so you’ll need to combine it with another form of filtration if your water source has potential contamination issues.

One thing to keep in mind is that if your filter is contaminated, no amount of cleaning will make it functional again so you’ll need to be careful about how it’s maintained.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filters:

RO filters are one of the priciest types of filters because they use pressure to force water through a membrane that blocks smaller particles.

They are great for removing dirt, sediment, bacteria, protozoa, or viruses but can be difficult to maintain. You’ll need to have a backup filter just in case the membranes get clogged up with sediment.

RO filters also use a lot of water so you’ll have to consider your total gallon usage when adding this into your RV system.

For many RVers, reverse osmosis is not an option because it requires a dedicated storage tank and produces wastewater called brine. About 80% or more of the processed water will become brine! That’s quite wasteful especially if you’re dry camping. For that reason, I will not add any RO systems to this list!

Ultraviolet Water Filters:

One of the most well-known ways to purify water is with ultraviolet lights. The UV light kills bacteria by attacking their DNA, this makes it impossible for them to reproduce.

There are many different models on the market today. Another great feature is that they are easy to transport, so they can be prepared before leaving home if necessary.

The downside is that they don’t work as well with cloudy water, although this can be remedied with a turbinado filter. And while they do have an extremely long lifespan, they are not able to remove viruses from the water. The water also needs to be exposed to UV light for at least 40 seconds to purify it.

UV filters are a great option and can offer great protection, especially when there is good clarity in the water. They do need some supervision and only filter up to 60 gallons per day. This means that if everyone in your party was taking a shower every day, it would need to be refilled.

Countertop Filters:

These filters can have a combination of Sediment, Carbon, and fluoride, and arsenic filtering capabilities.

You can also use a countertop filter for filtered drinking water while on the road. The one thing to keep in mind about these is that bacteria and protozoa have a tendency to grow in some of them which require diligent cleaning and monitoring.

The best option is to use a countertop filter for your drinking water. They are much easier to maintain because they do not have the same issues with bacterial growth.

These are great for smaller RVs or quick trips where you don’t expect much in terms of contaminants in the water. Depending on the type of filter, you can get great filtration in a compact size. Best suited for smaller RVs and quick trips.

Here are some specific products to make your decision a little easier…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐CAMCO TastePure (40045)

The Camco TastePURE RV/Marine Water Filter reduces bad taste, odor, and chlorine in drinking water with its 20-micron sediment filter. It also features GAC (Granular Activated Carbon) filtration to prevent unwanted bacteria from growing when not using it for long periods of time.

The RV filter is durable and has a wide body that’s perfect for increased flow. It also includes two filters, so you’ll never have to worry about changing them out! This product meets NSF/ANSI 42 standards as well as being lead-free.

It complies with all federal regulations on the matter while adhering strictly to state laws too!

Made in America means quality guaranteed! Given how popular these things are nowadays, having something reliable like this around makes absolute sense!

• Safe Water Matters: GAC (Granular Activated Carbon) filtration greatly reduces bad taste, odor, chlorine, and sediment; Large Capacity Filtration: Each large capacity inline water filter lasts an average of 3 months—for a total of 6 months filtration
• Multiple Uses: Can be attached to any standard gardening or water hose to provide healthier drinking water and cleaner water overall; Great for RVs, boats, campers, pets, gardening, and much more
• 20-Micron Sediment Filter: Removes particles greater than 20 microns
• Protects Against Bacteria: Premium KDF provides protection against bacteria growth while the filter is stored or not in use
• Compliant with all Federal and State Level Lead-Free Laws: CSA lead-free content certified to NSF/ANSI 372 and compliant with all federal and state-level lead-free laws
• Made in the USA: The product is made in the USA

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Beech Lane External RV Dual Water Filter System

The Beech Lane Best RV Water Filter reduces bad taste, odor, and chlorine in drinking water with its 5 and 0.5-micron sediment filters. It also features GAC (Granular Activated Carbon) filtration to prevent unwanted bacteria from growing when not using it for long periods of time.

• The Beech Lane Dual Water Filter is a must-have for those looking to maximize the purity and taste of their drinking water.
• The fixtures are made of durable lead-free brass which will not rust or corrode. This prevents leaks and provides better sealing, keeping your water safe from contamination with harmful chemicals!
• The dual water filter includes a 5 micron and 0.5-micron filter that maximizes purity, ensuring you’re drinking clean H2O to reduce your risk of illness!
• Sturdy and heavy construction will not crack or fall apart over time.
• Improves the taste and odor of your water
• Includes a 100% guarantee, lifetime warranty

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ CLEARSOURCE RV Water Filter System

Thanks to the revolutionary ClearSource® Ultra-Premium RV water filter system, you can now enjoy safe and healthy drinking water anywhere you go! This is the only 100% portable system that both purifies and protects your drinking water from bacteria, fungi, algae, viruses, and other contaminants all year round.

It has been designed for the traveling public who demand safe and healthy drinking water throughout their journey. The ClearSource Ultra-Premium RV water filter system is the only 100% portable system on the market that not only purifies your drinking water, but also protects it from bacteria, algae, fungi, viruses, and other contaminants all year round.

CLEARSOURCE redesigned their original two-stage filter system, now with new best-in-class 0.2-micron protection captures contaminants other systems miss, and unlike the filters from other systems, it carries an “absolute” rating – meaning every pore is sized just right for your water needs!

With this enhanced protection, you’ll get better tasting healthier output with a reduced risk of Legionella bacteria or E Coli cyst plus we managed to remove taste/smell issues from Chlorine as well, while also reducing Sediment Clarity improves by up filtering out Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s).

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Waterdrop RV Inline Water Filter

This is a good filter for the price that will do everything you need it!

Waterdrop’s Best RV Water Filter uses a 3-stage injection molded polypropylene filter cartridge to purify your drinking water from debris, particles, and harmful chemicals.

This is an amazing filter for the price that will do everything you need it! I found these water filters on Amazon and bought two of them to keep one on our RV and one in the house. When you go on a camping trip, it’s great to know that your drinking water is going to be safe.

I was a little skeptical at first because I compared the specifications with some other brands and they were very similar for a lot more money. It’s easy to install and use, doesn’t leak and makes my water taste better than any other filter I own.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Camco EVO water filter 40631

Being a single cartridge and filter assembly, the Camco EVO water filter is a good inline water filter for under $60. It is a little bigger than other Camco inline water filters, but this one covers more while filtering water at your full hook-up Campsite.

The Camco EVO water filter protects your drinking water from viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals. It also reduces the taste and odor of chlorine giving you better-tasting water while camping.

The EVO water filter is built to last.

• Made of a 5-micron barrier and granulated active carbon, this filter reduces bad tastes, odors, sediments as well bacteria. It keeps your water clean so you can enjoy great-tasting drinks every time!
• The Filter Includes A housing for the filter, extension hose, and a replaceable premium spun polypropylene cartridge.
• Camco’s EVO water filter is a great way to ensure you and your family are protected from lead. The low-lead certification ensures that it complies with the laws in both California and Vermont Act 193 which requires filters to be tested for this type of contaminant before selling them on their marketplaces or stores!
• The smart moneymaker! Camco’s EVO water filter lasts one camping season and can be replaced when it no longer does the trick.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Viqua S2Q-P UV Water Purification System

The Viqua S2Q-P/12VDC Silver Series UV Water Purification System is the long-time workhorse of Sterilight’s product line. UV systems are efficient and require little maintenance, making it easy to keep your water clean. With an easy maintenance electronic ballast featuring open loop current control (patent pending), sleek silver chambers, made for laboratory use as well medical applications. The Viqua S2Q-P/12 incorporates 304 stainless steel, and reactor circuits flawlessly designed into one compact unit size.

Open-end quartz sleeves and aluminum gland nuts are used with Nature’s Way’s UV sterilization system, which protects your water from harmful chemicals by 99% destruction of bacteria virus and protozoan cysts (Giardia lamblia & cryptosporidium) at rated flow. The reactor chamber comes equipped with a seven years warranty for unparalleled protection against any potential issue that may arise in the future!

Although the Viqua is not on the cheap side, It does and disinfects your water thoroughly. Connected to your pre-filter system, this guarantees you have the safest water to drink available. Even if you are filling from a river or stream via a pump. Potentially good for boondocking where water is not as available!

At under $350, this is a sizable investment for peace of mind!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Berkey Water Filter gravity system (Countertop)

The Berkey water filter is the best gravity system on the market due to its ability for long-term use. There are no moving parts or electric motors, so there are no risks of power outages. They are the original Gravity Fed water filter and have spawned multiple copycats.

Berkeys are a great way to keep yourself and your family safe during emergencies. They don’t need electricity, so they can be used any time for up to 4 gallons per hour! The filters contain NSF® Standard materials that make them effective against bacteria which is why Berkey deserves an A+. These materials help provide you with clean water, free of harmful bacteria and viruses.

There are a few different models to choose from. The Berkey water filter is a great choice for when you need to purify your drinking water.

The Berkey Water Filter System is probably the easiest to use. This is a gravity countertop system that filters just about everything. But need to note – This is not an Inline water filter! So filling your RV fresh water tank will not work with this!

(Full Disclosure, I love my Berkey Water Filter!)

Conclusion

Safe water is one of the most important things for RV owners. With access to clean, drinkable water becoming more and more difficult in some parts of North America, it’s important that you’re taking steps to protect your investment. Filtering out contaminants before they contaminate your tanks or plumbing system.

In order to have an effective system, you need to properly filter out contaminants from more than one type of water source. This is because you never know just where your water is coming from. You might have started the day with fresh, clean water but by lunchtime that could have changed.

Different types of filters are designed to take different contaminants out of your drinking water. For example, a charcoal filter is great for taking chlorine out of your water. A reverse osmosis system works well with removing pesticides and other types of sediment that can gum up your plumbing.

The Best RV Water Filters have to do 3 things:

• Take out the chlorine and taste from your tap water
• Remove contaminants from a fresh water source before they reach your holding tank
• Start taking the toxins out (VOC’s and Biologicals).

Water filters are a great way to make sure that you’re getting clean, drinkable water. They should be maintained for the best results!

So before purchasing an RV water filter you should know the type of contaminants you are dealing with. If you don’t, think about the type of water you might encounter while on the road!