Traveling in an RV can be an exciting adventure, but dealing with hard water on the road can dampen the experience. This article will guide you in selecting the best water softener for your RV to enhance your journey and protect your investment.
Why You Need a Water Softener for Your RV
- Protect plumbing and appliances
- Improve water quality for skin and hair
Installing a water softener in your RV is essential to protect the plumbing and appliances from the damaging effects of hard water. Additionally, softened water can improve the quality of water for bathing, leading to healthier skin and hair.
Key Features to Consider
When choosing a water softener for your RV, consider these features:
- Portability
- Capacity
- Regeneration method
- Ease of installation and maintenance
Portability
Since space is a premium in RVs, it’s crucial to select a compact, lightweight, and easily transportable water softener.
Capacity
Determine the right capacity based on your water usage and the number of people traveling in your RV. Higher-capacity water softeners will require regeneration less often, making them more convenient for extended trips.
Regeneration Method
Water softeners for RVs typically use either a salt-based or salt-free regeneration method. Salt-based systems are generally more effective but require more maintenance. Salt-free systems are low maintenance but may not perform as well in extremely hard water conditions.
Ease of Installation and Maintenance
Choose a water softener with a straightforward installation process and minimal maintenance requirements to ensure hassle-free operation.
5 Best Water Softeners for RVs
Table could not be displayed.#1. Best Overall: Mobile-Soft-Water Portable Unit with Tank
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- Softener Type: Salt-Based
- Grain Capacity: 16,000
- Clear water iron: Removes soluble iron
- Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 21.63 inches
Mobile-Soft-Water Softener is the superior choice when it comes to connecting to your recreational vehicle’s water supply. With a 16,000 Grain capacity and NSF61 approval, you can have peace of mind knowing that your water will be properly filtered and softened. Plus, with an easy setup and maintenance process, you’ll be saving time on installation while reaping the full benefits of soft water all season long!
With a garden hose in and out connection, it can reduce both total hardness as well as soluble iron levels for better quality drinking water.
It has been designed for 150 psi operating pressure and comes with a one year limited warranty on materials. This means that you can enjoy the benefits without fear of any unexpected costs resulting from defective parts down the line.
Pros
- Portable space-saving design
- Easy to install
- Requires minimal maintenance
- NSF61 Approved
Cons
- It has nylon fittings instead of brass fitting
#2. Best Portable: On The Go OTG4 Portable Water Softener
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- Softener Type: Salt-Based
- Grain Capacity: 16,000
- Flow rate: 3 GPM
- Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 24 inches
On The Go Water Softener fits perfectly in small spaces while still delivering maximum water-softening power. It offers a 16,000-grain capacity with a flow rate of 3 GPM. It requires no tools or electricity and doesn’t take up a lot of room, but still helps improve the taste and odor of your water.
Installing this machine is a breeze with its user-friendly setup making it perfect for tiny homes, cramped apartments, and caravans on the go! An easy-to-carry handle on top ensures that transportation and setup are simple and hassle-free.
Plus, the use of high-grade premium resin guarantees a quality performance no matter where you’re using it.
Pros
- Designed for portability
- Easy-to-carry handle on top
- Brass Fittings
- Improve water taste and avoids scale build-up
Cons
- Some parts are plastic-made
#3. Best Compact: On The Go OTG3 Portable Water Softener
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- Compact design
- High capacity
- Easy regeneration process
The On The Go Portable Water Softener offers a compact design and high capacity, making it a popular choice among RV enthusiasts. The easy regeneration process ensures you can enjoy softened water throughout your trip.
#4. Best Premium: PRO+AQUA Portable Water Softener
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- Softener Type: Salt-Based
- Grain Capacity: 16,000
- Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 20 inches
- Warranty: 1-year on parts
This all-in-one water softener fits nearly any tight space, without compromising on performance. With a 16,000-grain capacity and Pre-Filled high-Capacity Resin, PRO AQUA gives you the ultimate convenience and efficacy that comes with a bigger unit but in a smaller frame.
This convenient product is designed for small spaces and works with both well and city water sources. In just five minutes, it’s ready to use at up to 5 GPM flow rate giving you continuous performance for all your applications.
With just two boxes of table salt, your water softener will fully regenerate in under 30 minutes – making it one of the quickest and most efficient on the market today. Not only that, but since this is a mobile softener it can easily be moved around depending on your specific needs – freeing up precious space in any area of your home.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Impressive grain capacity for the size
- Faster regeneration
- Designed and assembled in the USA
Cons
- Some users reported a low water pressure
#5. Best High Flow: Flow PurWatt Watts Pro 1000 Portable Water Softener
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- Customizable settings
- Built-in bypass valve
- High flow rates
The Watts RV Pro-1000 offers customizable settings, allowing you to tailor the softening process to your specific needs. The built-in bypass valve and high flow rates make this an excellent option for larger RVs.







