Hold onto your hose, adventurers, because we’re about to embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of the ever-elusive fresh water hose for RVs! Navigating this tangled world may seem daunting, but fear not, for we’ll guide you through the labyrinth of hose types and reveal the crucial importance of using a dedicated freshwater hose for your RV tank. So, grab your watering cans and prepare to quench your thirst for knowledge as we dive into the refreshing realm of RV fresh water hoses. Get ready to hydrate your RV adventures like never before!
Table of Contents:
Why Use a Dedicated Drinking Water Hose?
Using a high-quality fresh water hose for your RV is essential for several reasons:
Health and Safety: A high-quality fresh water hose is designed specifically for potable water, ensuring that it is safe for drinking and cooking. Lower-quality hoses may contain harmful chemicals or materials that can leach into the water, posing risks to your health.
Durability: Premium freshwater hoses are made from robust materials that can withstand the rigors of frequent use, harsh weather conditions, and varying water pressures. This durability translates to a longer lifespan, saving you time and money in the long run.
Taste and Odor: High-quality hoses are less likely to impart unpleasant tastes or odors to your water supply, providing a more enjoyable experience when using the water for drinking, cooking, or washing.
UV Resistance and Kink-Free Design: Superior fresh water hoses often feature UV-resistant materials and a kink-free design that prevents the hose from twisting or collapsing, ensuring a consistent and uninterrupted water flow.
By investing in a high-quality fresh water hose for your RV, you prioritize the safety and enjoyment of your water supply while also benefiting from a more durable and reliable product.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fresh Water Hose
Material (lead-free, BPA-free, etc.)
When selecting a fresh water hose for your RV, the material composition plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and quality of your water supply. Look for hoses made from lead-free, BPA-free, and phthalate-free materials, as these formulations protect against harmful chemicals leaching into your water. A prime example is the Camco EvoFlex Drinking Water Hose, which boasts a formulation that is not only safe for drinking water but also leaves no strong plastic taste. Additionally, consider opting for a UV-stabilized hose that offers increased durability and longevity by preventing damage from sun exposure. By choosing a hose with safe and reliable materials, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your RV’s water supply is protected and ready for use.
Hose Length
This really depends on your main use. If you spend most of your time at a campground, with a fresh water hookup, a 10 ft hose may be sufficient. Most fresh water hoses are 25-50’ to give you plenty of reach from your driveway to your outdoor faucet. We actually have (2) 50’ hoses in my camper for those long-reach situations.
Fittings and connectors (brass, stainless steel, etc.)
Fittings and connectors are critical components of a fresh water hose, as they ensure a secure and leak-free connection between your hose and the water source or your RV. Nickel-plated brass connectors offer several advantages, such as increased corrosion resistance, which prevents rust and prolongs the life of the fittings. This corrosion-free feature is particularly valuable in damp or humid environments where rust can be a common issue. In addition to high-quality connectors, consider hoses with metal or rubber strain relief guards at the ends. These guards help prevent kinks and wear and tear, ensuring a consistent water flow and reducing the risk of damage to your hose over time. By paying attention to the quality of the fittings and connectors, as well as additional protective features, you can enhance the overall performance and longevity of your fresh water hose.
Durability and flexibility
There’s usually a balance between durability and flexibility. You want it to be able to hold up to abuse, being run over, or left outside in freezing weather. You also want to be able to handle your hose with ease and have it coil easily for storage. We recommend a hose with 3 layer protection that is reinforced for kink protection.
Drinking water safety
A good fresh water RV hose will be lead free, BPA and phthalate-free PVC. Those ingredients give that “typical garden hose taste’. Two things to look for:
- Meets lead-free standards under Federal Safe Drinking Water Act
- Compliant with California’s strict phthalate-content standards
Top Fresh Water Hoses for RVs
Kohree 50FT RV Water Hose
Kohree’s hoses are great all-around hoses at a reasonable price. They have a proven abrasion resistant 3 layer hose with quality aluminum fittings. They are rated for up to 450psi and have a great wear-resistant outer layer. The only downside is that if you leave it connected to a brass faucet, the aluminum over time may corrode and make it hard to unhook.
Camco TastePURE 50-Foot Premium Drinking Water Hose
No surprise here with Camco’s 50 ft offering. It uses a very thick hose with visible reinforcements weaved throughout. The nickel-plated brass fittings are top notch. The main complaint is that with the hose being so thick and durable, it is very stiff, and can be difficult to coil up and put away.
Camco EvoFlex 50-Foot Drinking Water Hose
Camco solved the stiff hose issue with their EvoFlex line of hoses. It seems to be the best compromise of durability and flexibility. It still has the quality you know and love from Camco, but with more flexibility built in. It contains no lead, BPA, or phthalate.
Earth Easy Premium Drinking Water Safe Coil Hose
This compact and lightweight hose is self-coiling. It is made from quality materials and is made in the USA from top-quality FDA-grade polyurethane, which is 100% lead-free and phthalate-free.
When deciding on the best coil hose length for your needs, you can keep these numbers in mind: 25 feet = 20 feet working length; 50 feet = 40-45 feet working length; 75 feet = 65-70 feet working length.
Zero-G Flexible Drinking Water Hose
This is the hose that I personally use and I love it. The fittings are strong, it’s ultra light (2lbs) and packs away down to nothing. Some of the reviews report of leaking issues at its ends, but it has worked great for me for years. It’s also lead-free and made with FDA-sanctioned materials.
Accessories
Brrxiur 4 Pack RV Sewer Hose Storage – This novel pack keeps your hoses and extension cords neat and organized!
RVGUARD RV Water Pressure Regulator Valve – When using campground water hookups, you need to regulate the water coming into your RV. Sometimes the water pressure coming out of the outdoor faucet can be much higher than what your RV can handle. This pressure regulator prevents this from happening.
Camco TastePURE Marine/RV Water Filter – This handy combo helps keep your water clean and tasting fresh while making it easy to connect to your RV.
Clearsource Premier RV Water Filter System – On the pricier end of the spectrum, this 2-stage external water filter system filters down to 0.2 microns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right drinking water hose for your RV is a crucial aspect of ensuring a safe and enjoyable water supply during your travels. By considering factors such as material composition, fittings and connectors, and protective features, you can make a well-informed decision that best suits your needs. As you explore the range of hoses and accessories available on the market, remember that investing in high-quality products can result in a more reliable and long-lasting solution, ultimately enhancing your RV adventures. With the guidance provided in this article, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to choose the perfect fresh water hose for your RV, setting the stage for countless memorable journeys ahead.
If you’re interested in learning more about your RV’s water system – see our article on RV Water Systems Explained.
