Best Heated Water Hose for RV – Read This Before Buying One

There are countless times I’ve been stuck with my water supply due to temperature drops. It was during a cold morning that I decided to look for the best heated water hose for my RV. It proved to be a practical solution which ensured a constant water supply, regardless of the temperature outside.

After some research and reading the reviews of the Camco heated water hose, I decided to try it myself.

The first thing I liked about its design is that it is actually self-regulated. With no thermostat, it is a more reliable solution for everyday use. But it also proved practical when it comes to its power connectivity.

As it is made with dual female ends with a double male adapter, you can connect the hose at both ends. While for its shortest 12 feet length it might not be a considerable advantage, its longer 25 and 50 feet alternatives can see the practicality of the connectivity at both ends. Up to this moment, the hose works as it’s supposed to work which proves is made in USA quality.

What to Look for in a Heated RV Water Hose?

When purchasing your first heated RV water hose, things might seem complicated, as they did for me. But once I actually looked at how such a hose is made, I understood its basic characteristics. From this point onward, choosing a heated water hose becomes easy.

Safety

The safety of a heated water hose is essential. While there are many companies manufacturing them, only three brands have managed to offer safe solutions. The safety of such a hose needs to be understood from multiple perspectives. One perspective refers to its installation. It is never recommended to try improvisations for your RV water supply. Genuine parts are always the way to go with such hoses. Then there’s the issue of water safety.

You want to ensure your water is perfectly drinkable. Luckily, Camco offers products which are safe to use for drinking water. These standards for drinking water are not just a recommendation, they are actually standardized by the Food and Drug Administration. In terms of electrical safety, you also need to know there are only two designs for heated water hoses. One of them uses an electrical heater inside the hose while the other design uses a hose wrapped with tape or other materials.

Compatibility

One of the main issues with heated water hose designs comes with compatibility. The Camco water hose is compatible with an electrical source of 120V or 2.27mAh. It works with most standard RVs. For the hose itself, the female to male adapter is available on both sides of the hose. This ensures it is properly connected and that it will work as it is designed. This means that it will stop water from freezing even in temperatures as low as -40°F. Of course, the hose is NSF/ANSI 372-compliant for all federal and state-level laws.

Self-regulated vs. Thermostatically Controlled Heating System

The Camco hose is self-regulated. There is no thermostat to fail, which is good for the long-term. With the heating element molded into the hose, it manages to provide a constant temperature which ensures constant water flow.

But not all heated water hose designs are the same. It is why you will be able to choose an alternative with a thermostat design. Such thermostats are usually placed on the single end of the hose. This raises the obvious problem of the temperature around it. So for example, if you need to connect the water hose inside a house, the indoor temperature will be higher than the temperature outdoors, where the rest of the hose connects to the RV. It is why this solution is not ideal if your water source is not directly outside.

So which solution is right for you? In terms of practicality, the self-regulated heated water hose is recommended for all environments. It works the same with an indoor and outdoor water source and it represents the solution to consider for constant water supply.

Lowest Temperature

The lowest operating temperature is different from design to design. The best-heated water hoses on the market work with temperatures as low as -40°F. Other hoses might work with temperatures as low as -30°F.

The good news about the self-regulated designs is that they work in low temperature and that they avoid overheating. At the same time, operating at 120 Watt, 250 Watt, and 500 Watt, a heated water hose needs to be safe at all times as to avoid overheating, especially with thermostat-based designs.

Length

The length of the hose should not affect its overall performance. Since the heating element runs along the entire length of the hose, it is important to consider any type of hose you need in terms of length, even if your RV is further away.

I chose the 25-feet Camco solution as its length was enough for me. At the same time, I also saw that it comes in 12 feet and 50 feet alternatives. Some other heated water hoses can be as long as 100 feet. It is why there are plenty of good solutions to choose from at all levels.

Storage

One of the main questions I asked myself is where would I store the heated water hose when not in use? Since it came with a box, it serves as a storage solution at this time as well. But a water hose needs to be stored away from harsh environments when not in use. I never leave it out in the sun when not in use and I also avoid leaving it out in freezing temperatures when not in use. Most of the times it is indoors and it also ensures it is clean and in good condition when I need to use it for my RV.

Of course, since a heated water hose comes with materials such as the nickel-plated fittings and the BPA-free PVC, you might think it is indestructible. But since you want the hose to be as durable as possible, it is recommended to take good care of it. This, of course, includes not driving over it with the RV.

Kink Resistance

Kink is one of the most annoying things which happens to many of my hoses. The Camco hose is made with maximum kink resistance. Often measured on a scale from 1 to 10, kink can offer you an indication of what problems you can expect with your hose. The higher, the number the less flexible the hose becomes. At the same time, its reinforced profile with a higher kink mark also means that the hose will be heavier as well.

Flexibility

The flexibility of the hose is entirely connected to kink resistance. Since the inside diameter of a hose can influence its flexibility, you need to know that there are various options on the market. From 12mm to 18mm in diameter, there are plenty of solutions to consider. However, the flexibility of the heated water hose is reduced when compared to the one of an unheated design. The extra heating element and protection of the hose reduced its overall flexibility but minimizes kink.

Warranty

Since the heated water hoses come with multiple elements which conduct electricity, they usually come with a warranty as well. A typical solution should be covered for at least one year. The warranty always includes coverage of manufacturing defects and rarely includes covering the damages made by improper use of the hose.

What if I Want Something Cheap?

One of my friends was really impressed by the quality of the hose but he was actually looking for a cheaper alternative. It is why I recommended the Pirit Heated Hose. I’ve seen it on other RVs and it is dependable as well. It is actually controlled by a thermostat and this means that it works depending on the temperature. If the temperature is below 45 degrees, it automatically starts the heating process. When the temperature is above 50 degrees, it stops the heating process. At 25 feet, it can be a reliable solution, especially if the thermostat is outdoors.

Tips for Maintaining Your RV Heated Hose

A heated hose cannot be simply left outdoors and not maintained as a regular hose. You want to ensure its electrical heating elements are in good condition. It is why you want it in storage when not in use. This way you will actually avoid driving over it, stepping on it or simply leaving it to the elements and cold when not in use. I always keep it in my RV, where the temperature is right for storage purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you still have questions about the best-heated water hose for your RV, you can find your answers here:

Q: Can the Heated Hose Stay Connected all Year Round?

A: The hose can be connected all year round. Since it is not easy to coil for storage, you might want to keep it connected at all times. However, since you do not need the heating function during the warmer months, you can unplug it for a few months per year.

Q: Does the Heated Hose Work with an Extension Cord?

A: The hose does not come with an extension cord. At the same time, extension cords are not really recommended as they are not the safest solution. While it may seem a good idea to use an extension cord for added reach, the potential hazards outdoors are simply not worth it and not recommended.

Q: What is the Difference Between a Drinking Water Hose and a Garden Hose?

A: A drinking water hose is actually made to be safe for humans. The BPA-free NSF-certified design is made abiding by FDA regulation. A regular garden hose is made for watering plants or washing your car. It might not be safe to drink from, especially for children.

Q: What is the Water Pressure (PSI) Rating of an RV Water Hose?

A: Water pressure is one of the main concerns when purchasing a heated water hose. The good news is that heated designs are considerably thicker than regular garden hoses and they are more resistant as well. At the same time, many RVs have built-in pressure regulators so you don’t need to worry about the issue. PSI is influenced by the diameter of the hose, which is also an area where heated designs are doing well, with reduced water pressure inside the hose due to the larger diameter.

Q: Is the Water Hose Lead or BPA-free?

The Camco hose is lead and BPA-freed. The NSF certification makes it one of the safest solutions in its class. You can use it for cleaning dished, cooking or drinking water.

Q: What is the RV Water Hose Made of?

A: The hose is made from NSF 61 certified materials under the FDA regulation. This insider piece is then covered by the PVC all-weather coating for added resistance and reduced kink.

Q: Is the RV Water Hose Made in the USA?

A: The heated water hose is made in the USA. Camco, is one of the leading names in the industry, with over 40 years of manufacturing experience.

Conclusion

The Camco heated water hose for RVs is one of the practical solutions which are low maintenance as well. I use it with confidence for cooking and other tasks. When it comes to its durability, it still works well. Most importantly, it ensures good water flow even in freezing temperatures which makes it highly reliable.

From time to time I also take it off, when moving or when not in use. But it still hold-ups really well, mainly due to its heavy duty fittings. These nickel-plated fittings are corrosion resistant so I’m sure they will hold well even in the years to come. I also like that its power cord comes with an LED indicator. With a length of 6 feet, the power cord stays connected at all times, unlike some other solutions made with thermostat heating. It is why I like it as it offers safe to drink water with minimum maintenance.