First Impressions of Camco Washer
The Camco Washer. It’s not exactly the sort of product that sets the pulse racing, but for anyone who’s dealt with clogged RV plumbing or questionable water sources, it’s a potentially essential piece of kit. Camco promises a simple solution to filter out debris and trash from your water system with this little inline filter. At a mere $3.49, it’s a low-stakes investment that could save you a lot of headaches down the line.
My RV trip last summer almost ended prematurely thanks to a poorly maintained campground water supply. Sand and grit made their way into my freshwater tank, wreaking havoc on the pump and faucets. So I was looking for an affordable and simple pre-filter to prevent a repeat occurrence.
The Camco Washer arrives in a simple plastic blister pack, revealing the compact filter itself. It’s surprisingly lightweight and feels relatively sturdy, given its low price point. The stainless-steel mesh is visible and appears well-secured within the housing.
Compared to other inline water filters, like the larger, more expensive whole-house filter systems, the Camco Washer is incredibly compact and simple. I chose it for its ease of installation and portability. I was specifically looking for something that I could easily screw onto any standard garden hose connection. Initial impressions are positive. It seems like a practical, no-frills solution that is specifically targeted to water filtration at the source.
Real-World Testing: Putting Camco Washer to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Camco Washer during a recent camping trip to a remote site with known hard water issues. The water source was a spigot fed by a well, and I suspected it might contain sediment. I connected the Camco Washer between the spigot and my RV’s water hose before filling the freshwater tank.
Even on the first use, it was immediately clear the Camco Washer was doing its job. The water flowing into the hose appeared noticeably clearer than the water coming directly from the spigot. I did notice a slight reduction in water pressure, but it wasn’t significant enough to be a major inconvenience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use across three camping trips, the Camco Washer continues to perform admirably. I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear, despite it being exposed to varying weather conditions. Rinsing out the stainless-steel mesh after each trip is a breeze. It only requires a quick blast with a garden hose.
Compared to my previous experiences of having to clean out clogged faucet aerators and water pump filters, the Camco Washer is a game-changer. The protection is more reliable than the built-in filters on the RV water pump alone. It is a very worthwhile and effective preventative measure.
Breaking Down the Features of Camco Washer
Specifications
The Camco Washer is a simple inline water filter designed to prevent debris from entering your water system. It features a stainless-steel 60 x 50 mesh screen. It connects to any standard garden hose female coupling. Its dimensions are approximately 6 cm (2.36 inches) in length, 3.63 inches in width, and 1.6 inches in height. It has a weight of about 0.05 lb.
The 60 x 50 mesh size is crucial because it effectively filters out sand, silt, and other particulate matter that could damage your RV’s plumbing. The standard hose connection makes it universally compatible with most RVs and home washing machine setups.
Performance & Functionality
The Camco Washer excels at its primary function: filtering debris. Its compact design and ease of use make it a convenient addition to any RV setup. The reduction in water pressure is minimal.
It is great at its job. It works well and filters very effectively but requires some extra cleaning and upkeep. It definitely meets expectations, considering the low price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Camco Washer is adequate for its intended purpose. The materials are lightweight but seem durable enough to withstand regular use. It’s designed for simple inline installation.
The design is simple and utilitarian. There’s no learning curve involved; just screw it on and go.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Camco Washer should last for several seasons of camping. Regular rinsing of the mesh screen is essential to maintain optimal performance. Replacement is expected after long-term use.
Maintenance involves simply unscrewing the washer and rinsing the screen. No special tools are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Camco Washer doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for this particular model. However, it’s universally compatible with any standard garden hose, making it easy to integrate into your existing RV or home setup. The standard hose threading is compatible with aftermarket connectors and other water filtration systems.
Pros and Cons of Camco Washer
Pros
- Affordable Protection: Prevents costly damage to RV plumbing and appliances at a minimal price.
- Easy Installation: Simply screws onto any standard garden hose connection, requiring no tools or special skills.
- Effective Filtration: The stainless-steel mesh effectively removes sand, silt, and other particulate matter.
- Compact and Portable: Small size and lightweight design make it easy to store and transport.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple rinsing of the mesh screen is all that’s required to keep it functioning optimally.
Cons
- May Reduce Water Pressure: Though minimal, some users may notice a slight reduction in water pressure.
- Requires Regular Cleaning: The mesh screen needs to be rinsed out regularly to prevent clogging and maintain optimal performance.
Who Should Buy Camco Washer?
The Camco Washer is perfect for RV owners, campers, and anyone who relies on potentially questionable water sources. It is a must-have for those looking to protect their RV’s plumbing system from debris and sediment. It is also perfect for those who use water from wells.
Anyone already using a high-end water filtration system with multiple stages might find the Camco Washer redundant. People who only ever connect to municipal water sources that are already heavily filtered might not benefit significantly from this product.
A must-have accessory is a quick-connect fitting for easy attachment and detachment. It also helps to have a small brush for more thorough cleaning of the mesh screen if needed.
Conclusion on Camco Washer
The Camco Washer is a simple yet effective solution for filtering debris from your water system. It offers excellent value for its extremely low price, making it a worthwhile investment for RV owners and campers alike. The price is absolutely justified. It is cheaper than a plumber visit to fix clogged pipes.
I would definitely recommend the Camco Washer to anyone looking for an affordable and easy way to protect their RV’s plumbing. Don’t wait until you’re dealing with clogged pipes and a damaged water pump – grab a Camco Washer and enjoy peace of mind on your next adventure! It’s a small investment that can save you big headaches down the road.