A good quality heated RV water hose is crucial to avoiding frozen water hoses. A frozen water hose can spell disaster for any RV owner who isn’t prepared for it, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions.
If you own an RV, you know that one of the challenges you face is keeping your water hose from freezing in cold weather.
A frozen water hose means no water for drinking, cooking, or cleaning. In fact, it can even be dangerous if the water in your hose freezes and expands, causing the hose to burst.
That’s why a heated RV water hose is such a valuable investment.
A heated RV water hose will keep your water flowing even in the coldest weather.
This guide will take a detailed look at the best heated water hoses on the market for RV campers, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
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At A Glance | 3 Best Heated RV Water Hose Options
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1. Camco TastePURE Heated Drinking Water Hose
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2. Valterra Heated Fresh Water Hose
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3. H&G Lifestyles Heated Water Hose
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What Is A Heated RV Water Hose?
A heated RV drinking water hose is designed to resist freezing in cold weather.
The hose is wrapped in special insulation that prevents ice from forming, and it also has a built-in heating element that keeps the water warm as it flows through the hose.
There are two different types of heated RV water hoses:
- those that are designed for use with an external power source, and
- those that are self-regulated.
Heated RV water hoses designed with an external power source will need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to work.
Self-regulated heated RV water hoses monitor the ambient temperature, so they don’t need a separate thermostat.
Do I Need A Heated RV Water Hose?
Many RVers avoid winter living. Instead, they’ll either put their RV in storage through the cold weather months or make a dash for the sunshine states.
If that sounds like your lifestyle, you have no need to heat your water hoses.
Read more: RV Winter Storage: 15 Tips for Protecting Your Camper from the Cold
On the other hand, some RVers embrace cold weather camping.
Suppose you live in an area where the temperature frequently drops below freezing and use fresh water directly from a spigot. In that case, a heated RV water hose is a necessity.
The water in the hose will quickly cool down to match the outside temperature once it’s been turned off.
A heated RV hose is still a good idea, even if you use the RV occasionally during winter. You never know when unexpected cold weather will strike.
You may not need a heated RV hose if you store your water in onboard water tanks, as the water in the tanks is less likely to freeze.
However, you will need to keep your rig warm and regularly check your water tanks to ensure there are no early signs of freezing.
Read more: Top Tips For Winter RV Living
1. Camco TastePURE Heated Drinking Water Hose
- Ideal for water line freeze protection; self-regulating heat source keeps water flowing without overheating and without the need for a thermostat or temperature controller
- Made with NSF-61 certified hose and is drinking water safe
- Matching female hose fittings allowing hose to be used with power from RV or Campground power source
- Heavy-duty heat shrink provides strain relief on both ends of hose
- Operates on 120VAC / 2.27 A
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Features
- Heavy-duty machined and plated fittings for maximum corrosion resistance
- 25-foot hose
- Freeze protection down to -40° F
- Self-regulating heating cable
- 2.27 Amps
- 1-year warranty
Looking for a heated drinking water hose that won’t leave your water tasting like plastic?
Camco’s TastePURE heated drinking water hose is perfect for various functions—including RVs and residential uses.
The hose is self-regulating, meaning it will never overheat and keep your water flowing even in the coldest weather.
Its durable exterior jacket protects and provides excellent water line freeze protection.
It’s also easy to set up and use – just plug it into any standard 120V outlet, and you’re good to go.
So if you’re looking for a reliable way to stay hydrated in the winter, the Camco TastePURE Heated Drinking Water Hose is the perfect solution!
The Camco TastePURE is also available in a 50ft length if you need it.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2. Valterra Heated Fresh Water Hose
- HEATED RV WATER HOSE: 1/2 diameter hose provides smooth flowing drinking water in sub-zero temperatures
- EASY OPERATION: Self-regulating design eliminates the need for a thermostat and saves power
- EASY TO INSTALL: 6 cord length and a light-up plug allows plug-and-play use for quick setup without the need for extra tools and hardware
- INSULATED DESIGN: Heavy-duty insulator cuffs with zippers are added at both ends of the hose to provide additional protection from low temperatures
- AVAILABLE IN MULTIPLE SIZES: Operates at 120VAC, and is also available in 15 and 50 lengths for a customized se
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Features
- Heavy-duty zippered insulation cuffs
- 25-foot hose
- Self-regulating heating cable
- 1.25 Amps
- 3-year warranty
Looking for a reliable way to get fresh drinking water in sub-zero temperatures?
The Valterra heated hose features a self-regulating heating source that kicks in as needed to keep the water flowing smoothly, even in the coldest weather.
That means it provides additional heat as the temperature drops – no thermostat is required!
Heavy-duty zippered insulation cuffs at each end provide extra protection against freezing. At the same time, the built-in 6′ power cord makes it easy to plug in and get started.
With its durable construction and easy-to-use design, the Valterra heated fresh water hose is a top contender in cold conditions.
Reviews from other users suggest this may not be suitable in extreme cold.
3. H&G Lifestyles Heated Water Hose
- Self-regulating heat source keeps water flowing without overheating and without the need for a thermostat or temperature controller，Heated hose Keeps water from freezing down to -40˚F，Ideal for water hose freeze protection
- Matching 3/4 femal Solid brass Garden hose adapter fittings allowing hose to be used with 120V power source ,For use in RV 、Camping、 chicken coops, pens, runs、Stables and garden SPA etc
- Perfect heat water hose , H&G lifestyles Heater hose keep you warm so you are more comfortable & more productive at home and/or work.
- H&G lifestyles heated water hose Keep warm water flowing in cold weather, but dont let the whole space overheat.Save you more money and keep the RV or Camping safe
- Durable exterior jacket protects water hose and heating cable components from damage or exposure, The warranty is for 18 months. If you have any problem, please contact us by em
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Features
- Heavy-duty and drinking water safe, 1/2 in
- 25-foot hose
- Freeze protection down to -40° F
- Self-regulating means a thermostat is not necessary
- 18-month warranty
This heated hose is made of food-grade drinking water safe hose, lead, and BPA-free, and claims to have no odor.
The smart temperature regulation on the hose prevents the water from freezing, even in cold weather.
The heated hose also features a durable outer jacket that protects water pipes and heating cable assemblies from damage.
This is the perfect low-budget hose for your winter travels with easy installation and connection!
How To Choose The Heated Water Hose For An RV
Winterizing an RV can be daunting, but choosing a suitable heated water hose is one of the most important things.
Here are a few things to look for when choosing a suitable heated RV water hose:
Hose Material & Connections
Because you’ll use the hose for providing drinking water, the construction must be safe.
Look for a hose that’s FDA-approved for use for drinking water and is BPA, phthalate, and lead-free.
Heated hoses can be expensive, so you’ll want to ensure they are durable enough to last through multiple winters.
Look for hoses made from high-quality materials, like reinforced PVC, and designed for heavy use.
Some heated water hoses have a female connector on both ends with a male adaptor. That means you can use either end of the hose to connect to the city water spigot.
Remember, any adaptors are a potential weak spot in the water line. They could freeze and block or damage the hose unless you insulate them.
Hose Length
Longer hoses are more expensive, so you can save money by buying a suitable length.
25’ hose is usually plenty unless you’re sure the city water source will be further away from your site.
Also, take note of the diameter of the hose, which affects the flow rate. Anything from about ½ “ should be fine.
Read more: 7 RV Water Hose Storage Ideas You Can Try
Temperature Rating & Control
The temperature rating is critical because it determines how well the hose can withstand frigid temperatures.
-20°F and -40°F are the most common ratings, so ensure you choose a hose based on your winter RV living plans.
Some heated hoses come with a temperature control feature. It’s usually either self-regulating or uses an energy-saving thermostat.
They monitor the temperature outside and adjust the power supplied to the heating element. That’s a great help in minimizing the electrical demand.
Power Consumption
Heated hoses use electricity, so it’s important to consider how much power they will consume. Choose a hose with low electrical consumption if you want to save on your energy bill.
Heated hoses must be plugged in, so it’s crucial to ensure that they meet NEC guidelines for electrical safety. This will help to prevent fires and other accidents.
Will Heat Tape Keep A Hose From Freezing?
Heat tape is often used to prevent water hoses from freezing. They are a lower-cost, DIY option for keeping your freshwater hoses ice-free.
Off-the-shelf heated water hoses can be expensive, so heat tape is a more budget-friendly option.
It’s a practical, effective solution if you prepare the hoses correctly, ensuring all sections are protected with heat tape and insulating foam pipe.
The aim is to leave no parts of the hose or spigot vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
How Do I Keep My RV Water Hose From Freezing?
The best way to keep your RV water hose from freezing is by using a heated RV water hose.
As we mentioned above, there are two types of heated hoses: those that require an external power source and those that are self-regulated.
Whichever type you choose, make sure that you wrap any exposed portions of the hose with insulating material like foam pipe insulation or electrical tape.
This will help prevent ice from forming on any parts of the hose that aren’t directly warmed by the heating element.
Read more: How To Dewinterize Your RV In 10 Easy Steps
Should I Use A Pressure Regulator With My Heated RV Water Hose?
Using a pressure regulator when connected to an outside water source is very important.
This is because the water pressure from these sources is often too high for your RV’s water system and could cause damage.
We use a water regulator because the plumbing in an RV isn’t as strong as the plumbing in buildings.
If you don’t, the excessive pressure from the external water supply could burst your RV’s pipes and create a huge headache for you.
A water regulator controls the pressure, so it doesn’t become too high and burst the pipes.
That said, ensure you protect the pressure regulator from freezing, too.
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In Conclusion
A frozen water hose can spell disaster for any RV owner who isn’t prepared for it.
A burst hose can cause serious damage to your rig, and being without running water can make life very uncomfortable (not to mention messy).
Investing in a good-quality heated RV water hose is the best way to protect yourself against frozen pipes. Plus, they ensure you always have access to running water – no matter how cold it gets outside!
Leave a comment below and let us know about your experience with heated water hoses! Did you find one that worked well, or did you have a bad experience with one? We want to hear from you!
Diane Beaudry
Wednesday 11th of January 2023
The best heated water hose is nofreeze hose. Quality construction, they last. The heated hoses in this article are marginal at best; I purchased a camco which didn't last a season.