Best RV Water Hoses: Get Clean Drinking Water No Matter Where Life Takes You
Experience better drinking water with these top picks for the best RV water hoses
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BY Noelle Talmon / LAST UPDATED ON September 30, 2021
If you use your RV for showering, washing dishes, and other related tasks, you need potable water. And in order to tap into that, a good RV water hose that fits onto your freshwater holding tank is critical. The best RV water hoses are durable, easy to use, and efficient. They are constructed of high-quality components and are designed to perform in both hot and cold temperatures. And before you think about it, no, you can't use common garden hoses with your RV because they aren't designed to be used for drinking water. So, check out our list of the best RV water hoses below.
The Gilmour 50-foot drinking water hose features a five-layer construction design and weighs just under five pounds.
- Features a protective outer layering with a 300 psi burst rating
- Hose is NSF certified and FDA compliant
- Unlike many other brands, Gilmour only includes a standard connection fitting that might be hard to grip when wet
Check out the Camco drinking water hose as it’s UV stabilized and NSF certified.
- Includes an easy grip connector and weighs just over four pounds
- Free of BPA and phthalates
- White color makes it especially vulnerable to messy situations, and if you expect it to stay white, think again
The Flexzilla 50-foot drinking water hose is extremely flexible and will not kink under pressure. Its lightweight design and construction make it a perfect addition to any RV.
- Has a kink-free design and lays flat when coiled
- Anodized aluminum aircraft ends provide leak-free connections
- Outer cover of this green RV water hose doesn’t stay clean for long
- Should be stored when not in use to protect it from the elements
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Best RV Water Hose Reviews & Recommendations
The 50-foot Gilmour Marine and Recreation Drinking Water Hose is NSF certified, FDA compliant, weighs just under five pounds, and with a 300 PSI burst rating, you can hook it up to a high-pressure water system without any issues. This drinking water hose also features a protective outer layer that keeps both the hose, and whatever it happens to rub across, safe from damage. The outer layering also prevents the hose from kinking and tangling when it’s stored, and the standard hose connections fit most male and female connections.
The one flaw we found in Gilmour’s design centers upon the connection fitting. Where other brands exaggerate the shape of the connector for a better grip, Gilmour has chosen to keep it standard. This could cause a problem when trying to unscrew the hose while it's wet. However, the features of this 50-foot drinking water hose outweigh the flaws, making it our top pick overall.
Specs:
- Size: 50 feet x 1/2 inch diameter
- Weight: 4.58 pounds
- Model: 884501-1001
Pros:
- NSF tested and certified
- Protective outer layer prevents damage
- Won’t kink or tangle
Cons:
- Connection fitting could be more grippy
- Narrow 1/2-inch diameter reduces water flow
- Feels stiff
We like the Camco TastePURE drinking water hose because it's lead-free, BPA-free, and phthalate-free, and it’s been NSF certified. It's made of PVC, is UV stabilized for durability, and it’s been reinforced to prevent kinks and tear damage. The easy-grip connector lets you quickly disconnect the hose when required, even if you’re working in wet conditions, and this 1-pound hose is 50 feet long with a 1/2-inch diameter, so there’s not a lot you can’t tackle.
The biggest drawback we found with this hose is that its exterior easily gets dirty because it's white. So, if you plan to color-code your hoses based on their particular application, you might want to choose a different method of doing so instead of color.
Specs:
- Size: 50 feet x 1/2 inch diameter
- Weight: 1 pound
- Model: 22753
Pros:
- NSF certified and BPA-free
- Reinforced construction to prevent kinks
- UV stabilized for durability
Cons:
- Gets dirty easily
- Very stiff
- Difficult to roll up
The Flexzilla flexible water hose is 50 feet long and features a distinctive, light green color that makes it easy to spot. It also checks all of the boxes on any camper’s list as it’s kink-free and lies flat when not in use, making it convenient and easy to use, as well as constructed of a special polymer blend that allows for all-weather flexibility, even in sub-zero temperatures. The anodized aircraft-grade aluminum ends are strong, the O-rings ensure a secure and leak-free connection, and it features an abrasion-resistant outer cover that is durable and built to last.
The biggest drawback we found with this RV water hose is that it gets dirty easily. While the green outer coating sets it apart from other hoses on the market, the Flexzilla hose is susceptible to darkening in color and should be stored properly when not in use.
Specs:
- Size: 50 feet x 5/8 inch
- Weight: 7.8 pounds
- Model: HFZG550YW
Pros:
- Flexible, even in subzero temperatures
- Kink-resistant
- Lead-free
Cons:
- Gets dirty easily
- Can be a hassle to coil it up
- Green color is a turn off to some users
The Aqua Joe Kink-Free Water Hose is available in 25-foot, 50-foot, and 100-foot options, all of which are up to 50 percent lighter than conventional water hoses. It’s also BPA-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free, and a durable, marine-grade fiber jacket surrounds a 5/8-inch flexible inner core that delivers plenty of water in a consistent flow. It maintains flexibility down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit and won’t twist or kink in the most rugged environments, going even so far as being crush-proof.
It is also mildew-resistant and dries quickly, so you don’t have to handle a slippery, wet hose when it’s time to break camp. The hose is also equipped with heavy-duty metal endings that provide a leak-free connection. The one flaw we found in the design of this water hose is that the endings are hard to grip. However, this is a simple problem that can be solved by using a wrench or adding a quick-release adapter.
Specs:
- Size: 25, 50, or 100 feet x 5/8 inch
- Weight: 7.5 pounds (100-foot model)
- Model: AJFJH100-58-PRO (100-foot model)
Pros:
- Rugged, durable construction
- Flexible and crush-proof design
- Kink- and tangle-free
Cons:
- Connectors can be tough to grip and turn by hand
- Water flow is a little restricted
- Can tangle if not stowed properly
Camco makes our list again and for good reason: its products are top-notch. This 50-foot, heavy-duty boat and RV drinking water hose has a 5/8-inch internal diameter and is 20 percent thicker than the company's standard hoses. It features an anti-kink design with machined fittings and strain-relief ends, and it's UV stabilized for a longer lifespan. This PVC hose is also lead-free, BPA-free, phthalate-free, and NSF certified. It's American-made and the connections at both ends are high quality and don't leak. Plus, it maintains its flexibility even in cold weather.
One downside with this hose is that it's a little pricier compared to the company’s standard-duty model. However, it more than makes up for that due to its durability and long lifespan. Another issue is that it doesn’t have an easy-grip connector, so you may need to use a wrench to connect it to your RV.
Specs:
- Size: 50 feet x 5/8 inch
- Weight: 7.3 pounds
- Model: 21009
Pros:
- Durable, heavy-duty construction
- NSF certified
- Flexible and kink-free design
Cons:
- Pricier than some competing brands
- Heavier than some rival options
- Lacks an easy grip connector
How We Selected The Products
Our selection of RV water hoses is based on their performance, durability, and price point. They are typically BPA-free as well as free of lead and phthalates and another important feature for RV water hoses is that they remain kink-free, so we looked for products that don't tangle when in use and are durable enough to withstand fluctuating temperatures as well as environmental conditions, such as rocky terrain. It's vital to have a high-quality RV water hose when traveling, and it's equally important to find one that meets your budget, so we chose products that are long-lasting but not too expensive and we avoided those that are known to spring leaks and have a tendency to fail after a short period of use.
Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.
Buying Guide
Types of RV Water Hoses
Potable
Potable water hoses are drinking water hoses. Potable simply means that the water is safe for consumption. When the RV water hose specifies that it is for drinking or potable water, it is typically made from BPA-free materials. Potable RV water hoses can be found in a variety of lengths, from 15 to 50 feet. You’ll often find potable RV water hoses that are white in color.
Heated
Heated RV water hoses are a slight upgrade from the basic model. Rather than including just the hose, manufacturers also fit these products with a heating unit to keep the hose from freezing in low temperatures. Heated RV water hoses are a must in any northern climate where temperatures frequently drop below freezing. Paying a bit more for a heated RV hose can be helpful because when you do need that protection, you’ll thank yourself for not having to purchase an entirely new hose (particularly under emergency circumstances).
Key Features
NSF Certified / FDA Compliant
RV water hoses can be National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified or Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliant. These are features you might want to look for when purchasing an RV water hose as these hoses should be made of polyurethane instead of rubber or vinyl so that the water won’t pick up these tastes as it flows through the hose. RV water hoses should also be free of BPA, lead, and phthalates for a better drinking experience.
Kink-Free
Water lines don’t flow when there’s a kink, so the best RV water hoses are built to resist any sort of blockage in the line. Though the best RV water hoses are flexible, they are also stout enough to keep their shape when rolled up so that you can be sure your line won’t kink.
Durable
If a water line breaks while you’re on an RV trip, it can be frustrating. To keep this from happening, invest in a durable RV water hose. This is especially important if you’re going to use the hose outside where it might scrape across rocks, debris, or other sharp objects. A durable RV water hose will also hold up in various warm, dry, and cold environments.
Easy-Grip Fittings
Not being able to unscrew your RV water hose can be a big problem, especially when you’re trying to (quickly) solve an issue. Not having the right fittings can be a huge pain as well. The best RV water hoses are standard in terms of fittings, from the inner diameter of the hose to the threading of both ends.
Other Considerations
- High-Pressure Hoses: We typically associate high water pressure with a more satisfying showering experience. For this reason, you may want to buy a high-pressure RV water hose for things like washing dishes, rinsing off outside, or any other situation in which higher water pressures are desirable.
- Varying Lengths: Most RV water hoses come in 6, 12, 25, and 50 feet. While it may seem like a 50-foot RV water hose is the best purchase for your money, take a step back and consider. You may want to purchase a shorter RV water hose so that the water doesn’t have to flow through lengths of the unnecessary hose before it gets where it needs to go.
Tips
- Most RV water hoses are rated anywhere from 40-70 psi. Choose the right one so you can avoid issues down the road when you should be anticipating the next adventure instead of mopping up a mess.
- The various types of outdoor hoses are color-coded for a reason. Garden hoses are typically green, and drinking water hoses are white, so you can tell the difference between the two. It’s a good idea to have a system going so that you know which hose goes where and what it’s used for.
- Frequent travelers should invest in a second RV water hose in case of an emergency. You can easily store this hose within the various compartments found throughout the RV. That way, if you do happen to run into trouble, you can simply pull out the spare, replace it, and move on.
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between a garden hose and an RV water hose?
Most garden hoses are heavy-duty and designed to withstand a variety of conditions. RV water hoses work in the same way but must be certified as drinking water safe. While it’s debatable if you should drink from a garden hose, you can be sure the water you drink from an RV water hose is safe.
Q: How long should my RV water hose be?
Most freshwater hoses available today are anywhere from 6 to 50 feet in length. For your particular application, check your RV owner’s manual. If you’re replacing a water hose, you can also simply get the same or similar length.
Q: When and how often should I replace my RV water hose?
You should periodically check your RV water hose just like you would with the other components of the RV. If there’s even a question of the hoses’ validity, replace it just in case. You don’t want to be on the road and find you have to cut your time short for repairs you could have avoided.
Final Thoughts
Our top pick for the best RV water hose is the Gilmour 50-Foot Marine and Recreation Drinking Water Hose. It’s great for your boat and your RV.
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Founded as the /DRIVE YouTube channel before growing into a full-fledged online publication in 2015, The Drive brings you the best of what’s new in the world of speed, from gear reviews to the latest industry coverage—all from a veteran team of writers and editors with many decades of combined hands-on experience. Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.