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.
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
Best Overall
Mobile-Soft-Water Portable 16,000 Grain (tm) Unit with Tank, Tank Head, Lead-Free Plastic NSF 61 Male GHC Tank Connections, Distributor, Resin and Instructions. Used in Rv & Car Wash Applications.
Best Portable
On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener (NOT made in China, assembled by U.S. Workers in Indiana)
Best Compact
On The Go OTG3NTP3M Portable Water Softener
Best Premium
PRO+AQUA 16,000 Grain Portable Water Softener for RV, Trailers, Boats, Mobile Car Wash, Pressure Wash – Protects Water Systems from Hard Water Damage and Corrosion, with Pre-Filled High-Capacity Resin
Best High Flow
FLOW/PURWATT Watts RV PRO-1000 OR M7002 10000 Grains Portable Water Softener
Mobile-Soft-Water Portable 16,000 Grain (tm) Unit with Tank, Tank Head, Lead-Free Plastic NSF 61 Male GHC Tank Connections, Distributor, Resin and Instructions. Used in Rv & Car Wash Applications.
PRO+AQUA 16,000 Grain Portable Water Softener for RV, Trailers, Boats, Mobile Car Wash, Pressure Wash – Protects Water Systems from Hard Water Damage and Corrosion, with Pre-Filled High-Capacity Resin
16,000 grains Total Hardness Removal Portable and Manual
Removes Total Hardness and Soluble Iron
Suitable for Recreational Vehicle Use
LEAD FREE USEPA, NSF61 Approved Water Connections
Includes Manual
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
The Double Standard Softener & Conditioner produces twice the gallons compared to the standard model and is the largest compact RV softener on the market.
Built for the owner of any RV/Marine model, this 16,000 grain unit is a perfect fit and supplies approx. 40% more soft water than any other unit on the market. It simply regenerates with 2 boxes of common table salt in less than 30 minutes and provides the owner with soft water up to 1600 gallons or up to 40 days.
Its compact, space-saver design allows it to be installed in the tightest places. It will allow high flow rates with very low pressure drop.
Its unique features includes easy to carry handle on top, large mouth opening for easy salt addition, high grade premium resin, travel friendly option of cap & plug to prevent leakage and is built for quick & simple regeneration.
It utilizes a standard garden hose connection between park faucet and your RV/Marine, requires NO tools or electricity and its compact design 22”H x 9.50”dia. can be easily stored in your storage bay or dock side locker.
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
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
【 HIGHLY EFFICIENT 】Hard water is notorious for smelling like rotten eggs and having a foul taste. Improve the overall smell and taste of water and protect your water system from hard water deposits, build-up, corrosion, and scale by using a portable water softener.
【 READY TO USE IN 5 MINUTES 】This PRO+AQUA Portable Water Softener comes fully assembled with 3/4" high flow in/out garden hose ports and has a 16,000 grain capacity for up to 60 days (2,000 gallons) of softened water. Works with both city and well water.
【 MULTI-PURPOSE & EFFECTIVE】Innovatively designed in the U.S., this portable water softener can not only be used in your RV, trailer, marina, boats, to soften water for all your water needs like drinking and bathing water but also spas, mobile car washing and pressure washing to combat the effects of hard water.
【 NO ELECTRICITY REQUIRED 】Requires no tools or electricity. Easily connect your RV, Boat or Pressure Washer to any standard water hose connections typically found in campgrounds, park faucets. Easily regenerates with 2 boxes of common table salt in less than 30 minutes.
【 VALUE FOR MONEY 】Despite its compact size of only 10" x 19.5", this portable softener & conditioner produces twice the gallons and 40% more soft water compared to other brands, making it the best choice for protecting your water system. Comes with a 2-year warranty.
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
Built-in drain line flow restrictor provides a more effective regeneration increasing the capacity by up to 55%
Custom designed flow valves allow regeneration without having to connect/disconnect the system
Full cradle base keeps tank more secure than cometing open base tanks. Hardness strips included
High flow rates up to 4 GPM with low pressure drop
Uses common table salt
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.
