Let’s Talk About Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose
The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose is, at its core, a simple product promising a vital service: safe and reliable water delivery. Made by Camco, a name synonymous with RV and outdoor living essentials, this hose aims to improve upon standard offerings with its reinforced construction and focus on drinking water safety. I’ve spent years wrestling with flimsy hoses that kink, crack, and leave a lingering plastic taste in the water – a problem I desperately sought to solve.
My journey into the world of premium water hoses began with a cross-country RV trip. The existing hose, a generic hardware store find, quickly became a source of frustration. It kinked constantly, reducing water flow to a trickle, and after a few weeks, the water developed an unpleasant taste. I needed a reliable, durable, and, most importantly, safe hose to ensure a consistent and palatable water supply.
Upon unboxing the Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose, I was immediately impressed by its heft and build quality. The hose felt noticeably thicker and more robust than its predecessors. Its black color is practical, hiding dirt and potential stains, and the anti-kink design was immediately apparent in its rigidity. The materials used felt durable, promising a longer lifespan than the cheap, easily-damaged hoses I’d used before.
I considered other options, like the similar offerings from Teknor Apex and Water Right, but the Camco hose struck the right balance between price, durability, and availability. While Teknor Apex hoses boast impressive burst strengths, they are often more expensive. The Water Right hoses are lead-free, but can be difficult to source in some locations. The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose, with its NSF listing and readily available replacement parts, seemed the most practical choice.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The hose felt substantial and well-made, but the true test would come in the field. Would it truly resist kinking? Would it maintain its integrity under pressure? Most importantly, would it deliver clean, untainted drinking water?
Real-World Testing: Putting Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose on a week-long camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest. The campground had water hookups, so it was the perfect opportunity to see how the hose performed under typical conditions. I ran the hose from the spigot to my RV, immediately appreciating the ease with which it connected and the secure, leak-free seal it provided.
The hose performed admirably in the variable conditions. The temperatures fluctuated from warm daytime sunshine to chilly nighttime air. The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose remained flexible and easy to handle. I even intentionally tried to induce kinking by bending the hose sharply, but it consistently resisted. The water flowed freely and without any noticeable off-flavor, a significant improvement over my previous experience.
There were no major issues, although I did notice that the black color of the hose absorbed heat in direct sunlight, potentially warming the water inside. This is a minor issue easily mitigated by shading the hose.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose continues to impress. It has withstood multiple camping trips, RV park hookups, and even some temporary use for filling water troughs on my property. The hose has shown no signs of wear and tear, aside from some minor superficial scratches.
The durability of the hose is remarkable. It has been dragged across gravel, exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, and subjected to significant water pressure, all without showing any signs of degradation. It remains flexible and easy to coil, even in cooler temperatures.
Maintenance is straightforward. I simply flush the hose with clean water after each use and store it in a cool, dry place. Its smooth exterior makes it easy to wipe clean, preventing the build-up of dirt and grime.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard garden hoses used for drinking water, the Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose is a clear winner. It is far more durable, reliable, and, most importantly, safe for potable water. It outperforms expectations, delivering clean, consistent water flow without kinking or leaking.
Breaking Down the Features of Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose
Specifications
The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance and reliability.
- Reinforced 5/8″ ID (Inner Diameter): The 5/8″ inner diameter ensures a good flow rate for most RV and camping applications. The reinforcement adds to the hose’s burst strength and kink resistance.
- Rated for 300 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): This high-pressure rating provides peace of mind, ensuring the hose can handle typical water pressure found in campgrounds and RV parks. This helps prevent blowouts and leaks.
- NSF Listed: This certification guarantees that the hose meets stringent safety standards for drinking water, ensuring it will not leach harmful chemicals into the water supply.
- BPA Free: A critical feature, confirming the hose is free from Bisphenol A, a potentially harmful chemical found in some plastics.
- Anti-Kink Design: The reinforced construction and flexible material contribute to excellent kink resistance, maintaining consistent water flow.
- Color: Black: The black color is less prone to showing dirt and stains than lighter colors.
- Manufacturer: Camco: A well-known and trusted brand in the RV and outdoor recreation industry.
These specifications translate directly into a better user experience. The NSF listing and BPA-free construction ensure the water is safe to drink. The high-pressure rating and anti-kink design provide reliable performance and prevent frustrating interruptions.
Performance & Functionality
The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose performs its primary job exceptionally well: delivering clean, safe drinking water reliably. It eliminates the frustration of kinking hoses and the worry of contaminated water. Its robust construction inspires confidence.
The hose’s main strength is its reliability. It consistently delivers a strong, steady stream of water without kinking, leaking, or imparting any unpleasant taste. A minor weakness is the potential for the black color to heat the water in direct sunlight, but this is easily addressed with shade.
The hose meets and even exceeds expectations for a premium drinking water hose. Its durability and performance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a reliable water supply for their RV, camping setup, or other outdoor activities.
Design & Ergonomics
The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose features a simple, functional design. The black color is practical, and the smooth exterior is easy to clean. The hose has a good weight without being overly heavy or cumbersome.
The hose is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or techniques for installation or use. Even a novice camper can easily connect it to a water source and begin enjoying a clean, reliable water supply.
Durability & Maintenance
The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose is built to last. Its reinforced construction and high-quality materials ensure it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The hose should provide years of reliable service with proper care.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick flush with clean water and storage in a cool, dry place. The hose’s durability minimizes the need for repairs or replacements, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose does not come with any specific accessories, but its standard hose connections make it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket products.
- Water Filters: Adding an external water filter can further improve water quality, removing sediment and other contaminants.
- Pressure Regulators: Using a pressure regulator can protect the hose and your RV’s plumbing from excessive water pressure.
- Hose Reels: A hose reel can make it easier to store and manage the hose, preventing kinks and tangles.
- Quick Connect Fittings: These fittings allow for easy and secure connections to water sources and RVs.
The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose is designed to work seamlessly with these popular accessories, allowing users to customize their water system to meet their specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose
Pros
- NSF Listed and BPA Free, ensuring safe drinking water.
- Reinforced construction provides exceptional durability and kink resistance.
- Rated for 300 PSI, capable of handling high water pressure.
- Easy to use and maintain.
- Camco is a trusted brand with readily available replacement parts.
Cons
- Black color can heat the water in direct sunlight.
- May be slightly more expensive than standard garden hoses.
Who Should Buy Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose?
The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose is perfect for RV owners, campers, tailgaters, and anyone who needs a reliable and safe drinking water source for outdoor activities. It’s also a great choice for homeowners who want a durable and kink-resistant hose for gardening or other outdoor tasks.
Those who should skip this product might be those who only need a hose for occasional use and are willing to compromise on durability and safety for a lower price. Individuals requiring extremely high flow rates, exceeding what a 5/8″ ID hose can provide, should also look elsewhere.
Must-have accessories include a water filter to further improve water quality and a pressure regulator to protect the hose and plumbing from excessive pressure. A hose reel is also a worthwhile investment for easy storage and management.
Conclusion on Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose
The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose is a well-built, reliable, and safe choice for anyone needing a drinking water hose. Its reinforced construction, NSF listing, and BPA-free materials provide peace of mind and ensure a consistent, high-quality water supply.
The price is justified by the hose’s durability and performance. The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose is a worthwhile investment that will save you money and frustration in the long run.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose to anyone seeking a reliable and safe drinking water solution for their RV, camping setup, or other outdoor activities. Upgrade your water supply today and experience the difference a quality hose can make!