Like home water filters, RV filters are designed to make accessing clean, safe water a breeze. By attaching to a faucet, reservoir, or the water line itself, these devices can improve water quality and safety, as well as adding a little luxury to your mobile home.
Unlike most home treatment solutions, however, RV filters may need to be relied upon for basic health security—turning questionable sources into water that’s ok to drink. Even if you normally camp in areas with potable water, an RV filter expands the places you can comfortably visit, and the possibilities for adventure!
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How many types of RV water filters are there?
There are different options for RV filtering mechanisms, as well as different types of filter designs.
Filtering mechanisms
No matter their intended setting, all water filters are designed to take on a specific range of contaminants. No one filtering mechanism can do everything.
For example, activated carbon filters are great ensuring good tasting water—removing organic chemicals and compounds from a supply. However, carbon filters are less effective at cutting down on potentially harmful bacteria and microorganisms.
For these pollutants, a UV purifier, reverse osmosis filter, or chemical treatment is needed. Though, none of these devices will do much for water taste or appearance. All of which goes to say that, when it comes to choosing filter mechanisms, it’s best to either target one specific type of contaminant, or go for a multi-stage approach to filtration.
Filter designs
Beyond the mechanism for filtering itself, installing a filter in your RV can be achieved in several ways. Most RVs come with either a basic under-sink carbon filter for (unheated) drinking water, or no filter at all, making how you approach filtering your decision.
It’s possible to filter every water outlet in your unit (shower, sink, toilet flush) by installing a filter at the point of entry—that is, where a hose or pipe attaches to your RV. These filters are often referred to as ‘inline’, ‘whole RV’, or ‘whole house’ devices.
For sink or point-of-use options, many RV owners turn to the standard kitchen models we all recognize: either Brita-style pitchers or faucet-mounted filters.
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How do I choose an RV filter?
The best way to narrow your search for an RV water filter is to think about how you most often deliver water to your vehicle, and where that water comes from.
Remember
RV filtering can be a serious business
Never take water safety lightly, especially if you’re venturing into parts unknown, where the quality of water sources can’t be relied upon.
Taking some extra time to consider your plan for drinking water supplies is always worth it for longer trips or periods of RV living. Part of your preparations should include gaining a rough idea of where you will and won’t have access to water sources.
You should also remember to stock up on any filter cleaning utensils or replacement filter cartridges. When moving between water sources, it can be hard to predict the lifespan of a cartridge, as the levels of contaminants and minerals in a water supply can significantly affect the amount of work a filter needs to do. Therefore, always have a backup handy.