{"title":"RV Water Softeners \u0026 Filters","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"ia-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ia-punchline\"\u003eAn RV water softener keeps campground hard water from scaling your water heater, fixtures and shower. This collection has the SoftPro Portable RV Water Softener and a cleanable spin-down sediment separator for RVers, campers and boaters. Choosing tip: size the softener by how many people travel, then add the separator if you hook up to sandy well water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-badge-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eShips in 1–3 business days\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReal water experts: 866-278-4130\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFree shipping on orders $500+\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoftener: limited lifetime warranty on tank and valve\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-wrap zf-after\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ia-kicker\"\u003eRV \u0026amp; portable water · Buying guide\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRV Water Softener Guide: Why Every Campground Hookup Is a Gamble\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-takeaways\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Takeaways\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEPA classes a campground's water supply as a transient non-community water system, one of more than 148,000 public water systems in the US, so the water changes every time you change sites.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSGS classes water above 180 mg\/L (as calcium carbonate) as very hard, and hard water is most common in the east-central and western United States.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEstimate gallons between recharges by dividing grain capacity by hardness in grains per gallon: 16,000 grains at 10 gpg is about 1,600 gallons, before real-world losses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe SoftPro Portable RV Water Softener comes in 8,000-grain and 16,000-grain sizes, connects with standard garden-hose fittings, uses no electricity and recharges with plain table salt.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA softener doesn't stop sand or grit. A spin-down separator with a reusable 60-mesh screen, installed ahead of the softener, catches that sediment first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNDSU Extension reports that softening adds about 8 mg\/L of sodium for every grain of hardness removed, which matters if you're on a sodium-restricted diet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-stat-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"num\"\u003e148,000+\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"lbl\"\u003epublic water systems in the US; campgrounds are one type (EPA)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"num\"\u003e\u0026gt;180 mg\/L\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"lbl\"\u003ehardness as calcium carbonate is classed \"very hard\" (USGS)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"num\"\u003e17 mg\/L\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"lbl\"\u003eequals 1 grain per gallon of hardness (NDSU Extension)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"num\"\u003e~8 mg\/L\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"lbl\"\u003esodium added per grain of hardness removed (NDSU Extension)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"num\"\u003e8,000 \/ 16,000\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"lbl\"\u003egrain capacities of the SoftPro portable softener (QWT spec)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"num\"\u003e0 watts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"lbl\"\u003epower the portable softener needs to run (QWT spec)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat does an RV water softener actually do?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn RV water softener is a portable ion-exchange tank that sits between the campground spigot and your RV's city water inlet. Resin beads inside trade the calcium and magnesium in hard water for sodium, so the water reaching your plumbing, water heater and fixtures is soft wherever you park.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's the same chemistry as a home softener, shrunk to travel size. The difference: a portable unit has no control valve to program and no power cord. When the resin beads fill up with hardness minerals, you recharge them by hand with a salt brine, flush the tank and get back on the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the road, you don't control the water. EPA counts more than 148,000 public water systems in the US and puts campgrounds in their own category, the transient non-community system. One park may pull from a soft surface supply. The next may run on a hard well. USGS explains that water picks up hardness \"as water moves through soil and rock,\" and that hard water is prevalent in the east-central and western states, exactly where many snowbird and national-park routes run.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDo you need a water softener for your RV?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou need an RV water softener if the water at your usual stops tests hard or you already see the signs: white crust on faucets and shower heads, spotty dishes, soap that won't lather and scale in the water heater. If you camp mostly where the water tests soft, you can skip it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardness test strips read the water in seconds, and the same strips later tell you when to recharge. USGS publishes its scale in mg\/L as calcium carbonate, and softener sizing uses grains per gallon (gpg). NDSU Extension gives the conversion: 1 gpg equals 17 mg\/L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-table-scroll\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ia-method-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUSGS class\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003emg\/L as calcium carbonate\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAbout gpg (÷17)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat it means on the road\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0–60\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0–3.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA softener adds little. A sediment separator may still help.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerately hard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e61–120\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.6–7\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpots and slow scale. A softener is worth it if you stay often or long.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e121–180\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.1–10.6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVisible crust on fixtures and in the water heater. \u003cstrong\u003eSoftener recommended.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVery hard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMore than 180\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbove 10.6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFast scale buildup, and the resin fills up faster. \u003cstrong\u003eSoftener plus a tighter recharge schedule.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScale is the cost you don't see. USGS notes that \"when hard water is heated, such as in a home water heater, solid deposits of calcium carbonate can form,\" and that long-term flow through a pipe causes scale buildup. In an RV, that's a small water heater tank, short plumbing runs and fixtures that cost real money to replace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSoftener, sediment separator or filter: which problem are you solving?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatch the equipment to the symptom. Spots, crust and poor lather mean hardness, which is a softener's job. Sand or grit in faucet screens and toilet valves means sediment, which needs a separator. Taste and odor complaints call for a drinking-water filter. Many campground hookups need two of these working in line together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMix them up and you pay for gear that leaves the real problem in place. Sort out what you're seeing first:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-table-scroll\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ia-method-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you see\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLikely cause\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRight tool\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIn this collection\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhite crust on fixtures, spotty dishes, soap won't lather\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardness (calcium and magnesium)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePortable water softener\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e✓ SoftPro Portable RV Water Softener\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSand or grit in aerators, screens or the toilet valve\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSediment in the supply\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpin-down sediment separator\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e✓ RV Spin-Down Sediment Separator\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBoth crust and grit, common at well-fed parks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardness plus sediment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeparator first, then softener\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e✓ Both products\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChlorine taste or odd odor in drinking water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTaste and odor compounds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrinking-water filter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e✗ Not a softener's job\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrange stains or a rotten-egg smell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIron or hydrogen sulfide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTest first, then targeted treatment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e✗ See \"when it isn't the right fix\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's how the three tools compare factor by factor:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-table-scroll\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ia-method-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFactor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePortable softener\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpin-down separator\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDrinking-water filter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTargets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardness minerals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSand, grit, larger sediment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTaste and odor (varies by filter)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWon't handle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSand, taste, odor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDissolved hardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower needed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUsually none\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpkeep\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecharge with table salt\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlush the sump, rinse the screen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReplace cartridges\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePosition in line\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAfter the separator\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirst, after the spigot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLast, or at the kitchen tap\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat size RV water softener do you need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePick your RV water softener size by who's on board and how hard the water is. SoftPro lists the 8,000-grain model for one person part time and the 16,000-grain model for two people part time. Larger capacity means more gallons between recharges, so very hard water or longer stays favor the 16,000.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrain capacity is the amount of hardness the resin can hold before it needs a recharge. Divide it by your water's hardness in gpg and you get a rough ceiling on gallons between recharges. Real output runs lower. Resin is never perfectly efficient, and hardness swings between campgrounds. Treat the numbers below as a planning tool, not a promise, and let your test strips make the final call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-table-scroll\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ia-method-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCampground water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e8,000-grain model (theoretical max)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e16,000-grain model (theoretical max)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 gpg (85 mg\/L, moderately hard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,600 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 3,200 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 gpg (170 mg\/L, hard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,600 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15 gpg (255 mg\/L, very hard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 530 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,070 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 gpg (340 mg\/L, very hard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 400 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRule of thumb: if you're solo and stay at parks with moderate hardness, the 8,000-grain model fits. Choose the 16,000 if there are two of you, if you run very hard water or if you'd rather recharge less often.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-band\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-product-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-product-card\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/best-portable-rv-water-softener\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2967\/6284\/products\/portable-rv-water-softener-by-softpro-lifetime-warranty-958503.jpg?v=1783798859\u0026amp;width=600\" alt=\"SoftPro Portable RV Water Softener\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-product-badges\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8,000 or 16,000 grain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/best-portable-rv-water-softener\"\u003eSoftPro Portable RV Water Softener\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-product-reviews\"\u003e★★★★☆ 4.4 (661 reviews)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-product-price\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"was\"\u003e\u003cs\u003e$364.50\u003c\/s\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"now\"\u003eFrom $267\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"ia-shop-btn\" href=\"\/products\/best-portable-rv-water-softener\"\u003eShop the RV softener\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow should you hook up an RV softener and sediment separator?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRun the water in this order: campground spigot, sediment separator, softener, then a hose to your RV's city water inlet. The separator goes first so sand never reaches the softener's resin bed. Flush the softener before first use, then turn the water on slowly so the tank fills without a pressure surge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SoftPro softener ships ready to connect. The kit includes the softener tank, a cap with handles and two hose quick connections, so the spigot hose goes to the inlet and a second hose runs from the outlet to the rig. If you already use a pressure regulator, keep it at the spigot as you normally would.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe spin-down separator is built for this job. Its housing is high-impact, non-corrosive molded plastic with 3\/4\" connections. A reusable 60-mesh polyester screen blocks sand and grit, heavier particles settle into a clear sump you can check at a glance, and a 1\/2\" MIPT drain cleanout with cap lets you flush them out. When the sump looks full, open the drain to flush and rinse the screen. You never have to track down replacement cartridges on the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-band\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-product-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-product-card\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/rv-sand-separator\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2967\/6284\/products\/protect-your-rv-keep-sediment-out-of-softener-fixtures-holding-tanks-add-cleanable-spin-down-sediment-separator-980517.jpg?v=1783803804\u0026amp;width=600\" alt=\"RV Spin-Down Sediment Separator\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-product-badges\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReusable 60-mesh screen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/rv-sand-separator\"\u003eRV Spin-Down Sediment Separator\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-product-price\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"was\"\u003e\u003cs\u003e$120.50\u003c\/s\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"now\"\u003e$95\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"ia-shop-btn\" href=\"\/products\/rv-sand-separator\"\u003eShop the separator\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow do you regenerate a portable RV water softener?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo regenerate an RV water softener, shut off the water, disconnect the outlet hose, drain the tank, add plain table salt, then rinse slowly so the brine strips hardness off the resin. Finish with a fast rinse until the water no longer tastes salty, and confirm with a hardness test strip before reconnecting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStep by step, the SoftPro method looks like this:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShut off and disconnect.\u003c\/strong\u003e Turn off the supply and remove the outlet hose.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrain.\u003c\/strong\u003e Tilt or invert the unit to empty it, then remove the top plug.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdd salt.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pour in the amount of table salt the product page lists for your size.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSlow rinse.\u003c\/strong\u003e Reconnect the supply and run water slowly through the tank for the time listed for your size. This is when the brine does the work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFast rinse.\u003c\/strong\u003e Open the flow up and flush until the water no longer tastes salty.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTest and reconnect.\u003c\/strong\u003e Check the output with a hardness strip, then reconnect to the RV.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen should you recharge? Don't go by the calendar. Go by the strips. Test the softener's output every few days, and more often at very hard sites. When hardness starts coming through, it's time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to choose an RV water softener: what to look for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA good RV water softener matches your hardness and headcount, connects with standard garden-hose fittings, runs without power and recharges with salt you can buy anywhere. Beyond that, look for a sturdy, easy-to-carry tank, a clear warranty and simple upkeep you'll actually keep up with on the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCapacity that fits your crew:\u003c\/strong\u003e SoftPro lists the 8,000-grain size for one person part time and the 16,000-grain size for two people part time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandard hose connections\u003c\/strong\u003e included, so there's nothing to adapt at the pedestal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo electricity required\u003c\/strong\u003e, so it works at dry sites and on generator days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTable-salt regeneration\u003c\/strong\u003e instead of specialty pellets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA warranty in writing:\u003c\/strong\u003e SoftPro's portable softener carries a limited lifetime warranty on both the tank and the valve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSediment protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e a cleanable separator ahead of the softener protects the resin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTest strips\u003c\/strong\u003e on hand to check campground water and know when to recharge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhen isn't an RV water softener the right fix?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn RV water softener only treats hardness. It won't fix taste or odor, it isn't a disinfection system and it won't filter sand on its own. Iron stains or a rotten-egg smell need testing first. If you're on a sodium-restricted diet, plan another source of drinking water before you soften everything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTaste, chlorine or odor:\u003c\/strong\u003e those call for a drinking-water filter. If you want treated drinking water at a sink, compare \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reverse-osmosis-systems\"\u003ereverse osmosis systems\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIron or sulfur:\u003c\/strong\u003e NDSU Extension warns that excess iron or hydrogen sulfide can reduce a softener's effectiveness. Test the water, then look at \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/iron-filters\"\u003eiron filters\u003c\/a\u003e for a home well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBacteria or other health concerns:\u003c\/strong\u003e a softener doesn't address these. Use a certified lab test and talk to a water professional.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSodium:\u003c\/strong\u003e NDSU Extension estimates about 8 mg\/L of sodium is added for each grain of hardness removed. If your doctor has you limiting sodium, ask about your drinking water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoft water already:\u003c\/strong\u003e if your strips read soft at the places you camp, put your money into the sediment separator instead.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA house, not a rig:\u003c\/strong\u003e a portable tank isn't sized for a home. See \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-selling-water-softeners\"\u003ewhole-house water softeners\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-cta\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNot sure what your water needs?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet a free water analysis and sizing report. It shows what's in your local water and which system fits your household, whether that's your home base or your rig. Talk to a real water expert at 866-278-4130, Mon–Fri 9am–7pm CST. Orders ship within 1–3 business days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-cta-row\"\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"ia-btn ia-btn-navy\" href=\"https:\/\/watersoftenersizing.com\/calculator\"\u003eSize my system + get my water report\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"ia-method-note\"\u003eHow we built this guide: Hardness classes come from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The grains-per-gallon conversion, the sodium estimate and the iron and hydrogen sulfide caution come from North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension. The campground water system definition and the public water system count come from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Product details come from Quality Water Treatment's own product specifications. The capacity table is simple arithmetic (grains ÷ gpg) and shows theoretical maximums, not tested results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRV Water Softener: FAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ia-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eDo I need a water softener for my RV?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou need one if the water you hook up to is hard, and at many campgrounds it is. Crusty fixtures, spotty dishes, poor lather and scale in the water heater are the usual signs. A hardness test strip at the spigot tells you for sure in seconds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow does a portable RV water softener work?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt uses ion exchange, the same process as a home softener. Resin beads in the tank trade calcium and magnesium for sodium as water flows through. When the beads are full of hardness minerals, a salt brine recharges them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow often should you regenerate an RV water softener?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegenerate when a hardness test strip shows hardness coming through the softener's output, not on a fixed schedule. Harder water and more people use up capacity faster. Dividing the grain capacity by your water's hardness in gpg gives a rough upper limit on gallons between recharges.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow do you recharge an RV water softener?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eShut off the water, disconnect the outlet hose, drain the tank and add table salt in the amount listed for your size. Rinse slowly so the brine works through the resin, then fast-rinse until the water no longer tastes salty. Confirm with a test strip before reconnecting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat kind of salt goes in an RV water softener?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe SoftPro portable softener recharges with plain table salt. It dissolves quickly and rinses out cleanly, and you can buy it almost anywhere. Follow the amount on the product page for your size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eShould a sediment filter go before or after an RV water softener?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eBefore. Put the sediment separator first after the spigot so sand and grit are caught before they reach the softener's resin, your fixtures and your holding tanks. The softener comes next, then the hose to your RV.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eDoes an RV water softener need electricity?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. The SoftPro portable softener runs on water pressure alone and needs no power cord. You recharge it by hand, so there's no control valve to program.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat size RV water softener do I need?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoftPro lists the 8,000-grain model for one person part time and the 16,000-grain model for two people part time. Very hard water or longer stays favor the larger size, because it runs more gallons between recharges. If you're between sizes, call 866-278-4130 and a water expert will help you choose.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"ia-small\"\u003eRelated: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/water-test-kits\"\u003eWater test kits\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/products\/water-test-kit-well-water\"\u003eUltimate Well Water Test Kit\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/sediment-filters-for-well-water\"\u003eSediment filters for well water\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-selling-water-softeners\"\u003eBest-selling water softeners\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/softpro-water-softeners\"\u003eSoftPro water softeners\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reverse-osmosis-systems\"\u003eReverse osmosis systems\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/water-softener-resin\"\u003eWater softener resin\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","products":[{"product_id":"best-portable-rv-water-softener","title":"Portable RV Water Softener by SoftPro (Lifetime Warranty)","description":"","brand":"Woodbrothers","offers":[{"title":"8000 - 1 person part time","offer_id":15145352790062,"sku":"PWSU-8","price":267.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16000 - 2 to 3 people","offer_id":15156319387694,"sku":"PWSU-16","price":308.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2967\/6284\/products\/portable-rv-water-softener-by-softpro-lifetime-warranty-958503.jpg?v=1783798859"},{"product_id":"rv-sand-separator","title":"PROTECT YOUR RV : Keep Sediment Out Of Softener, Fixtures, \u0026 Holding Tanks! - Add Cleanable Spin-Down Sediment Separator","description":"\u003cp\u003eHigh impact, molded, non-corrosive filters with reusable polyester filter screens. Clear sump permits monitoring of trapped sediment. 1\/2\" MIPT drain cleanout with cap. 3\/4\" connections, up to 25 GPM, 60 mesh.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nelsen Corp","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32378407321646,"sku":"","price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2967\/6284\/products\/protect-your-rv-keep-sediment-out-of-softener-fixtures-holding-tanks-add-cleanable-spin-down-sediment-separator-980517.jpg?v=1783803804"}],"url":"https:\/\/qualitywatertreatment.com\/collections\/rv-water-softeners.oembed","provider":"Quality Water Treatment","version":"1.0","type":"link"}