Buy the best and cry only once. The first time I heard this statement I was quite taken aback by the absolute value that it held. In other words, if you get good stuff you’re likely not to be frustrated in using it over time and it won’t end up in the landfill in short order.
That applies to every human-made product, in my opinion. And today I feel that also applies to RV water hoses.
Like most RVers, when I bought my new travel trailer back in 2016, the dealership had an RV supply store where I spent many hundreds of dollars on all sorts of necessities. Among those were stinky slinkies, a blue water filter, an RV wash kit and two fresh water hoses.
Those white fresh water hoses lasted until recently when the fittings on the ends started to leak. I felt bad with leaky fittings wasting water. So I looked around and bought a zero–G® drinking water hose at some RV show somewhere.
The zero-G water hose has the benefit of remaining pliable and relatively compact when stored. But after just a few uses, it sprung leaks at both ends of the hose right where the hose joined the fitting. Grrr.
Water hose from Airstream Life Store
Recently, I was talking to Rich Luhr about this. Rich publishes Airstream Life Magazine and also has the Airstream Life Store. He claimed that the water hose in the Airstream Life Store is the best you can buy. Period.
This isn’t something he just sells. It’s something he specifically has made for the Airstream Life Store.
These water hoses are a coiled design and come in 25- and 50-foot lengths and in white or blue. When ready for travel, there is a carrying bag available, as well. I bought two 25-foot hoses, both of which fit into the carrying bag along with our pressure regulator and short adaptor hose to go between the Clear 2O water filter and the camper.
According to the specifications, the hoses are rated for a burst pressure of 375 PSI. The fittings on each end are brass and are plated with trivalent chrome. They just feel like a quality part.
Easy to pack the hose up
The best thing is, winter or summer, when it’s time to pack up, the hose just zings back into its original coiled shape and fits easily back into the bag.
These hoses are made in the USA and are guaranteed for five years. Not bad.
As mentioned, we use the hose, a pressure regulator and then our water filtration system. I’ve remained happy with the pressure regulator, again not the cheapest one on Amazon, and the water filter.
I’m always thrilled when I can find a product I like that serves me well. While I love a good deal as much as the next guy, sometimes a good deal is getting something that isn’t going to generate cursing every time I use it. After all, who wants to get hosed when buying RV gadgets?
You can order one or learn more here.
##RVT1033
I would suggest hose, then filter, and then regulator. When debris/sediment gets in the regulator you will be buying a new one.
Regulator first protects both the hose and the filter from overpressure. The regulator should have a screen to reduce the chance of getting debris in it.
In the case of this hose, it doesn’t need protection. As Tony mentioned, it is rated to 375 psi. There’s no campground water supply in the world that will burst it. You can put regulator either before or after the hose, it won’t matter.
The filter should handle the pressure and stop the smaller stuff that will get through the regulator screen.
Good call. Actually I usually put the regulator at the spigot but I did this to test it with an admittedly high pressure hose bib just to see if it leaked. The photos were from the first outing where I was testing it.
You RVTravel.com readers have keen eyes! But this is also a great tip.
For $69 or $89 they should include the bag.
I agree. But, you know.
I still buy the white hose, and extra male and female ends because that is the problem, they start leaking. Cut them off and install after-market connections, problem permanently solved at a fraction of the cost.
Honestly I have no interest in fiddling with hose bibs when I should be camping and relaxing. The fewer fiddly things I have to deal with, the happier I am.
Ah but Tony, you only have to fiddle one time.
We have two of these hoses and have used them during our over one year of full-time living without any problem. We especially appreciate the ease with which they pack away when we are breaking camp. We anticipate that in the long term they will prorate to be less expensive then any other hose.
In 16 yrs FT – I’m using the original hose, although I’ve had to replace the metal end a few times and cut off the end when it gets “Brittle”. Carry two 25′ Backup/Extension hoses. Been through one of the small in-line regulators and I’m on the second Camco type dial regulator. Plus new blue filters when needed throughout the years. We use a Berkey for drinking water. Regulator – Filter – Hose.
Best to have filter before regulator to keep regulator clean and keep your pressure up to setting.
I bought one of these, and liked so much that I bought another for longer runs. As a full time RVer with arthritis, they have been a game changer. So easy to pack up and store. I consider them to be well worth the money.
AMEN!! Arthritis can kiss my butt……..the Airstream Life coiled water hose is a game-changing life-saver!!
Does the 3/8 inch inside diameter provide adequate flow?
Looks like a good tripping hazard.
The colder it is outside, the harder to un-coil these curlycue hoses. I like the straight hose that I can roll up myself.
Amen.