The 8 Best RV Water Hoses: System-Ready and Drinking-Safe! (Buyer’s Guide)

Howdy, my H-2-bros! Looking for the BEST RV water hose for your rig? Well, I can’t blame you.

Nobody needs an H-2-Oh-No out on the road!

RV-specific water hoses are one of those pieces of gear people question. Can’t I just use any old hose?

Nay! You cannot. Not unless you like taking your chances with cancer-inducing chemical leakage. While mileage always varies, one thing remains true: standard garden hoses are NOT safe for water consumption.

So, I’ve scoped the market through the lens of my years of motorhome-adventuring experience. All in all,  I’ve narrowed it down to the 8 BEST RV water hoses fit for different travel needs. And the best of the best?

The Camco TastePURE Premium Drinking Water Hose. Merging top-shelf design with serious affordability, it’s a no-brainer choice for a savvy shopper.

But how about those other seven hoses? Well, whether you need cheap, multi-use, or straightforward storage, there’s a hose in here for everyone. Let there be no more deliberating…

It’s time to H-2-Go-Go-Go!

Why an RV-Specific Water Hose?

Ever tasted water that’s been sitting in a regular garden hose? Blech! 

RV-specific hoses are custom-made to ensure your drinking water is clean and safe for consumption. Even in the case of using a hose for utility purposes (such as dishwashing), RV hoses still ensure chemical-free water. Regular hoses can easily leak chemicals into your water supply – no buneo! 

Moreover, RV water hoses are built for the trials and tribulations of the road. They’re more durable, kink-resistant, and generally have more robust temperature gradings for holding up in various camping climates. Plus, they’re more flexible and intended for easier storage in the tight living spaces of a motorhome.

Think of RV-safe toilet paper. You might not think you need it. But one blocked septic tank out in the middle of the desert later and you’ll be changing your tune!

Must-have RV gear is designed for the nuances of RVlife, and a hose is no different. Any chances you take on less nuanced gear are ultimately only going to serve as a detriment to all the shenanigans ahead.

What to Consider When Choosing a Water Hose for Your RV

Yay, factors and specs!

Like all good gear, choosing the right piece is crucial. Let’s dive into the key factors you need to consider before buying an RV water hose.

Is it Drinking Water-Safe?

First and foremost, the hose MUST be drinking water-safe. Regular garden hoses can leak chemicals into their supply. 

Look for hoses labeled as BPA-free and NSF-certified. Lead-free and phthalate-free should also be high on your list, though most hoses in the 2020s should be lead-free by default.

Is it Flexible?

Flexibility is another big drawcard. A stiff hose is a pain to maneuver and even more painful to store. RV hoses are generally designed with much higher flexibility, but it’s a tradeoff too. Too much flexibility sacrifices durability.

I would say first gauge what your storage option is for your hose as well as how big of a hose you’ll need. Then make a choice regarding flexibility vs durability from there.

The Hose’s Length and Size

As they say, measure twice, and cut once. Make sure you’re getting a hose just the right length for your RVing needs.

Too short, and you’ll struggle to hook up to far-away water sources at budget, long-stay RV parks where amenities can be more inconvenient. Too long, and you’re dealing with unnecessary bulk. A 25-50-foot hose is usually the sweet spot for most RV setups. If you’re concerned, you can always buy an extensible hose with the option to connect to other hoses of the same model.

The Hose’s Connections and Fittings

Do not overlook the quality of the hose’s end connections and fittings. Cheap plastic fittings will crack and leak over time. 

It’s much better to get hoses with solid brass or stainless steel fittings. They’re way more durable and provide better sealing, saving you from unexpected disasters.

Overall Durability

Durability is key for literally any RV gear. Your hose needs to withstand constant use and exposure to the elements. 

Look for reinforced hoses that resist wear and tear. Also, check temperature ratings. I’ve seen some mighty impressive ranges for even more general RV water hoses. 

Oh! And UV resistance will go a long way too.

The Diameter of the Hose

Width, or rather the inner diameter of the hose, affects water flow. A 5/8-inch diameter hose strikes a good balance between flow rate and flexibility. It’s by far the most standard diameter and also what all the hoses on this list feature.

Is it Easy to Store?

Finally, consider your RV’s available storage space and how to make the most of what you have. RVing is all about maximizing limited space. 

Look for a hose that coils compactly or comes with a freebie storage bag. Alternatively, get your own storage bag! Either way, storage bags are a hard yes.

The 8 Best Water Hoses for RVing Reviewed

Well, now that you know what you’re looking for, here’s something to look at! Presenting, the 8 BEST RV drinking hoses.

We have hoses emphasizing durability… Flexibility… Versatility… It just depends on what you like!

But where else can we start than at the beginning? What’s the absolute #1 best water hose for RVing…?

Best Overall

1. Camco TastePURE Premium Drinking Water Hose

• Diameter: 5/8″
• Material: PVC
• Weight: 1 lb

Coming in at first place is the Camco TastePURE Premium Hose. Camco is a beloved outdoor recreation brand. This premium RV hose from their product line earns the top spot for its perfect merger of quality and affordability.

First up, the hose is 100% safe and will be for a long time to come. It hits all the markers of a high-quality PVC drinking hose:

• NSF-certified
• Lead-free
• BPA-free
• And phthalate-free

With ratings like that and the durability of a Camco product, you won’t have to worry about degradation or chemical leakage. Moreover, the hose’s reinforced construction also maximizes its kink resistance. 

This robustness does come with a downside. While it’s not the toughest hose on this list, neither is it the most lightweight and pliable. Set-up, pack-up, and storage can all offer a bit of difficulty. Additionally, it lacks any cold resistance so it’s not equipped for RVing in winter conditions (but we have hoses that re further down the list).

But that’s the price you pay for rigor! And otherwise, the price is cheap! Ultimately, the Camco TastePURE is a solid all-rounder and a very affordable one too.

Don’t H-2-forgo the price. Invest in the Camco TastePURE Premium Hose and let your hydration horrors begone.

Best Splurge

2. Kohree RV Water Hose

• Diameter: 5/8″
• Material: Rubber
• Weight: 7.6 lbs

Robust is good, but how about rugged? Try the Kohree RV Water Hose! Made from a 3-layer premium hybrid polymer, this hose snakes in with even more durability than the Camco without sacrificing flexibility!

However, what sets this hose apart is its truly impressive temperature grading. It can handle extremes ranging from -4°F all the way up to 176°F. While the Kohree isn’t equipped with full anti-freeze protection, it’s still a steal of a splurge purchase for all-season travelers.

Much like the Camco Premium, it’s still one of the bulkier hoses on this list. Despite retaining a lot of flexibility, it’s still not the easiest for storage – especially at a whopping 50 feet in length.

But that’s just hose for days. And what a hose! The Kohree worthy investment in longevity and reliability, particularly for RVers who have found their ideal state for long-term living and are residing full-time in their rigs. It’s enough footage for just about any scenario or setup even comes with a free storage bag!

With this much top-tier hosing on hand, no water source is out of reach.

Best Budget

3. Camco TastePURE Drinking Water Hose

• Diameter: 5/8″
• Material: PVC
• Weight: 1 lb

What if we took Camco’s premium hose offering and halved the price? Why, we’d have the best budget RV hose, of course!

Functionally speaking, it’s not oodles different from their premium model. It’s got the same drink-safe ratings. The same terrific brand and customer support. It’s even got the same diamond-hatch kink resistance.

So why the cheaper price? Well, it’s just not quite as durable.

Camco’s premium hose offers about 200% extra thickness in the hose’s construction. Plus, personally, I’d say the fittings are just better designed. You’re paying 50-60% less, but the result is a hose with a shorter overall lifespan.

And that choice is entirely up to you! As far as budget drinking hoses go, Camco’s standard model is spot-on. I’d say if you’re already rocking a great built-in system with one of the best RV water pumps and don’t often use external hook-ups, this is the perfect cost-effective solution.

Otherwise, if product lifespan and withstanding all the ravages of the road are the priorities, I’d recommend shelling out for Camco’s premium model or paying a little extra bit for the Kohree.

Best Heated

4. Giraffe Tools Heated Water Hose

• Diameter: 5/8″
• Material: Hybrid polymer
• Weight: 19.7 lbs

Now, while the Kohree’s temperature rating was mighty impressive, it will never match the anti-freeze capabilities of a heated water hose. Introducing the Giraffe Tools Heated Water Hose!

Outdoing the Kohree by nearly eightfold, this winter warrior is rated down to -31°F. It does so through a very ingenious combination of winning design choices:

• A 5-layer reinforced polymer structure
• A 120V heating system 
• And a self-regulating external thermostat

These features combine to ensure that your water stays flowing even in the harshest winter conditions. (I.e., one of the most crucial steps to winterize your RV.)

The caveat here is that such a rugged hose takes rugged construction. All in all, this thing weighs nearly 20 pounds! Plus, adding a thermostat and electricity to your hose just adds a whole other dimension of management.

But, realistically, this is to be expected for a heated drinking hose. Giraffe Tools provides the ultimate solution for freezing temperatures. For any and all cold-weather adventurers, this hose is a game changer and a must-have.

Best Metal

5. BEAULIFE Metal Garden Hose

• Diameter: 5/8″
• Material: Stainless steel
• Weight: 2.4 lbs

When durability is a top priority, BEAULIFE’s Metal Hose is the way to go. Built from solid stainless steel, this hose is virtually indestructible. 

Of course, it’s kink resistant. But not satisfied with the standard, BEAULIFE has also gone on to design a hoser that is puncture and damage-resistant. Realistically, it’s even dog chew-resistant, making it a perfect choice for pet owners!

Moreover, the metal construction further enhances its lifespan by warding off breaks, cracks, or corrosion. Plus, if you ever end up needing a longer hose, this one is expandable. Just buy another BEAULIFE unit and they’ll connect up easy-peasy!

While the hose’s durability is impressive, its metal nature can make storage tricky. Also, while not as heavy as the Giraffe Tools, it’s still on the heavy side for a hose compared to the Camco models.

However, if you’re looking for a hose that can withstand just about anything, the BEAULIFE is the one for you. It’s the only metal hose on the list too. So if rubber, PVC, or polymer just ain’t doing the trick, why not try something a little different? 

Best Durability

6. SmartFlex RV/Marine Water Hose

• Diameter: 5/8″
• Material: Hybrid polymer
• Weight: 2.7 lbs

Boatlife is like the RV lifestyle, except dialed up to eleven. As someone once told me… “The ocean is always trying to kill you and break all your stuff”.

So if a hose is also tailored for marine adventures, you know it’s durable! Constructed from a hybrid polymer blend, this hose is designed to withstand the harshest conditions, be it on land or at sea.

As such, it’s naturally been reinforced for kink resistance. But what really sets the SmartFlex apart is its abrasion-resistant outer cover. This gives it much firmer resistance to the elements, including brine. It’s perfect for RV and boat enthusiasts alike.

The drawback here is less a matter of quality and more a matter of compatibility. While the rest of the hoses on this list feature standardized 3/4-inch fittings, the SmartFlex instead opts for 1/2-inch ends. This might be perfect for you, but otherwise, I’d suggest keeping some adapters on hand.

But besides that, it’s a top-notch hose ready for the road. And if the compatibility factor is a non-issue, then you’re looking at a meaty model that will stay with you for a long time. Plus, if you enjoy boating, then you’ve essentially bought two for the price of one!

Best Storage

7. Teknor Apex Zero G

• Diameter: 5/8″ 
• Material: Vinyl
• Weight: 2.1 lbs

Right. So there’s been a lot of talk of difficult-to-store hoses. The solution? The Zero-G from Teknor Apex.

For anyone low on storage space in their rig, the Zero G is a game-changer. This hose is lightweight, compact, and extremely flexible. Boasting to be 40% lighter than comparable hoses, it’s easy to coil and store no matter the size of your motorhome, from the smallest Class A RVs all the way down to humble campervans.

Despite this, the Zero-G doesn’t skimp on durability. It features an abrasion and puncture-resistant outer cover for maximum longevity. Could I say it’s the perfect balance of size and strength? I could and I will!

Now be warned that this also has the same 1/2-inch fitting issue as the SmartFlex. Admittedly, I’ve also seen more reports of minor kinking with the Zero-G than other hoses on this list. That would make sense considering its compact nature and more flexible design. 

But realistically, it’s a small price to pay for the convenience of easy storage in the tight spaces of RVlife. Really, if storage space is a premium in your motorhome, the Zero-G is a fantastic solution. Its compact, flexible design ensures you can always find room for it. 

And really, after Tetrising my setup with so many essentials over the years, space-saving is one of my top priorities.

Best Versatility

8. Flexzilla Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose

• Diameter: 5/8″ 
• Material: Hybrid Polymer
• Weight: 3.8 lbs

So if the SmartFlex offers a two-in-one solution for the boatlife, here’s one for your home life!  This hose is designed for a range of uses, and it’s drink-safe too. It’s a fantastic option for both RV and general garden use, equally capable of watering your petunias as it is supplying your rig’s on-board toilet fixture.

As far as garden variety hoses go, this one ain’t no slacker! Its flexible hybrid polymer design ensures lightweight and kink-free use. It’s also abrasion-resistant and features anodized aircraft-grade aluminum ends. This makes Flexzilla a perfect choice for weekend warriors who want a hose that can handle both on-road adventures and at-home gardening tasks.

Unlike the Zero-G, it’s definitely back to bulky and challenging storage. The Flexzilla is also heavier than I would expect a garden hose to be. But that added heavy-duty factor is probably for the best if you’re taking it on the road.

Ultimately, while this hose isn’t specifically made for RVs, its rugged build makes it a versatile choice fit for the job. Honestly, you could probably even take it on a boat! (At least in short capacities.)

At the end of the day, if a hose is just a hose to you, then I suggest multifunctionality. Truly, this is the one hose to rule them all.

FAQs About RV Water Hoses

You would be surprised how many technical questions are asked about hoses! So for all you curious cats out there, here are your answers.

What Are Folding, Collapsing, and Shrinking Hoses?

Folding, collapsing, and shrinking hoses are purposefully designed for easier storage and handling. They expand when filled with water and shrink back down when empty, making them a fantastic accessory for RVing over standard hoses. 

They’re typically lightweight and flexible, and less prone to kinking as a result. However, durability can be quite variable, so look for high-quality materials and read those customer reviews!

How Often Should I Replace an RV’s Drinking Water Hose?

For absolute integrity, replace a drinking hose every two years (alongside regular cleaning and maintenance). If you notice any cracks, leaks, or discoloration, I’d strongly recommend replacing it earlier. Otherwise, most high-quality RV hoses should last at least two years with proper storage and care.

Do I Need a Water Pressure Regulator?

Yes! Research water pressure regulators (a separate component to both a hose and a pump) and invest in one because they’re essential for protecting your RV’s plumbing system. Campground water pressures vary widely, and incidental high-pressure moments can damage your RV’s pipes and fixtures. A regulator ensures that the water pressure stays at a safe level, (typically around 40-50 PSI).

What if I Don’t Drink My RV’s Water?

Then still use a drinking water-safe hose. Leave nothing to chance!

Regular garden hoses can leach chemicals into the water that are still harmful even just for cooking or washing. Plus, RV hoses are tailor-made for RVing with higher durability and less leakage. Investing in good RV hoses even for utility purposes is still a direct upgrade to your RVing experience even if you’re not drinking through them.

Our Verdict: What’s the Best Water Hose for RVs?

Cut the pressure – that’s the end! Between these eight darling hoses, one must be the perfect match for your rig.

One last time, it’s gotta be asked… What is the bonafide BEST RV water hose? Easy!

It’s the Camco TastePURE Premium Drinking Water Hose for a well-rounded, all-needs purchase. Merging reliability, flexibility, and affordability into one clever package, it’s the perfect means to stay hydrated on the road.

Otherwise, I would say you could consider the Kohree RV Water Hose. Specifically, it’s a good pick if you need a hose of similar quality and price that withstands extreme temperatures more effectively.

But really, there’s nothing else to say. Well, except stay hydrated! 

The roads are long and winding. Sometimes, there might be stresses. And in those moments, the best thing you can have is a big drink of water and a few deep breaths

So don’t take risks with standard unsafe hoses! Buy an RV hose today and make sure you’re on-the-road drinking is as pleasurable and enticing as when you’re H-2-Home.