RV Water Filters: Which type is best for you?

RV water filters ensure that campers have access to clean and safe water while traveling. Filters capture impurities and sediment which could build up in the RV plumbing system and filtered water will reduce the risk of water-related illness which can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Filters also reduce the reliance on bottled water.

The type of water filter system that is best for an RVer will depend on factors such as budget, frequency of use, and desired level of filtration.

In another article, I answered the question, “Is water in an RV safe to drink?” The article refers to three types of water filters, in-line, canister, and reverse-osmosis which are discussed in more detail here.

This article provides one example of each filter type plus one more, the counter top water filter. I also show the pros and cons for each.

Basics

Before we get into this review, I’d like to define some of the terms used in this article.

Absolute filters trap 99.9% of contaminants and pathogens larger than the micron rating. Nominal filters trap less than that, about 85%.

Micron Rating	Material Trapped
20 microns	Sand, silt, other debris
10 microns	unseen particulates, will not trap microorganisms
5 microns	Moderately effective in capturing some bacteria, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia
(absolute) 1 micron	Cryptosporidium, Giardia, other microorganisms, lead, iron, cysts, arsenic, dissolved solids
(absolute) .5microns	Cryptosporidium, Giardia, other microorganisms

Check the specifications for your filter to ensure its capability

Point of use (POU) systems are mounted under sinks and filter water for a single faucet, so they cannot protect the RVs entire plumbing system from sediment and debris. Point of entry (POE) systems provide “whole house” protection.

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Filter Types

Counter Top Water Filter

A counter top water filter is a portable, easy to use filter system that can remove contaminates including sediment, chlorine, bad taste, and odor. Its size and portability make it most appropriate for infrequent RV users.

Counter top filters are “point of use (POU)” tools, so if placed in the kitchen and filtering is required in other locations, e.g. the bathroom for brushing your teeth, another filter may be required.

Travel Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter with 2 Black Berkey Elements–Enjoy Potable Water While Camping, RVing, Off-Grid, Emergencies, Every Day at Home

Small, easy to use, appropriate for small counter space
NSF 53 certified, addresses over 200 contaminants
Infrequent filter changes, one filter may last through 3,000 gallons, 6000 gallons if using two filters

Point of use (POU) filter, will not protect “whole house.”
Filters 2.75 GPH with two filters.
Supports small groups, up to three
Cannot support high water demand
Will not keep sediment out of the RV plumbing

In-Line Water Filter

An inline water filter system for RVers is a type of water filter that connects to the potable water hose and filters the water as it comes out of the spigot. It is most appropriate for RV owners who use their rigs intermittently.

Inline filters are “point of entry (POE)” tools, so a single inline system outside of the RV will distribute filtered through the RV’s entire plumbing system.

An RV inline water filter system can be a good option for RVers who want a simple and inexpensive way to filter their water. However, there are many cartridge options available with micron ratings that allow for good water flow, but capture sediment only . Large micron ratings may not be appropriate for RVers who frequently travel to areas with poor water quality.

The Clear2O Dirtguard pre-filter is the first stage in a two-stage system. It is part of a simple and small entry-level system that can be attached to a standard hose by simply screwing it on.

CLEAR2O® DIRTGUARD™ SEDIMENT PRE-FILTER CPF1000 – RV Water Filter – 20 Micron

Inexpensive compared to other RV water filter options
Easy to install and replace
Can remove sediment and odors from local water sources
Accepts a second stage for better filtration

May not filter out all contaminants, such as bacteria and viruses
A 20 micron pre-filter will filter out larger debris, but requires a second stage to filter to be effective.
May not be suitable for RVers who frequently travel to areas with poor water quality

Clear2o CRV2001 RV Inline Water Filter – Reduces Contaminants, Bad Taste, Odors, Chlorine and Sediment in Drinking, Cleaning, Showering Water (Green).

This filter attaches as the second stage to the bottom of the Dirt Guard Sediment pre-filter.

NSF 53 certified
Solid carbon block filter in contact with the water flow for a longer period offering superior filtration
Easy to attach to the Dirt Guard Sediment Pre-filter
Can be used as a single stage

1 micron filter may reduce water pressure
May have a shorter lifespan compared to other RV water filter options, espeically if used without the pre-filter
May not be suitable for RVers who frequently travel to areas with poor water quality

Canister Style Water Filter

A canister style water filter system is most appropriate for intermediate to full-time RVers. It consists of one or more canisters that can be mounted inside the RV or in a frame outside of the RV to remove sediment, bad taste, odors, and impurities. It treats water by passing it through multiple stages.

First stage – removes large particles of sand, dirt, and rust
Second stage – removes chlorine, bad taste, odor
Third stage – sometimes called a nano filter, removes bacteria, viruses, and cysts
Fourth stage – removes heavy metals
Fifth stage – remineralizes the water

The number of filter stages alone does not necessarily determine the quality of the water filtration. Each filter stage plays a role in the filtration process, and the effectiveness of the filtration system depends on the specific filters used and how they complement each other.

Canister filter systems can be point of entry (POE) or point of use (POU) solutions, depending on the installation.

An RV canister water filter system is a good option for RVers who want a higher level of filtration and a longer lifespan compared to inline water filter systems. However, they are more expensive and permanent placement in larger RVs may require professional installation.

Blu Tech R3, RV Water Filter System, 0.2 Micron Filter for Campers with Compact 5-inch Filters, 3 Stage Premium Filtration System, for RVs, Vans, and Boats – by Blu Technology

Customizable to deal with specific water issues
Can have numerous, customizable filter cartridges
Higher flow rate compared to inline water filter systems
Provides multi-stage filtration for better water quality
Longer lifespan compared to inline water filter systems

More expensive than inline water filter systems
Larger size and weight compared to inline water filter systems
May not be suitable for infrequent RV users
Requires more storage space than in-line systems
Permanent placement may require professional installation

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

A reverse osmosis (RO) water filter is a type of water filtration system that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities and contaminants such as chlorine, salt, and dirt from water. Reverse osmosis water filters can remove up to 99.9% of contaminants from water.

Reverse osmosis systems are often installed under a sink making them a point of use (POU) system, but can be installed at point of entry (POE).

A reverse osmosis water filter system can be a good option for RVers who want the purest water for drinking and cooking and who frequently travel to areas with poor water quality. However, they are more expensive than other RV water filter options and may require professional installation.

WECO Tiny Compact Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Systems (TINY-36)

Removes a vast number of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, nitrates, sulfates, fluoride, and arsenic
Can remove up to 99% of lead, asbestos, and other additional contaminants
Provides the purest water for drinking and cooking
Can be one of the best options for RVers who frequently travel to areas with poor water quality Can be customized to address specific water issues

Poor pre-filter monitoring and maintenance can result in damage to the Reverse Osmosis stage. Users with a damaged reverse osmosis stage may unknowingly use unfiltered water
Removes healthy minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium
More expensive than other RV water filter options
May require professional installation
Requires a lot of room for storage. Because storage space in RVs is limited, this could be a challenge.

Wrapping up

In this article, we discussed the difference between absolute and nominal micron ranges and we compared point of entry (POE) systems with point of use (POU).

Then, we provided one example for four types of water filter systems: countertop, inline, cannister, and reverse osmosis and discussed (theoretically) which system is most appropriate for RVers.

There are many other examples for the different types of water filters, of course. But this article should help you focus your search on a filtering system that is best for you.

Good luck and see you down the road!

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