Jalin's day job has been working as an HVAC professional but it's transitioning to full time writer and RVer.
- Best RV Ceiling Fan – Replace or Add a New Fan - August 5, 2022
- Best RV Windshield Covers for 2022 – Complete Guide - August 2, 2022
- Best RV WiFi Hotspot for Life on the Go - August 2, 2022
Last Updated on July 14, 2022 by Jessica Lauren Vine
When you go camping in an RV, you’re forced to leave behind many of the modern conveniences you’re used to living with. However, running water is one thing that you should never have to live without. Luckily, most campgrounds will have water spigots that you can connect to your RV through the use of a water hose.
The key to having consistent and reliable water is having a trustworthy RV water hose. There are a number of different types and sizes of hose to choose from, and many of them have different features. However, if you’re serious about making the most of your camping experiences, having one of the best RV water hoses on the market is a must.
If you’re in the market for a new water hose for your RV, camper, or travel trailer, you’ve come to the right place. This article will look at a few of the best water hoses on the market as well as how to make the right choice.
How to Choose the Best RV Water Hose
Before you can choose the best water hose for your RV, it’s important to know what qualities to look for in a hose. Contrary to what many people think, not all hoses are created equal. There’s a reason that water hoses have a wide price range, and it usually has to do with the material the hose is made of and its overall quality and durability. Here are the seven things to consider when purchasing an RV water hose.
Durability
The first thing to think about with a water hose is its durability. Water hoses aren’t the most expensive item you’ll have to purchase while RVing, but it starts to add up if you have to replace your hose every couple of weeks. In regards to durability, rubber is the material you should look for in a water hose.
Cleanliness and Safety
It’s important to make sure the water hose you’re planning to purchase is meant for drinking and consumption. This is vital because many of the water hoses at your local RV store or hardware store are meant for flushing or gardening and aren’t actually approved for drinking.
Length
Your water hose isn’t going to do a whole lot of good if it isn’t long enough to reach from your RV to the water hookup. Unfortunately, all campgrounds are different, and the distance you’ll have to stretch your hose isn’t always the same. To be on the safe side, you should look for a hose between 25 and 40 feet long.
Diameter
The diameter of the hose will determine how high the water pressure is when water reaches your RV. Before making your choice, you should inspect the hookup on your RV to determine what size hookup you’ll need. You can always get an adapter, but it’s easiest if you get the right size hose from the get-go.
Kink Vs. Non-Kink
Having a non-kinking hose isn’t a requirement, but it sure is nice. Non-kink hoses are usually more flexible than other types of hoses, and they often take less storage space. However, they’re also more expensive than normal hoses, so make sure you have room in your budget for one.
Budget
Finally, your budget will play a big factor in your final decision. RV water hoses can cost anywhere from $15 to over $100, depending on the quality and material of the hose. Remember, you’re going to have quite a few expenses for your RV accessories, so spend your money wisely.
The Best RV Water Hoses on the Market
Here is my breakdown of the best RV water hoses on the market.
Best Overall RV Water Hose
If you’re all about quality and don’t care about price, this is a great option for you.
Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose
"I keep buying this hose. I bought this 50ft hose and the 10ft hose also. I always buy these hoses. They last a long time. I like how they handle and they are big to let water come out with a lot of pressure and water. Remember to buy a good nozzle with your hose. You can have a good hose like this but a cheap bad nozzle will ruin quality of spray. Like all hoses you can't leave them out during the freezing weather unless you keep them well drained when they aren't in active use. That is true with almost all hoses. These hoses usually last me 2 to 3 years if I remember to keep them drained, which I do. Some have lasted longer than 4 years if I treat them right. The more you protect them from freezing with water in them the longer they last. Also mine usually lay in the shade when not in use. Keeping blistering sun of your hoses keeps them lasting longer also. Remember that folks!" - Victoria A.
No matter which “best RV water hose” blog you look at, there’s a good chance that the Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose will be at the top of the list. Camco is one of the industry leaders when it comes to RV accessories, and their water hoses are no different. It’s available in 25’, 35’, and 50’ lengths and in several different diameter sizes.
The Camco water hose is made of premium rubber and is 20% thicker than most of its competitors. It’s designed for durability and practicality, as it’s non-kinking and surprisingly flexible. To ensure maximum safety, this hose is also BPA-free and doesn’t contain lead or other heavy metals. Additionally, the hose is UV-resistant for sun protection.
Pros
- UV-resistant to the suns rays
- Non-kinking
- Extremely durable but affordable
- Lead, BPA, and heavy metal free
- Extra thick exterior for added durability and strength
Cons
- Because of the extra thickness, the hose is slightly bulky
- Tends to get stiff in cold weather
Runner Up for Best RV Water Hose
If you want another option when it comes to RV water hoses then check this next hose out.
Teknor Apex Never Kink
"This hose finally solved my problem. My top criteria was a hose that did not kink and the name says it all. The hose itself feels soft and supple and I leave mine outside in the california weather. I use it for my garden since it does not have any chemicals that can leach out.
The PREVIOUS hose I had I totally HATED because i would end up fighting and stretching it just to get it where I needed it to go then when I finally did it had more than 1 kink along the way and stopped the water flow.
I couldnt take it anymore so I switched to this brand and I am ecstatic and can whole hardheartedly recommend this hose to any gardeners out there. No kinks at all as the name says and it is easy to roll up. I am actually going to buy a longer one next." - Noe
Teknor is a brand that isn’t quite as popular as Camco, but they’re very reliable and have a reputation for producing quality but affordable products. The Teknor Apex Never Kink hose is designed specifically to be anti-kink no matter how badly you use and abuse it. This hose has the ability to resist tangles and twists that other hoses are prone to.
It’s available in a variety of diameters and lengths, but the 25’ ½” is the most popular choice. The Teknor is made of anti-microbial rubber, which makes it safe for drinking and one of the best overall RV water hoses on the market. It’s also great for storage because of how tightly you can wrap this hose up.
Pros
- One of the best hoses for non-kinking
- Made of anti-microbial materials
- Very affordable
- GripTight connectors for easy hookup to your RV and the campground spigot
Cons
- Not as durable as other hoses
Best Budget-Friendly RV Water Hose
If you don’t want to spend too much money, here is a good water hose option for your RV.
Aqua Joe Pro
"I decided to buy a couple of these hoses for the motorhome because they're easier to store, lighter to carry and just as tough as the white water-hoses that's normally sold at RV supply centers. The Aqua-Joe is a tough little hose. It also does not have the chemicals that are found to be unhealthy to consume, so that makes this hose much better for us to use on our RV expeditions. Do yourself a favor and ditch the heavy old-school hose that wears out and kinks and is a pain to coil and store. Move to one of these guys and make a part of your camping voyage just a little more easy to manage." - Wise G.
Neither of the water hoses we’ve looked at are overly expensive, but they typically cost between $30 and $40. If you want to spend $20 or less on your water hose, check out the Aqua Joe Pro. The Aqua Joe Pro is a nifty little water hose that’s made of rubber but is extremely flexible and malleable. It takes up very little storage space but can be prone to kinking if you’re not careful.
While the Aqua Joe Pro isn’t perfect, it’s easily the best $20 water hose that you can buy for your RV. Its flexibility and versatility make it an excellent option, and it meets all the necessary FDA standards to be deemed safe for drinking water. It’s also very lightweight and is available in anywhere from 25’ to 100’ lengths.
Pros
- Excellent hose if you’re tight on storage space because of how compact it is
- Flexible and malleable
- Can handle high water pressures
- Very affordable
- Surprisingly durable in spite of the price
Cons
- Prone to kinking and tangling
- Connectors can be difficult to work with
Best Premium RV Water Hose
If you want a premium RV water hose, this is a great option.
Gilmour Marine and Recreation Hose
"I have had to buy a new one each year. For some reason - someone keeps stealing my hose - this is my fourth attempt - i should probably also buy a security camera. I love this hose - its lightweight and easy to coil and manage, and isn't so expensive (unless you have to buy one per year.)" - J.M.
If you’ve got plenty of money in your budget and feel like splurging on a premium water hose, look no further than the Gilmour Marine and Recreation hose. This hose costs nearly twice as much as many of the other hoses on this list, but for a good reason. It’s built for durability and is meant to last infinitely longer than the average hose.
For added durability, there are five different layers of materials that go into the hose’s construction. This extra thickness also makes it capable of handling up to 300 psi, which is more than enough for most campgrounds. Additionally, users of this hose have nothing but good things to say about the easy-to-use connectors.
Pros
- Connectors are durable and easy to use
- One of the most durable RV water hoses on the market
- Five-layer construction that few other hoses use
- Can handle water up to 300 psi
Cons
- A little on the pricey side
Best Heated RV Water Hose
If you’re going to be in a cold climate, you need to make sure you have a good heated water hose.
NoFreeze Water Hose
If you’re planning on doing some camping during the fall, winter, or spring months, you’ll need a hose that doesn’t freeze. While you have the option of wrapping any water hose with special tape or insulation to keep it from freezing, the NoFreeze Water Hose will do that all on its own. In fact, it’s designed to handle temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, which is probably way colder than anything you’ll ever camp in.
The NoFreeze Water Hose is completely safe for drinking and consumption and is by far the most durable anti-freeze water hose on the market. It’s made in the USA by a business that’s family owned and operated and is designed with military-grade materials. No matter what kind of weather you plan to get into, the NoFreeze Water Hose will keep a steady stream of water flowing to your RV.
Pros
- The best all-around RV water hose on the market.
- Can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees F
- One of the most durable water hoses on the planet
- Comes with the heating element included
Cons
- Very expensive
Conclusion
There are a lot of different directions you can go when picking your water hose. You can be cheap and plan on replacing it every so often, or you can go all-out on a $250 hose that you can use year-round and probably for the rest of your life. Which hose you purchase and how much you spend on it is up to you. Just make sure to choose one that’s safe for drinking, fits your budget, and will keep your RV supplied with water. Happy camping!
Before you head off, make sure you check out these other great RV-related articles.
Best Wireless Backup Camera for RVs
