After scouring the internet and testing 6 different products, I determined that the Camco 22912 model was the best heated water hose for RV use.
If you intend to use your RV during the winter months, a heated water hose is a must. It will help prevent damage to your rig by keeping the pipes or tanks from freezing, so it’s a great investment in the long run.
What’s more, when you don’t have to worry about this type of damage, you can spend more time enjoying your winter camping adventures. That’s why it’s better to buy one before you hit the road, so you can have peace of mind all winter long.
Here’s a brief look at the products we tested and what we learned about each of them.
1. Camco 22912 50-Foot Taste Pure -Best Overall
2. Pirit PWL-04-100 Heated Hose -Most Durable
3. W01-5325 Valterra -Best Value
4. H&G Lifestyles Self-Regulating Heated Hose -Most Energy-Efficient
5. Scilulu Heated Water Hose -Best For Frigid Temps
6. Tsinglax 100FT Heated RV Water Hose -Best Warranty
We chose the Camco Taste Pure as our top pick because it’s both durable and easy to use. Once you plug it in, you won’t have to worry about frozen pipes, because it’s rated down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The hose is also made from quality materials, so you won’t need to replace it as often as you would if you’d purchased a lesser model.
Keep reading to find out more about the Camco 22912, along with the other products we looked at.
Best Heated Water Hose For RV: Product Reviews
1. Camco 22912 50-Foot Taste Pure—Best Overall
While the Camco Taste Pure hose is available in other sizes, we chose the 22912 because of its generous 50-foot length. The 25-foot version might be enough for most campsites, but we prefer the versatility that the larger size offers.
The PVC-insulated hose is lead- and BPA-free, with NSF-61 certification. In addition to its low temperature rating, it offers superior water flow and resistance to kinks. Best of all, the heat source is self-regulating, with a convenient built-in thermometer.
Be forewarned that you’ll spend more on this hose than you would on a lesser model. Given the peace of mind that you’ll receive in return, though, we think it’s worth the investment.
Take a look at this video review to get a better idea of what the Camco 22912 model has to offer.
2. Pirit PWL-04-100 Heated Hose -Most Durable
This is another sturdily built model, and one that offers extra length so that you can procure water from a city connection if necessary. It’s rated to -42 degrees, and can withstand pressure up to 200 PSI.
Note that the unit includes a female fitting on one end and a male fitting on the opposite end, which necessitates some advance planning. You also might need an adapter to make the Pirit compatible with your RV.
3. W01-5325 Valterra -Best Value
The Valterra W01-5322 might measure only 25 feet in length, but it offers easy access to the hose fittings once it’s in place. The zippered insulation sleeves can be removed and replaced as needed–a nice feature that’s lacking in most of the competition.
The half-inch diameter offers decent flow, and a self-regulating heating coil senses the ambient temperature and switches itself on when needed. Be aware that the temperature rating on this hose is just 0 degrees, so it’s better for climates that aren’t subjected to subzero temperatures in the winter.
4. H&G Lifestyles Self-Regulating Heated Hose -Most Energy-Efficient
The H&G Lifestyle hose is both energy-efficient and environmentally sound, drawing just 0.8 amps when connected to a 120-volt AC power source. It’s also PVC- and lead-free, with a temperature rating of -20 degrees.
There are female fittings on each end, made from solid brass for durability. The exterior also has a protective cover that’s abrasion-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about damage when it sits outside all winter.
The H&G Lifestyles offering measures just 12 feet long. Be aware of this when you’re making your selection, in case this isn’t long enough to suit your needs.
5. Scilulu Heated Water Hose -Best For Frigid Temps
With a temperature rating of -45 degrees Fahrenheit, the Scilulu hose is designed to give you peace of mind throughout the most frigid winters. You won’t have to worry about your hose freezing overnight when you invest in this unit.
The hose is made from lead- and BPA-free materials, with no off-gassing issues. The built-in overheating prevention protects the material from ruptures, leaks, and cracks. Moreover, Scilulu’s customer service department provides excellent support in case you ever have an issue.
6. Tsinglax 100FT Heated RV Water Hose -Best Warranty
The 3-year warranty on the Tsinglax is just one reason to consider this product. Like the Scilulu, it’s rated to -45 degrees, offering unimpeded water flow even in bone-chilling weather. Since the energy-saving built-in thermostat only heats when the temperatures dip low, it’s also cost-efficient.
This is a 100-foot model, which offers versatility but may not be necessary, depending on where you usually set up camp. The materials used are environmentally sound and very sturdy. It doesn’t perform quite as well as the Camco model, but the generous warranty helps to offset this issue.
Buyer’s Guide
What criteria should you follow when selecting heated hoses for RV use? Let’s take a look at the most important features.
Cost
Heated hoses for RV and camper use aren’t cheap. However, if you have to replace burst pipes or a cracked water tank, you’ll spend a lot more than you would on a hose. It’s possible to find suitable models that cost under $150, but we would nevertheless suggest buying the highest-quality hose that you can afford.
Length
How far do you usually park your rig from power stations and city water connections? If it’s a good distance away, you should consider investing in a longer hose.
On the other hand, water spends more time exposed to cold temperatures when the hose is longer. If you regularly camp in below-zero temps, it might be better to select a shorter hose and park closer to the water source.
In our opinion, a hose length of 25 to 50 feet offers a good compromise.
Diameter
A greater hose diameter allows the water to move quickly and efficiently along its course. It also means that the hose will have more water inside it, which translates into more opportunities for freezing. However, the more water there is inside the hose, the longer it will take to freeze. So a hose with a wider diameter is always a good bet.
Look for a minimum diameter of 1/2 inch when making your selection.
Materials
The words “BPA-free” and “lead-free” should be present on the hose’s label. This will ensure that your drinking water is safe and clean.
Rubber-only hoses are more durable than rubber-vinyl combinations. They’re also UV-resistant and less prone to cracking and kinks. If they have a PVC coating, they’ll have superior insulation as well.
Be aware that while some companies opt for a PVC-free design, the material is usually used on the exterior. That means you won’t have to worry about it contaminating your drinking water.
PSI Rating
This number refers to the maximum amount of pressure that the material can withstand before bursting. The best heated hoses for RV use should have a PSI rating of 200.
Note that water doesn’t always come out of the source at the same pressure, especially at city water connections. That’s why it’s important to get a hose that can handle a great deal of pressure. If you’re unsure of the PSI rating, invest in RV water pressure regulators for each end of your hose.
Fittings
The material of the fittings is just as important as the material of the hose itself, if not more so. They have to withstand a great deal of stress due to gravity alone, never mind the water pressure. Brass or heavy-duty stainless steel fittings are your best bet for durability.
Many hoses are equipped with male fittings on one end and female on the other. If it has female fittings on both ends, you can hook up your RV water hose in either direction. That means you’ll be able to plug the heating coil into either the RV or the AC outlet on the outside power source.
In Conclusion
The Camco Taste Pure 22912 is our pick for the best heated water hose on the current market.
It might cost a bit more than the competition, but you won’t have to worry about frozen pipes or a cracked water tank when you camp out next winter. Even if you’ve never installed one of these units before, you should have no trouble handling the fittings. What’s more, the drinking water it provides will be 100 percent safe, thanks to its quality construction.
Good luck, and happy camping.
Check out our article on: Best 7 RV Space Heaters That Are Safe Options