The Best RV Drinking Water Hose: Fresh Hose For 2024

Hydration Station: The Key Role of an RV Drinking Water Hose!

The Best RV Drinking Water Hose: Fresh Hose For 2024

Access to fresh water is essential when you’re on the road in your RV. Whether for drinking, cooking, or bathing, having a reliable water hose can make a difference. Drinking water hoses may seem straightforward, but it deserves a closer look. Don’t worry; I’ve done the leg work for you!

In this guide, I will explain the basic RV water supply, why your RV water hose matters, and what to look for when selecting one. I will also list my top picks from RV drinking water hoses that I have hand-selected on the market today.

Why is the Drinking Water Hose Important for Your RV?

Your RV’s drinking water hose must connect to your water source. Your hose is the way you can access clean, potable water for all your needs. Because of this importance, it is crucial to select a quality hose. Here are the most significant factors to consider when choosing your hose:

Durability

A durable drinking water RV hose will last a longer time. Whatever hose you select will be put through the rigors of your adventures. These rigors include repeatedly setting up and breaking down at different locations. The hose must also withstand exposure to the elements.

Lower-quality hoses can degrade over time. The most durable hoses will endure your use without forming leaks or ruptures. A high-quality hose will ensure your water remains clean, fresh, and flowing.

Safety: Rated for Human Consumption

Not all RV hoses are suitable for drinking. Look for hoses labeled “potable” or “drinking water safe.” Hoses with these labels have materials that are safe for consumption.

Drinking water hoses must be free of toxic chemicals, including BPA, lead, and phthalates. Selecting an appropriate hose will ensure that the clean water you drink, cook, and bathe with is safe.

Hoses can degrade over time, leaching harmful chemicals into your water. Studies state that regular garden hoses contain high levels of toxic chemicals. Ingesting these chemicals can cause various health issues.

Length and Diameter

Consider the necessary length and diameter of your hose. You must purchase a drinking water hose that is long enough to connect your RV to the water source. You do not want a hose that is too long or too short.

The most common hose lengths are 25 and 50 feet. I recommend having two hoses. I keep a 25-foot hose and then have an additional 25-foot hose just in case I need to extend it for a longer connection.

The two standard diameters for hoses are ½” and 5/8.” Many RV enthusiasts prefer 5/8″ hoses because they get higher gallons per minute. However, both 1/2″ and 5/8″ diameter hoses provide adequate flow for most RVs.

Storage Room

RVs have limited storage space, so hose size matters. If space is tight, opt for a smaller or more flexible hose to make storage easier. Hose coil storage bags also help ensure that storage space is optimized.

Flexibility and Kink-Free

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to untangle or coil an unruly hose. Choose a hose with a kink-free design. Because of the design’s popularity, many manufacturers make kink-free drinking water hoses.

Some of these hoses are more rigid, so make sure you find a flexible one if that is what you need. Flexible hoses are preferable, mainly if you have limited storage space.

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Cost

 Depending on length and quality, RV water hoses usually cost between $25 and $100. No matter your budget, I highly recommend selecting a quality hose made from high-quality materials. Luckily, several brands offer affordable quality hoses.

Type

There are several drinking water hoses, including rigid, galvanized, flexible, and heated. If you stay in cold temperatures, having a separate heated drinking water hose is a good idea.

The Best Drinking Water Hose for RVs

Let’s get right down to business. Which hoses are the top options for RV drinking water hoses? Let’s explore some of the top options for RV drinking water hoses:

Best Overall: Camco TastePure Drinking Water Hose

Photo courtesy of Amazon

For an all-around suitable RV water hose, the Camco TastePure is a top choice. Camco is a trusted brand; this hose is 100% lead- and BPA-free. This safe drinking water hose has a 5/8″ inner diameter that provides excellent water flow.

This sturdy, reinforced hose prevents kinking. It is wider than most and ensures a longer lifespan. This Camco hose is more rigid than other hoses, which may be a downside for some RVers.

The nickel-plated fittings work well, and the hose includes strain-reduction technology on the ends. This hose comes in many lengths, meeting most people’s needs. It is also known for maintaining water taste quality, making this Camco RV water hose an ideal choice.

Best Anti-Kink Design: Teknor Apex NeverKink

Photo courtesy of Amazon

If kinking is a concern, the Teknor Apex NeverKink is the best RV water hose. This 50-foot hose resists twisting, tangles, and kinks while remaining flexible.

It’s lead-free and complies with regulations for safe human consumption. The Grip-Tite coupling keeps your faucet attachment leak-free.

Best Ergonomic Handle: Kohree RV Water Hose

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The Kohree drinking water hose is an excellent, affordable option. The Kohree is a safe drinking water hose that can handle high pressures.

The standout feature of the Kohree RV Drinking Water hose is its ergonomic handle. This handle is a game changer, making attaching your hose to the water supply easy and reducing the grip and wrist strain needed to secure it.

The Kohree comes in various sizes and has kink resistance. This hose has a 90-degree elbow, Teflon tape, and extra rubber gaskets.

Best Flexible Hose: Teknor Apex Zero-G RV/Marine Water hose

Photo courtesy of Amazon

The Teknor Zero G Marine drinking water hose is an excellent choice for RVers who want a more flexible hose. It weighs around 40% less than standard hoses. The key features of the Zero G are compact storage, drinking water safety, and easy coiling.

The heavy-duty water hose is made of abrasion-resistant and puncture-resistant heavy-duty material. This outer cover ensures that the hose has long-lasting performance. The couplings are crush-resistant brass, and they prevent corrosion.

Some users report instances of leaking with this hose. The Zero-G hose has over four stars on Amazon out of more than 2000 global ratings. This is one of the best water hoses on the market.

Best Cold Weather Hose: Camco Heated Drinking Water Hose

Photo courtesy of Amazon

The Camco Heated Drinking Water Hose is a great option for RVers living in cold environments. Its built-in heat source keeps the hose from freezing. When it comes to cold weather, the Camco is the best hose.

This heated hose provides freeze protection down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. This hose can withstand the harshest conditions. The Camco heated hose is certified safe for drinking water and has low lead content.

The Camco heated hose is bulkier and slightly heavier than other hoses. It is bulkier because it includes electrical components so that you can plug it into a power supply.

The Camco heated hose includes a thermostat. This thermostat ensures it only draws energy when the temperature requires it to.

The 2 Most Important Accessories For RV Drinking Water Hoses:

Now that we’ve gone over the different types of RV Drinking Water hoses, let’s cover two of the most essential accessories for your RV Water supply.

Water Filter

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Including a water filter in your RV water supply ensures safe water coming into your RV. Many people prefer drinking filtered water to water straight out of the tap. An in-line water filter stops sediment from entering your pipes and sends filtered water directly to your faucet.

Choosing the most appropriate water filtration system is a very important decision.

Water Pressure Regulator

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RV water pressure regulators are a necessary part of the RV water supply. Water pressure regulators reduce the water pressure that is flowing into your RV. These devices come in many shapes and sizes. Some come with adjustable gauges, and some are just reducers. I always recommend the best RV water pressure regulator.

RV manufacturers recommend a safe range of 40-55 PSI for RV water pressure. RV connections and fixtures cannot withstand high water pressure, and hooking your RV directly to a high-pressure connection can result in leaks and costly damage.

FAQs

Now, I am going to address some of the most frequently asked questions about RV drinking water hoses:

Do You Need a Special Water Hose for your RV?

Yes. You must use a water hose that is safe for drinking. Garden hoses are not for drinking water and may contain unsafe materials. Using a non-drinking water hose can contaminate your water.

How Long Should Your RV Drinking Water Hose Be?

Most RVers find that a 25-foot hose is suitable for reaching the water hook-ups at most RV sites. However, sometimes, you end up at a farther away site that needs a longer hose. This situation happened to me once, and I had to buy an extension section of hose.

I recommend buying two 25-foot sections of hose for most situations. With two sections, you won’t have to manage all that extra unnecessary hose when you have a short distance to connect. You can store your additional section and only bring it out when an extension is needed.

Is There a Difference Between an RV Water Hose and a Garden Hose?

Yes. RV water hoses are safe for drinking water. Garden hoses are NOT safe for drinking water. Garden hoses contain chemicals, lead, phthalates, and BPA. These chemicals can leach into the water significantly when hoses degrade from time or exposure to the elements. Exposure to these chemicals can cause health issues.

Do I Need a Water Pressure Regulator For My RV?

Yes, a water pressure regulator is essential for your RV. The fixtures and connections in your RV plumbing cannot handle high water pressure. RV parks and campgrounds often have elevated water pressure to meet everyone’s needs. A water pressure regulator protects your RV plumbing by keeping the water pressure at 40-55 PSI.

What is Potable Water?

Potable water means that it is safe for consumption. It must meet state and federal standards, which ensure that it is safe for human consumption and free from contaminants.

Do I Need a Heated Water Hose for My RV?

A heated water hose is an excellent investment in cold environments. If your drinking water hose freezes, you cannot access your water supply until it thaws.

A heated water hose is an easy way to prevent this issue. Using heat tape, you can also make a DIY heated hose or rely solely on your freshwater tanks during freezing temperatures.

Are Expandable Hoses Safe for Drinking?

Expandable hoses are not typically recommended for drinking water in an RV. Most of these hoses are garden hoses and are not drinking water safe. Additionally, having these under constant water pressure would stretch them out, and they would no longer retract. 

Do I Need a ½” or 5/8″ RV Drinking Water Hose?

Choosing between a ½” and 5/8″ diameter hose depends on your preference. A ½” RV water hose should be sufficient for most applications. However, you will get more gallons per minute with a 5/8″ hose.

Do not confuse gallons per minute and water pressure. Always use a water pressure regulator to maintain a safe water pressure for your RV.

How Much Does an RV Drinking Water Hose Cost?

RV water hoses typically cost between $25 and $100, depending on length and quality. No matter your budget, I highly recommend selecting a quality hose. Luckily, several brands offer affordable hoses.

How Should I Store My RV Fresh Water Hose?

Proper storage of your RV freshwater hose is essential to make it last a long time. Always coil your hose neatly. Many prefer to store their freshwater hose in a separate mesh hose bag. The mesh allows any residual moisture to evaporate and reduces the chances of mildew.

Should I Clean My Drinking Water Hose?

It’s a good practice to clean your drinking water hose regularly to prevent the buildup of contaminants. Use a hose-specific cleaning solution or a mixture of water and vinegar. Rinse thoroughly before using the hose to ensure clean and safe water.

Some people also like to use a bleach mixture instead of vinegar to clean their hoses. You can pour 1.5-2 teaspoons of bleach into the hose, then fill the hose with water and connect both ends to create a closed loop. Let the hose sit for 12-24 hours, then drain it and rinse it.

What Makes a Hose Food Grade or Safe for Drinking Water?

A “food grade” or “safe for drinking water” hose meets strict safety and quality standards. Food-grade materials are free from toxic chemicals like BPA, lead, and phthalates. These standards ensure that the hoses do not have harmful chemicals that can end up in the water.

How Often Do I Need to Replace My RV Drinking Water Hose?

A high-quality drinking water hose can last several years. However, the lifespan of an RV drinking water hose depends on the quality and usage. Inspect your drinking water hose regularly for signs of wear and tear. If the hose becomes contaminated, no longer use it for drinking water.

Additional Information

There are so many different water pressure regulators on the market. How do you know which one is the best? Well, I’ve found the best ones on the market. This includes one new option and a total game-changer!

Want more information about heated hoses? I’ve compiled a list of the best ones on the market today, as well as a list of the best heat tape options and instructions on making a DIY heated hose.

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