Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter Review

Let’s Dive into Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter

The Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter is a seemingly simple, yet potentially crucial piece of kit for any RV enthusiast or occasional camper looking to ensure a supply of clean, potable water. Manufactured by Flow Pur, this inline filter promises to reduce chlorine, volatile organic chemicals, and sediment, improving the taste and odor of your RV’s water. It’s an affordable solution, but does it deliver on its promises?

I’ve spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, and water quality is paramount whether I’m advising on long-range hydration packs or outfitting a base camp. A persistent problem I see with RV water systems is the lingering taste of chlorine and the presence of fine sediment. I needed a reliable, easy-to-install solution to provide cleaner water for drinking, cooking, and showering during my weekend camping trips.

My initial impression upon unboxing the Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter was that it was quite compact and lightweight. The plastic housing felt sturdy enough for its intended purpose. The included hose connections appeared standard and ready for immediate use, which is always a plus.

I considered similar inline filters from Camco and ** Culligan**, but ultimately chose the *Flow Pur* due to its competitive price point and reputation for decent filtration in basic RV setups. Some filters focus on more aggressive filtration, but I was looking for a good balance between flow rate and filtration capability for my needs. I was cautiously optimistic.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter was during a weekend camping trip to a state park with notoriously hard water. The setup was simple: connect the filter between the spigot and my fresh water hose. The water pressure at the park was relatively low, so I was particularly interested in seeing if the filter would further reduce the flow rate.

Initially, the water had a slight plastic odor, which dissipated after running the water for a few minutes as instructed. The water tasted noticeably better than the unfiltered water from the same source, with a marked reduction in the chlorine smell and taste. There were no leaks at the connections.

The flow rate was slightly reduced, but not enough to cause any significant inconvenience. I was able to fill my RV’s fresh water tank without any major delays.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several camping trips over the past few months, the Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter has held up reasonably well. I haven’t observed any cracks or leaks in the housing, despite exposure to varying temperatures and some accidental bumps during setup and teardown. There is slight discoloration on the filter exterior from exposure to the elements.

Maintenance is minimal. I simply disconnect the filter after each trip and store it in a plastic bag to prevent contamination. I’m diligent about flushing the filter for a few minutes before each use to remove any stagnant water.

Compared to previous experiences with unfiltered RV water, the Flow Pur significantly improves the taste and quality. While it doesn’t completely eliminate all mineral tastes (that would require a more advanced filtration system), it provides a noticeable upgrade. I’m particularly pleased with the reduction in chlorine taste, making the water much more palatable for drinking and cooking.

Breaking Down the Features of Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter

Specifications

• Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) Filter: This is the core of the filter, responsible for reducing chlorine, volatile organic chemicals, taste, odor, and sediment. The GAC filter uses adsorption to trap contaminants as water passes through.
• Working Pressure: 20 – 120 PSI: This range indicates the acceptable water pressure for the filter to function correctly. Operating outside this range could damage the filter or reduce its effectiveness.
• Maximum Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM: This is the maximum amount of water that can pass through the filter per minute without significantly reducing its filtration effectiveness. Exceeding this rate can compromise water quality.
• Works with your fresh water hose connections: This ensures compatibility with standard RV and garden hose fittings, making installation quick and straightforward. This simple compatibility is a huge time saver.

These specifications matter because they define the filter’s capabilities and limitations. The GAC filter is effective for common contaminants found in municipal water supplies, but it won’t remove heavy metals or biological contaminants. The pressure and flow rate specifications dictate the filter’s optimal operating conditions for best performance and longevity.

Performance & Functionality

The Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter performs its basic function of reducing chlorine, taste, odor, and sediment effectively, especially at its affordable price point. The noticeable improvement in water quality is a significant benefit for RVers and campers who are sensitive to the taste of chlorine or concerned about sediment.

The main strength of this filter is its simplicity and ease of use. The straightforward installation and minimal maintenance make it a user-friendly option for anyone. The biggest weakness is its limited filtration capabilities. It is not designed to remove all contaminants or improve extremely poor-quality water.

It meets my basic expectations for a budget-friendly inline water filter, providing a noticeable improvement in water quality for typical RV camping situations. However, it wouldn’t be sufficient for situations where water quality is highly suspect.

Design & Ergonomics

The Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter features a simple, cylindrical design with standard hose connections at each end. The plastic housing is lightweight and easy to handle.

It is very user-friendly, requiring no special tools or expertise for installation. The compact size makes it easy to store when not in use.

Durability & Maintenance

The filter should last for one camping season with regular use, as recommended by the Flow Pur. The lifespan may be shorter with frequent use or exposure to heavily contaminated water sources.

Maintenance is limited to flushing the filter before each use and storing it properly when not in use. There are no user-serviceable parts.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available.

It is compatible with standard RV fresh water hoses and fittings. Consider adding a quick-disconnect fitting for even easier setup and teardown.

Pros and Cons of Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter

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Who Should Buy Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter?

This filter is perfect for: Weekend or occasional RV campers looking for an affordable and easy way to improve the taste and quality of their water. It’s also a good choice for individuals sensitive to chlorine or concerned about sediment in their water.

Who should skip this product? Those who require a high level of water purification for heavily contaminated water sources or those needing to remove specific contaminants like heavy metals or bacteria. Also, users needing a high flow rate should consider a more robust system.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A quick-disconnect fitting can make setup and teardown even easier.

Conclusion on Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter

The Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter is a solid choice for RVers and campers seeking a simple, affordable solution for improving their water quality. It effectively reduces chlorine, taste, odor, and sediment, making water more palatable for drinking, cooking, and showering.

The price is justified, especially for those on a budget or who only camp occasionally. While it doesn’t offer the most comprehensive filtration, it provides a noticeable and worthwhile upgrade over unfiltered water.

I would personally recommend it to casual campers and RVers who prioritize ease of use and affordability over high-end filtration. If you’re tired of the chlorine taste in your RV water, give the Flow Pur FP12GE-RV Exterior Inline Water Filter a try – it might just make your next camping trip a little more enjoyable.