Camco TastePURE RV Water Filter and Softener Review: Essential for Your Journeys

Embarking on an RV adventure promises freedom and discovery, but unreliable water quality can quickly dampen the experience. From unpleasant tastes and odors to harsh mineral deposits, the water at various campgrounds can present a range of challenges. That’s where Camco TastePURE RV water treatment solutions come into play, offering a popular and often budget-friendly way to ensure cleaner, more enjoyable water throughout your travels. This comprehensive review delves into the Camco TastePURE RV Water Filter and the Camco TastePURE Portable Water Softener, examining their effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value for RV enthusiasts.

Camco TastePURE RV Water Solutions: Filter vs. Softener

Camco offers two primary TastePURE products designed to improve your RV’s water quality: the inline water filter and the portable water softener. While both aim to enhance your water experience, they tackle different issues, and understanding their individual functions is key to choosing the right setup for your needs.

Camco TastePURE Inline RV Water Filter

The Camco TastePURE Inline RV Water Filter, often recognized by its distinctive blue or green casing, is a widely used and affordable solution for basic water filtration. It’s designed to connect directly to your RV’s water hose, acting as the first line of defense against common water impurities.

• What it Filters: This filter employs a multi-stage filtration process, typically featuring six stages that include a filter hose washer, pre-filtration layer, premium activated carbon, KDF additive, post-filtration layer, and spun polypropylene filter. This combination works to significantly reduce bad taste, odors, sediments, chlorine, and control bacteria growth. The inclusion of KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) media is notable, as it is known to kill algae and fungi, control bacteria, and remove various contaminants like rust, lead, and other organic compounds by creating an electrochemical reaction.
• Pros:
  • Budget-Friendly: Priced affordably, often under $20 for a single unit.
  • Easy Installation: Simply attaches to your water hose, making it very user-friendly. A no-kink flexible hose protector is often included with single packs.
  • Bacteriostatic: The KDF additive helps prevent bacterial growth within the filter itself, allowing for reuse across multiple RV trips.
  • Improved Taste and Odor: Highly effective at removing chlorine and other compounds that cause unpleasant tastes and smells.
  • Sediment Reduction: Traps particulate matter, protecting your RV’s plumbing and appliances from buildup.
  • Widely Available: Easy to find at most RV supply stores and online retailers.
• Cons:
  • Limited Micron Rating: Typically rated down to 100 microns, meaning it may not filter out smaller microbial cysts like cryptosporidium or giardia, though these are less common in treated municipal water.
  • Partial Chlorine Removal: While it improves taste, some sources suggest it might only remove about half of the chlorine, as it uses granulated carbon rather than a solid carbon block filter.
  • Relatively Short Lifespan: Filters can clog relatively quickly, especially with poor source water, requiring replacement every 30-60 days for full-time RVers or one camping season for seasonal users.
  • Water Pressure Impact: Some users report a slight decrease in water pressure, particularly when the filter begins to clog.

Camco TastePURE Portable Water Softener

Separate from the inline filter, the Camco TastePURE Portable Water Softener is specifically designed to address hard water issues by removing minerals that cause scale buildup. Hard water is characterized by a high concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can lead to various problems in your RV.

• What it Softens: This unit utilizes premium ion exchange resin to replace hard water minerals with sodium. This process effectively reduces the mineral content, transforming hard water into soft water.
• Pros:
  • Prevents Scale Buildup: Crucially extends the life of your RV’s water heater, pipes, and appliances by preventing mineral deposits (scale).
  • Enhances Cleaning: Soft water allows soaps and detergents to lather more effectively, improving the efficiency of dishwashing, laundry, and personal hygiene.
  • Improved Skin and Hair: Many users report softer skin and hair after showering with softened water.
  • Portable Design: Features a compact, space-saving design with a built-in handle for easy transport and storage.
  • Easy to Use: Straightforward to set up and regenerate.
  • Economical in the Long Run: Protects expensive RV components from hard water damage, potentially saving on repair and replacement costs.
• Cons:
  • Requires Regeneration: The resin beads need periodic regeneration with salt, a process that involves flushing a salt solution through the unit. This can be once or twice a year depending on water hardness and usage.
  • Adds Sodium to Water: The ion exchange process introduces small amounts of sodium into your water, which might be a consideration for individuals on sodium-restricted diets.
  • Does Not Filter Contaminants: A water softener’s primary function is mineral removal; it does not remove sediments, chlorine, bacteria, or other taste/odor impurities. It’s best used in conjunction with a water filter.
  • Initial Cost: While providing long-term benefits, the initial investment for a softener is higher than for an inline filter.

Camco TastePURE Performance: What to Expect

When considering Camco TastePURE products, it’s essential to understand their individual roles and how they contribute to your overall RV water quality. The inline filter focuses on making water palatable and free from visible particulates and common chemical contaminants, while the softener specifically targets the invisible but damaging effects of hard water minerals.

Many RVers choose to use both a Camco TastePURE inline filter and a Camco TastePURE portable water softener for comprehensive water treatment. The recommended setup involves connecting the water regulator first, then the filter, and then the softener before the water enters your RV system. This order ensures that larger sediments are removed before reaching the softener, protecting its resin, and that the water is both clean and soft.

For the inline filter, expect a noticeable improvement in taste and odor, especially in areas with heavily chlorinated water. Sediment reduction helps keep your RV’s lines clear and your appliances running smoothly. However, as noted by some reviewers, while effective, the inline filter might not deliver the “purest” water compared to multi-stage canister systems. Some long-term users have observed a slight decline in taste performance over time, suggesting that while it’s a solid entry-level filter, more demanding users or full-timers might eventually seek more robust filtration.

The water softener’s performance is often immediately apparent. You’ll likely feel a difference in the shower, with soap lathering more easily and skin feeling softer. Visual indicators, such as reduced spotting on dishes and fixtures, will also confirm its effectiveness. Using test strips can provide quantifiable proof of hardness reduction. Neglecting to regenerate the softener will lead to a gradual return of hard water symptoms.

Choosing the Right Camco TastePURE System for Your RV

Selecting the ideal Camco TastePURE setup depends on several factors, including your typical water sources, the hardness of the water you encounter, your budget, and your personal preferences for water quality.

• Assess Your Water Source: If you frequently camp in areas known for hard water (e.g., the American Southwest), a portable water softener is a highly recommended investment to protect your RV’s plumbing and appliances. For general taste, odor, and sediment issues common in most campgrounds, the inline filter is a must-have.
• Consider Your RV Usage:
  • Part-time/Seasonal RVers: The Camco TastePURE Inline RV Water Filter is an excellent and cost-effective solution for improving water quality during occasional trips. It’s easy to store and replace as needed.
  • Full-time RVers: While the inline filter is a good starting point, many full-timers eventually consider supplementing it with a water softener for appliance protection and comfort. Some may even opt for a more advanced multi-stage canister filtration system in addition to or instead of just the inline filter for superior contaminant removal, especially if they are concerned about very small particles or specific regional contaminants.
• Budget and Maintenance: The inline filter is a low-cost, disposable item. The softener has a higher upfront cost but incurs minimal ongoing expenses for salt and occasional regeneration, which is a simple DIY process.
• Ease of Installation and Use: Both products are designed for straightforward connection to a standard garden hose, making them accessible even for novice RVers.

Evaluating Camco TastePURE in 2024: Is It Still a Top Choice?

The Camco TastePURE inline water filter remains a classic and widely adopted solution in the RV community, lauded for its affordability and ease of use. It holds an impressive track record, boasting tens of thousands of positive reviews on major online retailers, with many users appreciating its convenient size, reliability, and excellent price point. For basic taste, odor, sediment, and chlorine reduction, it consistently delivers noticeable improvements.

However, some more recent assessments suggest that while it’s “okay,” its performance might be “fading” when compared side-by-side with newer, more advanced RV water filters. This isn’t to say it’s ineffective, but rather that the market has evolved, and alternatives might offer superior filtration for those seeking the absolute cleanest water. For full-time RVers, the rapid clogging and frequent replacement needs of the inline filter can become a recurring expense, sometimes prompting a switch to more durable and comprehensive canister systems.

The Camco TastePURE Portable Water Softener, on the other hand, fills a distinct and critical need for RVers encountering hard water. Its ability to effectively remove minerals is highly valued for protecting RV infrastructure and enhancing personal comfort. Reviews consistently highlight its portability and the tangible benefits of softened water on skin, hair, and preventing scale buildup. Given its specific function, it complements a good water filter rather than replacing it.

“For part-time RVers seeking a reliable, inexpensive filter to improve water taste and protect against sediment, the Camco TastePURE inline filter is a solid choice. For those battling hard water and aiming to extend appliance life, the TastePURE softener is invaluable.” – ReviewUB.com Admin, Water Filtration Expert

Where to Purchase Camco TastePURE Products

Camco TastePURE RV water filters and softeners are widely available, making them easy to acquire for your next trip.

• Major Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Walmart.com, and others frequently stock a full range of Camco TastePURE products. Look for multi-packs of filters for better value.
• RV Supply Stores: Dedicated RV dealerships and accessory stores typically carry Camco products, allowing you to see them in person and get advice from staff.
• Home Improvement Stores: Large chains such as Home Depot or Lowe’s may also stock the inline filters in their plumbing or outdoor sections.
• Direct from Manufacturer: While not always the cheapest, purchasing directly from Camco’s website ensures authenticity and access to their full product line and customer support.

Always check for NSF/ANSI certifications when purchasing filters, as this validates their performance claims. Many Camco TastePURE filters come with a certificate of performance and are proudly made in the USA.

Maximizing Your Camco TastePURE Products: Usage & Maintenance Tips

Proper usage and maintenance are crucial to getting the most out of your Camco TastePURE RV water filter and softener.

For the Camco TastePURE Inline RV Water Filter:

• Install Correctly: Always connect the filter to the campground spigot, ideally after a water pressure regulator, before your RV’s fresh water inlet. This protects both the filter and your RV’s plumbing. Consider using a 90-degree brass elbow to prevent kinks in the hose protector and reduce stress on the connection.
• Flush Initially: Before connecting to your RV, run water through the new filter for a minute or two to flush out any loose carbon fines.
• Replace Regularly: The manufacturer generally recommends replacing the filter every three months or at the beginning of each camping season. However, for full-time RVers or those with poor water quality, replacement might be needed as frequently as every 30-60 days. Signs it’s time for a change include reduced water flow, a return of bad tastes or odors, or visible discoloration of the filter (if transparent).
• Storage: If storing for an extended period, ensure the filter is completely dry to prevent mold and bacterial growth, or follow manufacturer guidelines for wet storage if applicable (often not recommended for inline filters).

For the Camco TastePURE Portable Water Softener:

• Initial Setup: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the first-time use, which typically involves flushing the unit and then regenerating it with salt.
• Regeneration: The softener needs to be “recharged” periodically with rock salt or water softener salt to replenish the sodium ions on its resin beads. The frequency depends on the hardness of your water and your water usage. Many users find regeneration is needed every 1-3 months for full-time use, or less often for seasonal use. You’ll notice a decrease in water softness (e.g., less lather, more spots) when it’s time to regenerate.
• Regeneration Process: This typically involves disconnecting the unit, adding salt to the large mouth opening, and back-flushing with water in the opposite direction for a specified period, then rinsing. The salty, mineral-rich flush water should be directed to a sewer or appropriate disposal site.
• Winterization: Ensure the softener is properly drained and stored according to manufacturer instructions if you are winterizing your RV, to prevent freezing damage.

Conclusion

The Camco TastePURE RV Water Filter and Portable Water Softener offer practical and effective solutions for enhancing water quality during your RV adventures. The inline filter provides excellent basic filtration against taste, odor, sediment, and chlorine, making your drinking and bathing water more pleasant. The portable water softener stands out for its crucial role in preventing hard water damage to your RV’s plumbing and appliances while also delivering the benefits of soft water for personal comfort.

While the inline filter might be seen as an entry-level solution that some full-timers eventually upgrade from for more rigorous filtration, its affordability and ease of use make it an indispensable tool for most RVers. The water softener, on the other hand, is a specialized solution that significantly improves the longevity of your RV systems and the quality of your daily water use in hard water regions. Used together, these Camco TastePURE products create a robust system, ensuring you have access to cleaner, more enjoyable water on the road. Investing in these solutions means investing in your RV’s health and your comfort.

What water quality challenges have you faced on your RV journeys, and how have you tackled them?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Camco TastePURE RV Water Filter remove heavy metals?

The Camco TastePURE inline water filter, particularly those with KDF media, is designed to reduce certain heavy metals like lead and iron in addition to chlorine, sediment, and odors. However, for comprehensive heavy metal removal, a more advanced multi-stage filtration system or specific specialty filters might be considered.

How often should I regenerate my Camco TastePURE Portable Water Softener?

The regeneration frequency for your Camco TastePURE portable water softener depends on how hard your water is and how much water you use. For full-time RVers in very hard water areas, it might be every 1-2 months, while seasonal users or those in softer water areas might only need to regenerate it once or twice a year. You’ll typically notice the water feeling less soft when it’s time for regeneration.

Can I use the Camco TastePURE water filter and softener together?

Yes, it is highly recommended to use both the Camco TastePURE inline water filter and the portable water softener together. The filter removes sediments and contaminants that could damage the softener’s resin, while the softener tackles mineral hardness that the filter does not address. The ideal setup is typically regulator -> filter -> softener -> RV inlet.

Will the Camco TastePURE filter reduce water pressure in my RV?

The Camco TastePURE inline filter may cause a slight reduction in water pressure, especially as it approaches the end of its lifespan and becomes more clogged with sediment. This effect can be more noticeable in campgrounds with already low water pressure.

Is the Camco TastePURE RV Water Filter bacteriostatic?

Yes, the Camco TastePURE inline RV water filter uses KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) media, which makes it bacteriostatic. This means it helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria within the filter itself, contributing to safer water and allowing for extended use compared to filters without this feature.