DIY RV Water Filter

If you’re just getting into RVs, then you know that accessories can cost a lot of money down the road. Generator here, awning there, and before you’ve hit the road you’ve already spent a few hundred dollars. In this article, we’re going to go over one accessory that you can build yourself, which will save you a ton of money. This DIY won’t require any special tools or electricity to power it, you ready? Let’s get to it!

There are many products that are available in the market that are designed to be RV Water Filters. Some filters are as simple as an inline carbon filter that looks similar to a submarine sandwich. Then there are other models that have multi-stage filters and take up a whole storage section of a coach. We’re going to show you how you can build your own RV Water Filter that is the perfect size and works with pop-up tent trailers as well as large motorcoaches. 

The first piece of equipment you’ll need is the iFilters.com Whole House 2 Stage Sediment Rust CTO w/ AP110 & AP117 Comparable Filters, 3/4". This is typically sold as a “Whole House Water Filter, but we’re going to show you how to make it work for your RV.

This unit is equipped with a 5-micron rated polypropylene sediment filter and premium Coconut Shell granular activated carbon (GAC). What does that exactly mean for you? The first stage is a sediment filter that will trap large particles of dirt, debris, or any type of sediment that could be lurking in the campground water source. The second stage is the coconut shell GAC it is designed to remove a number of contaminants such as unpleasant taste, odor, chlorine, color, and commonly found chemicals in the water

Now to make this filter system compatible with your RV, you’ll need to install some ¾” garden hose fittings. These are called Brass Garden Hose Fitting Adapters 3/4" Male NPT to 3/4" GHT Set, and are available on iFilters.com

You’ll need to get a roll of Teflon tape and make sure you wrap the threads going into the filter housing at least 2 times. That should be enough to prevent any type of leaks from happening. Then install the brass fittings, pay careful attention, make sure that the female fitting is on the IN port and the male fitting goes on the OUT port. Snug it up until the base of the fittings are seated flush, don’t overtighten.

Now connect the source water from the campground to the IN port, then connect your intake hose to your RV to the OUT port and turn on the spigot. Flush out the system for the first few minutes to allow any dust from the GAC to be washed out. Once the water starts to run clear, then it’s ready to be used. 

So there you have it! You have built your own budget-friend RV Water Filter for less than $65! This filter system works just as well as systems that cost hundreds of dollars more. Besides, this unit was actually designed to work for homes, so if it’s effective enough to work in your regular house, then it’s going to be just as good for your house on wheels.