I recently got a new RV and with that needed to get a new water hose. I didn’t like the hose I had in my last RV, so I decided to do some research to find out what RV water hoses are the best in 2023.

Why an RV Specific Water Hose?

When I first started RV travel, I didn’t understand the importance of having a quality RV water hose. The used RV I purchased didn’t come with a water hose, so when I headed out for my very first RV trip, I just grabbed the garden hose from my backyard and called it good.

Until I got called out by the campers next to me. They knew I was new to RV travel, because I’d introduced myself to them. They let me know right away, my rookie mistake.  They kindly suggested I needed a proper RV water hose rated for drinking. They also suggested I get a water filter.

The experienced RVers explained to me that while we may have drank from the garden hose when we were kids, it wasn’t really a great thing to do, as the components that make up the hose can contain plastics and toxins that are harmful to your health. I certainly did not want to be add toxins to my drinking water!

When I returned home, I purchased this cheap, but drinking safe hose and used it for about a year until I realized its limitations. It was too stiff, leaked after a few months of use and took up a lot of space in my limited class B RV storage.

What to Consider When Choosing a RV Water Hose

When it came time to purchase my next hose, I did my research and knew I wanted something better, even if it cost a few more dollars. Wrestling with an unruly, leaky hose every day was no fun. These are the top things to consider when choosing a RV drinking water hose:

1. Drinking water safe

This is the number one consideration when looking to buy an RV water hose. Drinking safe means it does not contain harmful PVCs which are linked to cancer. Most filtration systems do not remove these harmful toxins. And even if they did, why would you want to bring them into your RV water system in the first place? Even if you don’t drink the water from your holding tank, there is no good reason to use a hose that will toxic residue into your RV.

In addition to the hose material, you’ll want to make sure the fittings are stainless steel or nickel to avoid lead and other metal contamination.

2. Flexible

Have you ever struggled to wrangle a garden hose after watering the lawn? Imagine having to do that every day as you move from campground to campground. Having an RV water hose that is flexible is important for use and storage. You won’t have to untangle it every time you go to use it or pull it out of storage.

3. Quality Connection ends

The quality of a RV water hose connection was not something I thought I about. That is until after leaving my RV water hose connected to a campground spigot for an extended period of time and I could not unscrew it. It’s almost like it became welded on there. Another RV hose I had leaked at the connections. The hoses we recommend in this list will have quality connections that will last, not leak and will be easy to attach and unattach.

4. Durability

The best RV water hoses are ones that will last. Campgrounds can be tough on hoses. They may get run over, dragged through gravel or dirt, be exposed to rain, sun and cold. You want to make sure your RV hose is made of materials that can withstand the kind of rugged lifestyle RVing and camping are.

5. Length

RV water hoses come in a variety of lengths. I recommend a 25-foot hose. Sometimes water connections can be farther than 25 feet, but that is not usual. In most situations you can get away with a 25-foot length. If you find yourself in a situation where you need more, you can always buy an additional length of hose.

6. Width or Diameter

The bigger the width of a hose, the more water will be able to flow through it. For better water pressure and flow, a large diameter hose works best. Most RV water hoses come in 5/8 or ½ inch. If low water pressure might be an issue, get the wider width, i.e. the 5/8 in.

7. Storage Space

Storage space is another thing to consider when purchasing an RV host. How much space does it take up when not in use? If you travel in a van or small RV, your storage space will be limited, especially outside storage where you can store a wet or dirty hose on travel days.

My Top Picks for the Best RV Water Hoses:

1. Teknor Apex Zero G

My number one recommendation and the hose that I ultimately ended up with after my research is the Teknor Apex Zero-G. I purchased a 25 foot ½ in diameter. The thing I love about this hose is that it is light weight and will fold or roll up for easy storage. Storage and durability were the two most important factors I chose when deciding on this hose, because I travel in a Class B RV and storage space is limited.  I’ve used it for a full year of camping and almost daily use and it’s held up well.

The water tastes great coming from this hose, although I do also use a water filter. The Teknor Apex Zero-G hose is flexible even in cold weather and is 40% lighter than vinyl hoses. It weighs just over 2lbs. Most other hoses weigh 4. It has a woven fiber outside layer that makes it easy to handle and resistant to abrasions and punctures. It also comes with a five-year warranty.  

The 25-foot length has served me well. But they also make a 50-foot length for places where the water source is further away from your RV. The Zero G hose is my top pick for a RV camping water hose.

Others agree. It’s highly rated in RV camping groups and with online retailers. I don’t think you can go wrong with the Teknor Apex Zero G RV and marine drinking water hose.

2. Flexzilla Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose

A few of my fellow camp hosts who are full time RVers love the Flexzilla hose. It’s a great choice for those in bigger rigs who have more storage space than I do in my small Class B van. The Flexzilla hose is sturdy and I actually like the connection ends of this hose better than the Zero G hose. They’re more comfortable on my hands and easier to turn.

One of the big selling points of this hose is that it’s flexible, even in cold temperatures. It is drinking water safe, of course.

This hose is easy to roll up. It is soft, flexible and very high quality. The ends are made from anodized aluminum, which is strong and crush resistant—for when you accidentally run over your hose with your trailer. The inner coating is mold resistant, which is important for when you need to store your hose in the off season. The inner O-rings create a tight seal that prevents it from leaking at the connection site.

Weight 3.64 lbs

3. Camco TastePURE Premium Drinking Water Hose

Camco is one of the top manufactures of RV equipment and accessories, so they it’s no surprise that they make a great durable drinking water hose specifically for RV use. This hose is durable and kink-free. It can be a bit harder to wrangle than my top two choices, but it makes up for that in durability. It is thicker and stronger than many  hoses on the market and the 35 foot version weighs just under 5lbs, so it’s a bit heavier than my other choices.

I do like that this hose comes in a 35 foot length, as well as 25 and 50. It is UV resistant, which is important if you’ve got your hose laying in the sun while hooked to the RV.

Taste is in the name the Camco TastePURE hose does deliver great tasting water that is free of lead, BPA, phthalates and other harmful materials.

I don’t necessarily love the wire coil on the end. This is helpful for keeping the hose from kinking at the connection site, but adds to the bulk and weight of this hose.

If durability is your top criteria for a drinking water hose, this is the hose for you.

4. BEAULIFE Metal Garden Hose

For something a little different, you might consider a stainless steel RV water hose. It’s durable, kink free and surprisingly lightweight at just 2.4lbs. The stainless steel is UV resistant, something that’s important if you spend a lot to time camping in warm climates or leave your hose laying in the sun. It’s puncture proof and great if you lay your hose on asphalt or concrete RV pads. As one user said “I like that it continually stays flexible and is easy to roll up and store in our Airstream. It does not take up a lot of space when storing. No issues what so ever. I have been using it over a year now.” I bet they also like that the sliver also matches their Airstream!

5. Best budget hose: Camco TastePURE drinking water hose

This is the original hose I bought when I first got my RV and it served me well for about two years. For its price, it’s a great value. It is, of course, drinking water safe.

The female end connection is plastic, which actually makes it easy to screw on and off, even with cold, wet hands. Or if, like me, your hands are getting a bit arthritic. Although I did not have any issues with my connections, it’s possible the plastic could break if dropped or run over.

It is sturdy and durable and the water tastes great coming from this hose. Like the others, it’s free from lead, BPA and phthalates, so it’s safe to drink from.

It’s not as flexible as some of the other hoses mentioned and can be difficult to coil in cold weather. It’s also takes up more space than some of the other hoses on the market, but weights just 2.8 lbs.

This is a great hose if you’re just starting out in RV travel, are a weekend warrior or have plenty of storage room in your RV.

6. SmartFlex RV/Marine Water Hose

Another great choice for a quality and safe drinking water hose is the SmartFlex RV/Marine Water hose. One of the stand out features of this hose is the large grip that makes it easy to get on and off your hook-up, even when your hands are cold and wet.

It features durable stainless steel ends that are easy to connect. While I love the big grippers that make it easy to connect, they are a bit bulky and take up more room in your RV than a regular hose. This hose does come with a 2 year warranty.

7. Best Heated Water Hose: Giraffe Tools Heated Water Hose

For times the temperatures get below freezing, a heated hose can come in handy. I really like this Giraffe tools 25-foot heated drinking water hose. It will protect your water from freezing down to -20 F. And frankly, who wants to be camping colder than that anyway! This hose comes with a GFCI protection that regulates the power to save you energy depending on the temperature.

Of course it is lead-free and drinking water safe.

RV Drinking Water Hose FAQs:

Do you need a special water hose for an RV?

Yes. Any water hose that is rated for drinking water would be good for use in your RV. The hose you use in your garden is likely not certified for drinking water, so you should make sure to get a designated drinking water hose.

How long should my RV drinking water hose be?

Your RV drinking water hose length will be determined by the kind of camping you do. Many places have hook-ups that are near to your RV. In that case, a 25 foot hose should suffice. If you camp often in places where the water spigot placement is far from where you park your RV, then you might consider at 50-foot hose. If storage space is not an issue, then you would be safe to get a 50-foot hose for your RV.

Are RV water hoses different?

Each RV drinking water hose will have different features and benefits. Some features to consider are strength, flexibility, weight and storage size, whether it kinks and what kind of connections is has. Also be sure the hose you buy is rated for drinking water.

Do I need a water pressure regulator?

Yes!

No matter what hose you use, make sure you also have a water pressure regulator for your RV. Plumbing in your RV is not the same as your home and cannot stand big surges in water pressure. Because RV parks and campgrounds are supplying water to so many rigs, the water pressure is often high to meet the demand of everyone’s water needs.

That’s why it’s important to regulate your own water pressure going into your rig. A water pressure regulator is a RV necessity.

I like this one because you can adjust the pressure to the recommended PSI for your particular rig.

More: Learn how I used an RV water hose to unclog a toilet!