Water filter question

Camper_bob · 04-07-2014, 06:06 PM

So we are currently using one of the cheap blue in-line hose filters. Sometimes it's adequate, but I would like something better. Currently we store our filter in the fridge at home between trips to keep it relatively mold free and will replace it as necessary.

So here's my question: what do you guys do with your higher end filters between trips? There could be a month or more between uses and I sure don't want to get a new filter every time out... is any particular system better able to handle the dormancy than the others?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

FoxFanRay · 04-07-2014, 06:36 PM

Lots of great information at the RV Water Filter Store - https://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com

DMRGMC · 04-07-2014, 06:44 PM

We have had both types of filters. We used the blue inline version with our TT and 1st 5er. Then because of the price of the blue one and I had a filter housing with a replaceable filter, I started to use it, set up just below the unit in line with the intake for the hose, sitting in an upside down small pail to keep it upright and out of the dirt.
Now we have an in line filter housing on board, part of the supplied system, accessible through an access panel with a replaceable filter. With all three systems I always left the filter wet or in place for the season. In the off season I would inspect and replace if necessary depending on the seasonal usage. To date never had an issue as far as taste , odour or bacteria. We use a carbon filter to remove chlorine taste and other undesirables from the water.

Threebutchers · 04-07-2014, 08:41 PM

My Camco instructions recommends keeping them wrapped in sealed plastic in the fridge.

tnmcouple · 04-07-2014, 08:44 PM

Being a newbie I also have a question. Do you really need a water filter? What about a filter that takes care of the sediment in the water? If you had to choose between the two (and could just buy bottled water if you had to, to drink) which would you choose?
Thanks

Tunce the traveler · 04-07-2014, 10:40 PM

I just installed a HydroLife water filter today and do you need one? We'll I think so and have not been happy with the smell,taste or color at several camp grounds or RV parks.

Threebutchers · 04-08-2014, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnmcouple

Being a newbie I also have a question. Do you really need a water filter? What about a filter that takes care of the sediment in the water? If you had to choose between the two (and could just buy bottled water if you had to, to drink) which would you choose?
Thanks

There is some pretty horrible CG water out there.....sediment and debris so large it will clog sink strainers, pressure valves, back flow valves and water pumps. I wouldn't risk it.

We started with 100 micron bullet filter then went up to a 5 micron cartridge.

Tunce the traveler · 04-08-2014, 07:09 AM

Don't forget to replace your hose washer with a screen washer. You'll be surprised as to what's in the water when camping. The grains are larger than sand and I want to prevent them from getting in the filter. Your kitchen sink faucet is easy to clean but the shower head you can just throw that away.

Threebutchers · 04-08-2014, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tunce the traveler

Don't forget to replace your hose washer with a screen washer. You'll be surprised as to what's in the water when camping. The grains are larger than sand and I want to prevent them from getting in the filter. Your kitchen sink faucet is easy to clean but the shower head you can just throw that away.

Good point....mines on my regulator at the CG faucet....before it even gets to my filter

Camper_bob · 04-08-2014, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tunce the traveler

I just installed a HydroLife water filter today and do you need one? We'll I think so and have not been happy with the smell,taste or color at several camp grounds or RV parks.

It was actually your post that got me to thinking about this again. Your pic gave me an idea; I have the perfect place to mount the holder for a HydroLife. I was just afraid of leaving the filters wet for long periods of time between use.

I go back and forth between sticking with the blue one and drinking bottled water, and installing something better. We had decided to use one or two of the 5-gallon water cooler bottles for drinking water and still use the cheap blue filter on the city water hose to cut down some of the big stuff getting into the rig. The blue hose filters don't do much for taste, and I'm pretty sure the water just goes around the charcoal inside the canister. This doesn't result in very effective filtration...

Do we need a filter? I would say "yes". But perhaps that's because I'm spoiled; we have Reverse Osmosis water at work and a really good filter on our fridge at home, so I drink very good tasting water all day every day. Out of 5 trips in the trailer, only one CG had water that I could drink with a straight face. So I have to do something, whether it's bottled or install a better filter, the jury's still out...

tnmcouple · 04-08-2014, 10:30 PM

Thanks everyone for all the info!

Camper_bob · 04-09-2014, 07:33 AM

Went to http://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/ last night to do some research. What a great resource!

The website and this discussion answered most all of my questions, Thanks guys! Now I just have to decide what to do... For now it looks like buying water. Perhaps I'll install a system next season... we'll see how it goes...

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