Because RVs are always connecting to different water and power systems there are a few important pieces of equipment you need to protect your RV. A water or power source may not be working properly or within acceptable limits and can damage your equipment. This is why RV water pressure regulators are so important. You don’t want to wait until you’ve busted your water lines to discover that this is essential camping gear.
Let’s look at why an RV water pressure regulator is so crucial and suggest five of the best on the market!
What Is an RV Water Pressure Regulator?
It’s not the best idea to just hook directly up to the water source. Water pressure varies by the campground and even by the campsite. If the pressure is too high, it can damage your RV pipes, which will be a costly repair.
We personally have visited RV parks where the water pressure was over 120 PSI! We found out because when we turned on the water the overpressure relief on our water heater blew out and our hose started leaking. Dont let this happen to you!
The answer is to get an RV water pressure regulator. Regulators are relatively inexpensive and provide peace of mind. They control and reduce water pressure coming inside your RV. Some limit the flow to a set psi, while you can change others to fit your desired psi.
What Are the Benefits of a Water Pressure Regulator?
High water pressure will bust your RV pipes. They’re delicate, and since water pressure varies so much from one location to another, a substantial increase in pressure can lead to water leaks and expensive repairs. Spending $15-30 is much better than spending hundreds, especially when it’s in your power to prevent damage.
If you get a regulator with a gauge, you can vary the psi. Maybe you want to increase the pressure slightly to take a shower and then reduce it for the rest of the day. As long as you’re within a safe limit, a regulator with a gauge can give you added water pressure when you want it.
Gauge vs. Non-Gauge Regulators
There are two RV water pressure regulators: ones with a gauge and ones without a gauge. Regulators with a gauge allow users to change the psi to the desired pressure. Some RVs can withstand higher pressure than others. Regulators with a gauge are easy to change with a screwdriver. Regulators without a gauge have a standard set limit that you can’t change. They limit water flow from the source to your RV.
Pro Tip: Fill your RV water system with one of these 7 Best Drinking-Safe RV Water Hoses for Fresh Water.
Do You Have to Have a Water Pressure Regulator?
Some campgrounds require you to have an RV water pressure regulator. They may have a high psi and don’t want to be liable for damage to RV lines. If this is the case, the ranger will let you know upon check-in that you must have a regulator. You might not be able to hook up to the water source if you don’t.
However, most campgrounds don’t require an RV water pressure regulator. Still, it’s a good idea to have one. Surge protectors aren’t a requirement either, but you certainly want to protect your RV circuits. An RV water pressure regulator is an item you definitely want to add to your camping gear and use every time you hook up, whether it’s a requirement or not.
5 Best RV Water Pressure Regulators to Add to Your Camping Gear
Below are five quality RV water pressure regulators with high ratings by users. The first three come with a gauge and are more expensive than the last two that don’t come with a gauge. Check them out below to find the right choice for your RV.
1. RVGUARD RV Water Pressure Regulator
This RV water pressure regulator has Class C46500 lead-free brass and less than 0.13% lead to ensure safety. You can adjust the pressure up to 160psi by using a screwdriver to turn the setting. It’s compatible with all standard garden hoses.
This is the unit we personally have used for years and has worked great at high-pressure campgrounds.
Why People Love It: This RVGUARD regulator is an Amazon’s Choice product because of how well it works. Setting your pressure every time you camp is a huge advantage when taking showers and washing dishes. One user writes, “Finally a regulator that works flawlessly and allows for selecting just the right pressure.” Another says, “I no longer have to wonder what the pressure is and if it is safe for our plumbing.”
User Rating: 4.7/5
- FUNCTION: Prevent water pipes from being damaged due to high...
- SAFETY: Class C46500 lead-free brass treated by hot casting...
- COMPATIBLE: Designed with 3/4" garden hose thread. It is...
2. Renator RV Water Pressure Regulator
Also with less than 0.13% lead, this Renator RV water pressure regulator comes with a 1-year warranty. The regulator is heavy-duty, rust-free brass, while the gauge is stainless steel. This option is adjustable up to 160psi.
Why People Love It: The quality of this RV water pressure regulator stands out from its competitors. One user explains, “This is a very well built product. From the quality of the parts to the quality of the box it comes in. It is easy to use and easy to setup.” Another writes, “Just from how it looks and feels compared to what I’ve purchased before is a night and day difference.”
User Rating: 4.6/5
- BEST QUALITY REGULATOR ON THE MARKET. Get the only regulator that...
- EASY TO INSTALL, EASY TO USE. Effortlessly adjust and monitor...
- 1-YEAR WARRANTY AND U.S.-BASED PHONE AND EMAIL SUPPORT. Renator...
3. Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge
This Camco regulator doesn’t have the numbers like the RVGUARD and Renator regulators but has colors to show the water pressure. When your water pressure is green, it’s safe for your pipes. It also complies with California’s AB1953 and Vermont Act 193, Maryland HB 372, and Louisiana HB 471 low lead content laws.
Why People Love It: This option is cheaper than the previous two regulators. Even without the specific numbers reading the exact psi, users love this Camco RV water pressure regulator. One user says, “Works great….has paid off to see the pressure in different parks. Surprising how water pressure changes at different points in the day. Well worth the investment. A must buy.”
User Rating: 4.6/5
- Helps protect RV plumbing and hoses from high pressure city...
- Attaches easily with 3/4" garden hose threads
- Pressure is factory pre set at 40 50 PSI
4. Valterra RV Hi-Flow Water Regulator
If you don’t often camp or always camp at the same campground, you might want to get a cheaper and simpler RV water pressure regulator without the gauge. This Valterra regulator keeps water pressure to 50-55psi. It’s lead-free and has rust-resistant brass. The screened washer keeps debris from entering your hose.
This was the first regulator we had before upgrading to an adjustable one.
Why People Love It: Users love the increased pressure they get with this Valterra regulator. Since water pressure varies from campground to campground, this regulator keeps the pressure at 50-55psi for solid water pressure without damaging your lines. One buyer remarks, “Finally a real shower! After replacing me standard regulator with this unit, the water flow was greatly increased.”
User Rating: 4.7/5
- WATER REGULATOR: Versatile water regulator is compatible with...
- IDEAL PRESSURE: Regulates water pressure to 50-55 psi to protect...
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Lead-free brass design is rust-resistant...
5. Camco RV Brass Inline Water Pressure Regulator
This Camco regulator keeps the pressure at 40-50psi. Like the Camco RV water pressure regulator with gauge, this regulator complies with California’s AB1953 and Vermont Act 193, Maryland HB 372, and Louisiana HB 471 low lead content laws. It’s also durable, rust-resistant brass.
Why People Love It: Like the Valterra regulator, this regulator reduces the flow and protects your pipes from damaging water pressure. One user explains, “With this pressure regulator, I saw crazy pressure from one park reduced to a safe level.”
Another user writes, “A guarantee to not having water damage from too much pressure. Easy to install and remove. The cost is very affordable. A much needed insurance.”
User Rating: 4.7/5
- Helps protect RV and boat appliances, plumbing fixtures, and...
- Attaches easily with 3/4" garden hose threads
- Durable lead-free brass construction that is drinking water safe
Pro Tip: Have you noticed your RV water pump keeps running even when you’re not using it? Give These Troubleshooting Tricks a try to fix the problem!
Is a Water Pressure Regulator Worth It?
It’s essential to add an RV water pressure regulator to your camping arsenal. Even though it’s not a requirement to set up at campsites, it’s worth $15-30 to protect your pipes from bursting. It’s a cheap insurance plan for RVers. Plus, when the water flow is too little, you can increase it to take nice, hot showers in your rig rather than taking a walk to the bathhouse.
If you haven’t picked up an RV water pressure regulator yet, don’t wait any longer. Get one with a gauge or without a gauge, but don’t risk the potential damage to your RV.
Do you have a water pressure regulator? Which one do you prefer? Tell us in the comments!
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Dan Haumschild
Saturday 3rd of June 2023
We have the Camco non adjustable one. We stopped using it because it reduced the pressure too much. We will be upgrading to an adjustable one.