The Truth About RV Heated Hoses! Get One That Works.

[@joygypsiestv9883]

Jared, have we told you lately what a great job you do on your channel? No? Well, it's time to say it again: you do a Great Job!!! We use a Pirit 25 foot hose because a longtime RVing friend told us what to get around 13 years ago. Thanks for showing all the options for our RV community. Clear, concise, friendly, well done, as always. Thank you!

[@godsdeliciousunknown]

Another excellent video Jerod! We use option #4 - fill the tank once each week when temps are at their highest, drain the hose and use the water pump - has worked well going into our 3rd winter... that said, we rarely see long cold spells (6°f for 2 days last winter was the coldest we saw in TN)

[@timaz1066]

I’m so glad that I am retired and full-time so I don’t have to mess with that cold of temperature. Thanks for the video Jared. The couple times that I have been in below freezing weather. I have just filled my water tank and put everything away as you stated.

[@XLSLife]

Also, on the subject of tank heaters, for anyone looking at adding tank heaters to their camper that came without one, Facon is one of the more common brands (I went with them for my holding tanks) but for anyone wanting more powerful heaters or wanting both 12v and 120v there's a company called Ultraheat (who claim to be the original RV holding tank heater) that makes heating pads with higher wattage as well as a dual 12v/120v heater. I installed that on my fresh tank since that's the one I really want to keep warm. Worst case I can put RV antifreeze down my drains like I've done before if the holding tanks start to freeze, but not so much with the fresh tank. I also wanted the 12v option in case I need to boondock for the night or to keep the tank thawed while driving if I have to travel with water (I had it freeze during travel once last year.) I can't yet speak to exactly how well they work, it's only just getting down to freezing here, but both brands came well reviewed and Facon is apparently what Grand Design puts on their models that come with heaters from the factory.

[@jimegan7077]

+1 for UltraHeat. I had them custom make a set of battery heating pads for my DIY LiFePO4 batteries. The heating pads have been working great for three years. I bought a set of pipe heaters from UltraHeat to take care of a pair of pipes that go through an unheated part of my RV and are prone to freezing. So far, so good.

[@doughinkle2947]

I appreciate you sharing, thanks.

[@windrider65]

I'm in central Iowa right now, but I'm heading to Arizona next weekend.

[@mikedidier525]

I prefer to fill the tank and use the pump. (Keep a spare pump on hand). If the source freezes, a heated hose doesn't solve that problem. I do like the idea of putting the pressure regulator in the heated area of the trailer if you go with the heated hose option for a longer stay. Bonus tip: remove your external Valterra sewer valve. In freezing conditions, that will freeze first.

[@dhillman7522]

Have to insulate your low point drains too. They will cause an ice blockage in line to tank or faucets.

[@calledtojourney]

Thanks for the tips, Jered! We just got two 50' sections of the Camco hoses, and they work well but do leak a bit at the fittings if they're torqued much. Beyond that, they've worked well in sub-freezing temps so far. I also wrapped the above ground spigot they attach to when heat strip, and they go to two small, exterior water softeners (something I've NEVER heard anyone in the RV community talk about, but they were a must for us), and I have another heat strip wrapped around them and a water heater blanket wrapped on top of everything. Nothing's frozen yet!

[@ElliottMorris]

If your RV has tank heaters, make sure you test them to ensure they are working before you need them in sub-freezing weather. We bought a used motorhome that was only a few years old that had two failed tank heating pads. An inexpensive infrared thermometer, like the ones sold at HF Tools and other outlets, is a simple tool to check and make sure your tank heaters are working.

[@64maxpower]

That's a great idea

[@brianvandy4002]

Why do none of these include extra heat tape on the end for wrapping the hydrant you're connected to? Yeah, your hose isn't freezing, but if the hydrant freezes you're still in a bind.

[@64maxpower]

You are the best. I remember when your channel started and I thought Travis Pastrana was making RV videos. All your instruction and installs are clean and easy to understand. We appreciate it

[@bostonmom9602]

I live in my 5th wheel and am stationary so I started using a heated hose about 2 years ago... I love it. I also tape the pigtail to the spigot so it doesn't freeze.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Good tip.

[@stacyhazelwood4033]

I made a DYI model 2 years ago and it performs great. I have not seen a park that doesn't allow it, but it is good to know that there are some that will not. I use one of the styrofoam freeze caps at the camper. It has a hole in the bottom for the hose to go thru and I have a loop of the heat line inside the cap. It really works well. Good video!!

[@XLSLife]

Last winter, my first full timing in a camper, I got a Camco heated hose because I was staying at an RV park with winterized full hook ups. Despite supposedly being rated to -20 the hose froze at 16. Ended up getting one of the Pirit hoses and had no trouble even below 0. If you're staying somewhere for weeks or months not having to constantly mess with hoses or filling tanks in a blizzard is a godsend. Since last year I've also added holding tank heating pads since I doubt I'll get lucky enough to stay only at RV parks with heated hook ups again and having no water in the winter sucks.

[@XLSLife]

The campground also told me that they'd switched from selling the Camco hoses to Pirit because they'd had 3 instances where the Camco hoses froze enough to damage their spigots. I'd believe it. I love their Rhino sewer hoses and tanks, but I've been less than impressed with their hoses, heated and non.

[@campnut6076]

I haven't done a lot of cold weather RVing. I have had 4 different experiences here in PA with 1 private campground and 3 State Parks. The state parks expect you to unhook from the pedestal in freezing weather, doesn't matter if you have a heated hose or not. At the private campground, the owner actually went thru and unhooked all hoses, heated and unheated from the pedestal at night during freezing temps. Most of us didn't even realize it until the next morning. Ask first before you spend the money for the heated hose.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Good idea to ask, most parks we have been in in the cold they head the water supply

[@AbsooluteZero]

looking at the DIY for our horse barn. our Zero-G froze up a couple times (wasn't fully drained) and luckily I have a basin in the basement of the house that gets hot water the fastest so I could thaw it out. I need something like that but I don't wanna spend the hundreds of dollars on a commercial option. Thank you for this idea.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Glad it helped

[@allisgood4536]

I made my heated hose using a Frost heated cable and garden hose pushed through a discharge or backwash hose. It looks identical to Camco's except I used shrink tubing on the ends. I would not trade mine for any commercial heated hose.

[@debbiefragola8277]

I have a question about adding a water filter. Would it work to just wrap pipe insulation around it? Or they don’t freeze at all. We use the Camco water filter.

[@garryhammond3117]

Thanks Jared! - None of today's RVs would be able to survive at -40 deg with the current crop of furnaces and amount of insulation in their construction. Great review of heated water pipes though! - Thanks. - Cheers!

[@jimegan7077]

When you said the Camco heated hose failed, I expected it to be the fittings. I bought two Camco hoses (not heated) and they both leak at the fittings. I do camp at the edges of winter, but not the middle of winter when it's coldest. I've been down to -8°F with my non-four season trailer boondocking in the Colorado mountains. I started with about 90 gallons in the 120 gallon fresh water tank. The key was having a heavy vinyl skirt that kept the wind from blowing under the trailer. That helped retain the heat. I insulated the fresh water tank to about R-15. Finally, running the furnace at a higher temperature than I normally would. Over that week, I may have run the tank heaters for a couple of hours. They consume a lot of watts. As others have said, I don't need a heated hose. I simply fill the fresh water tank and disconnect the standard hose, drain it and put it away.

[@calledtojourney]

We got two of the heated Camco hoses, and they leak at the fittings if they're torqued there much at all, but otherwise they're fine, though they draw significant AC power at 364 watts per 50' length. We have vinyl skirts that we'll attach with 3M hooks to the exterior before we're exposed to long-term freezing temps, and I'm hoping that they will at least reduce the wind as you mentioned. Do you you 30# propane tanks or different sizes? We can be stationary for months at a time during cold temps, so I'm thinking of adding a 100# tank to our arsenal. Loading it when full could be a challenge though...

[@jimegan7077]

@@calledtojourney I have twin 30# tanks, but bring along a 20# tank just in case. Check with local propane companies for larger tanks. They may deliver it for you.

[@Stanf954]

Great information. We normally never winter camp, but there are times of the year in early soring or late fall when the temperature will drop below 32° at night in an area, so having the heated hose is a good idea.Thanks for all the great info that you provide .

[@larrymartin5298]

I saved money and I made my own and it has been going for the last 4 years even when here in Texas had the hard freeze

[@OurRollingVoyageORV]

Thanks for the info. We’ve been using the Florida option, camp hosting at the Naval Air Station Key West. But we’ve decided to cold weather camp in 2025, just for the experience and the content. We bought a camco heated hose. Didn’t think about the pressure rating (good thing you did this video). However, my plan was always to use the fresh water tank. We’ll see how it works out.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@2017_K___Booth]

Maybe my opinion and experience doesn't matter since I live in Texas. I just put that grey foam stuff around the hose, wrapped the spigot with socks and dripped the faucets last winter. When I left the RV for days, I disconnected the hose. I came back afterwards. It was above freezing but the plastic part on the toilet froze and cracked. So, whenever I pushed down the pedal to flush, it shot water underneath, in the storage area. That took time to fix so I had to disconnect the water, leaving me without water in the kitchen too. So, I suggest installing a ball valve at the toilet. You can shut off that water so you can still flush with a bucket of water and use water everywhere else.

[@cSounds49]

Camco Hose froze the 1st night temp went to single digits. I paid $120 w tax. It was also very prone to leaking if not in the perfect position on the RV. Hose is 2 months old but never had real cold. Last night the hose had no heat whatsoever but the light was still on at the plug. I hope Camco will honor the warranty but still without running water now for some days.

[@jimhanty8149]

I have a 50 ft Pirit… 4 winters and still works perfect … even at 15 -20 below Zero F. Will buy another if need be… to keep it looking new and clean ,I remove it in the spring , clean and then put a good coat of car wax on and shine it up till it’s needed again… about 200.00 or so..and worth it…

[@champaignsunrise]

I've been using the DIY version for the last three years. I found it to be the most versatile option.

[@AllAboutRVs]

It is a great way to go.

[@gumotx]

I liked the lady bugs!😀

[@AllAboutRVs]

They have been insane. We had over a thousand on the RV yesterday. It should freeze in the next day or 2 and slow them down. They have gotten into everything.

[@tjbristle]

Great video. Do any of you still keep the water on a slow drip in really cold temps to reduce risk of freezing at the weak points like connections?

[@timf6916]

Good information, we DON’T do that cold

[@erickessler6094]

Great ideas! Cant wait to try a couple! 😊 Cheers, Eric

[@gringo3009]

Good info, as usual, thanks.

[@AllAboutRVs]

You bet! Thanks for watching.

[@SumKnight-iw4rw]

I liked the first option but wish you had shown how it connects. Does it need ele? I have an extra outlet at my hookup.

[@robertburns5145]

We have the Camco hose and have used it the last 2 winters in Virginia with no issues.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Good to hear.

[@CartersTrail]

I purchased the NoFreezeWaterHose and believe it's the cat's meow; although expensive.

[@josephgermain2003]

Well as Florida is a finite size, we all can't just go there in the winter =P

[@neilevenden3481]

My choice is to winterize and put my trailer in storage. Did that on Saturday! Maybe next winter AFTER I retire, I might head south to Florida with it!

[@TraiceAdams]

I live about 40min north of pcb and everything. Froze last year, left all the faucets dripping and they froze flowing out the faucet 😂

[@mikefromwv1010]

Thanks for information

[@SpykersB]

Back n late 2018 I bought the insulated valterra 25ft for $150, n the 50ft 225$, and Camco was the only other brand at the time. The valterra are solid thick outer, very well made! None of this loose Saran wrap look that I see now on these knock off brands. And they specifically say to not connect any two heated hoses together, thus why i also got the 50ft one then too. 🍻

[@TonyBenton0728]

So are you in Canada ? I saw where you used the 0 Celsius in another comment.

[@SpykersB]

⁠​⁠@@TonyBenton0728yeah Tony, in Calgary, you used drive a big rig through canada years ago, n now your retired, u told me this in a comment about a year ago or so, lol via switch it up videos. 🍻

[@scottconnell8167]

Hey just a question I have one of those heated water hoses you took apart and I cannot find the thermostat that turns it on usually they stick out the end where was the thermostat at thank you safe travels

[@dougmoore7424]

For diy, doesn’t the heat wrap melt the hose?

[@caq5418]

Jared what was the failure on the Camco hose?

[@AllAboutRVs]

It was a bubble in the layers, and expanding.

[@Idahovandal4ever]

I can't think of anything that would make me want to enter the state of Florida, when the west has warm temps and low or no humidity.

[@AnthonyIsToeKnee]

Are you able to DIY your metal flexible hose?

[@Devon-ne3km]

@allaboutrvs, I noticed there is another one listed in the info that I did not hear mentioned in video, the Rehose. Is that one you have used and recommend or is it one that did not work? Thanks!

[@jonathanskeele854]

Do i really need to worry about my lines freezing if temp only hits 31-32 for a couple of hours in the early mornings?

[@XLSLife]

Generally no, though hoses will freeze faster than holding tanks. You usually need a couple hours below 30 to freeze the lines/hoses and longer for holding tanks to freeze. But, a burst hoses is also a huge pain and can cause water damage, so better safe than sorry I'd say.

[@SpykersB]

That’s 0, -1C heck no it won’t freeze from a couple of hours! If your hooked up to a pedastal tap, just running the water every hour guarantee it won’t freeze lol. 🍻

[@AllAboutRVs]

It all depends. I had a hose freeze when it was forecasted at 35°. It got colder than expected and I was dealing with the frozen hose. I wish I would have just filled the tanks for the night.

[@dalejrfan820002000]

My heated Hose . The water tastes like a pool liner?

[@cynthiasrader7564]

I want to put a bidet in one of my bathrooms. Do you know any that would work?

[@AllAboutRVs]

I haven’t used a bidet before.

[@dday422]

I have the Camco hose. I just tried it with one end loose and the flow is really low. The water flow at the source is good, so what’s up with that?

[@AllAboutRVs]

That’s strange, I would check the ends. Sometimes there is a screen on the end that can get clogged.

[@dday422]

I had tried to fix a leak where the nut turns by adding metal adhesive- it stopped the nut from turning but seemed to fix leak. Then I found the slow flow. Then a leak happened somewhere further up the hose. After watching your video as to how this hose was made such that I could just cut off the cover, I decided to cut off end past the blockage and add a new end. The blockage is actually a white inner lining inside the reinforced vinyl tube that looks like it collapsed doubling over to one side of the hose and blocking the end where it was connected to the fitting and couldn’t collapse all the way. I think the hose might be a goner with I leak further up the hose. It may be too short if I have to cut it too far back. Thanks for your video.

[@billchesney8949]

I wouldn’t waist my money. Just fill your fresh tank then empty your hose and put away

[@XLSLife]

It depends on your set up. The water lines in my camper are all above the floor in the heated space but the holding tanks were in the underbelly. Even with the "insulation and heating" from the factory the water tank would still freeze below about 20. With a heated hose I was able to handle sub-zero temps and still have running water. It was very nice for a long-term stay in Iowa in the dead of winter. I've since added tank heaters since I expect to need to stay at places without heated hook-ups this year so I'll probably be doing a bit of both.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Both have benefits depending on how you are using your Rv. Sometimes it is easier to fill the tanks and sometimes it’s easier to have a hose.

[@DB-bc5zh]

I've had 3 of them last 2 years pirit junk junk