First Thoughts on the Camco Aerator, Portable
The Camco Aerator, Portable is a simple yet potentially vital tool for anyone with an RV or boat who needs to sanitize their fresh water tank. Made by Camco, this small device promises to help eliminate stale water and odors, contributing to a cleaner and safer water supply. The need for a tool like this became apparent after a particularly unpleasant experience with a newly acquired used RV.
The RV’s fresh water tank had clearly been neglected, resulting in water that smelled and tasted less than desirable. I sought a solution that was easy to use, didn’t require complicated plumbing modifications, and was effective at sanitizing the tank. The Camco Aerator, Portable seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
Unboxing revealed a lightweight, compact device constructed of durable-looking plastic. The build quality felt solid enough for occasional use, and its simplicity was immediately apparent. This stood in stark contrast to more complex, built-in sanitization systems I had considered. My initial thought was, “This is either genius or a complete waste of money.”
Compared to a bleach-and-fill method (which is tedious and potentially damaging to the tank over time) or expensive UV sanitization systems, the Camco Aerator, Portable offered a low-cost, low-effort alternative. I chose this over the other options because of its ease of use and portability. It also did not require any permanent modifications to the RV’s plumbing system.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It looked like it could work, but the real test would be its effectiveness in eliminating odors and improving water quality. The size and simplicity were definitely appealing. I was eager to put it to use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Camco Aerator, Portable to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Camco Aerator, Portable after draining and partially refilling the RV’s fresh water tank. The initial fill was with well water, known for its high mineral content and sometimes slightly sulfurous odor. I attached the aerator to a standard garden hose and ran water into the tank for approximately 30 minutes, as per the instructions.
The aerator created noticeable turbulence within the tank as the water filled, which seemed promising for mixing and oxygenation. I was skeptical about the change this device would bring about.
After filling the tank and letting it sit overnight, I tested the water. The sulfurous odor was noticeably reduced, and the water tasted significantly fresher. The Camco Aerator, Portable had seemingly made a positive difference.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Camco Aerator, Portable on various trips, I can say that it’s held up surprisingly well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the plastic housing. I’ve used it with both well water and city water, and it consistently improves the water quality.
The aerator is incredibly easy to clean. I simply rinse it with clean water after each use and store it in a dry place. Compared to the tedious process of manually sanitizing the tank with bleach, the Camco Aerator, Portable is a game-changer.
It outperforms my previous attempts at improving water quality using just a standard hose fill. The aerated water seems to dislodge sediment and reduce odors more effectively. I am impressed by this small but mighty tool.
Breaking Down the Features of Camco Aerator, Portable
Specifications
- The Camco Aerator, Portable is constructed from durable, UV-stabilized plastic. This helps to withstand exposure to the elements during filling and storage.
- It connects to any standard garden hose fitting. This makes it universally compatible with most RV and boat fill connections.
- The aerator is designed to increase water turbulence and oxygenation during tank filling. This aids in the elimination of stale water and odors.
These specifications are important because they ensure that the aerator is easy to use, durable, and effective. The UV-stabilized plastic prevents degradation from sunlight, while the standard hose connection eliminates the need for adapters. Increased turbulence and oxygenation are key to breaking down organic matter and reducing unpleasant smells.
Performance & Functionality
The Camco Aerator, Portable performs its job exceptionally well. It effectively reduces stale water odors and improves the overall taste of the water.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. There are no moving parts to break or complicated instructions to follow. The only weakness is that it only functions during tank filling, so you cannot aerate already stagnant water.
The Camco Aerator, Portable meets and exceeds expectations for such a simple and inexpensive device. It provides a noticeable improvement in water quality with minimal effort. It is a real time-saver.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is surprisingly good for a plastic device. It is lightweight and easy to handle.
The aerator is exceptionally user-friendly. There is no learning curve involved; simply attach it to a hose and start filling.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and storage, the Camco Aerator, Portable should last for many years. Its sturdy plastic construction minimizes the risk of damage.
The device requires minimal maintenance. A simple rinse with clean water after each use is all that is needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Camco Aerator, Portable does not come with any additional accessories, nor are there any customization options available. Its design is simple and functional, and accessories are unnecessary.
The aerator’s universal hose connection makes it compatible with any standard RV or boat water fill hose. This eliminates the need for brand-specific accessories.
Pros and Cons of Camco Aerator, Portable
Pros
- Significantly reduces stale water odors and improves water taste.
- Extremely easy to use with no complicated setup.
- Made from durable, UV-stabilized plastic for long-lasting performance.
- Connects to any standard garden hose for universal compatibility.
- Inexpensive and provides great value for the price.
Cons
- Only functions during tank filling; cannot aerate already stagnant water.
- Made of plastic, so long-term durability under extreme conditions is unknown.
Who Should Buy Camco Aerator, Portable?
- Perfect for RV owners, boat owners, and anyone who uses a fresh water tank for potable water. This includes casual campers, full-time RVers, and fishing enthusiasts. Anyone concerned about the quality of their stored water will benefit from using the Camco Aerator, Portable.
- Anyone using water from unknown sources such as wells or campgrounds will benefit the most.
- Those who should skip this product are people with whole-house filtration systems or those who exclusively use bottled water.
Must-have accessories include a good quality drinking water hose and a water filter for removing sediment and other impurities.
Conclusion on Camco Aerator, Portable
The Camco Aerator, Portable is a simple, effective, and affordable solution for improving the quality of fresh water stored in RVs and boats. It addresses the common problem of stale water odors and unpleasant tastes.
The price is more than justified by the noticeable improvement in water quality and the ease of use. It is a small investment that can make a big difference in the overall camping or boating experience.
I would absolutely recommend the Camco Aerator, Portable to anyone who wants to ensure a cleaner, fresher water supply. It is a worthwhile addition to any RV or boat owner’s toolkit. Don’t let stale water ruin your next adventure. Grab a Camco Aerator, Portable, and taste the difference!