Finding a hose that’s an appropriate length is only the start, as there are several other considerations to bear in mind, but unless you’re a plumber or have been using RVs for a long time, you might not know where to begin.
Having conducted all of the necessary research for you, we’ve put together a list of the best hoses for use with an RV, all certified safe for drinking, each suited to a variety of needs and budgets.
When you’d rather have the knowledge yourself, have a look at our Buyer’s Guide,w which breaks down all of the necessary features a quality drinking hose for your RV should have, and why.
Answers to the most popular queries from customers also seeking a new hose have been provided in the FAQS section, collating all of the information you need into one clear, concise article that will certainly quench your thirst. Have a nice trip!
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
Camco 35ft Premium Water Hose
- Affordable prices no matter which length
- Blue in color to differ from your sanitation hoses
- Anti-kink design, thicker than standard
- 100% safe drinking water
Drinking Water Hose – Top Model Compared
| Image | Product | Technical Spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
OUR TOP PICK
|
Camco 35ft Premium Water Hose |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
EDITOR’S CHOICE
|
Flexzilla Garden Hose – Drinking Water Safe |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
BEST VALUE
|
BEAULIFE Short Metal RV Hose |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
RUNNER UP
|
Gilmour Marine And Recreation Drinking Water Safe Hose |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
RUNNER UP
|
Legacy Manufacturing SmartFlex RV/Marine Hose |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Top 5 Best Drinking Water Hose For RV
1. OUR TOP PICK: Camco 35ft Premium Water Hose
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You’ll notice that Camco hoses have absolutely flooded the market – we could have made our whole list with them! – and for good reason, which is why we’ve highlighted this one as our top pick for RV owners in a hurry. If you want a quality item, then this is the best drinking water hose that we’ve come across.
Completely safe for drinking water, it’s lead, BPA and phthalate-free, which means not only can you drink (and let your family drink) from this hose with peace of mind, but there won’t be that strong, plasticky taste to contend with either.
Customers can choose between four, ten, twenty-five, thirty-five and fifty feet in length, so there’s sure to be a hose that fits your RV here, all of them being heavy-duty and around twenty percent thicker than your average hose.
Both the machined fittings and strain-relief ends have been reinforced for added durability, and the hose itself has been UV-stabilized for a longer lifetime, produced from materials certified by the NSF.
With evidence to demonstrate compliance with every federal and state level low-lead law, as well as the CSA low lead content as certified in accordance with the NSF, it’s safe for all of the family, as well as being strong.
Pros
- Affordable prices no matter which length
- Blue in color to differ from your sanitation hoses
- Anti-kink design, thicker than standard
- 100% safe drinking water
Cons
- Users find uncoiling and coiling becomes more difficult after use
2. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Flexzilla Garden Hose – Drinking Water Safe
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Ranging from three to a hundred feet in length, these luminous green hoses from Flexzilla are great for RV use, built from a distinctive polymer blend for extreme, all-weather flexibility, no matter how cold.
Thanks to an abrasion-resistant outer coating and crush-resistant anodized aluminum fittings (of aircraft quality), this hose is extremely durable, always ready to work, and withstands more than average pressure.
The hybrid polymer blend also means it doesn’t kink under pressure, always laying flat whilst in use and easy to coil when finished; it’s a breeze to store when you’re finished, and it won’t take ages to take out again, either!
As it’s lead-free, it’s entirely safe to use as drinking water, and each hose boasts superior O-rings to ensure a life-long, leak-free connection that minimizes waste and keeps you sipping for longer.
Although it’s made to last, the Flexzilla hose is much lighter than your average garden hose (the 50ft model being only 8lb!) making it easy to carry, especially when it comes to water sources that are a little higher to reach.
Pros
- Bright green – you’ll never lose it!
- Drinking water safe, lead-free
- Flexible, leakproof, durable design
- Withstands freezing temperatures
Cons
- Pricier than our other choices
3. BEST VALUE: BEAULIFE Short Metal RV Hose
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Constructed of premium 305 stainless steel, this non-standard metal hose from BEAULIFE can be picked up at lengths between one and a hundred feet, and is guaranteed to last longer than its competitors.
A flexible, hybrid polymer inner tubing means your water is entirely drinking water safe, free of lead, BPA and phthalates for a great tasting, refreshing beverage every time, which is both reassuring and necessary!
Ultra-sturdy but lightweight, it’s kink and puncture-resistant, weatherproof and resistant to damage from UV, so there’ll be no flow stoppages and very few knots you’ll have to untangle if any at all!
Boasting a wider diameter than other metal hoses you’ll find on the market, you might expect less water pressure, but you’ll find that thanks to the inner tubing’s stability, it’s great to use with supplies of both low and high pressure!
Offering a 12-month warranty that offers 100% customer satisfaction or your money back, BEAULIFE are promising a leaf-free experience or a full refund, so even if you’re not satisfied, there won’t be a problem.
Pros
- Tangle-resistant, premium stainless steel construction
- Free of all nasties and 100% drinking water safe
- Lightweight yet incredibly sturdy
- Maximum pressure despite a wider size
Cons
- Should not be left in the sun!
4. RUNNER UP: Gilmour Marine And Recreation Drinking Water Safe Hose
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Five layers of construction on this classic white hose from Gilmour, fifty feet long and half an inch wide, make it great for use in RVs of any size, big or small and able to withstand external abrasions with ease.
Having been tested and certified by the NSF, you know it’s up to scratch, as well as being drinking water safe and free of any lead, BPA or phthalates, and thanks to a protective cover, it won’t mark or damage your surfaces.
Rigorously tested to confirm resistance to kinks and scuffs, burst-proof strength and quality connections, it should serve you well for years to come, with ergonomic couplings that make connection and disconnection quick and simple.
Designed to feel natural in your hand and offer control to direct your water wherever you want it at the correct pressure, Gilmour hoses have been in production for over 50 years and are a trusted manufacturer you can rely on.
With a lifetime warranty included as part of every purchase, you should experience full satisfaction, but if you don’t, it’s more than easy to replace your hose or receive a refund if you want one.
Pros
- Drinking water safe, chemical free
- Distinctive white color
- Reinforced, ergonomic connections
- Quality tested in all areas
Cons
- May kink more than other hoses
5. RUNNER UP: Legacy Manufacturing SmartFlex RV/Marine Hose
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You can pick this hose from Legacy Manufacturing up in two widths and two lengths, and whichever of the four options you go for is guaranteed drinking water safe, free of lead and great for stocking up your RV’s water, from the makers of Flexzilla!
Resistant to cold weather and extremely flexible from -20 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, it doesn’t matter where you’re going or what time of year it is, your hose will be easy to uncoil and ready to go when you need it.
An abrasion-resistant outer cover made from hybrid polyer is element resistant, weather-proof and extremely durable, great for those longer journeys between the water supply and your RV, and it won’t swell or burst.
You’ll find this hose has zero memory when you coil, laying flat once unravelled but extremely easy to wrap up again, so storage is problem-free and there’ll be no tangles or hassles when it’s time to detangle.
Thanks to a female swivel grip connection, swivelgrip action allows your hose to turn freely, connecting to spigots and other attachements is easy and leak-free, thanks to an ergonomic design that makes plugging in and pulling out a breeze.
Pros
- Hybrid polymer blend is kink resistent
- Flexible even in cold weathers
- Completely drinking water safe
- Unique striped design
Cons
- Hose connector is plastic so may not be durable enough for some users
Helpful Information to Choose the most Suitable RV Drinking Water Hose
Like we said, simply being long enough to suit your RV does not a suitable hose make – you need to think about more than you might have guessed for such a simple piece of equipment. Such as…
Safe For Drinking Water
Your primary concern when picking out a new hose is, of course, that it’s safe to drink water from, free of lead, and complying with the standards established by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in order to receive certification.
Likewise, for the optimum taste experience, your hose should also be free of phthalates and BPA, or Bisphenol-A, which are commonly used in flexible plastics, and can be harmful to children if consumed in large quantities.
Manufacturers will clearly state that their hoses are drinking water safe and link to their certification; it’s illegal to claim that your product is safe if it’s not, so if you don’t see those words, don’t buy!
Length
Coming in second on your tick list is selecting an appropriate length for your hose, and you’ll find they’re available in a wide range of measurements appropriate for all recreational vehicles and motor homes.
As long as it can connect your RV to the supply of water without becoming taut and strained, impacting your pressure and gradually wearing your hose out, then you’ll be fine – compact, easy-to-store hoses are ideal for space-saving.
If you’d rather it be longer than you need, that’s more than fine – nothing wrong with being on the safe side, after all! – but be sure you have plenty of room to keep it safe and separate from your sewage hoses!
Tangle-Free
Those who have ever spent hours detangling their backyard hoses, experiencing the extreme frustration and potential damage this can cause, you’ll know how important that a hose which will not kink can be. The best hoses for water drinking are always tangle-free and easy and quick to store when not in use.
Not only is it irritating when it comes time to use the hose after storage, only to find it’s kinked and knotty, but continued undoing of knots can stretch your hose and lead to rips and tears if you’re not careful.
You’ll also find that your RV’s water lines aren’t going to flow properly if there are too many kinks, the best hoses you can get maintain flexibility whilst remaining rigid enough to minimize problem areas.
Wrapping well after use and storing in a lidded container is preferred by many, and some hoses are even designed to self-coil or lend themselves to storing easily, so if you’re especially impatient, pick out one of those.
Flexibility
Although it’s not incredibly important to have a bendy hose, you’ll find that if you need to hook it up to a water supply that navigates twists and turns, it’ll be much easier if the hose is naturally able to flex.
This means you’ll have access to your H2O more quickly, at the correct pressure, and you’re also less likely to encounter a blockage or a burst as a result of poor water flow, so it’s higher on the list of priorities than you might think!
Temperature Resistance
Whether you live somewhere really hot, very cold or are planning to travel between climates, your hose’s ability to withstand high or low temperatures is important, especially for regularly leaving it connected.
If it can’t withstand colder temperatures, you’ll find it becomes very stiff, which makes uncoiling for use far more difficult than it should be, and leaves you vulnerable to kinks, which are not useful.
Any hotter than your hose can bear, and it’ll melt – this is especially important if you’re planning on running hot water through your hose as part of your sanitisation process, as some cannot handle boiling temperatures.
Look for a hose that promises to bear up in all weather conditions, no matter what your original intentions for use are – maybe you’ll plan to drive across the Arizona desert, or take your RV cross country to snowy Canada!
A range of around -20 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit should be more than suitable for any and all conditions, but there’s nothing wrong with a wider margin to be on the safe side.
Poorly manufactured hoses are likely to freeze up or succumb to the heat even if they promise not to, so always check the customer reviews to be sure before committing to your purchase, just in case.
Pressure
Typical hoses will have standard water pressure, delivering it to you at whatever speed the source offers, but others can be tailored to have a higher or lower pressure depending on your needs or preferences.
Whilst you probably won’t mind how fast your water shoots out as long as you can drink it in a timely manner, if you’re planning to use the same hose for rinsing, cleaning, or washing dishes, being able to achieve a higher pressure can help.
Storage
Lacking in space for storage? It’s probably for the best that you don’t invest in a fifty-foot hose, in that case! Picking out a hose you’ll be able to store properly without accumulating knots, tangles, or kinks is a good idea.
Likewise, if you only need a 25-foot hose to comfortably attach your RV to a supply of water without strain, what’s the point in wasting time and space carefully storing an additional 25 feet you don’t actually need?
Trust us: save yourself time, energy and frustration by ensuring the hose you choose is the right length. Think Goldilocks on this one: not too long, not too short, but juuuuuuuuuust right.
Proper Fitting
When it comes to your hose’s connector, you want one that both creates a tight enough seal to prevent leakage, but not so tight that it’s absolutely impossible to unscrew when you’re done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a garden hose for my RV?
Unless your hose has been specifically certified as safe for drinking water, then you absolutely should not use it for your RV’s supply, as not only can it introduce poor-smelling and tasting chemicals into your water, but it’ll make you sick, too.
However, if your plan on simply using the hose to rinse out your tanks, a standard garden variety is fine, just make sure that your cleaning hose and drinking hose are different colors and stored separately to avoid contamination or confusion!
Why is hose water bad for you?
When hoses haven’t been produced for the purpose of water consumption, they’re usually made from PVC, which uses lead as its stabilizer: this lead can leech into the water of your hose, posing a serious threat to your health.
At best, it’ll make you feel nauseous and you’ll spend a few days throwing up. At worst, it can cause birth defects in babies, damage your reproductive system or even lead you to develop cancer.
The convenience of swigging from the hose that isn’t drinking-water safe is not at all worth the potential side effects, so we really recommend avoiding this – especially in children, as it can seriously halt brain development. For peace of mind, it’s safer to buy and use a drinking water hose, rather than one for gardens or cleaning.
Camco 35ft Premium Water Hose
- Affordable prices no matter which length
- Blue in color to differ from your sanitation hoses
- Anti-kink design, thicker than standard
- 100% safe drinking water
