9 Best Portable RV Water Softener Review for 2023 (Buying Guide)

Relaxing on vacation is #1 on most people’s minds when they think about traveling in an RV.

But what many people don’t realize is that the water in their RV can significantly impact their vacation experience.

According to the report of the Culligan hard water can deprive your hair and skin of moisture and minerals that tend to coat, leaving a film behind.

Hard water can clog fixtures, damage plumbing, and leave spots on dishes and glassware.

Hard water leaves behind mineral deposits that can clog fixtures, damage plumbing, and leave spots on dishes and glassware.

We’ve compiled a list of the 9best RV water softener based on customer reviews and ratings.

9 Best RV Softeners For my Mobile Home Water in 2023

1. On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT- Softener
2. Watts RV PRO-1000 OR M7002 10000
3. Portable RV Water System 16,000 Grain
4. Essential Water System Portable
5. Clearsource Premium RV Water Filter System
6. On The Go OTG3NTP1DS Softener
7. PRO+AQUA Premium Dual RV/Marine Softener Kit
8. Mobile-Soft-Water Portable Unit with Tank
9. ABC Waters 16,000-grain Portable Water Softener

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1. On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT- Best Portable Softener

It can effectively increase the life of your appliances like a hot water heater, dishwasher, water filter, etc.

A softener can be easily installed in the tightest places and is very space-saving.

It also has a unique feature of a carrying handle on top that makes it very easy to transport.

This mobile soft water portable system is perfect for on the go!

Features

• Produces twice the water gallons
• The best compact RV softener
• Compatible with the tightest places
• Easy to carry handle on top
• Large mouth opening for easy salt addition
• The high-grade premium resin bed
• Travel-friendly option
• Quick & straightforward regeneration process
• Standard hose connection
• No tools or electricity needed

The On The Go is compact yet offers a good amount of water treatment capacity. I am impressed that the system protects your pipes while you stay on the go. It helps me a lot while refilling a straightforward and tidy job. It uses common table salt that is readily available wherever. Its compact size and high capacity operation make it an excellent choice for people who like to be ‘on the go.

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2. Watts PRO-1000 Best RV Water Softener for RVs and Mobile Homes

It has an entire cradle base that keeps the tank more secure than competing open base tanks and includes hardness strips.

This softener is very high-quality and is made in the USA.

People with a low sodium diet can get a salt-free water softener option like reverse osmosis, pitcher.

Features

• Can provide softened water for up to 2,000 gallons
• Grain capacity of 10,000
• Easy salt addition (Salt pellets, solar salt, regular table salt)
• Perfect for RVs, trailers, boats, and mobile car washes
• A complete cradle base helps to secure tanks
• Hardness strips included
• Made in the USA

I won’t mind telling you this is the best budget portable system ever made. In fact, it is a sturdy, effective and simple softener that can give you many years of trustworthy service. I found that it is not-so-tough-to-carry-around equipment that does what it is designed for. It is the perfect choice for those who like to explore out-of-the-way places and regular camper who frequents sites with hard minerals in the city water.

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3. Portable the Best RV Softener for Trailers, Water Boats, Mobile Car Washing

It is a travel-friendly option that will prevent leakage and is perfect for RVs, boats, and mobile car washing.

It has a 16000 grain capacity and can provide up to 2,000 gallons of water, making it an excellent choice for anyone who needs softened water while on the go.

The resin tank is made of high-grade polyethylene and is reinforced with a durable fiberglass wrap.

Features

• Quick and effective regeneration cycle
• Standard garden hose connection
• 16,000-grain capacity
• Polyethylene tank with fiberglass wrap
• No electricity is required
• Made in the USA

It is an easy-to-carry and convenient softener for mobile homes, boats, and RVs. You can get uninterrupted clean and fresh soft water for a long time. However, the installation is tricky for some users, but overall performance will impress you.

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4. Essential the Best Salt-Based RV Water Softener Portable

Suppose you are looking for an easy-to-use and affordable portable water system for your RV. In that case, an Essential softener is an excellent option.

It provides a cleaner, safer water source while camping or traveling and features a rugged NSF Polyethylene tank covered with fiberglass.

The inner contents include NSF 16000 Grain, a softener resin bed that reduces Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Lead, Radium, and others.

Features

• 3/4″ High Flow port
• 16,000-grain capacity
• Custom No Kink Water Hose included
• Made in the USA
• Easy salt addition (Salt pellet, standard table salt)
• Rugged NSF Polyethylene tank
• Reduces Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Lead, Radium, and more

Overall, this RV water softener has many things to like, and it will surprise you with its excellent performance. It provides high-quality performance at an affordable price that would make any RV owner happy. But, you may need to be careful while installing to avoid future water leakage.

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5. Clearsource Premium Water Filter System for RV

This system is perfect for anyone who wants cleaner, safer water while camping or traveling.

Clearsource filter systems have been featured in TrailerLife Magazine’s 2018 “Essential Equipment For RV Camping” Gear Guide and in the January 2019 edition of MotorHome Magazine.

Suppose you’re looking for a high-quality filter system for your RV. In that case, the Clearsource Premium RV Water Filter System is a great option.

Features

• Tighter filter pores trap more contaminants
• 5-micron first stage improves taste and removes or reduces sediment, chlorine, VOCs, mineral ions, heavy metal, and other contaminants
• Hospital-grade, the absolute-rated 0.2-micron water filters remove or reduce bacteria like Legionella and E. Coli, and cysts like Giardia

I recommend the CLEARSOURCE water filter because it is a well-built, long-term solution for your RV. I like products built to the highest standards, well constructed, and dependable. If you care about health (I hope so!) and have the space to store it, I’d strongly consider getting the CLEARSOURCE system.

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6. On The Go OTG3NTP1DS RV Water Softener

Thanks to its simple installation and use processes, this best portable RV water softener is one of the most user-friendly models on the market.

According to the portablewatersoftener in the U.S., more than 8 million RVs with over 200,000 RVs are made yearly, and most don’t realize that hard water is damaging their investment.

So if you’re looking for a top-quality best softener for RV, the On The Go is an excellent option for water treatment.

Features

• 100% USA Made
• 3/4″ inlet and outlet
• Stores easily with cap and plug
• High flow rate for quick and efficient operation
• Largemouth opening for the easy regeneration process
• Simple installation and use processes
• NSF certified

In the end, with all its features, the system is doing an excellent job that would make a lot of RV owners’ lives a lot better. As you saw above, it can quickly and efficiently provide soft clean water. I hope it will meet your needs; I don’t see a reason why you wouldn’t get this unit.

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7. PRO+AQUA RV Water Softener Regeneration Kit

It’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants to reduce bad tastes, odors, sediment, and chlorine in their RV or boat’s drinking water supply.

This installation kit is easy to use and comes with everything you need to quickly regenerate your softener.

It’s also compatible with any brand of mobile softener that uses 3/4″ garden hose fittings.

Features

• Reduces bad tastes, odors, sediment, and chlorine
• Can treat up to 5 gallons of water per minute.
• Easy to use
• Comes with everything you need for quick regeneration
• Compatible with any portable RV water softener that uses 3/4″ garden hose fittings
• Reduces frequent regeneration time by 50% over traditional methods

With all this in mind, the system works as a pre-filter when filling RV/Boat tank and is used as a regeneration kit with your RV water softener. I found that it is helpful to reduce the amount of regeneration time of your softener and improve the efficiency of the cycle. The kit can improve the performance and life of your water systems like Softeners, water heater, plastic holding tanks, hoses, and pipes. As a result, I definitely recommend you consider it.

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8. Mobile-Soft-Water Portable Unit with Brine Tank

This movable softener is one of the only models on the NSF-certified market.

If you’re looking for a top-quality softener for your RV. Then, the Mobile soft water Portable is the perfect option.

While you are following a less sodium diet or do not like the smell of common table salt in your drinking water. Then, you choose a salt-free RV water softener option like reverse osmosis.

Features

• Portable 16,000-grain unit
• Ease of installation and use
• Fast Regeneration time
• Easy salt addition
• Largemouth opening
• Cap and plug for easy storage
• NSF certified

I found a lot to like about this particular system from all this information. The company did a fantastic job making a softener that can seem to make a lot of RV owners’ lives better than before. The product is available at a reasonable price with a better performance which can make any owner happy.

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9. ABC Waters 16,000-grain Best Portable Water Softener

The quick and easy regeneration process is the next level experience I figured to be present in this unit.

In fact, I am happy to share with you that it can regenerate within just a few minutes using rock salt or table salt.

You can get more than 2,000 gallons of fresh soft water each after each regeneration cycle, making it a really efficient unit.

I was surprised by the portability of this RV water softener and instantly noticed how portative it is after I saw its design.

It has well grip handle to help in carrying and securing.

The system does not use electricity, making it a more convenient option.

Features

• ‎Certified frustration-free
• Produce up to 2,000 gallons in a cycle
• Warranty and instructions with customer support
• Value for money
• Produce awesome soft water

However, this unit is not ideal for medium and large-sized houses. It is the perfect option for mobile homes and RVs. The regeneration process is simple, but you need a little help installing the unit. You can also watch this video to clear all your doubts about installation.

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9 Benefits of Soft Water in RVs

The softeners for RVs are designed to remove hard minerals from your water supply, making it softer and easier on your skin, hair, and plumbing.

According to a report of the pca.state.mn.us the water becomes hard due to increased levels of minerals, principally calcium and magnesium, contained in water, as you can see in the list below:-

Degree of hardness	Calcium carbonate: Milligrams per liter	Calcium carbonate: Grains per gallon
Soft	0 – 60	0 – 3.5
Moderately hard	60 – 120	3.5 – 7
Hard	120-180	7 – 10.5
Very hard	More than 180	More than 10.5

Soft water quality can also help extend the life of your RV’s appliances and plumbing fixtures.

Here are some other benefits of using the best portable water softener in your RV:

1. Softer skin and hair: Hardness water can dry out your skin and hair, but softened water can help to keep them hydrated.
2. Cleaner dishes: Hard water can leave spots on your dishes, but softer water can help prevent that.
3. Shinier fixtures: Purified water quality can make your plumbing fixtures look newer and brighter.
4. Longer-lasting appliances: Water hardness can shorten the life of your RV’s machines, but treated water can help to extend their lifespan.
5. Soap that lathers better: Hard water can make it difficult for soap to lather; soft water can help create a richer lather.
6. More efficient plumbing: Hard water can build up in your pipes and reduce water flow, but RV water softeners can help keep your pipes clear and flowing freely.
7. Lower energy bills: Hard water can require more energy to heat. Still, softer water can help to lower your energy bills.
8. Fewer repairs: Hard water can damage your RV over time, leading to costly repairs, but softened water can help prevent damage.
9. Better-tasting water: One of the most noticeable benefits is that it tastes better than hard water.

If you’re an RV owner struggling with hard water, a quality softener may be what you need to solve your problems.

Not all purifiers are created equal, so which one should you choose for your RV?

7 Best Things to Look before Purchasing an RV Water Softener?

If you are an RV owner, you probably know how important it is to have a softener system.

Hard water can cause problems, from limescale, mineral buildup, rust stain, and clogged pipes.

A good system will help prevent these problems and keep your RV in top shape.

But with so many different options on the market, how do you know which one to choose?

1. Size

You will need to choose a water purifier system that is the right size for your RV.

It should be big enough to handle the water your RV uses but not so big that it takes up too much space.

To calculate how much water your system can handle, you can multiply the GPG (grains per gallon) with your total consumption in gallons.

Propper size is also important because you don’t want to waste money on a too-small water conditioner that will need to be replaced soon.

The size also affects the price, so consider it when deciding.

As you can calculate from the picture and table which size is ideal for your need:-

NOTE: – When you have water hardness in MGL or PPM, you can convert it into GPG by dividing 17.1.

For Example 170PPM of hardness equals 9.9 grains per gallon of hardness.

And with iron presence, you need to add 5GPG for 1PPM of iron when choosing the softener size.

For example: If you have 17GPG with 3PPM of iron. You need to select 32GPG sized system.

3PPM of iron X5=15GPG of hardness + 17GPG = 32GPG.

HARDNESS GPG	NUMBER OF PEOPLE
	1 TO 2	3 TO 4	5 TO 6	7 TO 8
0-10	16,000 GR	24,000 GR	32,000 GR	40,000 GR
11-20	24,000 GR	32,000 GR	40,000 GR	48,000 GR
21-30	32,000 GR	40,000 GR	48,000 GR	64,000 GR
31-40	40,000 GR	48,000 GR	64,000 GR	80,000 GR
41-50	64,000 GR	80,000 GR	96,000 GR	1,10,000 GR
51-75	64,000 GR	80,000 GR	1,10,000 GR	1,10,000 GR
76-100	80,000 GR	96,000 GR	1,10,000 GR	1,10,000 GR

2. Flow rate

You will also need to consider the flow rate of the portable water softeners. It is how much water the unit can process in a given period.

You want to choose a softener system with a high flow rate to handle the water quality usage of your RV.

You should have high enough water pressure to handle a softening system without producing a low-pressure drop while using.

Low flow can cause clogged pipes and decreased water pressure regulator performance.

So, choose a device with a flow rate appropriate for your RV.

3. Ease of use

You don’t want to spend your vacation trying to figure out how to use your RV water softener.

So, look for one that is easy to operate and should be simple to set up and run, as per the instruction manual.

Which will help improve the quality of your RV Experience and reduce stress?

4. Grain Capacity

How much water does the softener hold? You will want to choose one with a capacity appropriate for your needs.

It should be very obvious how many grains of hardness the softener is designed to tackle.

If you have a large RV, you will need a water purifier with a large capacity.

So, always consider how much water you need to soften and choose accordingly.

5. Portability

You may want to take your RV water softener with you when you travel.

So, portability is an important consideration. Look for an option that has a compact size and is easy to store.

A softener may be more expensive than those that are not. Still, it is worth it to have the convenience of taking it with you wherever you go.

6. Price

The average portable water softener system will cost you $400 and $1,000. It is a significant investment, so it’s essential to choose wisely.

Be sure to compare the features of each product and choose the one that is the best value for your money.

Some softeners look costly, but their features justify the price.

As you can see on the table:-

Type	Unit Price Range	Features
Salt-Free Softener	$300 – $4,000	No drain and electricity required Salt-free softener Affordable Installation costs $150 – $250
Ion Exchange	$400 – $2,500	Salt Based Conventional softener Installation costs $200 – $500
Dual Tank Softener	$1,000 – $2,500	Salt Based Perfect for large households Installation costs $250 – $1,000
Reverse Osmosis (POU)	$200 – $500	Installs quickly and Affordable Installation costs $150 – $400
Reverse Osmosis (POE)	$4,000 – $12,000	Complex installation process Expensive Installation costs $250 – $500
Magnetic / Electronic	$150 – $600	Affordable No drain required Easy installation Salt-free
Portable / RV	$150 – $300	Lightweight, easy to carry Easy regenerate process
Commercial	$1,500 – $14,000	Handles up to hundreds of gallons per minute Big and expensive

7. Warranty

Choosing a portable RV water filtration system with a good warranty is essential. The more extended the warranty, the better.

It will give you peace of mind knowing that you are covered if anything goes wrong with your purchase.

How does an RV water softener work?

All softeners, whether for your home or RV, work by exchanging the hardness minerals in the water (calcium and magnesium) for sodium ions.

This process is called ion exchange.

As the hard water flows through the softener, the hardness minerals attract the resin bead inside the unit.

These resin beads are coated with sodium ions and work as a water descaler.

As the hard water flows through the unit, the calcium, and magnesium trade places with the sodium ions on the resin, leaving the water soft.

Once all resin is filled with water hardness minerals, the softener goes into regeneration mode.

During regeneration, salt is added to the unit, which flushes the minerals of the resin back into the wastewater drain.

This process cleans the resin so it can start exchanging minerals for sodium ions again.

How Do I Recharge My RV Water Treatment System?

If your softener needs recharging, the resin beads inside have become full of hard minerals. Fortunately, this is a relatively straightforward process that you can do yourself.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to recharging:

1. Start by disconnecting the power to your softener.
2. Then open up the brine tank and remove the mineral tank. Be sure to do this carefully, as the mineral tank can be fragile.
3. Once you have removed the mineral tank, you’ll need to clean it out. The best way to do this is to rinse it with a garden hose.
4. Now that the mineral tank is clean with fresh water, you can reattach it to the brine tank. Do this securely, as you don’t want the tank to come loose while your RV is in motion.
5. Now that the mineral tank is back in place, you can begin recharging. You’ll first need to add salt to the tank. Add enough salt so that the water in the tank is saturated.
6. When the tank is full of saltwater, turn on your RV water softener system. This will begin the process of recharging the resin bead. The recharging process can take anywhere from a few hours, depending on the size of your softener.
7. After that, flush out the saltwater from the brine tank. You can do this by simply running fresh water through the tank.

Recharging your softener is a relatively easy process that you can do yourself. Following the steps outlined above, you can have your softener up and running in no time.

Benefits of Portable Water Softeners

The softeners offer several benefits to make your RVing experience more enjoyable.

Some of the benefits include:

• Reducing mineral deposits in your plumbing system
• Making dishes and glassware cleaner
• Extending the life of your RV plumbing
• Reducing spots on dishes and glassware
• Improving the taste of your water.
• Providing cleaner water for bathing and showering.

In addition to the benefits listed above, using a system can also save you money in the long run by preventing damage to your plumbing system and extending the life of your RV

How Long Do Portable Softeners Last?

The average lifespan of a water softening system is 5 to 7 years. This is because portable softeners are made with lower-quality materials than their whole-house counterparts.

Additionally, softeners must be frequently moved and stored, damaging the unit over time.

If you are looking for a RV water softener that will last for many years, be sure to purchase one made with high-quality materials and has a good warranty.

How Do I Decalcify My RV Without A Water Softener System?

Vinegar or CLR

You’ll need to use a product like vinegar or CLR to decalcify your RV without a softener.

You should flush your RV’s water lines with clean water.

Finally, run your RV’s water softening pump for a few minutes to remove any residual mineral build-up in the pipes.

Decalcifier

You can also use a commercial decalcifier, but these can be expensive.

If you have hard water, it’s probably best to invest in a softener to avoid damage to your RV’s plumbing.

Flushing

Flushing your RV’s water lines is the best way to remove any residual buildup from a decalcifier.

You should do this every time you decalcify your RV. Open the faucets on the kitchen and bathroom sinks and run the water for a few minutes to flush your lines.

You can also unclog the showerhead and run the water for a few minutes.

Finally, open the flow valve on the city water quality connection and run the water for a few minutes.

Be sure to close all of the flow valves when you’re finished.

Running Pump

Running your RV’s water pump will also remove any residual minerals buildup from the decalcifier.

To do this, turn on the water pump and let it run for a few minutes.

You can also open the faucets on the kitchen and bathroom sinks and run the water for a few minutes.

Finally, open the shower head and run the water for a few minutes. Be sure to close all of the valves when you’re finished.

Do Your RV or Home Softener Worth It?

Yes, a softener is worth it if you want to avoid problems with your plumbing and extend the life of your fixtures.

Water descaler can help you avoid clogs, corrosion, and other water issues by removing calcium ions and magnesium.

If you’re unsure whether you need an RV water softener, you can have your water tested to see if it contains high levels of hard minerals.

If it does, a water conditioner can help you reduce scale buildup, improve the taste and smell of your water, and protect your RV from damage.

What Is A Park Model Softener?

These types of water softeners typically have a smaller size than traditional machines, making them a good option for those who have tight space.

It removes hard minerals from water, such as calcium and magnesium.

The water softening process is known as ion exchange. It helps prevent these water minerals from building up and causing problems, such as hard water spots.

You should use a softener for many reasons; you may want to use a park model water system in your RV.

One of the main benefits is that it can help to reduce the likelihood of hard water spots forming on your fixtures and surfaces.

Additionally, an RV freshwater water system can help extend your appliances’ life by preventing them from being damaged by mineral buildup.

FAQs

Conclusion

You can see the best RV water softener in 2023 with its different features. Depending on your needs and budget, you can pick any salt-based or salt-free softener.

We hope that our detailed review will help you make a wise decision.

So, what are you waiting for? Get the perfect softener for your beloved home on wheels today!