A repeatedly frozen water hose becomes a huge Pain!
Even worse, a frozen hose can also lead to a frozen pipe or water line in your RV. If this doesn’t sound fun, its because its not.
Luckily taking the appropriate measures to avoid this situation is quite easy.
How does a heated RV water hose work?
A heated water hose has an electrical heating element running through it. It keeps the water from freezing as water moves from the source to your RV.
When do I need a heated water hose?
Although water freezes at 32 degrees.
…I would recommend setting up your heated water hose if you expect the outside temperature to drop to 40 degrees F or less.
This will give you a safety buffer so that you don’t wake up with a frozen hose.
Why a 100 ft Heated Water Hose for your RV is Game-Changer
Longer hoses like these offer greater flexibility, letting you connect to a water source that’s further away when the temperature drops.
This can be really useful in crowded RV parks, remote locations, or large properties.
This can make extended winter camping in your RV possible when the water hook ups are farther than usual.
That means a hose 100 feet away from its water source in freezing temperatures will still be functional all winter long if you choose the right one.
Are there 200 ft heated water hoses for Rv’s?
If your in need of a 200 ft heated water hose, unfortunately they are extremely uncommon and hard to find.
Instead, Buying two 100 ft hoses and linking them together is your best option to create a heated water hose that is 200 feet long for your RV.
50 foot heated hoses for RV’s are fairly common and there are several great options which we will cover later for those who an in between length hose.
The Significance of FDA-Approved, UL-Listed Heated Water Hoses for safe drinking water
Staying hydrated starts by keeping your RV functional in freezing temperatures.
Not just any hose will do. You need a heated water hose that’s not only efficient, but also safe and made from approved materials.
This is where a food and drug administration approved, UL-listed (underwriter’s laboratories) heated water hoses come in.
Heated Garden Hose Safety
A heated garden hose will indeed heat water just fine for outdoor use, or other tasks requiring running water that don’t involve human consumption. but…
Do not use these for drinking or cooking!!! A Heated garden hose will likely contain chemicals, and lead compounds that are harmful, or even carcinogenic.
Bottom line: choose the right hose to keep drinking water safe.
Important features when considering which heated hose to buy
Hose Diameter and Length
The hose you choose should suit your needs but also your price range, as prices can scale up with longer hoses.
Luckily, Most hoses come with a universal 3/4 inch connection to fit a standard water spout.
Material & Certification & Country of Origin
Having a hose made from FDA-approved materials means that you can safely drink the water coming through it. It’s also generally a sign of higher quality and durability.
Finally, The products Country of Origin is lower on the list of importance, but is still a notable mention. I personally am curious about where products are made. The reason being that the origin can say a lot about the products quality.
Burst Pressure, PSI
Your hose will have a ‘burst pressure’ rating, measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). A higher PSI rating means a stronger hose.
you’ll want a heated hose that has at least zero degree fahrenheit Burst strength rating.
Hoses that can operate in the negative temperatures are even more desirable. That’s why most of the hoses I review and recommend go down to -40 deg f burst strength.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter on RVs And grounded power supply
Although most RVs come standard with a GFCI outlet on the exterior parts of the rv, it wouldn’t hurt to double check the connection to ensure its on a standard 110-volt GFCI. Some hoses will have a fault circuit interrupter built into it.
In freezing temps, water isn’t the only thing that can freeze—your connections can too. Some hoses come with pigtails extension cords or cuffs of heated wire that can wrap around these connections. Look for models with a 10-foot power cord and a lighted plug.
If you are plugged at an RV park hookup or campground, then the electrical terminal should be a “grounded” power supply. If you are hooking up elsewhere double check to make sure this is the case for safety.
Self-Regulating & Thermo-Controlled Features
You want your water hose heat to turn on automatically! These hoses have a feature called “thermostatic control” that makes them turn on when it gets colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a standard I only recommend thermostatically controlled hoses. This is an important self-regulating feature that you are going to want, as temperatures tend to fluctuate, especially when your asleep.
The second most import self-regulating feature is automatic shut off temperature. The hoses I recommend will automatically shut off when the temperature of the hose heat rises well above freezing which will in turn save you electricity.
Conclusion & Hose Reviews
The hoses below meet all the most important criteria I mentioned in this article.
F.A.Q.s
Can you use heat tape on RV water hose?
- Yes, you can use heat tape on an Rv water hose to keep it from freezing. However, Using a heated water hose will provide more consistent results and be more efficient and reliable in colder conditions. Read more here
Will a heated water hose keep RV pipes from freezing?
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Yes, A heated hoses can help to protect RV pipes from freezing, but does not guarantee it. Having an insulated RV underbelly in addition to a heated hose is the best prevention. If you have poor underbelly insulation, then Hook up your heated water hose, and keep water at a slow drip from your RV kitchen/bathroom faucet.
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How do I keep my RV hose from freezing?
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The best way to keep your RV hose from freezing is to use a thermostatically controlled Heated water hose with a rating of at least 0 degrees F/-17 C. A second, but less reliable or consistant option is to wrap your regular water hose in heat tape or insulation.
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How cold will a heated hose work?
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It depends what temperature rating of the given hose. Most heated water hoses will work to 0 degrees F/-17 C. While the best heated hoses will work to -47 degrees Fahrenheit/-43.8 Celsius.
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