Installation Guide for Water Filters

Caravan and RV water filter installation
The do's and dont's!

When considering the installation of any caravan or RV water filter the following factors need careful consideration:

Product Selection

Non purpose built caravan water filters and RV water filters used for caravan water filtration usually end in poor performance or water delivery.

Most generic water filters are simply adapted using a series of hose fittings enlarging the inlet and outlet of the water filter ports to accommodate the water filter system to be fitted.

However the internals of such water filters cannot change, they always remain the same as they were when originally manufactured.

This results in those water filters failing in performance due to significant contact time constraints, i.e. the flow of water is significantly increased into the water filter manifold and the actual contact time between the water to be treated and the filter medium selected to treat that water is severely compromised.

One of secrets to quality water purification is the contact time between the incoming water and the filter itself.
The longer the contact time, the better the quality.

Unfortunately, over 96 percent of all filtration systems you will see on the Internet listed as caravan water filter are simply domestic water filters with a few hose adaptors thrown in and labeled either as RV water filter or caravan water filter.

One thing is certain: our industry experience shows that they are bound to disappoint those who use them.

As Australias' only purpose built RV and caravan water filter manufacturer, we have put together a checklist for consumer consideration prior to purchase of a caravan water purification system:

caravan industry association certification;
inlet/outlet port sizing;
AS/NZ 4348 certification on the system;
12 Volt powered pump friendly.

Position

Size does matter when it comes to caravan water filters!

Every traveler is acutely aware of space and size the caravan water filter will take up. After all, space is always a premium when it comes to going on the road.

Ideally, the filter system should be in an easily accessible position.

All filter cartridges need to be refrigerated when not in use and thus easy access to the system, to remove and reinstall the filter cartridges, should be considered.

Our point of entry water purification systems are designed to live in a wetpac, thrown into the boot of the van or floor of the caravan, when not in use.

We strongly recommend against a permanent point of entry installation. See our High Flow Traveler range.

With point of use filtration systems, vertical or horizontal installation under the caravan kitchen sink is preferred. See our Voyager and Weekender range of caravan water filters.

Pressure

Generic water filters, as a general rule, will never adequately cope with a caravan 12 Volt pump.

The filtration system you have at home is not designed to be adapted and used in a van. Invariably the internals of such water purification systems will place huge backpressure on the 12 Volt pumps, resulting in pump failure at some point in time. Such pump failures nearly always explained by the usage of inadequate water purifiers.

All our systems are certified 12 Volt pump friendly!
Our caravan filter cartridges are purpose built and engineered specifically for the caravan water filter market.

Hose Size

Today, caravan manufacturers have standardized hose sizing within their van ranges.

In the past it was all Ad Lib., a mix of different sizing and thus an installation nightmare.

The industry standard is now set at 12mm.

So, when deciding on a caravan water filter, check that it is manufactured for a 12mm water inlet and outlet. Modern 12mm water hoses are available in blue, black and red or as clear hose.

Outlet

For those traveling or intending to travel for an extended period of time, consideration should be given to a separate drinking water outlet. This results in extending caravan filter cartridge life and delivers the flexibility of having both filtered water for drinking and cooking, and unfiltered water for washing up.

Our two-way Voyager range of caravan water filter systems provides this with the use of a simple, yet effective, two-way fitting. This is easily fitted to over 90 percent of all caravans and RVs built during the past 10 years.