Blu Tech Trio - Compact RV Triple Filter System (Testing and Install)

[@tomfenske-eh4uc]

Chad, I bought this system based on your recommendation. I added the Stainless Steel Water Softener. The system worked great for a couple months then the plastic top cap for the water softener developed a pin hole leak. I sent Blu a message and never heard back. Now the pin hole has turned into a 1/4” crack. I got on a chat with Blu this time and they will not stand behind their product despite their written guarantee. The area where the leak is completely perfect indicating no exterior abuse. They absolutely will not even discuss the matter turning every comment into a reason why it must be my fault. I just thought you would want to hear this. They will however sell me a replacement part for $130. Magically the new units have a blue top instead of black now. Hmmm? I’m going to seal the hole with pvc glue rated for potable water and move on. I will buy aftermarket replacement filters from now on as they don’t deserve another dime from me or any other Rv’rs. We struggle enough with the industry and their warranty crap to patronize another warranty fraudulent biz.

[@ChangingLanes]

Did you purchase through MMH? If so, please reach out to them so see if they can help.

[@tomfenske-eh4uc]

It was purchased on Blu’s Amazon store directly from Blu because that is the only way their “Guarantee” is valid or is it? Thanks Chad. I don’t blame you at all. You have been a huge help in my transition from residential living to living on the road. I am a relocating from Washington State to South Carolina slowly. Drive 2-3 hours. Stay a week or two. Then I’ll buy some land in SC and build a Barndo. Then get back on the road until I have visited all the continental states. Thanks again for all your edjamacation 😅

[@Type1Detour]

I decided not to do an install video bc I said “I know Chad will eventually do one” so thank you for giving me one to link to now 😂😂

[@parkoursteve5475]

What an epic, well detailed, informative video! Thanks pal!

[@davidoverholt251]

Chad, keep us informed on how your RV water is, taste, usage, laundry! Chad you are the testor!!!

[@tomfenske-eh4uc]

Chad being the “testor” is far better than the testee. 😮

[@Green_Ninja1979]

Only thing I am missing is a RV to put this water system on. Great video as always.

[@johnnylightning1491]

That switch of the filters make perfect sense to me. I used to use a carbon filter in a house where I had a well and it did lose some particulates when it first was installed. I can see these plugging up the .2 micron filter fairly easily. I'm thinking about getting one of these systems so if you could get your 6 month test done in 2 months that would be great because I plan on being full time by the middle or end of October. Keep the good stuff coming guys.

[@Graybeard1405]

Just added this Blu Tech filter system to my water gear in May. It is not a fixed installation, so I fabricated a locking bracket system to hold the filter up under the frame of my travel trailer when I am parked,to keep it from walking away. Very pleased with the results that I’m getting from the filter, and the 25’ stainless steel supply hose, and the 3’ jumper from the filter to the city water input. Thanks for the great video. Your content is always well thought out and the execution is very professional. I watch most if not all of your weekly content. Travel safe, be well and keep up the good work!

[@rickrichardson5329]

Chad you make things look so easy and trouble free. Great how to.

[@razmondpush2971]

Just love it when ever you do install or upgrade, while I play one of the many supervisors. Yet another nice video done and appreciated. Thanks for the invite...

[@seawolff33]

We've been using the Blu tech 3 for 6 months or more. It works great. Good size for storing on travel days.

[@jamessteffey7146]

We have been using the BLU water hoses for a while and they are awesome worth every penny. What’s crazy is the flow amount is just a fraction less of a 5/8th garden hose.

[@unknowntraveler8087]

I have the Blu tec3, the portable version of yours. And I love it,it works great!

[@tomfenske-eh4uc]

Chad update… The Blu Tech water softener cap couldn’t be repaired with plumbing glue. Mobile Must Haves doesn’t sell replacement parts and referred me back to Blu Tech. I did however find the part that Blu wanted to charge $125 for for $25 elsewhere. Blu just purchases parts from other manufacturers and assembles them. The new cap is far better made than the blu tech original. Thanks again for all your experience sharing. It is much appreciated.

[@gwestfal]

I just purchased one of these systems directly from Blu Technology. I ended up getting the portable system because I am concerned about what to do for winterizing. I live in NH and do not full time in the RV so winterizing is very necessary. I suppose that would be an application for your bypass setup on your old RV. Great video and you have a new subscriber.

[@SRSnure]

Chad: I use the same quick-connects. When they start looking bad I soak them for a few hours in a mixture of white vinegar and water which removes any deposits and shines the brass up somewhat.

[@bradleymanning3225]

Thank you very much Chad. I've been looking into the filter system setup for the last couple of months. Going to look more seriously at this system. As always hope Tara is feeling better and you both continue safe travels

[@williamlambert2865]

Loved the install of your first filter system, I followed your design using the bypass with a few modifications (such as I installed pressure gages going in and out of the system). Of course I put my pressure inside, that way I will not leave it behind….lol. Great video, you all take care.

[@ronaldsova2380]

Good idea putting the pressure regulator on the inside the only problem with that is at the camp site we have there is about 90 pounds pressure if not more It actually blew the end of my hose off Luckily we were there

[@j.r.3215]

Great review, Chad, but I think that is the reason many watch/like these videos.

[@RobertDickol]

Love your Videos and look forward to it weekly. On your recent filter install, I want to offer a caution and certainly something you would want to follow as you test. You mention that the flow was 3 GPM with clean filters. And this is what I would expect. But consider that the the rate of particles coming through is about the same. ( particles/100Gal) When you distribute the total particles over a smaller filter, it will clog that filter faster since you have less surface area. So with all else being equal, I would expect the smaller filter to blind over and the flow decrease in less time than the larger. One other thing to consider is the the Prefilter (#1) would be the only one to change as the second and third filter would not blind over. These could only be tested with careful particle analysis. So good luck with your testing and I look forward to a future update with results.

[@ForgeAheadwithMike]

I’m trying to get some answers to some tech questions from the company but they’re not taking calls (the message says to email them) but they’re not responding to emails. I’ve waited a week so far which is a long time so I’m wondering if they’re having business troubles. Edit: I just was contacted by them and they were very nice and helpful. Yep, they said their customer rep had just quit but they are handling it. Great customer service.

[@ChangingLanes]

Glad they returned your email. 👍🏼

[@garryhammond3117]

Great video as usual Chad - Thanks! - Cheers!

[@randypfannenstiel7057]

Excellent, well done guys. I've been wanting to replace my simple single water filter. I've seen videos where RVers make their own triple water filter system (which is good also). This his system is already put together, just mount and reconnect.

[@williammartin6872]

We tried this filter system to improve the taste of our water at our primary location, but the taste was still pretty bad. We learned that the water being extremely hard (over 1,000 ppm) was the cause, and the Blu Tech Trio doesn't address water hardness at all. So, we switched to a reverse osmosis system, and our water now tastes great.

[@MAGA-ll6dt]

Nice job very informative fyi they make a ratcheting crimper that you only need one hand It's great for tight places

[@georgewashington938]

A water filter system could be handy. When my family is out on one of our adventures, finding access to potable water is sometimes an annoying challenge. One thing I do not like about the pre-assembled systems is their very high price ($499 MSRP for the one reviewed in the video). You can find find 3 filter housings and filters online and assemble your own system for around $120 to $140. That is $359 cheaper!

[@danrandall794]

Way to go Phil. Every water filter video I have seen no one tests the water. I would actually take the before sample and the after filter sample and send them to a lab. Keep checking the water quality because as The Great One said trust but verify.

[@SpykersB]

Bob, who’s Phil?

[@todayissomeday]

@@SpykersB Me?

[@danrandall794]

I screwed that one up. I has also just watched Today is Someday's video. Sorry Chad.

[@terryhaynes1596]

I installed clear source Ultra and the Pro Aqua water softener in my fifth wheel. I recently switched to the Blu water softener because of its smaller size and weight. I am seriously considering switching to the Blu water filter to save space and weight. I have found the Stainless Steel containers to be a big problem. I am traveling in AK, and the water was so cold that the SS sweated setting off my Simplisafe water alarms. They need to add a neoprene “sweater “ to solve this problem. I used 1/2” drinking water hose for my installation because it allows me to move the filters to get to them better. I am also using cam lock quick disconnects. I have used the brass and SS quick disconnects but the cam locks are far superior (IMHO).

[@rgs360]

Just a thought, but we have had fantastic luck with Sharkbite connectors. Home Depot, etc. sell them and they are far easier to use, grip like there is no tomorrow and can be removed just as easily with the little dis-assembly tool.

[@livingsmalldreamingbig]

We love our BluTech!

[@johnsanford4569]

Great information. I purchased the water softener to go along with the 3 filter system from blu tech. This will be installed in our new unit. Thank you.

[@johnandjackiesjourneys]

Great video. We’ve learned a great deal from you.

[@markhayes4730]

So glad you are an RV geek 😊

[@comewheelinwithjohnandchristie]

We have been using the R3 for a year and a half. So far we have had good results with this system. We are averaging 6 to 8 weeks per filter change. We think you'll like this system.

[@timinsandiego6979]

Good stuff! That deserves a cheeseburger when you find your way to San Diego. Happy travels!

[@Michael-ll3rk]

Chad great video as always. Thanks for sharing the new filter system. Just be careful with your crimp connections. Some of them look like they are outside the tolerance that is standard with those. take a look at 16:20 as an example. Probably not a big deal especially since the pressure is somewhat lower than standard household pressure. But they say those can leak and fail over time if they dont sit properly over the fitting. Thanks again!

[@robertdoyen5434]

Great job on the insulation and thanks for sharing. We have the same water regulator and about a month ago I hooked it up and the needle on the gauge was pegged under the stop pegg. Talked to a buddy of mine (who is a plumber) that can happen with the bouncy of the camper. So careful where you store them. Thanks From Wisconsin

[@brianlykins6663]

Great video on filters. Seems like a very good product. Im certain if your installing and using a product its got to be a decent product. You dont seem to skimp on your research. God bless and ya'll stay safe on your travels.

[@michaelguthrie2723]

Thanks for the video. Been looking into a system for our camper. Also why do all the underbelly’s of campers, wiring and plumping look so unorganized? This would never fly with trucks and trailer since I’ve been a professional driver for going on 40 years. It would definitely fail at the worst time.

[@ajjens375]

Great review!!! I too changed to Blu Tech and haven't looked back! :)

[@TheRVWingman]

Great video! Keep up the great work!!…..Lisa

[@reddragonfly4351]

Hello guys! Are you using the Blu Softener system? Thank you tremendously for all you do as a couple and individuals❤

[@ChangingLanes]

No.. Just the filter for now...

[@reddragonfly4351]

@@ChangingLanes😊

[@johnbarton1878]

Putting the micron filters before the carbon block is how it's done in the R/O. industry . Have been using pump ro units for 30 yrs and I believe it's the purest water you can have. We use it in our dutchstar storage tank and never worry about our water source because the final product is what matters. Get a tds meter to keep a eye on your source water to know what your water really is.

[@kevinbrewer2141]

Loved the video. If you are worried about backflow, you could add a one-way check valve.

[@robertnasser9937]

Mine has a white flexible hose in areas and it is just a shade to big to get the clamps over them. Nice vid

[@grayfox9911]

Good demo!! Thanks bud!

[@LynnDixon]

I have Blu Technologies portable 3 step water filter and their hose kit. I ABSOLUTELY HATE their hoses. They do indeed kink with very little force and if they kink, they braid gets messed up and will snag on everything. While the quick-connects seem to be very beefy and stainless, they are machined to such tight tolerances that the first little bit of sand that gets in the coupler (even on the outside) it will jam up and not release or move. I had a HECKUVA time with these silly quick connects while staying in south Florida. Even the slightest breeze would blow sand into the connector and would cause it to jam up. While I do recommend their filters, I would highly encourage people to stay away from their braided hoses and their quick connects.

[@ChangingLanes]

Good feedback, thanks! 👍🏼

[@newmercies265]

We are buying our first RV next week. We will be living in it for about a year while we work on our house. We have well water and we're needing to use a good filter system because we don't want the iron in the water to ruin our RV. Do you think this system will work well for this? It seems like it would, but would love your opinion. Thank you for the videos! We love to share in your and Tara's adventures and learn! 😊

[@ChangingLanes]

Yes.. I think the first filter will get the iron. When we changed our clearsource filters, that fist one was RED!

[@stevenscott4096]

I think there's a better way than following the manufacturer's recommendation to put the carbon block filter last. Pat of the purpose of the longevity (5 micron) and carbon block (0.5 micron) filters function is to protect the 0.2 micron filter by stopping the larger particles before getting to the finer filter. It does require a small amount of extra work tho. Simply install the first two filters and either leave the old 0.2 micron in place or remove it and put the empty canister back on. The flush the two filters for a couple minutes, using the closest outside faucet, to allow the carbon fines to get flushed from the system. Then install the 0.2 micron media. No carbon fines to plug it up.

[@travelingwithtroyandrhoda]

Love your content. Never regretted buying and using anything you tested and recommended. Thanks for spending the time to create content the last few years.

[@barbaragalligan999]

It would be interesting to see how often you need to change your filters. Also, how do you know when you need to change them.

[@jtbuild]

Great install. Have you checked TDS's?

[@henriyoung3895]

Thanks. Love you guys.

[@rovingrosses3288]

Great as always. Chad, did you consider using flexible tubing to reduce the number of connections (potential leaks)?

[@ChangingLanes]

Not really. I think the hard pex makes a better seal.

[@jayward4600]

We bought the ClearSource Ultra on your previous video's recomendation and are very pleased with it. The 4 gpm flow rate is higher than the 2gpm of our stock whole-trailer filter, but we left it in the system as it's the only way to filter water out of the onboard tank. (The ClearSource is external). Is size the main reason you switched?

[@ChangingLanes]

Yes.. Primarily the size, and we like to try out various options. We think BOTH are great filters.

[@connielogsdon6212]

Thanks for the great info!!

[@stanwright7575]

After you installed the filter system do you feel like you are getting the water flow you were expecting? I ask because I think I counted eight(?) 90-degree elbows in your installation. Really enjoy your videos.

[@ChangingLanes]

We'll know more once we get to a location with better water pressure, but so far so good.

[@calin0]

Preferes UF 0.02 microns ( ultra filtration) . 4 stage pp1 or pp5 , gac+kdf , cto + fillter UF

[@jorgeporto7471]

Thanks for another great video! We have watched both of your water filter videos and you haven't mentioned using a water softener. Is there a reason why you haven't invested in one?

[@ChangingLanes]

We've rarely had any issues with hard water. Maybe a location here and there, but not that regularly that we've noticed.

[@calculatedrisk114]

I always ran a cheap inline filter before the regulator. Salt Lake KOA is 110psi. The inline did not explode.

[@ChangingLanes]

I doubt any filter out there would have trouble with 110PSI.. It's the RV plumbing that would have an issue...

[@markratliff7991]

Nice alternative to the Clear Source. Just curious since you did not install the "bypass" like you did on the Clear Source, how you avoid passing bleach through the fitters whe sanitizing your fresh water tank (other than removing all 3 filters which is a PITA. As always, thanks for your informative and professional videos!

[@ChangingLanes]

When we sanitize, we'll want to sanitize the filter canisters also.. So, we'll just remove the filters. That only takes about 5 minutes.

[@michaelmccullough9668]

Great video as usual. Where did you get the water test kit at?

[@ChangingLanes]

gear.changinglanesrv.com/product/drinking-water-test-kit/

[@martysmith-BonneyLake]

Great video and you made that look so easy! I need one of these as well when I get to AZ. AK water tastes fine but who knows what’s in it?

[@warrenlancaster5780]

Thanks Chad, Little question that no one can or will answer. Not sure which. RV use Pex the same as residential house. Why is it a need to keep you water pressure at 40 PSI when a residential water pressure is un restricted. My house is currently running 75 psi. I see some possible anser to this but no one will identify those reasons. But I did notice in this video that you used brass fittings vice plastic but the entire back panel of your wet bay had plastic fittings on you pex tubing. Thanks Chad, Master Chief

[@ChangingLanes]

We generally run ours at 40-50 PSI but have also used as high as 65 or so. I think it might be rated at 40 because the whole system goes though an earthquake when traveling. Just a guess.

[@ForgeAheadwithMike]

What is the flexible blue hose/tubing that looks like PEX and can still take the PEX clamps? I can't find it and don't know what the brand name is. :(

[@rcarey3965]

I use the Clear source green 2 part system. Do you filter all water or just drinking water? We do all and have had volume issues with our tankless hot water heater which needs 45 psi to function. What water meter were you using for the glow test? Thx Chad - Rob

[@bill29456]

Hey Chad: I was at lowes the other day getting pec lines and fittings. They told me the "old style" was the clamp. The replacement is "Shark" fittings. Any reason why you went with the old way of clamping?

[@randypelow8999]

what are the over all dimensions of the unit . great video thank you

[@ChangingLanes]

See: gear.changinglanesrv.com/product/blu-tech-trio/

[@zorrosbigadventure]

Chad, what is your opinion of water softeners in addition to a filter system? I live FT in my new 5th wheel and travel mostly west of the Mississippi.

[@alanplambeck6608]

When you have hard water at a campground, you wash your camper and get water spots? How can you fix that?

[@michaelcoffey8085]

Quick Question... What type of Pex fittings do you use? Plastic, brass, Stainless?????

[@ChangingLanes]

I think my fittings are brass and the crimps are stainless.

[@bobzambron2710]

They now sell the quick connectors

[@shervinnaderi616]

your videos are really cool :) can you have a fifth wheel converted to be suitable for off-road use?

[@michaelcoffey8085]

Well Heck Looks like I'm going to have to switch to Blu Tch now... Gee Thanks LOL

[@paulsylvester1394]

FYI The portable version you link to says it is discontinued. I have to ask why this system costs so much. There are much cheaper alternatives.

[@alanknight4418]

Do you filter all water or do you have a splitter? I mean for shower, washing machine, dishwasher. Do you only need drinking and cooking water filtered?

[@ChangingLanes]

We filter all water coming into the RV... Drinking water also goes through the Berkey.

[@stevecurry5785]

You only need it for your drinking water and cleaning dishes only As theres no point in wasting filters for showers or flushing the toilet ect as regular water can do that no problem So id mount this under the sink

[@LifeMyWay007]

Damn, 10 months later and the price is jacked up $100 - After Discount!!!

[@johnr5545]

God bless

[@uncfans]

Looks nice.

[@LilyWasHereMB]

Reached out to Blu by Amazon question and direct to "customer service" about adapters for indoor plumbing. They never responded. I spent $400 with their competition.

[@lilricky2515]

So, looking at the replacement filter costs, it looks like there's a $5.00 difference with the newer Blu Tech Trio system being the more expensive, albeit not much more. So if I already got the ClearSource Ultra system and a ultraviolet system, is there any reason to switch to the Blu Tech Trio?

[@TonyBenton0728]

For me it would be the weight savings. The Clear Source is heavy. The Blu Tech is 13 lbs. I just have not pulled the trigger yet.

[@ChangingLanes]

I would say no, unless the size is the primary factor for swapping.

[@samcook8085]

Great video. I have had trouble finding 1/2” PEX fittings that fit the hose attachment (in and out) on the filter and also have the barbed end that fits inside 1/2” PEX tube. I have purchased a few fittings and PEX end of the fitting is too big to slide inside the 1/2” PEX, even though they say they fit 1/2” PEX. Any suggestions on where to source those fittings? The 90 degree fittings in you video are nice as well. If you have a source you could share for those, that would be amazing as well.

[@ChangingLanes]

You can find all of the project tools and consumables here: gear.changinglanesrv.com/product-tag/water-filter-project/

[@stephencantbewrong8250]

Fantastic!

[@miabeia3117]

Will this work with a whole house filtration system for a condominium? Thanks so much!

[@ChangingLanes]

It should. Can't see why it woudn't.

[@Clay_Maguire]

I'm a new RVer. So I don't understand the advantage of adjustable flow restricters If I want my pressure to be 40 to 50 lbs. Why not buy one that's constant? The adjustable ones seem to be another thing that can go wrong. Please tell me what I'm missing.

[@ChangingLanes]

It's more about adjustable pressure than flow. We tried a fixed regulator (like we showed in the video), and it restricted flow dramatically. The adjustable regulators don't seem to have this issue. Additionally, we've found that setting it to 50PSI at one site does not mean the same setting will yield 50PSI at another site with higher or lower source pressure.

[@Clay_Maguire]

@@ChangingLanes Thanks. Good to know.

[@kenneysseeamerica5750]

Will you be using the Blu Softener?

[@ChangingLanes]

Possibly... But we're never really had hard water issues.

[@unyalliman]

Why not a UV system after this filter system to ensure no biologicals? You guys are great dig all your videos especially the tech geek ones.

[@ChangingLanes]

Might try that in the kitchen... UV water tap.

[@TonyBenton0728]

Our Riverstone comes standard with a single Blu Tech filter. Currently have the Clear Source filter. I have been looking at the portable filters mainly because of weight. The filter cost is about the same as Clear Source. But the stainless water hoes that Blu Tech sells are outrageously expensive. They are stainless washer machine hoses. I went on Amazon and got a total of 50 feet different lengths with quick connections. I can now customize the length of hose at each campground. I did not lose any pressure. And they take up so much less space than the regular water hose.

[@ricbailey170]

I don’t know how practical🙄 these are for non full timers as they will sit full of water for weeks or months until you use your rig again. Doesn’t appear to drain easily, like drain a one filter system after each trip. Thoughts?🤔

[@ChangingLanes]

I don't think keeping water in them will hurt... I'd ask Blu tech about that. But, the filters come out in about 3 minutes if you wanted to drain them.

[@ericjohnson6437]

With this filter system in place, how long does it take to fill your fresh water tank, 30 minutes or so?

[@ChangingLanes]

150 gallons @ 3.2 GPM should be about 47 minutes. A little more with the stops and starts needed to let the tanks equalize. Likely about an hour for a 100% fill, but we rarely do that.

[@brettlandry7820]

Are they proprietary filters? I can't find them at any local stores.

[@ChangingLanes]

I think so.. I don't know of any other 5" filter systems on the market.

[@spikestubbs210]

If you are using brass fittings, why are you not using copper collars?

[@ChangingLanes]

I'm not sure what collars you mean.

[@phecksel]

What about water softener? We stayed at a park last year where the water testing showed over 500 TDS, and we were going through a filter once a week, just for drinking and cooking water. Water was so hard, wife was complaining her hair was like straw.

[@ChangingLanes]

We've never run into super hard water.... If we start to, we might think about a softener.

[@ChangingLanes]

We've never run into super hard water.... If we start to, we might think about a softener.

[@hobbyguy79]

Potable, potable, tomato, tomato... youre not alone Chad. I know what a potatoe is and I know what a pot is but what's a pote? 😂

[@timaz1066]

I use a two cartridge system which is 5 µm than one micron then I have a whole house UV filter that kills everything in my motorhome set up

[@mlhm5]

You can easily build a 3 stage system for less than $200 including all hardware, filters, filter housing and hoses. Just search youtube.

[@tomfenske-eh4uc]

I forgot to mention.. Go Navy! Can do Seabee shipmate here. But Blu Tech won’t do!

[@ponzone99]

If you really need stainless steel hose fitting. You can’t beat mosmatic stainless steel fitting. Sold by obsessed garage.

[@Jennifer-007]

Great video, can you toss those multi parameter test strips up into the water and sewer section of your blog/web site, please and thank you? I looked for that brand on Amazon (freshseal) but could not find which one they were, the 20 count ones you showed at the end. I''d like to grab a set and while I saw lots similar, if I can buy through your affiliate link well heck, better you to have the .5 than old Shaved Head himself eh...

[@ChangingLanes]

Good catch... Missed that one! 😊 Premium Drinking Water Test Kit: gear.changinglanesrv.com/product/drinking-water-test-kit/

[@Jennifer-007]

@@ChangingLanes sweeeet, thanks.. it's all about product placement, anything in the shot is monitizable. LOL, ordered, thanks.