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Best RV Water Hose For Drinking Water 2024

What To Think About When Buying A Drinking Water Hose For Your RV

In this review, we will be taking a look at the best RV water hoses that are safe for drinking water, also called potable water.

While that sounds like an easy task, there are a lot of different choices and water hoses have features, quality, and safety differences.

Related Product: RVGuard RV Water Pressure Regulator (click to view on Amazon)

I have spent a lot of money on crappy RV drinking water hoses over the years that have ended up leaking, rotting, cracking, etc.

For that reason, I won’t be comparing the most budget versions or ones that I have tried and thrown away because in my experience they’re budget for a reason.

What you need to be on the lookout for when buying a hose to fill up your RV with is that it’s drinking water safe.

If you find a hose that doesn’t mention that it’s safe for drinking water, you should assume that it’s not.

The most important things we need to look at are if the hose is lead-free, phthalate free, and BPA free. These combinations make them safe for drinking water and food grade hoses.

See Also: Best Heated Water Hoses For RV Campers, Barns & Livestock

As always, you will find answers to the most common questions down in the Frequently Asked Questions at the end of this review.

Now, let’s take a look at my review of the best RV water hoses.

Best Basic Option

Preview
Camco TastePURE 25-Ft Premium Water Hose - RV Drinking Water Hose...
Drinking Water Safe
Made in USA
Diameter
5/8″
Weight
3.35 Lbs
Preview
ELEY Garden Hose – 25 ft. Drinking Water Safe, Heavy Duty...
Drinking Water Safe
Made in USA
Diameter
5/8″
Weight
4 Lbs
Preview
Water Right PCH-025-MG-6PKRS Polyurethane Coil Garden Hose, 25-Foot,...
Drinking Water Safe
Made in USA
Diameter
3/8″
Weight
2.1 Lbs

Best Overall

Preview
Water Right 500 Series (1/2') Garden Hose, Drinking Water Safe,...
Drinking Water Safe
Made in USA
Diameter
1/2″
Weight
2.4 Lbs
Preview
Teknor Apex 7602-25 NeverKink RV/Marine Hose - 1/2' x 25'
Drinking Water Safe
Made in USA
Diameter
1/2″
Weight
2.7 Lbs

Most Portable

Preview
Teknor Apex-4006-25 Zero-G 1/2' X 25', Blue
Drinking Water Safe
Made in USA
Diameter
1/2″
Weight
2 Lbs

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best RV Water Hose Reviews & Info

1. Camco Premium RV Drinking Water Hose

Camco TastePURE 25-Ft Premium Water Hose - RV Drinking Water Hose...

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Camco makes several RV water hoses for drinking water, but this is the one I recommend and will review.

Even though it’s made of PVC, it’s advertised as being lead free, BPA free (click here to read more about BPA), phthalate free and doesn’t make water taste like plastic.

The hose is NSF certified and follows certain standards.

The reason I chose this one over other Camco camper hoses is because of the strain-relief that has been put on it for better durability.

It’s also thicker than most. The thickness will make it more tough and durable when dragging it over grass, gravel, and stones without having to worry too much about the wear and tear on it, at least not as quickly as on a thinner hose.

See Also: Best RV Water Filter Systems & Cartridges Reviewed

It comes in several lengths from 4 feet to 50 feet, all of them are ⅝” on the inside diameter.

That gives you several options for how you want to use your hoses. I have been at campgrounds where a 4 feet hose for the city water connection has been enough.

Having a short camper water hose is also great for when you need to rinse off your bike or feet quickly near the water source.

Connecting several hoses is easy to do and I like having two shorter hoses instead of one long one because I never need the same length every time.

Overall, the Camco Premium RV Drinking Water Hose is one of the best simple potable water hoses because it’s a durable choice both for gardens and RVs.

PROS

  • Safe/Food Grade
  • Lead, BPA, Phthalate Free
  • UV Stabilized
  • NSF Certified
  • 20% Thicker Than Regular Hoses
  • Large Inside Diameter
  • Made In USA

CONS

  • PVC
  • Not Very Flexible

2. Eley Drinking Water Safe Polyurethane Garden Hose

ELEY Garden Hose – 25 ft. Drinking Water Safe, Heavy Duty...

Check Price at Amazon

Eley is a company that specializes in garden hose reels. They also make their own garden and potable water hoses.

The company promises a 100% lead, phthalate (click here to read more about the adverse health effects of phthalate), BPA, and PVC free hose, so it’s safe for food and drinking purposes.

It’s made out of durable polyurethane which is stronger than PVC. It meets NSF-61 standards and checks all the boxes for a safe RV water hose

There are two reasons that I recommend this hose over some others, its safety and durability.

It can take a maximum of 150 PSI and temperatures from -40°F to 165°F.

Having a durable hose means one less thing to worry about.

There are enough things that can go wrong surrounding the RV already, you don’t want to deal with a broken water hose when you’re 200 miles from the nearest camping store.

See Also: How To Sanitize Your RV Holding Tanks

It’s also very flexible compared to a PVC hose and kink-resistant. This will let you kink the hose when needed, but it won’t kink in that same place over and over.

The ELEY Potable Water Hose measures 5/8″ on the inside diameter and comes in different lengths starting at 25 feet all the way up to 200 feet.

Even though it has the same inside diameter as other 5/8″ hoses, it has a special fitting that is wider for better water flow when needed.

If you live full-time in an RV and enjoy extended stays at RV parks or campgrounds with water, this is a fantastic super durable option for a camper water hose.

PROS

  • Safe/Food Grade
  • Lead, BPA, Phthalate Free
  • Meets NSF-61 Standards
  • Large Inside Diameter
  • Made Of Polyurethane
  • Made In USA
  • Flexible & Kink Resistant

CONS

  • Heavy

3. Water Right Professional Coil Garden Hose

Water Right PCH-025-MG-6PKRS Polyurethane Coil Garden Hose, 25-Foot,...

Check Price at Amazon

If you prefer an RV water hose that coils, I recommend this one from Water Right.

It’s a lead and phthalate-free hose that stretches to get longer. It’s made of FDA and NSF grade polyurethane materials and UV stabilized for extra durability against the sun.

With its 3/8″ inside diameter, it will be one of the lighter RV fresh water hoses in this review with the smallest inside diameter.

The great thing about a coil garden hose is that it becomes more portable than a regular hose. Not only weight-wise but also by automatically recoiling itself so you will one less job to do when putting it away.

This is a nice feature to have not only for Rvers that need to store it in a storage compartment but homeowners who want to quickly put away their hose.

See Also: This Is The Best Heated Water Hose For Long-Term Use

Having a lightweight portable RV water hose is great if you’re often filling up the tank and want to be in and out of the filling station quickly.

I have seen enough people wrestle camper hoses to know that a coil hose can be a great help when packing up.

The Water Right Professional Coil RV Hose comes in 3 different lengths, from 25 feet to 75 feet in 6 different colors.

Remember that you can always have two hoses and connect them together instead of having one really long one.

All campgrounds are set up differently and sometimes 5 feet is enough but the next campground requires 35 feet and you don’t want to be on the short end!

PROS

  • Safe/Food Grade
  • Lead, BPA, Phthalate Free
  • UV stabilized
  • Fast To Pack Up
  • Made Of Polyurethane
  • Lightweight
  • Made In USA
  • Flexible & Kink-Resistant
  • FDA & NSF Gade Materials

CONS

  • May Put Pressure On RV Connection When Stretched

4. Water Right 500 Series High Flow Garden Hose

Water Right 500 Series (1/2') Garden Hose, Drinking Water Safe,...

Check Price at Amazon

This is another potable water hose from Water Right but it’s not a coil hose. It’s totally drinking water safe being 100% lead and BPA free and made out of FDA and NSF approved polyurethane materials.

What I think is great on this one is the strain relief solution on both ends, together with the fact that it has a 1/2” diameter.

The strain relief will get in the way less during use compared to Camco’s solution above, and last longer.

This is a tough flexible RV water hose that is built to last.

See Also: How To Find Fresh Water And Dump Stations

The polyurethane makes it flexible and it’s pretty lightweight (2.4 lbs @ 25 feet) for the material and size.

It’s made in the USA and has a 5 gallons per minute flow which is plenty for RV use. For comparison, most RV water pumps output around 3-5 gallons of water per minute.

You don’t want to make the water pressure too high in your camper because all of the plumbing is made for low pressure and water flow.

High pressured water can damage the fitting inside and become a huge problem quickly.

If you have ever had to deal with a camper hose you know that having a lighter one is so much easier to pull and use. You shouldn’t have to use your muscles to get the hose where it needs to be.

The Water Right 500 comes in 3 different lengths, from 25 feet to 75 feet.

That it’s 1/2” thick is something to take into consideration; it can be both a good and a bad thing depending on your intended use. Remember that the 5/8″ hoses are even thicker than 1/2″.

PROS

  • Safe/Food Grade
  • Lead, BPA, Phthalate Free
  • UV stabilized
  • Made Of Polyurethane
  • Made In USA
  • Flexible
  • FDA & NSF Grade Materials
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Not Super Flexible
  • Not Kink Resistant

5. Teknor Apex NeverKink RV Water Hose

Teknor Apex 7602-25 NeverKink RV/Marine Hose - 1/2' x 25'

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Next up is a hose from Teknor Apex. The model is called NeverKink, so supposedly, it shouldn’t kink at all.

It’s made with FDA sanctioned materials and advertised as lead-free and safe to use as a potable water hose.

The material it’s made of is called NTS Reflex Mesh which is why it’s a non-kinking hose. It’s also why it’s durable even for its narrow diameter and has a lifetime guarantee.

See Also: What Should My RV Water Pressure Regulator Be Set At?

It’s 1/2” thick and comes in a 25 foot length but there is also a 5/8″ thick version that comes in 25 and 50 foot lengths.

The biggest reason the Teknor Apex NeverKink RV Water Hose made the review is thanks to its ergonomic coupling.

Having an easy-to-use coupling is a great feature and something you will come to appreciate too with regular use.

It doesn’t hurt your fingers, and it also makes it easier to use for kids or adults that haven’t used a hose before to screw it on.

I wish more companies would take into consideration how ergonomic their couplings are for these reasons and add them to all RV water hoses.

PROS

  • Lead Free
  • Food Grade
  • Made Of FDA Sanctioned Materials
  • Anti-Kink Design
  • Ergonomic Coupling
  • Made In USA

CONS

  • No Info On BPA, PVC or Phthalate Free
  • Plastic Coupling

6. Teknor Apex Zero-G RV Water Hose

Teknor Apex-4006-25 Zero-G 1/2' X 25', Blue

Check Price at Amazon

Last up is the Zero-G flat RV water hose, also from Teknor Apex.

What it does a lot better than every other RV fresh water hose in this review is how portable it is.

Its flat design and material make it extremely flexible. It collapses and stores in small storage compartments like no other hose.

When filled with water the inner part expands to let more water through. Once the pressure is gone is compresses back down into a narrow, lightweight, and very portable size.

The Zero-G is drinking water safe and lead-free. The couplings are brass on the inside and aluminum on the outside which makes them very durable and anti-rust.

This model is 25 feet and has a diameter of 1/2 inch. Since it’s so flexible you can make it almost flat.

There is a durable and puncture resistant fabric outer shell that protects it but also allows it to stretch and flex easily.

best drinking RV water hose zero g the camping nerd
My Zero-G RV water hose filling up my travel trailer.

Due to how flexible it is, it comes in a tiny container and you can store it in a small plastic bin. It doesn’t take up much space at all and is very impressive for its length.

See Also: How We Store & Transfer Extra Water To Our RV When Camping

I recently purchased one of these and I’ve been impressed with how easy it is to handle. It doesn’t really kink, but it can easily tie knots if you don’t wrap it up properly.

The portability of it is more important to me than anti-kink features and the best thing about it is how easy it is to store since it collapses and can fold.

Because it expands when pressurized, it can be a little weird to use as a “city water” hose at an RV park or campground.

At first, we were worried about the Zero-G being able to take the pressure over an extended amount of time but we used it at an RV park for two months one time and it never gave us any issues.

In fact, it still looks as new as the day we bought it. Even after being expanded for two months straight, it could decompress right away. The design is not only unique but very impressive.

Of course, it’s also non-toxic and safe to use for drinking water.

Another benefit with the Zero-G RV Water Hose is how lightweight it is, weighing only 2 pounds.

Overall, a great option both for gardens, RVs, and boats.

The only downside I’ve found is that the cloth will soak up water if you drag it through a puddle and it can take a little longer to dry than regular plastic RV drinking water hoses.

PROS

  • Most Lightweight
  • Super Flexible
  • Food Grade
  • Made Of FDA Sanctioned Materials
  • Anti-Kink Design
  • Made In USA
  • Compresses To Small Size
  • Durable Aluminum & Brass Couplings

CONS

  • Fabric Shell Absorbs Water
zero g potable rv water hose connected to an rv park water hookup and a camper
The Zero-G RV water hose is lightweight and strong enough to take the pressure of RV park water hookups.

Conclusion & My RV Water Hose Recommendations

There is a big difference between a regular RV water hose and a premium one that is not only safer to use but also built to last.

I believe it’s worth the money to get a better camper water hose if you camp more than a few times a year.

Something I have learned is that companies can advertise products as being lead-free if they contain very little lead.

You might see people give certain RV water hoses bad reviews for this but it’s legal so I understand why the companies do it.

Any of the RV water hoses in this review are going to be safe to use regularly and dependable but the other features and options differ greatly.

Deciding on what style of potable water hose is right for you will mostly depend on how much storage space you have and what kind of camper you are.

Here is what I recommend based on the different needs most RVers have.

Camco TastePURE 25-Ft Premium Water Hose - RV Drinking Water Hose...

Best Basic RV Water Hose – Camco Premium RV Drinking Water Hose

The Camco RV water hose is a drinking water safe option that is durable thanks to its thickness but it falls short with its low-quality strain relief.

If you are a summer or weekend camper who mostly boondocks and doesn’t need to worry about the strain relief feature that is good to have when connected to water it’s a fantastic choice.

It is made of PVC which isn’t known for its sun resistance but it’s a great basic option.

If you take care of it, it will take care of your drinking water.

Teknor Apex-4006-25 Zero-G 1/2' X 25', Blue

Most Lightweight & Compact – Teknor Apex Zero-G RV Water Hose

The Zero-G potable water hose is extremely flexible because of its material and design.

If you need a collapsible garden or RV water hose that takes up very little space when stored, this is the one.

Safe for drinking water, made in the USA, anti-kink, brass/aluminum couplings, and a high flow 1/2 inch diameter all make it a brilliant choice for any kind of camper.

Space is always limited in an RV or trailer and this RV water hose is not only compact and small, it’s very lightweight. If you like to have a lot of RV water hose length, this is a fantastic choice.

You won’t believe how light even the 50 foot option is.

Water Right 500 Series (1/2') Garden Hose, Drinking Water Safe,...

Best Overall – Water Right 500 Series High Flow Garden Hose

The Water Right 500 Series is my choice for the best RV water hose in this review.

1/2” diameter, lightweight, made with FDA and NSF grade polyurethane and great strain reliefs.

It’s thick enough to give you plenty of water and flexible in all weather conditions which will be great for full-timers.

Frequently Asked Questions About RV Water Hoses

What makes an RV water hose food grade/safe to use for drinking water?

When looking at what camper water hose to buy, the most important things to watch out for is if they’re lead-free, phthalate free, and BPA free.

The reason is that these chemicals affect our bodies in a bad way and drinking water should never hurt your body.

Even if you only use your RV water for showering or washing your hands, having a bunch of chemicals in the water is something to avoid.

What length of drinking water hose should I get for my RV?

Consider the length of the RV water hose you buy based on where you’re planning on using it.

If you’re at a campground or a fill-up station, you should be pretty close to the water source and 25 feet should be enough.

Some campgrounds are designed in a pretty dumb way though, so 50 feet or more may be necessary.

If you’re planning on filling up from a house, go for a 50 feet hose or more.

It’s good to consider this before purchasing, so you don’t end up with a hose that’s too short or way too long for what you need.

Buying two 25 feet hoses is also a way to do it.

What does potable water mean?

Potable water means that it’s safe to drink and use for food preparation.

Safe drinking water source with an RV water hose connected to it.
If the water is safe to drink you will see a sign like this or “potable water” sign.

Is it really necessary to get a premium RV drinking water hose?

If you want a safe, durable, flexible, and high-quality material hose, you’ll have to pay a bit more than for a cheaper PVC hose.

Like with a lot of other things, products made in the USA that are usually of higher quality with better warranty will cost more.

If you only go camping once a year, a basic RV water hose like this one from Camco (click to view on Amazon) may be just fine.

But if you’re an avid camper or live full time in your RV it’s worth spending a little bit more. Having your camper water hose break when you’re out camping can destroy a trip and sometimes a potable water hose can be hard to find in small stores.

Can’t I just use my garden hose as an RV water hose?

If you don’t remember purchasing a hose that was advertised as drinking water safe, I wouldn’t recommend it using for fresh water.

Because you don’t know whether it’s safe.

And if you’ve had it outside for a long time, who knows what’s inside of it now?

Will my RV water hose freeze in freezing temperatures?

Yes, if your hose is left out when it’s freezing outside, the hose will freeze and possibly burst depending on how much water is in it.

I recommend buying a heated water hose if you plan on using it somewhere cold. Check out my post on the best ones here.

Is there a difference between lead-free and lead-safe with water hoses?

Here is the thing. If a brass fitting has extremely low levels of lead, a company can legally call it lead-free.

This is the way it works in the United States at least.

You might find reviews that call for outrage for a product that is advertised as lead-free while not 100% lead-free, but remember that they’re not doing anything illegal, just bending the truth.

Most of the time, lead-free and lead-safe mean the same thing.

How do I take care of my RV water hose?

When you have spent the money and purchased a good RV water hose, you might as well take good care of it to make sure it will stay safe from chemicals and last you a long time.

Here are some things I like to do for just that:

  • Avoid the sun – If the hose has any chemicals in it, the sun can increase the leaching of them into the water. If you’re at a campground hooked up to water through a hose that’s in the sun, it’s okay as long as you let the water run cool before using it.
  • Let the water run through it before using it – A common practice while filling up RVs is to let the water run through the water hose for 5-10 seconds before attaching it to the tank. It’s an easy way to clean it out from dirt and chemicals. It will also taste more like plastic if the water has been sitting in the sun, based on my experience.
  • The way you store it – Throwing the water hose in the back of the truck or the storage compartment is an easy way to get rid of it quickly. This will not only make it easy for dirt to get into your hose but also most likely shorten its life due to wear and tear. Don’t leave it out when you’re not using it and always make sure you have it in a clean container with a bit of airflow.

Ok, I got a safe RV fresh water hose and will take care of it. What now?

Buying the hose is just part of the fun of filling up your RV. Now we have some other things to think about.

Where are you getting the water from and how safe and clean is it?

How much pressure are you getting?

When connecting to city water, you want to be careful with the pressure to not break the plumbing in your RV. Here are a few must-have accessories for any RV owner.

What size drinking water hose for RV?

Most campers have a fresh water opening and city water connection that is the same size as a regular garden hose fitting. If it’s advertised as a garden, RV, or marine drinking water hose chances are it will fit your RV.

As far as inner hose diameter so anything between 3/8 and 5/8 should work fine.

You can also check the rated gallons per minute for an RV water hose to make sure the water pressure will be acceptable. Most RVs have a water pump that has an output of around 3-5 gallons per minute. An RV water hose with a similar water flow rating should work great.

Why is my RV leaking water from the city water inlet?

The most common culprit for a leaking water hose is a bad or missing o-ring (click to view on Amazon). It’s easy for them to get damaged from regular use or fall out of the connector during travel.

I always have a few on hand for this very reason.

Another problem could be the water pressure. RVs are not made for super high water pressure and RV parks and campgrounds rarely have regulated water pressure coming out of the tap.

I also recommend getting a water pressure regulator like this one (click to view on Amazon) so you are prepared for anything.

How often should I change RV drinking water hose?

It really depends on how often you use it and how good the quality is.

A very basic non-UV resistant RV water hose that has been used daily and left out in the sun will most likely only last for one camping season.

A heavy-duty UV-resistant RV water hose of high quality should last for years.

I recommend judging the life of an RV water hose more by how it looks than by age. If it looks like it’s old and the outside is starting to crack it’s time to get a new one.

What is the difference between RV drinking water hose vs. garden hose?

The main difference between an RV water hose and a garden hose is the materials that it’s made of and the chemicals used.

Many garden hoses are made with materials that have lead, Phthalates, BPA, and other harmful compounds in them.

You don’t want any of that stuff in your drinking water. A drinking water hose for an RV should be free of all of those things and rated as food-grade or drinking water safe.

Have any more questions about RV water hoses? Leave a comment below.

by Jesse
Jesse has always had an interest in camping, technology, and the outdoors. Who knew that growing up in a small town in Sweden with endless forests and lakes would do that to you?

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