From drinking to washing dishes, even showering and flushing the toilet, you use a lot of water in your RV. Having a safe and reliable RV water hose is an essential part of your RV travel needs.
Even if you don’t drink the water that comes from the faucet in your RV, having quality water available for dishes, bathing, and laundry is very important.
While some RV sites may have a hose readily available, not only is that not a guarantee, but you have no idea if the last person there used the hose to flush out their sewer hose.
Now that you’re a little grossed out, keep reading for our top picks for the best RV water hose.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Camco TastePURE
Budget Option
Apex Aquaflex
Best Heated Hose
Camco Heated Hose
Best Overall
Camco TastePURE
Camco is a name synonymous with camping. Founded in 1966, they manufacture lots of great products for the RV community, including our best overall RV water hose, the Camco TastePURE.
This heavy-duty water hose is thicker than other water hoses, which means there’s less chance of a leak when it accidentally gets run over.
If you’ve ever hooked up a hose, you know how frustrating it can be when you turn on the water and nothing comes out. When you trace back to the problem kink and straighten it out, another one develops further down the line.
Camco’s non-kinking feature will eliminate this frustration.
Knowing that the Camco hose is made of BPA-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free PVC means you can enjoy the taste of your water without any concerns of contaminants, or the plastic taste.
The easy-grip connectors will make hooking up to your water source a cinch, and the steel-wrapped ends help protect the connectors so they last longer.
You’ll be glad you invested in this quality made-in-America RV water hose.
Pros
- Kink free
- Contaminant free
- Made in America
Cons
- Kink free hoses are harder to roll up
Budget Option
Apex Aquaflex
If you’re looking for a nice simple budget option RV water hose, the Apex Aquaflex is a great choice.
This no-frills hose is a lead-free, kink-free RV water hose. The large connectors help when tightening the hose to the spigot.
Lightweight and easy to handle, it’s perfect for the weekend RVer. While being lightweight is a great feature, it also means this RV water hose is not as durable, and is prone to leaks.
The female end of this hose tends to be loose and leak. To help prevent this problem, take the extra time to make sure the gasket is centered in the hose end when connecting.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Budget friendly
- Kink free
Cons
- Prone to leaks
- White, so it will get stained
- Have to take extra time to make sure the gasket is centered
Best Heated Hose
Camco Heated Hose
If you are stationary or traveling where the temperatures dip into the freezing range, you definitely want to invest in a heated hose. Yes, kinks can be annoying, but there’s nothing worse than a frozen water hose!
This Camco heated RV water hose has a thermostat that only heats the water as needed. This helps save on your energy bill on the days when the temperature is above freezing. It also means you don’t have to wonder if you remembered to plug the hose back in when the temperatures dip.
The included female-to-male adapter allows you to plug the cord into an outlet, no matter which end hooks to the water supply.
This RV water hose has an added exterior jacket to keep the electric lines and the hose protected from the elements and from being damaged.
Like other Camco hoses, this hose is BPA, lead, and phthalate free, making it safe for drinking water.
Pros
- Keeps water from freezing
- Adapter means you can plug in either end of hose
- Thermostat helps save on electric bill
Cons
- Bulky
- Can be hard to store
SmartFlex
Although it doesn’t earn an “award” in our list of the top five RV water hoses, the SmartFlex hose is worth an honorable mention.
The SmartFlex hose is another budget option for the weekend RVer. It has a kink-free, abrasion-resistant outer cover to protect it from damage.
The large grip on the ends helps ensure a tight fit when hooking up to your water supply.
This is a nice simple, lightweight, easy-to-hook-up, budget-friendly hose that will store away easily in your RV.
Pros
- Kink free
- Large grips help with connection
- Easy to store
Cons
- Not as durable
Kohree
The first thing you’ll notice about the Kohree RV water hose is that it has its own carrying case that’s even labeled “fresh water hose”. What RVer doesn’t love storage compartments and cases and labels?!
Like the other RV water hoses on this list, the Kohree is kink-free and lead-free. It also has an outer layer that keeps it from fading and being damaged.
Another nice feature of the Kohree hose is that it not only comes in the standard 25’ and 50’ lengths, but they also have a 35’ length. If you’re worried that a 25’ length hose isn’t going to be long enough, but don’t want to lug around 50’ worth of RV water hose, this is a great option.
Pros
- Kink-free
- Easy to handle
- Stays flexible in colder temps
Cons
- Reports that hose develops bubbles easily
RV Water Hose Buyer’s Guide
Size
The RV water hoses we reviewed here were all 25’ length hoses. Most water connections at campsites are within 25’ of your rig. However, there are always exceptions.
Purchasing an extra 25’ hose to keep in your RV basement in case it’s needed is always a good idea. That way, you’re not having to run to the local camp store and pay a premium. Better to be safe, than sorry.
You probably noticed that some of the hoses have an option of ½” or ⅝” diameter. Is one better than the other? Not necessarily. A ⅝” diameter hose will have better water flow. When filling your fresh water tank, the quicker you get that task done, the quicker you can get out and enjoy the day.
You can choose either size diameter hose; the size of the connector that hooks up to your water supply is the same. So, the choice is up to you.
Storage Space
It never seems like there is enough storage in any RV, and by the time you get all the hiking gear, toys, pet supplies, and everything else in your basement, there’s not a lot of room left.
While these kink-free RV water hoses don’t roll into a nice neat, small coil for storage, having a storage bag will help keep your hose safe and contained in its allotted space.
One last thing to consider is the weight of your hose. Having to lug 25’ or 50’ of RV water hose to the spigot can be a chore if your hose is too heavy. Make sure the hose you choose is lightweight and durable.
Whatever you do, don’t go the easy route and purchase a garden hose you’ve seen advertised on TV that shrinks down as the water flows out of it. While they may take up less space, they are not designed for drinking water, or the water pressure needed for an RV water hose.
Weight
Best RV Water Hose Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep algae from growing in my hose?
If you keep your RV water hose hooked up and in the sun most of the time, there is always the possibility of algae growing inside the hose. To help prevent this problem, make sure the hose you purchase isn’t clear. Most of your RV water hoses will be blue or white because clear hoses tend to encourage algae growth.
For added protection, you can also cover your hose with a pool noodle.
To disinfect your RV water hose, simply fill it with a 1:1 vinegar/water solution, connect the ends and slosh the hose around or let it ride in your basement to your next destination.
When you get to your next spot, run plenty of water through the hose before hooking it up to your RV.
Do I need a pressure regulator?
A pressure regulator is used to limit the pressure coming into your home to about 60 PSI. If you’re hooked up to a spigot that operates at a higher pressure, it could damage your pipes. A pressure regulator will help prevent that damage.
As a side note, if your RV has Pex piping, it is made to withstand higher water pressures.
The choice is yours, but investing in a pressure regulator is much cheaper than running all new water lines through your RV.
Why is my hose leaking at the spigot?
One of the main causes for a hose leaking at the spigot is that the rubber grommet inside the female connector is missing.
If you hook your hose up and notice leaking, don’t grab a pair of pliers and keep tightening the end! Simply remove the hose and see if the washer seal is there. It’s always a good idea to carry extra rubber washer seals with you.
Wrapping up the Best RV Water Hose
Having an RV water hose that is safety rated for drinking water and can stand up to the occasional accidental run-over in the campground is essential for a great RV experience. Having a hose that stores away easily and doesn’t kink is essential for your sanity!
The Camco TastePURE meets these criteria and more. Now that you’ve decided on the best RV water hose, it’s time to choose the best RV sewer hose. Another essential item to help keep your RV experience stress-free. Happy camping!!