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If you use your RV for showering, washing dishes, and other related tasks, you need potable water. And in order to tap into that, a good RV water hose that fits onto your freshwater holding tank is critical. The best RV water hoses are durable, easy to use, and efficient. They are constructed of high-quality components and are designed to perform in both hot and cold temperatures. And before you think about it, no, you can't use common garden hoses with your RV because they aren't designed to be used for drinking water. So come along and check out our list of the best RV water hoses below.

Gilmour 50-Foot Marine and Recreation Drinking Water Hose

The Gilmour 50-foot drinking water hose features a five-layer construction design and weighs just under five pounds.

Camco 50-Foot TastePURE Drinking Water Hose

Check out the Camco drinking water hose as it’s UV stabilized and NSF certified.

Flexzilla 50-Foot Lightweight Drinking Hose

The Flexzilla 50-foot drinking water hose is extremely flexible and will not kink under pressure. Its lightweight design and construction make it a perfect addition to any RV.

Our selection of RV water hoses is based on their performance, durability, and price point. They are typically BPA-free as well as free of lead and phthalates. Another important feature for RV water hoses is that they remain kink-free; we looked for products that don't tangle when in use and are durable enough to withstand fluctuating temperatures. We chose products that are long-lasting but not too expensive, and we avoided those known to fail after a short period of use. 

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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The 50-foot Gilmour Marine and Recreation Drinking Water Hose is NSF certified, FDA compliant, weighs just under five pounds, and with a 300 PSI burst rating, you can hook it up to a high-pressure water system without any issues. This drinking water hose also features a protective outer layer that keeps both the hose, and whatever it happens to rub across, safe from damage. The outer layering also prevents the hose from kinking and tangling when it’s stored, and the standard hose connections fit most male and female connections.

The one flaw we found in Gilmour’s design centers upon the connection fitting. Where other brands exaggerate the shape of the connector for a better grip, Gilmour has chosen to keep it standard. This could cause a problem when trying to unscrew the hose while it's wet. However, the features of this 50-foot drinking water hose outweigh the flaws, making it our top pick overall.

We like the Camco TastePURE drinking water hose because it's lead-free, BPA-free, and phthalate-free, and it’s been NSF certified. It's made of PVC, is UV stabilized for durability, and it’s been reinforced to prevent kinks and tear damage. The easy-grip connector lets you quickly disconnect the hose when required, even if you’re working in wet conditions, and this 1-pound hose is 50 feet long with a 1/2-inch diameter, so there’s not a lot you can’t tackle.

The biggest drawback we found with this hose is that its exterior easily gets dirty because it's white. So, if you plan to color-code your hoses based on their particular application, you might want to choose a different method of doing so instead of color.

The Flexzilla flexible water hose is 50 feet long and features a distinctive, light green color that makes it easy to spot. It also checks all of the boxes on any camper’s list as it’s kink-free and lies flat when not in use, making it convenient and easy to use, as well as constructed of a special polymer blend that allows for all-weather flexibility, even in sub-zero temperatures. The anodized aircraft-grade aluminum ends are strong, the O-rings ensure a secure and leak-free connection, and it features an abrasion-resistant outer cover that is durable and built to last.

The biggest drawback we found with this RV water hose is that it gets dirty easily. While the green outer coating sets it apart from other hoses on the market, the Flexzilla hose is susceptible to darkening in color and should be stored properly when not in use.

The Aqua Joe Kink-Free Water Hose is available in 25-foot, 50-foot, and 100-foot options, all of which are up to 50 percent lighter than conventional water hoses. It’s also BPA-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free, and a durable, marine-grade fiber jacket surrounds a 5/8-inch flexible inner core that delivers plenty of water in a consistent flow. It maintains flexibility down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit and won’t twist or kink in the most rugged environments, going even so far as being crush-proof. 

It is also mildew-resistant and dries quickly, so you don’t have to handle a slippery, wet hose when it’s time to break camp. The hose is also equipped with heavy-duty metal endings that provide a leak-free connection. The one flaw we found in the design of this water hose is that the endings are hard to grip. However, this is a simple problem that can be solved by using a wrench or adding a quick-release adapter.

Camco makes our list again and for good reason: its products are top-notch. This 50-foot, heavy-duty boat and RV drinking water hose has a 5/8-inch internal diameter and is 20 percent thicker than the company's standard hoses. It features an anti-kink design with machined fittings and strain-relief ends, and it's UV stabilized for a longer lifespan. This PVC hose is also lead-free, BPA-free, phthalate-free, and NSF certified. It's American-made and the connections at both ends are high quality and don't leak. Plus, it maintains its flexibility even in cold weather.

One downside with this hose is that it's a little pricier compared to the company’s standard-duty model. However, it more than makes up for that due to its durability and long lifespan. Another issue is that it doesn’t have an easy-grip connector, so you may need to use a wrench to connect it to your RV.

You’ve got to be cautious about high-pressure water flow when you’re hooking your RV up to different water sources. Yet if you’re using the Valterra AquaFresh RV Drinking Water Hose, you can rest easy, as this RV water is constructed for those high-pressure situations. The 10-foot hose is engineered for up to 160 PSI and is made with non-toxic materials that are safe for drinking water. Plus, it’s super simple to work with and built with Hi-Flow fittings that suit all RVs, campers, and trailers, this hose also includes a handy hose gripper to make hook ups even easier.

The only real potential downside to this RV water hose is its short length. Its reach is limited compared to longer hoses, which might in turn limit its usefulness when you’re far from your hookup spot.

The SmartFlex RV Hose is a great option if you’re pretty rough on your hoses, or if you’re someone who tends to see a lot of wear and tear from your campsite environments. Made for solid durability over the long term, this hose features abrasion-resistant material, including an abrasion-fighting exterior cover along the entire length of the hose for better longevity. It’s constructed from a hybrid polymer blend, with an interior tube that’s drinking water safe. 

In addition to being nicely durable, this RV water hose is also nicely flexible and kink-free; it stays flexible even in cold weather, and the hose coils easily and lays flat without any memory that could lead to annoying kinks. Another cool feature? The ergonomic grip fitted on this hose, which helps you make tight, leak-free connections. However, we have a gripe with that grip and that is it doesn’t swivel, but just twists repeatedly in a way that can make it challenging to use. If you aren’t careful, the grip can sometimes unscrew itself completely.

If you’re tired of dealing with kinks and fighting your RV water hose, you’re going to like the lay-flat, easygoing style of the Teknor Apex NeverKink RV Water Hose. This hose is designed to make kinking a thing of the past, with a special (and patented) anti-kink design that prevents problems altogether. Made with FDA-sanctioned materials that are drinking water safe, this hose won’t twist, tangle, or cause you to fight with it as you coil or uncoil it. It’s all thanks to the Reflex Mesh built into the hose, which automatically self-straightens if it does get into a tangle or twisted.

A soft sleeve also helps prevent kinking right at the faucet. And if you’re concerned about leaks, you’ll like the ergonomic and leak-proof coupling, which makes tight faucet attachments easy. While the coupling on this hose is metal, it’s important to note that the inlet fitting is plastic. This makes that particular component less durable than others, which may pose problems after some wear and tear.

Our top pick for the best RV water hose is the Gilmour 50-Foot Marine and Recreation Drinking Water Hose. It’s great for your boat and your RV.

RV water hoses might seem like simple pieces of equipment, but each one is different in subtle ways. It’s those small differences that can set some hoses apart for their top-tier quality, but they can also make certain hoses a challenge to use. How can you tell which RV water hoses are worth their weight? We’ve got the tips and shopping advice you’re looking for.

Potable water hoses are drinking water hoses. Potable simply means that the water is safe for consumption. When the RV water hose specifies that it is for drinking or potable water, it is typically made from BPA-free materials. Potable RV water hoses can be found in a variety of lengths, from 15 to 50 feet. You’ll often find potable RV water hoses that are white in color.

Heated RV water hoses are a slight upgrade from the basic model. Rather than including just the hose, manufacturers also fit these products with a heating unit to keep the hose from freezing in low temperatures. Heated RV water hoses are a must in any northern climate where temperatures frequently drop below freezing. Paying a bit more for a heated RV hose can be helpful because when you do need that protection, you’ll thank yourself for not having to purchase an entirely new hose (particularly under emergency circumstances).

RV water hoses can be National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified or Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliant. These are features you might want to look for when purchasing an RV water hose as these hoses should be made of polyurethane instead of rubber or vinyl so that the water won’t pick up these tastes as it flows through the hose. RV water hoses should also be free of BPA, lead, and phthalates for a better drinking experience.

Water lines don’t flow when there’s a kink, so the best RV water hoses are built to resist any sort of blockage in the line. Though the best RV water hoses are flexible, they are also stout enough to keep their shape when rolled up so that you can be sure your line won’t kink.

If a water line breaks while you’re on an RV trip, it can be frustrating. To keep this from happening, invest in a durable RV water hose. This is especially important if you’re going to use the hose outside where it might scrape across rocks, debris, or other sharp objects. A durable RV water hose will also hold up in various warm, dry, and cold environments.

Not being able to unscrew your RV water hose can be a big problem, especially when you’re trying to (quickly) solve an issue. Not having the right fittings can be a huge pain as well. The best RV water hoses are standard in terms of fittings, from the inner diameter of the hose to the threading of both ends.

Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or don’t mind spending more on a premium product, you’ll find RV water hoses within just about every price point. Some hoses will run you less than $20 in total, and these hoses can offer good value if you need something that works without costing a whole lot. You’ll also find hoses priced between $21 and $40, which is where a lot of good mid-range and solid-quality products sit. And if you want a longer hose, specialized hose, or the top-of-the-line, you’ll spend $40 or more.

As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and RV water hoses. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!

Most garden hoses are heavy-duty and designed to withstand a variety of conditions. RV water hoses work in the same way but must be certified as drinking water safe. While it’s debatable if you should drink from a garden hose, you can be sure the water you drink from an RV water hose is safe.

Most freshwater hoses available today are anywhere from 6 to 50 feet in length. For your particular application, check your RV owner’s manual. If you’re replacing a water hose, you can also simply get the same or similar length.

You should periodically check your RV water hose just like you would with the other components of the RV. If there’s even a question of the hoses’ validity, replace it just in case. You don’t want to be on the road and find you have to cut your time short for repairs you could have avoided.

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