Are you planning on travelling around Australia with your caravan or motorhome?
A decent caravan water filter is essential. These accessories ensure that you’re consuming and showering in clean, healthy water.
It will increase your travel options and give you valuable peace of mind when you’re on the road. But which filter is the best for you?
Check out this guide and see some of the leading caravan water filters on the market today. Hopefully, you’ll find the one for you.
| B.E.S.T. Inline Water Filter 1 Micron With Hose Fitting | Thirsty Nomad 5 In 1 Caravan Water Purifier | Shurflo RV & Marine Water Filtration Kit | Whale Aqua Source Water Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Value  | Our pick  |  |  | |
N/A | ~60psi | 30 -125psi | 60psi | |
1 micron | 0.01 micron | 0.5 micron | ?? | |
0.57 kg | 0.59 kg | 1 kg | 1 kg | |
1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Best Caravan Water Filters Australia
B.E.S.T. Inline Water Filter 1 Micron With Hose Fitting
Best Value
This inline water filter for caravans is a useful option. B.E.S.T designs it for the dual purposes of working with hoses or connecting it to a mains water tank. This is a useful feature that gives this filter added flexibility.
B.E.S.T claims that their product filters particles to a single micron. In theory, this ensures that harmful elements no longer have any effect when you use the water. It should remove toxins and chemicals for up to 5,000L of flow.
Meanwhile, this caravan water filter features a backflush that improves the water flow. The filter is also flushable for added convenience.
It’s lightweight (570g) and easy to carry. Unfortunately, B.E.S.T doesn’t give information about maximum pressure or flow range. It’s safe to assume that it’s significantly lower than more expensive options.
However, the cheaper price still makes this an attractive option. It’s fairly inexpensive and comes with a 1 year warranty.
Thirsty Nomad 5 In 1 Caravan Water Purifier
Most Thorough Filtration
The second caravan water filter in this guide is from Thirsty Nomad.
This Australian brand is expensive but it’s worth it. Their filter costs a little over $200 with a 1 year warranty. However, it’s high-performance and comes with many great features.
Firstly, it uses 5-stage water treatment for better purification. This enables it to filter unwanted chemicals and elements down to just 0.01 micron. Furthermore, it also blocks 99% of bacteria and removes up to 100% of chlorine (0-2,000L).
There’s no question that Thirsty Nomad is an industry leader when it comes to filtration.
Their caravan water filter will work in temperatures up to 50°C. It should last for up to 7,500L which is longer than many competitors. Also, it meets all the required safety standards and is one of the most transparent brands you’ll find.
The only flaw for some customers will be the price tag. However, it’s not unreasonable because of the quality and the amount of use you will get out of it.
Shurflo RV & Marine Water Filtration Kit
Honourable Mention
The Shurflo RV & Marine Water Filtration Kit is another popular option. It filters water up to 0.5 micron and works to reduce the taste of chlorine as well as nasty smells.
Shurflo supplies all of the necessary attachments such as mounting screws, fittings, and a 1.5m tube. They advise that it’s only intended for cold water. Also, users should flush the system for a few minutes after prolonged non-use.
It has a maximum pressure range of 30-125psi as well as a maximum flow rate of 1.9L/min.
Overall, they are less transparent compared to other brands like Thirsty Nomad. The latter explains every process in minute detail but Shurflo leaves prospective buyers guessing.
This caravan filter comes in at around $200 with a 1 year warranty.
Whale Aqua Source Water Filter
Honourable Mention
The Whale Aqua Source Water Filter is the cheapest unit on this list at a little under $100 with a 1 year warranty.
It’s easy to install and will work efficiently for up to a year. According to the manufacturer it should be fitted under the sink.
This is a basic system that does everything you need. It has a decent maximum pressure of 60psi. Meanwhile, the silverised carbon filter can remove bad odours and nasty aftertastes.
The downside is that there is no information about the likes of flow rate or other performance aspects. Nor does it have the ability to prevent bacteria because it’s made from granular carbon as opposed to CFB.
Even more concerning is the lack of a micron rating. There’s no information on how effective it is at filtering sediments. This is the basic role of a water filter so it is a concern.
It’s advisable to invest in a higher-quality filter if you’re going off the grid.
Things to Consider When Buying Caravan Water Filters
Now let’s think about some important points to bear in mind when you’re looking for a new caravan filter. Check them out below!
Maximum Pressure
A good filter should be able to handle a decent flow of water. A filter that treats your water well but puts out just a dribble of flow isn’t much use!
That’s why it’s important to check these figures when you look at different products. Most brands will disclose them.
PSI refers to water pressure. Most homeowners experience water pressure of 40-60psi. The higher the PSI the filter can handle, the higher the flow rate it can handle and discharge.
It's important that your water filter integrates well with the rest of your water system, including your water pump, hot water system, toilet and washing machine.
Micron Rating
Another crucial element to consider in water filters is the micron rating.
This is the filter’s ability to prevent unwanted elements and chemicals from passing through the filter. If a brand doesn’t disclose this, you should take it as a warning sign that they’re not reliable.
The micron rating should be below one for any decent system. Thirsty Nomad is a leader in this regard with an impressive 0.01. However, Whale Aqua fails to disclose this figure at all which is a concern.
The WA government has more advice on water filters (the article talks about home water filters but the advice applies to caravan filters too).
Operating Temperatures
Not every manufacturer will disclose this but it’s worth considering.
Australia is a very hot country so you want to know your caravan accessories can cope. Thirsty Nomad says that their filter will work without problems in temperatures of between -5°C and 50°C.
Dimensions/Weight
This isn’t the most important element but it’s useful to know how long the filter hose is as well as other components. You must buy a product that is compatible with your caravan.
Warranty
If you have a problem with your caravan accessories you won’t be able to do anything without a warranty. All credible companies should offer a minimum of a one year warranty for a caravan filter.
Caravan Water Filters FAQ
Can you drink tap water in a caravan?
Tap water is perfectly safe in a caravan as long as the water is from a drinkable source. There are two ways to reduce the chances of any issues.
Firstly, you should use water filters to remove any unwanted elements.
Many people also use a water filter jug to prevent any particles from slipping through. Or you can boil it for extra peace of mind. However, this usually isn’t necessary.
How long do caravan water filters last?
Caravan water filters don’t last forever because they only process a certain amount of water before their filtration mechanism fills with nasties. You don’t want to overuse a filter because it’ll no longer be effective.
Most brands specify the number of litres a filter can process. In the case of the B.E.S.T, it’s 5,000L, while the Thirsty Nomad will filter 7,500L. Others, like the Shurflo, simply recommend replacement on an annual basis.
In short, it depends on how much you use it. If you notice a change in the quality of your water, then that’s a clear sign that you should change your filter as soon as possible.
Can you clean an RV water filter?
Unfortunately, it’s not a good idea to try and clean an RV water filter. Manufacturers design these products with a specified lifespan.
Do caravan water filters remove bacteria?
The short answer to this question is that it depends on the type of water filter.
Premium filters like the Thirsty Nomad are made from Carbon Fibre Block (CFB). This removes contaminants at a much higher rate than granular carbon. The Thirsty Nomad filter offers up to 99% bacteria prevention while the Whale Aqua doesn’t have any.
That’s why a more expensive CFB option may be a wise investment. After all, your health is your wealth!
Do caravan water filters affect the flow rate?
Many CFB filters will affect the flow rate of the water. However, usually, the benefits outweigh the negatives in this case.
After all, you’re effectively guaranteeing clean water.
Some caravanners will use two water filters. They’ll have a separate one for the drinking water and another system for showers and toilets. But this isn’t essential and it’s more costly.
Final Thoughts
A good caravan water filter will change your ability to travel.
It ensures that you can trust the water in your tank. Even if you don’t like drinking it, at least you have the option. Furthermore, you can take a shower without unwanted bacteria slipping through and making contact with your skin.
The Thirsty Nomad caravan water filter is one of the best you can buy. They are very transparent and the product is high-performing in every category. Meanwhile, the brand is aware of the Australian market’s requirements.
If you want to save money, then consider the B.E.S.T filter. It’s not as good as the Thirsty Nomad but it’s fine for infrequent use. The Shurflo is decent but the price-point is too close to Thirsty Nomads to be recommended.
Avoid the Whale Aqua if you’re going off the grid because it doesn’t block bacteria. Nor do we know the micron rating which triggers alarm bells.
If you have any questions about these products or anything else in this guide, please leave a comment below.
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Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
Wow! Couldn’t agree more with you regarding the Thirsty Nomad filters. We feel they are fantastic value for money. We have been using them for over a year now. We have travelled in remote areas like the Gulf and had no issues whatsoever with their filter. In fact, it’s fair to say it’s the best quality water we have had in motor homing over 20 years now.
We now use their filter in our home as well. Fantastic to have a water purifier plus filter.