Camco 22833 Lead Free Premium Drinking Water Hose
Quick Summary:
The Camco 22833 Lead Free Premium Drinking Water Hose as the all-around best RV water hose. The Camco 22833 is certified as safe for drinking water by NSF International and is free of lead, BPA and phthalates. At 25 feet long, it is adequate for most campsites. The 5/8” diameter provides good flow and is a common size should issues arise. The anti-kink rating assures good flow and the extra thickness eliminates pesky pinches. With machined fittings and strain-relief coils, the hose should stand up to years of wear with proper storage and care.
Although the Camco 22833 is practical, it is also pretty. The lovely blue color distinguishes it from all other hoses and makes it easy to see at camp. Weighing under four pounds, the hose is also lightweight and easy to pack separately to avoid contamination for many years of healthy RV travel.
Selecting a RV Water Hose
Going “RV-ing” is not as simple as buying a camper or motor home and hitting the road. Sooner or later, we have to stop at a campground and turn the RV a home. When that happens, most of us want some creature comforts – like showers and toilets. After all, that is what separates living in an RV from living in a tent.
Several Hoses Are Required and One Hose Does Not Fit All
So, life on the road begins with the purchase of a variety of hoses to bring water to and from the RV. A typical RV set up will require about five different hose types – a water hose, a waste or sewer hose, a flushing hose to clean out tanks, a fuel or propane hose and a shower hose if the RV has an outdoor shower.
It is not as easy as buying five hoses, all alike, for the different duties. Each hose type has special considerations which will vary depending on the RV, the campsite and the type of camping. Once selected for their specific duties, they should never the interchanged.
Considerations When Shopping for an RV Water Hose
The most important hose purchase is the RV water hose. Since the family will rely on it for clean, safe drinking water, it pays to be informed. In researching the best RV water hose, I considered the following:
Potable Water Standards
Probably the first thing to consider is whether the hose meet potable, or drinking water, standards. Swiping the garden hose for use in the RV is not a good idea. Why? Many garden hoses, especially older ones, are made from materials that can leach unsafe chemicals into the water.
NSF International is an independent organization that develops standards and certifications for sanitation-related products. Any RV hose carrying the NSF mark has been tested and proven to comply with drinking water standards. As a bonus, hoses meeting potable water standards do not impart any nasty tastes to the water either.
No Lead, BPAs or Phthalates
Lately, there has been concern over lead, Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates in food and drinking water. We all know that lead is a concern in house plumbing, but may dismiss it as a concern in purchasing an RV water hose. That is a mistake. Unlike residential plumbing, which must conform to the Safe Drinking Water Act, the fittings on hoses are not regulated. Since lead is commonly used in the solder of brass fittings on older or less expensive hoses, look for RV hoses marked as “lead free.”
BPA and phthalates are a more ubiquitous problem. Used in the manufacture of plastics, BPA (hard plastics) and phthalates (soft, flexible plastics) have been shown to leach from plastic and contaminate water. Although not proven to be damaging to humans, animal studies suggest that BPA and phthalate exposure should be limited or avoided. So, finding an RV water hose that is both BPA and phthalate-free is a bonus.
Length
Hoses come in different lengths. Too much hose can just get in the way and become a trip hazard. Too little, however, is worse yet. There is nothing worse than finding a perfect campsite only to realize the water hose is a few feet short of the connection. For most campsites, 25 feet is adequate. Ultimately, however, more than one hose may be necessary to cover all the possible campsite situations.
Diameter
We may be living in an RV, but we still want a decent shower, right? The diameter of the RV water hose determines the flow rate. Generally, the bigger the diameter the higher the flow rate. The most common diameter seems to be 5/8.” It is sufficient for good flow and is readily available should parts be required. Remember, any filtration system will further reduce flow, so check the flow rate before installing a filter.
Anti-Kink
Kinks are another culprit in reducing water flow (and increasing frustration). Some RV water hoses are marketed as “anti-kink.” While no hose is completely kink-proof, many are thicker and less prone to kinking and splitting. When using the hose for the first time, it is a good idea to fill it with water first. That will “un-do” some of the original coil and make stretching the hose from RV to connection much easier.
Craftsmanship and Ease of Use
After checking that a hose passes the safety test and is not made with possible water contaminates like lead, BPA and phthalates, look at the rest of the construction – especially the fittings. Good fittings are machined from a solid piece of metal – usually brass. Many RV water hoses also feature strain-relief ends – those little metal coils wrapped around the first few inches of hose. The strain-relief protects the hose from tight kinks that form on the end as a hose is stretched from RV to campsite connection, thus extending the life of the hose.
Color Makes a Difference
I would not say that an RV water hose has to be pretty, but color does make a difference. Most are white or blue, and for good reason. Often camp is set up at night or after a long day. Color-coding hoses is a good way to assure the water hose is only used for water. The color also helps a hose stand out so it does not become a trip hazard at camp.
Storage
At the end of a great trip, it is tempting to throw all the hoses into one bin and head home. Your water hose, however, should never be stored or contaminated by the rest. Not only can this make your water taste bad, but can also be unsanitary. It should be easy to coil and store in a completely separate bin or reel.
Temperature Considerations
When the RV is stored or when camping in extreme weather, a water hose can possibly freeze and split. Thicker hoses and those designated for hot and cold water are less prone to damage. When cold weather camping, a heated water hose may be necessary.
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