How long does a water filter last?

Last year was our first year with our travel trailer and we are still trying to learn the best practices. We try to get out at least 4 times between May and October for long weekends. So, there are long amounts of time between that where the trailer is in the driveway at home. Last year, I just left the filter in without knowing that could be an issue with mold buildup.

After browsing this thread, I feel like removing the filter, draining the water, and putting it in a ziploc bag in the freezer between trips is the best option. Any issues with this other than it being a pain?

This is my water filter. Because of the system used, I don't think I can use anything else.

http://www.flowpur.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FP&Product_Code=KW1FLTR&Category_Code=RVF

We use a RO filter and a TDS meter to check on the water quality so we know when to change it. Going on a year and a half now with TDS reading 8-10 ppm which is exactly what it was when we first started using it. I'll change them out at the 2 year mark if we don't see any increase in dissolved solids in the water.

If we had super poor water quality we might have to change that filter every 6 months or even less. It just depends on usage and water quality.

I like the Camco inline water filters for one main reason. They may only last a season, but they filter out at least most of the bad stuff, so if you have a built in filtration system in your rig, it lasts longer.

Junior30 wrote:

What are the potential issues with this if i'm not drinking the water. Is everyone here drinking the water from the faucet and is that the only reason for better filtering?

FYI, I do drink filtered water at home with a good filter but just am too leary about drinking the unknown faucet water from some of the campgrounds we frequent even on a good water filter. Thanks.

We are full timers and we have 1 micron out door in line filter. We use the water for everything. However, I DO TEST the water from the faucet before drinking. If it proves to be questionable, then we do not drink it. One main reason we use an external filter is so no crud including sand, rocks etc. get into the RV water lines.

Now you are asking how we test the water, that can be open for argument. But I use a Digital Water Purity Tester by Intellitec. zlsnvrt & Loader Group LLC

Junior30 wrote:
What are the potential issues with this if i'm not drinking the water. Is everyone here drinking the water from the faucet and is that the only reason for better filtering?

The Camco filter like pictured above is not the best for removing particulate from the water, I think they filter 20 micron particles. The Camco is more for removing taste from the water. There are better filtration systems that will remove particles as small as 2 microns. You can't see a 2 micron particle, nor can you see a 20 micron particle, so you'll never know what is being filtered, but if you are concerned, get a filter that can filter smaller particles.

We always drink from the water faucet when hooked up to city water with the Camco filter. Without the filter, we won't drink it. We use it to remove odd tastes. Our water at home is filtered and is tasteless, how we like it. Our seasonal campground has wells. We have never had issues with the water since we have been camping there.

We've only been to 1 campground that I can remember where I was a little concerned about the water. It was an old campground and I noticed the previously clean water filter was turning orange. The water out of the faucet was clear without a tint and taste, but I'm guessing the pipes were pretty rusty. I noticed it a few days after we setup camp and stopped drinking water from the tap there. That was in our previous camper a type of filter where the filter is in a glass/plastic container and you can see the water going through the filter.

If you stay in a campground you are unsure about the quality, just don't drink it. We usually travel with an almost full tank of fresh water in a tank that is sanitized twice a year in case we encounter a park we are not familiar with and not sure about the quality of the water.

-Michael

Varies wildly depending on filter type and water quality. Could be weeks. Could be months. Could be a year.

Junior30 wrote:
I have been using the generic Camco in line model shown above . . .

What are the potential issues with this if i'm not drinking the water. Is everyone here drinking the water from the faucet and is that the only reason for better filtering?

I think the Camco-type filters are a combo sediment & carbon filter. Better filter systems have separate sediment and carbon filters. Also, better filter systems typically filter incoming water at 1 - 5 microns (or lower). However, I think the Camco filters are 100 - 150 microns. So they'll prevent rocks from getting through.

Like some here, in general, I don't believe you'll get ill drinking unfiltered campground water.

On the other hand, I full time and filter the bejeezus out of my water (my system) and use an RO (Reverse Osmosis) system for drinking water. I've found too many campgrounds with foul looking/tasting water.

My filter in the house lasts anywhere from about a month to about 4 months. It all depends on whatever is in the water, the amount of water used and the filter. I don't have a filter in the RV so it never has to be changed. BTW I drink the water in the RV.

I am relatively new to Rving but this discussion has me questioning my filtering methods. I have been using the generic Camco in line model shown above. My first one lasted me about 9 months before clogging up. I do not drink the water from the faucet but we do clean dishes, shower and such with the faucet water.

What are the potential issues with this if i'm not drinking the water. Is everyone here drinking the water from the faucet and is that the only reason for better filtering?

FYI, I do drink filtered water at home with a good filter but just am too leary about drinking the unknown faucet water from some of the campgrounds we frequent even on a good water filter. Thanks.

DutchmenSport wrote:

We use these type of filters. We usually buy a new one at the beginning of the year, we do camp year 'round. We have not had an issue with flow being restricted by the filter, but this past summer season (we spend the whole summer in the camper), the water coming out of the kitchen faucet started to get an odor so we changed the filter.

Never had to change the filter mid-year before. Not sure if we got a bad filter or our campground's water supply had deteriorated. Those filters claim to filter 10,000 gallons of water.

-Michael