Our Top Picks: 7 Best RV Water Softener [2023]

When embarking on an exciting journey in your recreational vehicle (RV), ensuring the quality of your water supply is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Hard water, commonly found in many camping locations, can lead to various issues such as mineral buildup, clogged pipes, and unpleasant-tasting water. To address these challenges, investing in the best RV water softener becomes paramount.

A reliable and efficient RV water softener can provide you with the convenience of softened water, free from harmful minerals and impurities. In this article, we will explore the features, benefits, and top options available in the market for RV water softeners, ensuring you make an informed decision for your water treatment needs while travelling. So, get ready to discover the ideal RV water softener that will enhance the quality of your water supply and elevate your adventures on the road.

Why You Need a Water Softener in Your RV?

Water softeners are not only beneficial for homes and commercial buildings but also for recreational vehicles (RVs). They help reduce water hardness levels by removing hard minerals, making them ideal for travellers and camping enthusiasts. Investing in an RV water softener can enhance the overall experience of your trip by eliminating bad tastes in the water and protecting your RV’s appliances and accessories from damage.

The market offers three types of RV water softeners: 

• Magnetic-based
• Salt-based
• Salt-free. 

While non-salt-based softeners are often referred to as water conditioners and may not provide fully softened water, each type has its own advantages. Regardless of the specific type you choose, having a water softener or conditioner for your RV is a wise investment that can significantly improve water quality and extend the lifespan of your appliances and plumbing system.

Our Recommendations

Here are our top recommendations for the best portable water softener for RV and lightweight RV water softeners, ideal for convenient transportation during your travels. Get ready for best RV water softener systems

Portable RV Water Softener by SoftPro

The Portable RV Water Softener by SoftPro is a highly regarded water softening system designed specifically for RV owners. This compact and portable soft water system  unit offers exceptional water-softening capabilities while being lightweight and easy to transport.

The Portable RV Water Softener by SoftPro is a feature-rich water softening system specifically designed for RV use. Let’s take a detailed look at its key features:

Compact and Portable Design

This water softener is built with portability in mind. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and store in your RV. Its dimensions are optimized to fit in tight spaces, ensuring maximum convenience during your travels.

Efficient Water Softening

With a capacity of up to 10,000 grains, this unit effectively softens water by removing minerals that cause hardness, such as calcium and magnesium. It helps prevent scale buildup, which can damage your plumbing system and appliances. Softened water provides numerous benefits, including improved taste, reduced soap scum, and softer laundry.

User-Friendly Control Valve

The water softener features a simple and intuitive control valve that allows for easy regeneration and maintenance. The valve enables you to adjust settings and control the regeneration process efficiently. This user-friendly design ensures hassle-free operation and maintenance of the system.

High Flow Rate

The SoftPro RV water softener offers a high flow rate, allowing for a steady supply of softened water. Whether you’re filling up your water tank, taking a shower, or using water for any other purpose, this system delivers sufficient flow without compromising performance.

Durable Construction

The water softener is built to withstand the demands of RV travel. It features rugged and weather-resistant housing that ensures durability and longevity. The high-quality fittings and connectors are designed to prevent leaks, ensuring reliable operation over time.

Easy Regeneration Process

While the water softener requires manual regeneration, the process is straightforward. Adding salt to the unit allows it to regenerate and continue providing softened water. The control valve simplifies the regeneration process, making it easy to maintain optimal performance.

Long-lasting Performance

The Portable RV Water Softener by SoftPro is constructed with durable materials that are built to last. It is designed to withstand the challenges of outdoor use, ensuring reliable performance even in harsh conditions. This longevity translates into a water softener that will accompany you on your RV adventures for years to come.

Pros And Cons

On The Go Portable RV Water Softener

The On The Go portable water softener system is a highly regarded solution for RV owners looking to combat hard water issues on their travels. This compact and portable unit offers excellent water-softening capabilities in a user-friendly and efficient design.

One of the standout features of this water softener is its simplicity and convenience. It comes pre-filled with resin, eliminating the need for a complicated setup or installation. The compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to transport and store in your RV without taking up excessive space.

The On The Go Portable RV Water Softener offers a range of features that make it a popular choice among RV owners. Here are the key features of this water softener:

Compact and Portable Design

The water softener is designed to be compact and portable, making it easy to transport and store in your RV. Its small footprint ensures it won’t take up much space, allowing for convenience during your travels.

Pre-Filled Resin

The unit comes pre-filled with resin, eliminating the need for a complicated setup or installation. This saves you time and effort, making it quick and hassle-free to start enjoying the benefits of softened water.

Effective Water Softening

With a capacity of up to 8,000 grains, this water softener effectively removes calcium, magnesium, and other hard minerals from the water. It helps prevent scale buildup in your RV’s plumbing system and extends the lifespan of appliances and fixtures.

Quick Regeneration Process

The unit features an easy and quick regeneration process. It uses common table salt or potassium chloride for regeneration, which is readily available and cost-effective. The regeneration process can be completed in under 15 minutes, allowing for minimal downtime.

Durable Construction

The On The Go Portable RV Water Softener is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use and RVing adventures. It is constructed with high-quality materials that provide durability and resistance to impacts and weather conditions.

It is important to note that this water softener has a capacity of up to 8,000 grains, which may not be suitable for heavy water usage or extended trips without regeneration. Additionally, the unit does not come with a built-in bypass valve, which may require separate installation if you want to bypass the softener for certain tasks.

Pros And Cons

Mobile RV Portable Water Softener

The Mobile RV Portable Water Softener is a highly regarded solution for RV owners seeking to combat hard water issues while on the go. This compact and portable unit offers effective water-softening capabilities in a user-friendly and convenient design.

One of the standout features of this water softener is its mobility and ease of use. The unit is specifically designed to be portable, allowing you to bring it along on your RV adventures. It is compact size and lightweight construction makes it easy to transport and store without taking up excessive space in your RV.

The Mobile RV Portable Water Softener offers a range of features that make it a practical and effective solution for RV owners. Here are the key features of this water softener:

Portable Design

The water softener is specifically designed for portability, making it easy to transport and store in your RV. It’s compact size and lightweight construction ensure convenience during your travels.

High Water Softening Capacity

With a capacity of up to 16,000 grains, this water softener effectively removes hard minerals from the water supply in your RV. It helps prevent scale buildup, extending the lifespan of your plumbing system, fixtures, and appliances.

Simple Regeneration Process

The unit features an easy and straightforward regeneration process. It utilizes regular table salt for regeneration, eliminating the need for specialized salts or chemicals. The process can be completed quickly, allowing you to maintain a constant supply of softened water.

Durable Construction

The Mobile RV Portable Water Softener is built to withstand the demands of outdoor use and travel. It is constructed with high-quality materials that provide durability and resistance to impacts and weather conditions.

User-Friendly Operation

The water softener is designed for user convenience. It typically comes with a user manual and straightforward instructions for setup and operation, ensuring ease of use for RV owners.

It is important to note that the larger capacity of this water softener may result in a larger physical size compared to other portable units. This could potentially impact storage options in smaller RVs. Additionally, depending on your water usage, you may need to perform regeneration more frequently to maintain optimal water-softening performance.

Pros And Cons

PRO+AQUA Portable RV Water Softener

The PRO+AQUA Portable RV Water Softener is a highly regarded solution for RV owners looking to combat hard water issues during their travels. This compact and portable unit offers efficient water-softening capabilities in a user-friendly and convenient design.

One of the standout features of this water softener is its effectiveness in removing hard minerals from the water supply. It utilizes a high-capacity ion exchange resin that effectively removes calcium, magnesium, and other hard minerals, preventing scale buildup in your RV’s plumbing system and appliances. This results in improved water quality, reduced soap scum, and extended lifespan of your fixtures and appliances.

The PRO+AQUA Portable RV Water Softener offers a range of features that make it a versatile and effective solution for RV owners. Here are the key features of this water softener:

Efficient Water Softening

The water softener utilizes a high-capacity ion exchange resin to effectively remove hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the water. This helps prevent scale buildup in your RV’s plumbing system and appliances, resulting in improved water quality.

Compact and Portable Design

The unit is designed to be compact and portable, making it easy to transport and store in your RV. Its small size ensures it won’t take up much space, allowing for convenience during your travels.

Pre-Filled Resin

The water softener comes pre-filled with resin, eliminating the need for a complicated setup or installation. This saves you time and effort, making it quick and hassle-free to start enjoying the benefits of softened water.

Quick Regeneration

The unit features a quick regeneration process, allowing it to be ready for use in a short amount of time. This ensures minimal downtime and continuous access to softened water during your RV trips.

Durable Construction

The PRO+AQUA Portable RV Water Softener is built with durability in mind. It is constructed using high-quality materials that provide resistance to impacts and weather conditions, ensuring reliable performance even in outdoor environments.

It is important to note that the water softener has a capacity of up to 10,000 grains, which may not be suitable for heavy water usage or extended trips without regeneration. Additionally, the pre-filled resin tank may limit customization options compared to refillable resin tanks.

Pros And Cons

Watts RV PRO-1000 Portable Water Softener

The Watts RV PRO-1000 Portable Water Softener is a highly regarded solution for RV owners looking to tackle hard water issues during their travels. With its compact design and efficient water-softening capabilities, this portable unit offers convenience and improved water quality for RV enthusiasts.

The Watts RV PRO-1000 Portable Water Softener offers a range of features that make it a reliable and effective solution for RV owners. Here are the key features of this water softener:

High Water Softening Capacity

The unit has a capacity of 10,000 grains, allowing it to effectively remove hard minerals from the water supply in your RV. This helps prevent scale buildup and ensures improved water quality.

Portable and Compact Design

The water softener is designed to be portable and compact, making it easy to transport and store in your RV. Its small size ensures it won’t take up much space, allowing for convenience during your travels.

Simple Regeneration Process

The unit utilizes regular table salt for regeneration, making it cost-effective and easy to maintain. The process is straightforward, ensuring hassle-free operation.

Built-in Regeneration Indicator

The water softener features a built-in regeneration indicator that helps you monitor when it’s time to regenerate the unit. This ensures continuous access to softened water and optimal performance.

Durable Construction

The Watts RV PRO-1000 is constructed with durability in mind. It is made from high-quality materials that provide resistance to impacts and weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance even in outdoor environments.

It is important to note that the 10,000-grain capacity may not be suitable for heavy water usage or extended trips without regeneration. Depending on your water needs, you may need to regenerate the unit more frequently to maintain its effectiveness.

Pros And Cons

Camco TastePURE Portable Water Softener

The Camco TastePURE Portable Water Softener is a popular solution for RV owners looking to tackle hard water issues while on the road. This portable unit offers convenience and improved water quality for camping and RV enthusiasts.

The Camco TastePURE Portable Water Softener offers several features designed to improve the water quality in your RV. Here are some common features you might find in the Camco TastePURE Portable Water Softener:

Compact and Portable Design

The water softener is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store in your RV. Its portable nature ensures convenience during your travels.

Effective Water Softening

The unit is designed to remove hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the water supply, improving water quality and preventing scale buildup in your RV’s plumbing system and appliances.

Simple Regeneration Process

The water softener typically utilizes a regeneration process that can be easily done using regular table salt. This process helps restore the softening capabilities of the unit, ensuring continuous access to softened water.

Durable Construction

Camco is known for manufacturing durable products, and the TastePURE Portable Water Softener is likely built with quality materials that can withstand outdoor use and ensure long-lasting performance.

Easy Installation and Use

The unit is designed to be user-friendly and easy to install and operate. It usually comes with clear instructions for setup and maintenance, allowing for a hassle-free experience.

Pros And Cons

Mobile Shorty Portable Water Softener

The Mobile Portable Water Softener “Shorty” is specifically designed for use in RVs and offers the benefits of softened water while on the go. Here are some general features you may find in a Mobile Shorty Portable Water Softener for RVs:

Compact and Lightweight

The “Shorty” water softener is typically designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store in your RV. Its smaller size ensures it won’t take up much space.

Effective Water Softening

The unit is designed to effectively remove hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the water supply in your RV. This helps prevent scale buildup and improves the overall water quality.

Easy Regeneration Process

Portable water softeners usually have a simple regeneration process that can be done using regular table salt or a specific regeneration. The process is typically straightforward and requires minimal effort.

Quick Installation

The Shorty water softener is designed for easy installation and setup in RVs. It typically comes with all the necessary fittings and connectors to connect it to the water supply in your RV.

Durability and Longevity

Portable water softeners are often built with durable materials to withstand the rigours of travel and outdoor use. They are designed to last and provide consistent performance over time.

Pros And Cons

Final Words!

After careful evaluation, we have determined that On The Go is the top choice for the best portable RV water softener. This exceptional unit offers a combination of water-softening and conditioning capabilities. Its compact cylindrical design takes up minimal space, and the premium caps and plugs ensure no leakage during travel. The OTG4 also includes convenient attachments for easy setup without the need for tools or electricity.

If the OTG4 is not available, the Essential RV Portable 16,000 Grain Water Softener is an excellent runner-up. It delivers impressive efficiency and compactness, making installation and maintenance a breeze. With its 16,000-grain capacity, this water softener effectively removes hard minerals using an ion exchange resin. Its portable and lightweight nature allows it to fit into small spaces, saving valuable storage room in your RV. RV enthusiasts who prioritize high-quality and soft water during their travels will find the Essential RV Portable 16,000 Grain Water Softener for RV to be an ideal choice.