External Water Filters - how long do they last?

[Triguy]

What has been your experience? I understand that it depends on the quality of the water source, but am interested to hear from others.

I've used a Camco external filter since April. We did not have water at any of our sites so this is 24 nights camping without hookups. Its mostly used at home and when I refill at the state park's potable hose and has recently slowed to a trickle - barely enough to flush the toilet.

So, 4 1/2 months of total time but realistically used only 5 times or so to fill up my 30gl FW tank and another 5 times to hook up to city water. Is this typical?

[Len & Cheri]

I always replaced mine at the end of the camping season. I never noticed in loss in pressure cause by the filter. Typical camping being with water hook ups about 14 days a year.

[Triguy]

Len, do you mind if I ask what filter you're using?

[youroo]

I use a Omni whole house see thru filter,with a (10) micron cartridge. 5 GPM flow rate,10,000 gal. or 3 months. I can see if we want to use the water,the solid (Blue) ones do not have that option. Youroo!!

[Len & Cheri]

It's been almost 2 years since I used an external. It was whatever Walmart was carrying at the time. It could have been a Camco, but I can't say for sure now.

Is it possible you're getting debris from the State Park's water?

[Triguy]

Len, that's what I'm thinking. Or, maybe even the issue is at our house. I said " city water" but it's actually well water (through the city inlet). I'm just surprised at the short length of time before it went kaput.

Either I pony up a bit ($17) more and use two per season or find a better filter.

[Len & Cheri]

I'd have to guess one of those sources is the problem. At least you know the $17 is going to a good cause. I wonder how much sediment you'd have in your lines without a filter?!?!

[Triguy]

Think I'll order a new one for the rest of the season. We still have 6 more good weeks of camping here in WI (and maybe longer if it stays this warm). Guess I'll just plan on two per year now.

[youroo]

Yes Bob it is a solid element,not pleated. Youroo!!

[youroo]

Menards,on sale Part# RS 14 $ 1.99 each,buy several at that price! Your welcome Bob. Youroo!!

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Len & Cheri

I always replaced mine at the end of the camping season. I never noticed in loss in pressure cause by the filter. Typical camping being with water hook ups about 14 days a year.

That is what I do as well. One a season unless I hook in to a campground with a really bad (or low) well.

[F and E Damp]

We use the in-line Camco blue-tube type. They're just cylinders filled with charcoal granules. We change the filter at the end of the season, no matter how much it's been used. We haven't had a problem yet.

I did use one recently, after cutting one end off and emptying out the charcoal, as a temprorary fuel supply for the generator. I had a short delay in my usual winter maintenance routine of running the genny every 4 or 5 weeks, due to time out for an angioplasty. When I finally got back to it, it isn't running. It will light off, run for about 5 seconds, then die. Maybe varnish in the carb jets?

More work needed - after overseas visitors are gone mid Sept. We don't use the genny very often and I don't think the original owners did either. At almost 9 years old, it only has 49 hours on the clock.