Most of us have enjoyed a summertime drink from the garden hose at some point in our lives. However, not all water hoses are created equal. Your standard garden hose is—surprisingly—not drinking water safe! The Safe Drinking Water Act does not regulate typical garden water hoses potentially containing toxic materials, heavy metals, and other substances that may be harmful to humans.
The convenience of fresh, available drinking water in your rig is essential to most RVers. If not for drinking, you will still want fresh water for cleaning, bathing, and food prep. So what is the solution to getting water from the source, through a water filter, into your RV’s fresh water holding tank, and then out the tap? An RV drinking water hose rated safe for potable water.
The differences between a garden hose and a drinking water hose are the materials and ratings of each. For example, some hose materials contain lead or other composites not safe for consumption. Therefore, these hoses are not safe for drinking water. On the other hand, an RV drinking water hose does not have those materials; thus, being rated for potable water. In addition, a drinking hose will not leach that funny “rubber hose” taste into your water.
See also: RV Plumbing and Accessories—Understanding Your System
Important Features for RV Drinking Water Hoses
We have determined why you need an RV drinking water hose. Now, let’s talk about a few features that will make choosing the best hose for your RV an easy task.
After searching the many options available on the market, we found the best RV water hoses based on several factors.
Size Matters!
The hose length needed will vary depending on where you’re camping. After all, your new hose will be useless to you if it won’t reach your camper! Most RVers use a 50-foot hose or connect two 25-foot drinking water hoses. A 25-foot hose is the minimum, but a 50-inch hose will usually ensure you have a functioning hose for any type of campsite.
Durability
The first factor to consider when choosing the best RV water hose for your needs is durability. Durability is the ability to withstand pressure, ordinary wear and tear, and overall damage. If you want your hose to last through many camping seasons, purchase the best quality hose you can afford.
UV Rating
Remember that the label “UV-stabilized” does not mean that this hose (or any hose) should be left exposed to the sun for extended periods. The United States Plastic Corp explained that there is a difference between UV stabilized and UV resistant. UV Stabilized means a stabilizer has been added to the resin during production to protect from long-term degradation from UV light. UV Resistant materials naturally resist UV rays, preventing UV degradation.
Storage space
Storage space is a hot commodity in RVs. You will want a water hose that can be easily stored whenever you are not connected to services at your favorite campground.
Important Side Note:
Do I Need a Heated Water Hose for My RV?
The short answer is: maybe. Why do you need a heated water hose for your RV? Below freezing temperatures can cause many issues for RV owners. A heated water hose is essential RV equipment for traveling or stationary locations with freezing winter temperatures.
We have discussed all the major factors for deciding on the best RV hose for safe, quality drinking water available without any chemical or plastic taste. Now, you can feel confident when choosing any one of these affordable hoses.
1. Teknor Apex 8602 NeverKink RV Drinking Water Hose
Neverkink RV/Marine hoses from Teknor are thoughtfully engineered and manufactured with FDA-approved materials. In addition, these 25-foot hoses, compliant with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act and are lead-free.
The Neverkink drinking water hose features a Grip-Tite coupling for an easy, leak-free connection at any faucet. As an added benefit, the patented NTS Reflex Mesh Technology prevents kinking, tangles, and twisting.
Quick Stats
- Patented NTS Reflex Mesh Technology
- Lead-free
- Grip-Tite coupling
- Manufactured with FDA-approved materials
- Size: 5/8″ x 25′
2. Camco 22853 Premium Lead-Free Drinking Hose
Competitive pricing, superior products, and quality service are long-standing traditions at CAMCO, so we would expect nothing less than the best from this premium drinking water hose. These Heavy-duty reinforced hoses are 20 percent thicker than standard hoses, and they have precision machined fittings and anti-strain ends that add durability to the non-kink design.
An NSF-certified hose free from BPA plastics, phthalates, and lead is the foundation of this design. Plus, the drinking water-safe material is UV stabilized for longer service life. In addition, this product is CSA low-lead-content certified and compliant with California and Vermont low lead laws.
Quick Stats
- Heavy-duty- 20% thicker
- Lead, BPA, and phthalate-free
- Machined fittings
- Strain relief couplings
- UV stabilized
- NSF-certified
3. Aqua Joe Ultra-Lightweight Marine and Camper Hose
Aqua Joe specializes in developing an expansive line of innovative outdoor tools. The dual-layer innovative design of this lead, BPA, and phthalate-free hose is crush-proof and will maintain flexibility down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Constructed from a 5/8-inch flexible inner core surrounded by a rugged, marine-grade rip and abrasion-resistant fiber jacket, it will not scratch, scuff, or snag delicate surfaces.
Durable metal fittings equip this hose with solid leak-proof connections. Built to withstand the harshest treatment, it is mildew and weather-resistant. In addition, AQUA JOE is up to 50 percent lighter than standard hoses, provides maximum durability, and coils neatly for compact storage.
Quick Stats
- BPA-free, Lead-free, and Phthalate-free
- Durable metal fittings
- Kink-, twist- and tangle-free
- Flexible down to 0 degrees
4. Kohree 25FT RV Drinking Water Hose
This RV hose from Kohree is manufactured with CA65-certified materials and has been tested to be free of lead and phthalate. Kohree guarantees that your water will be free of the smells and tastes of plastic and rubber, even when you leave this hose outside for a while. Equipped with an upgraded, ergonomic grip aluminum fitting, it’s designed so that kinks, twists, and tangles never have a chance to get started.
This hose has been UV-stabilized to protect against hardening or fading in the hot sun, but it will also keep its shape and remain flexible in cold weather. It’s also quite sturdy, with a burst strength of 150 PSI and a temperature limit of -20℃-80℃.
Quick Stats
- Drinking-water safe
- Patented anti-kink technology
- Anti-kink rigid sleeve
- Ergonomic leak proof coupling
- Lead-safe
5. Camco 22902 TastePURE Heated Hose
Camco’s 25-foot heated water hose provides safe drinking water even in the coldest temperatures by combining an automated heat source and a drinking-water-safe hose encapsulated in A PVC- all-weather coating. Camco has tested this heated drinking water hose at external ambient temperatures down to -40°F while maintaining an inside water temperature above freezing.
The machined, nickel-plated fittings offer maximum corrosion protection. A female-to-male adapter is included for connection of the water source to either hose end. This hose is certified NSF-61, drinking water safe, and is BPA, phthalate, and lead-free. Manufactured in the USA, it comes with a one-year limited warranty (three years for the electric components) and offers excellent protection from freezing water lines.
Quick Stats
- Ideal water line freeze protection
- Self-regulating heat source
- NSF-61 certified hose
- Heavy-duty heat shrink provides strain relief
- 120VAC / 2.27 AMPs
6. Swan Products Element RV and Marine Camping Water Hose
The Element marine and RV camping and boating water hose by Swan Products comes in several lengths and is perfect for use while boating or camping. It features anti-burst strength up to 300 PSI and crush-proof, aluminum grade stainless-steel couplings.
This flexible, durable water hose has patented hose armor to prevent kinking at the faucet fixture. Plus, it’s drinking water safe and conforms with lead-free standards under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
Quick Stats
- Anti-burst strength up to 300 PSI
- Aluminum crush-proof couplings
- Hose armor prevents kinking at the spigot
- High UV resistance
- Lightweight and flexible
- Lead and phthalate-free
7. Zero-G Lightweight, Ultra Flexible Water Hose
The zero-G 50-foot water hose features newly designed, ergonomic, commercial-grade couplings for a long-lasting, leak-free connection. Although this is advertised as a garden hose, it is perfect for use in your rig since it is lead-free and drinking water safe. Crush-proof up to 900 pounds, it is also 50 percent lighter than traditional hoses for effortless maneuvering.
The zero-G is kink-resistant and easy to store. This hose has the same flow rate as a conventional ⅝-inch hose and remains cold weather flexible down to 35 degrees. The G-Force high-density jacket provides extreme durability equal to commercial-grade hoses.
Quick Stats
- True-flex inner core
- Abrasion, leak, and puncture-resistant
- Burst rating of 600+ PSI
- Kink-resistant
- Easy to maneuver
- Drinking-water safe
- Lead-free
- High flow water rate
8. Hosecoil 25-Foot High-Performance RV and Boat Hose With Flex Relief
This high-performance Hosecoil self-coiling lightweight polyurethane hose has excellent extendibility and 70 percent usable length. Featuring flex-relief, brass alloy fittings, it has an improved flow rate of 360 gallons per hour and uses popular ¾ inch garden-style fittings that are compatible with standard outdoor spigots.
This hose is highly durable, yet has excellent retractability for compact storage. It comes with a two-year warranty and a 90-day no-hassle return policy. You can also get this hose in a smaller length with a wand if you prefer.
Quick Stats
- Durable and lightweight
- Compact storage
- Multi-use
- 3/4″ couplings
- Satisfaction guaranteed
9. Valterra AquaFresh High-Pressure Drinking Water Hose
The Aquafresh high-pressure drinking water hose from Valterra is a camping necessity for your RV. This hose is suitable for high-pressure RV hookups and features Hi-Flow fittings and up to 160 PSI working pressure. Installation is also super easy with the included hose gripper.
The Aquafresh hose features pre-installed plastic hose savers that prevent kinks when attached to the spigot. In addition, each drinking water safe hose is constructed entirely of NSF-listed materials. One of the best things about this hose is that it is available in a variety of lengths and diameters so that you can customize it specifically for your needs.
Quick Stats
- Available in lengths from four to 50 feet
- Versatile Hi-Flow fittings
- Durable quality construction
- Easy installation
- Non-toxic
10. PIRIT Heated RV Hose
Pirit’s PWL-04-12 12FT heated hose series III is available in lengths of 12 or 25 feet with a diameter of 0.5-inches. The technical specifications for this heated hose are 90 watts, 0.75 amps, 120 volts, and 60 hertz. The hose is thermostatically controlled to self-regulate and automatically turns on at -45 degrees and turns off at over-50 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you need a longer hose, the series IV versions are available at 50 feet and a whopping 100 feet! All come with an 18-month manufacturer’s warranty for your peace of mind.
Quick Stats
- Tested down to -42 Fahrenheit
- Extremely durable
- 200 PSI
- 10Ft power cord
- 90 watts- electric
Closing Thoughts
Drinking water is crucial for hitting the highway and traveling across the country in a motorhome, RV, or camper. However, choosing the correct RV water hose is more challenging than choosing what snacks to pack. We have gathered everything you need to know about the best RV water hoses to help you find the right one for the job.
Interested in more plumbing parts for your RV? You may also like to check out these other great reviews:
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- Top 10 Best Portable Camping Toilets
- Top 10 Best Portable Waste Water Tanks
- Top 10 Best RV Sewer Hose Supports
- Top 10 Best RV Sewer Hoses
- Top 10 Best RV Sewer Tank Digesters
- Top 10 Best RV Shower Heads
- Top 10 Best RV Toilet Paper
- Top 10 Best RV Water Filters
- Top 10 Best RV Water Hose Pressure Regulators
