Do You Need a Water Pressure Regulator for RV Camping?

No matter what kind of RV you have, you’ll need fresh water to cook, clean, bathe, and stay hydrated. From the basics of connecting an RV to city water to regular maintenance like RV fresh water tank sanitization, there’s a bit to learn if you’re a new RV camper. Luckily, you’ve found a great resource to discover the importance of filtering water from any source, and why an RV water pressure regulator is essential to protect your RV plumbing.

With pressures varying from source to source, a regulator is the best way to reduce the risk of damage to its plumbing and hoses, which can lead to expensive repairs. Let’s look at what RV pressure regulators do and why you need one for your RV.

Key Takeaways

• Importance of a Water Pressure Regulator: RV water pressure varies across campgrounds, and high pressure can damage plumbing, leading to costly repairs. A regulator prevents this by maintaining safe pressure levels.
• How It Works & Setup: A regulator installed at the city water spigot reduces incoming pressure before reaching the RV. It protects plumbing, hoses, and filters.
• Choosing the Right Regulator: Adjustable regulators offer flexibility, while non-adjustable ones are simpler. Models with pressure gauges provide better monitoring, with brands like RV360, Valterra, and Aqua Pro being top choices.

How Do Pressure Regulators Work?

A water pressure regulator is simply a valve that reduces the water pressure as it enters your RV from a city water source. These regulators are designed to reduce water pressure to a safe level for the plumbing systems in modern RVs. But they also protect your RV’s water hose and filtration systems. Water pressure regulators are not necessary for filling your fresh water tank.

Do I Need a Regulator for my RV?

Water from city water connections will offer varying pressures depending on the campground or RV park you’re staying in. Additionally, campgrounds don’t routinely monitor water pressure at each campsite. This means you might have a low-pressure connection that’s perfectly safe for your RV at one location, but your next location could have a high-pressure connection that creates issues for your RV’s plumbing.

Low-pressure connections are more of a nuisance than anything else. You may struggle to clean dishes or take an adequate shower, but there will be minimal risk to your RV. It’s high-pressure connections that present the real danger.

If the water pressure is too high, it can lead to broken plumbing lines or fittings that result in leaks and water damage. Water damage is never a good thing for a residential property, but it’s especially troublesome for RVs that are more exposed to heat and other elements. You really need to avoid it at all costs, so you should install a water pressure regulator every time you connect to city water to protect your plumbing and hoses from high pressure.

What Is the Right Water Pressure for an RV?

The correct water pressure for an RV varies depending on the model and the condition of your RV’s plumbing system. Modern RVs, like fifth wheels, can handle up to 100 pounds per square inch (PSI) of water pressure. However, most RV experts recommend never letting the water pressure exceed 60 PSI. Somewhere around 40 to 55 PSI is ideal for many RVs.

Of course, you should consult your RV’s owner’s manual for the specific pressure threshold for your RV. Your RV’s owner’s manual may also recommend a specific type of water pressure regulator. Always go with what your owner’s manual recommends.

How To Hook Up an RV Water Pressure Regulator

The best method is to screw the regulator directly onto the spigot for the city water supply. From there, you can attach an RV water filter to the regulator, screw your city water drinking hose (not just a garden hose) into the filter, and connect the other end to your RV’s city water inlet.

The regulator comes first to protect not only your RV but your water filter, hose, and hose fittings as well. This method reduces the water pressure immediately upon water coming out of the spigot so that it doesn’t damage your RV or any of your RV accessories.

What Is the Best RV Water Pressure Regulator?

There are several kinds of RV water pressure regulators. The best one for your RV is any regulator that reduces city water pressure to a safe PSI, which is typically between 40 and 55 PSI.

The two types of RV water pressure regulators are adjustable and non-adjustable. You’ll find models in both categories with and without readable pressure gauges on the exterior. A non-adjustable pressure regulator does the job, but it doesn’t provide any flexibility. Comparatively, an adjustable water pressure regulator allows you to dial in your optimal pressure for water conservation and the ensured operation of appliances like a tankless water heater that requires a minimal flow rate to turn on.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, a regulator with a pressure gauge is a smart RV upgrade. It allows you to visually monitor the water pressure instead of blindly trusting that the regulator is still functioning properly.

There are many brands available on the RV market today, but some of our favorite RV water pressure regulators are made by RV360, Valterra, and Aqua Pro.

A water pressure regulator is an essential addition to your RV tool kit. Here are a few more resources to help you learn what to add to your RV if you’re just starting out:

• Best Water Filtration System for RV
• What Is an RV Water Softener?
• Choosing a Tankless RV Water Heater
• Where to Put a Water Pressure Regulator on Your Camper

Do you use a water pressure regulator? If so, what do you use? Leave a comment below!