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Camping during the warmer seasons of the year is usually the norm for those who take their RVs out for an occasional weekend trip or vacation. But many full-time RV enthusiasts live in their rigs year-round, making things like a heated RV water hose a necessity.
Temperature extremes are a constant worry in winter climates. RVers must worry about keeping themselves warm in their RVs and how to keep water pipes from freezing. A heated RV water hose is an excellent addition to your cold season equipment.
How Do I Keep My RV Water Hose from Freezing?
There are a couple of ways to prevent frozen water faucets and hoses when the temperature dips below 32℉.
A popular DIY method involves insulating the faucet and the hose leading from it into your RV with heat tape. Wrap heat tape around the entire length of the hose to keep all sections of it free from ice formation.
Then, enclose the wrapped hose in insulation tubing, which you can replicate with a foam pool noodle. Then, wrap it in duct tape. You could also purchase foam covers for the RV hose attachment that fits snuggly to your RV inlet bibb.
This DIY method works for many RVers, but it’s not the best solution. There’s an easier way to keep your water hose from freezing.
Just purchase a heated RV water hose.
What Is a Heated RV Water Hose?
Its name is self-explanatory, but a heated RV water hose is the professional version of a DIY hose wrapped with heat tape. The hose is a heavy-duty BPA- and lead-free hose with a thermostat that regulates when heat is needed.
The heating element threads through the inside casing, so it covers the exterior but never touches the inside of the hose (and water!), keeping it safe to use. Most work well in temperatures down to 20℉.
A heated RV water hose is usually a more energy-efficient option as well. Heat tape used in the DIY version can use up to 2,000 watts of power instead of 300 to 500 watts for a ready-made heated RV water hose.
Do I Need a Heated Water Hose for My RV?
If you plan to camp in colder climates for any length of time and will have fresh water from a spigot, a heated water hose may be your best bet to keep H2O flowing at your campsite.
But if you’ll be in sub-zero temperatures for longer periods, using an interior water tank is most likely the best way to avoid frozen water and pipes, as you’ll need to keep your rig and its tanks warm.
Pro Tip: If you’ve never gone winter camping before, here’s what they don’t tell you about it.
How Hot Do These Hoses Get?
Most generic heated water hoses keep water 32℉ or warmer. So when the hose’s thermostat senses temperatures that drop below that, it’ll turn its heating element on. This feature can be an energy-saving benefit, as the hose only demands electricity when needed.
The hose gets hotter as the outdoor temperatures drop, keeping ice from forming on the inside of the hose. So, when touching the exterior, you’ll feel the hose’s temperature rise as cold air gets even colder.
Top 5 Heated RV Water Hoses
We’ve found five great heated RV water hoses that will do the job for you when cold sets in at the campsite:
5. H&G Lifestyles Heated Water Hose
- self-regulating heat source keeps water flowing without overheating and without the need for a thermostat or temperature...
- Matching 3/4 femal Solid brass Garden hose adapter fittings allowing hose to be used with power from RV or Campground...
This 50-foot heated RV water hose is 0.5 inches in diameter and should keep your water flowing even when temperatures drop to -40℉.
It’s self-regulating, so there’s no need for a thermostat.
4. Scilulu 25FT Heated Drinking Water Hose
This hose is 25 feet long, with a 0.5 inch diameter. It can withstand temperatures down to -45℉ and uses a thermostat for economical heating.
3. Pirit 25FT Heated Hose
You can assure flowing water down to -42℉ with the Pirit Heated RV Water Hose.
Its innovative design has incorporated heating elements within the hose itself, rather than being wrapped around it and sealed with a covering.
You won’t need a thermostat with its 300-watt self-regulating design.
2. Valterra 50 FT Heated Fresh Water Hose
- Keeps water flowing in winter
- Provides smooth flowing drinking water in sub-zero temperatures
Another self-regulating hose, the Valterra protects fresh water even when the temperature drops to -40℉.
Its diameter is also 0.5 inch with a length of 50 feet.
The hose even comes with zippered insulated covers at both ends to protect the connections to the spigot and your R.
1. Camco 50FT Heated Drinking Water Hose with Thermostat – 4.6 stars
- Camco TastePURE Heated Drinking Water Hose
- Length: 50 ft.
Finally, our top recommendation: Camco’s 50-foot heated water hose including a thermostat.
With a thermostat that keeps water moving even at -20℉, the Camco 50-foot heated RV water hose will keep up with weather changes.
It measures just over half an inch in diameter and can handle water pressures up to 30psi.
Keep In Mind: Learn how to protect the rest of your RV for winter whether you’re putting it in storage or enjoying an offseason adventure.
Don’t Bust a Pipe This Winter
You can minimize the extra stresses involved with winter camping with a heated RV water hose. Throw away fears of frozen hoses and burst pipes by investing in some peace of mind. A heated hose will keep your fresh water in liquid form, giving you one less thing to worry about on a cold winter’s night!
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
