I love my two filter version with 5 micron main and 0.2 micron absolute (this part matters) final filter. I added two hose/bike hooks to the back of the frame and hang the system off my ladder to get off the ground. I also added high flow brass 90 degree fittings to each side with built in shutoffs. The elbows let the hose hang vertically minimizing the stress on the fittings and hoses. The shutoffs let do maintenance with less mess.
We have used our ClearSource triple filter for two years and love it. This past summer I mounted it to our RVs rear bumper. I put quick disconnects on the connections. I added Mount-n-lock safety struts to ensure the RVs bumper doesn’t have an issue. This saves a lot of time setting up and rearing down.
We installed the clear source ultra in our class a along with a water softener. We still use the filter at the tap plus the original house filter. In addition we have a full-size refrigerator with ice maker/dispenser that also has a filter. We are so happy with it. We did a filter change after 3 months of full time living and love it.
Great topic! We use the clearsource ultra for the whole rig and then filter it a 2nd time in the berkey for drinking. I also have a pre-filter that I'll use at any place that uses the "water hydrant" style spigot so that you don't shoot dirt into the costly clearsource filters.
Love this, using an inexpensive pre filter to extend the life of more expensive quality filters is super smart and definitely seems to pay off well over time.
Very good filtration system. I have the same one. I like to go overboard with drinking water with more and more harmful chemicals introduced to water supplies countrywide. I also purchased the Waterdrop G3P800 Reverse Osmosis System for underneath the kitchen sink. It has its own faucet straight from the osmosis filter, so you don't have to rely solely on the triple filter outside or during your tank fill-up. Just a little extra piece of mind. The downfall is, it's really pricey! But well worth it imo. The clearscource ultra is an excellent whole home filtration system.
I have a two cartridge water filter system that is built into my motorhome. Then I added a whole house UV filter. Yes every bit of the water that goes into the motorhome tanks or comes out of the tanks goes through those filters. The UV filter pulls about 3 1/2 12 V amps. And that runs 24 seven. So you need the battery capacity to handle it. I am very happy with my system. Thank you for the video.
Yay for full rig protection! We used the two-step by Clearsource and the Berkey or something similar at the tap. We keep our Clearsource under our rig in a plastic tub to protect from dirt and dust.
I'd have to go Nay for cost. We use a Pur faucet filter at home and used to fill our water jugs (4) before going camping. Now we got one for the camper ($35). Got the idea from 2 tired teachers. The filter claims to filter out what yours does. It doesn't do the whole camper but it has eliminated the extra weight that 4 gallons brings. If you buy a pack of 3 replacement filters it's around $10 a filter that filters over 100 gallons each. It can be used while using city water or tank water. If you have a pull out sprayer that won't work for you, but it might be worth your while to swap out faucets. I'm part time tho (once a month). Thanks for your video!
We are thinking about buying the Clear Source ultra for this season. Moreover we are in the process of buying some land with a well so having that water source filtered for the long haul is something we believe is important. We currently use the in line filters and a Brita in the fridge but that’s gotten old and expensive as well. Thanks for the great review.
It was a yay for us. We went with the Onboard Pro for just the reasons you stated, it's heavy and we also wanted that frost freeze protection of having it in our heated underbelly. The costs may seem high upfront but comparing it to buying bottled water or a countertop unit we believed it all equals out in the end. And living in a smaller space the ClearSource units offer a bit more space since they're either outside or mounted on the RV.
We have the permanent mounted version with clear filter housings. We use the cheap blue filters at the spigot. This helps keep our regulator and hoses and fresh water tanks clean. This also extends the life of the filters in our clearsource. We were able to see this first hand with the clear housings.
I was using the Berkey for several years now. I never liked the taste of the water from the Berkey at home but I love the taste of the water from the ClearSource in the RV. At home I bought a zero water filter which comes with a TDS meter. The Berkley was actually making our tap water higher in TDS after being filtered. We had just put new filters in the Berkey and thought maybe it needed to be run through several times. Nope, it continues to read higher consistently and we also measured our sons and daughters Berkey and had the same readings. I would love to know why since they are supposed to be such great filters. I tested the zero water and go only a 20 on the TDS meter vs 269 to 469 on the Berkey readings. I would suggest testing with a TDS meter. I was really surprised. We use the ClearSource in the Rv and Zero water filter at home.
I like that you did some testing with a TDS meter and that sounds strange that it would read so high with a Berkey filter. I've got a TDS meter, I'll do some testing too. I'm drinking reverse osmosis water now with about 11 PPM last I checked
We use a comparable set up, that I made. But it only uses 2 filters not 3. It’s a bit more work to set up and take down. We also use a berkey water filter for our drinking water. The system works good, I wish it was permanently built into my trailer.
Great topic guys!! We had a 2 step filter similar to that (just off Amazon) and we let it freeze and crack 🙄 We brought our Berkey from home when we went full time and are currently still using it. At the beginning of the year we purchased a filter package from Mobile Must Haves and upgraded to the "Elite Bundle" that includes a softener. It is an investment however the total package includes a lot. Everything is stainless steal (including the hoses and quick connects) so we really liked that. The brand is Blu Technology and the replacement filters are affordable. Later this month we want to do a complete sanitation of our tank and lines and maybe I'll feel ok about NOT using the Berkey. 👍🏼
Oh, thats too bad it cracked! I was worried about that too with all the sub freezing we've seen in AZ, but after this video our system completely froze up for about 8 hours. When it thawed... no cracks, leaks, or problems! Good to know it holds up. 👍 But, I like the idea of the stainless steal...I'll have to check out Blu Tech. Thanks Jenny!
@@IreneIronTravels after an 8 hr freeze, that's great that it didn't crack! That says something. This Blu Tech system is probably not worth the money for weekenders but for full timers, we feel like it was an investment worth it for us. And we like soft water, which also helps with fixtures and cleanliness of your bath/kitchen areas.
Can't go wrong with more filtration. But, when on a social security budget, we go cheap. In our motorhome, it came new with an inside, normal home, whole house filter. We buy 1 micron, activated charcoal, cartridges to replace every 18 months or so. (Based on gallon rating, would probably last 2-3 years for us). We buy a pair for about $25 a set. In our 13 years of full timing, we have had no issues, but once. And that once was buying a cheaper 5 micron filter during Covid times, that only lasted 8 months before clogging up. Learned our lesson on that.
Great job with this new series!.. very informative. I boondock out in Wyoming. We have pretty good water here. The system I use is from Water Fixer. They make portable and fixed systems. We can replenish our water from natural sources with 99.999 pure water. Built in 12v or 120v pump and with a little infinity,.. a life saver when it comes to fresh water replenishment in the field. This system is used by military, and third world countries as well.
love our Berkey. the trade-off of having it on the counter (which we don't as hubs build a permanent shelf for it) and filling it daily vs carrying the system out/in and wondering about freezes... also storage room for it... we're sticking with the Berkey. 😊 Great review tho.
I have a fair amount of experience with the Clearsource filter, as I have been full time for the past 2 years and have been using this filter the entire time, except for one month in Breckenridge last winter when temperatures where way to cold even with the heated bag they sell to protect down to 10 degrees. I actually don’t have a lot of confidence in the bag, it’s expensive and it requires a power source. One time when it got below 10 the filters froze and broke. The good news is that the replacement canisters and filters are very reasonably priced. I use quick connect fittings to make hook up easier since you need to use two hoses. I also use a Travel Berkey for all my drinking water, for coffee, etc. My vote for ClearSource…..Yay.
Thanks David! Appreciate you sharing your experience with CS. Our water actually completely froze after this video for about 8 hours. After it thawed...no damage thankfully! We usually don't camp in below freezing but it seems to happen a couple times a year anyway! Good to know on the replacement canisters!
I'm new to RVing so please forgive my ignorance but I have a question. Why not leave hoses connected to the filter and use the quick connects on the source and RV ends only to minimize time spent during setup/teardown? Is that a bad idea for some reason?
The filter housing on the clear water filter looks like my whole house filter. I would check out Lowes or Home Depot for the filters to see if they have the filters you need.
We had the Big Berkey for 9 years, I recently found information that was problematic. Berkey filters are not certified, when tested they sampled the water after only 100 gallons never after long term use. We went with a countertop certified system and still use the outdoor blue filters and another filter in the water bay. The freezer on our fridge uses another carbon filter. Safe Travels.
WE have the Clear source double. We have not hooked it up yet, but plans are to install it in the passthrough of our Imagine 2500RL this spring. There is also a system being made by Blu Technology that uses stainless canisters, stainless connectors and stainless braided hoses. We are also going to add another canisters to our Clear Source for the virus filter.
Great timing with this product review…again!! We purchased the Berkey after ya’all did a review on it. Not because of the review but the review helped. Now, for the same reasons you guys are scaling back the Berkey, we are looking at clear source as well. Thanks!!
Thats great! Yeah, the Berkey is a great option for an easy filtration system that is better than your standard "pitcher style filters". But it does have some draw backs! We're loving the Clearsource👍
We have been using a Berkey for the last almost 5 years and until recently used Big Blue whole house filter outside. Our Big Blue gave up the ghost after 10 years of use and we just switched to a 2 filter system a couple month's ago. We looked at Clear Source but holy cow just couldn't justifie the cost. We have need very happy with our Berkey and we do use a plumbed in water softener system with a automated head. I like your video on the topic.
Very well composed and comprehensive video!!! We utilize the clear source mounted version in conjunction with the On the Go water softener. Who is Irene🤔 👍😃🍻
These are expensive AF but definitely on my wish list. One other thing I didn't catch you mention is that it's outside so not only is it vulnerable to the weather, but also theft. Especially at their price I would think. I have a mid sized Berkey but the filters are smoked and I'm really liking these Clearsource filters. Quality water is crucial, especially in the desert as you know. Great video as always guys, thanks!
I actually plumbed mine directly to the water hookup and it’s in my storage compartment. So water goes into the hose connection outside through pex to the filter then back to the original pex so it’s not outside
nice vid, thanks! I have a class C on a Sprinter chassis with extremely limited storage space. I think the CleasrSource can be a good solution in some cases, for me, I vote “nay” based on lack of storage space and the need to hook it up each time. For now, I’m sticking with the Berry.
Great topic! In my case I carry extra water in my SUV anywhere from 7 to 21 gallons. I use it for drinking and cooking. As for the RV tank I make sure I maintain it properly in the spring with a thorough bleach cleansing as recommended by the manufacturer. I read the directions and so far I've not had any issues. If I run out of the "extra" water that I've brought along I know that I can use the water from the holding tank with a simple brita filter and feel pretty safe knowing the source I've used for filling it. If I were to change my camping lifestyle to more diverse traveling and not knowing the source of additional water, I'd be more inclined to invest in a better system as you have.
Nice, thanks for sharing that Mike! We used to carry extra water in the van as well. Kinda a must with the small tanks eh! We've seen some pretty crazy colors of water out there! 🤣
Not meant as a negative reply; but just my experiences. ..I do see the value but the expense of the unit + case + changing the filters a couple times a year + one more thing to lug around; make my little inline blue filter look pretty good. In all my travels over many RV years I have not had an issue with water in the USA. I've had a couple of questionable times, so I passed on filling or using it. I have had a couple of times that I really wasn't sure so I added a little bit of chlorine to my two 5 gal jugs and let it sit uncapped to dissipate the chemical over night before adding to my tank. The next day all was good, with no taste or smell. Not a full timer but 45+ years of RV-n with a couple extended trips per year. Maybe if I was a full timer and traveling thru out the 50 states & border countries I may get one.
Have the same one and also a water softener, then the coach’s filter and the residential refrigerator has its own as well. Lol typing this out it sounds a little over the top, but the water tastes great
We started out with the Clear20 Dirtguard and inline filter, and will probably stay with it for our upcoming summer trip. We'll likely research other solutions when we go full-time in 2024. I very much like the idea of a "whole house" filter, but you make an excellent point about storage. Like yours, our ORV has only the passthrough for exterior storage and the bed of my F-350 is gonna be pretty full. Thank you!
I built my own water filtration/purifier system but I use the water for drinking and cooking only. I like the idea of a "whole house" system but the post cost can be prohibitive for some folks. I would figure a way to run a line directly to kitchen faucet using the water for drinking and cooking only. If you think about it we've been showering and doing dishes with unfiltered water pretty much our whole lives and I have no knowledge of any sickness or deaths caused from bad water..Using the filters for water consumption only would give longer life to your filters.
This is tough. For now I’m a weekend warrior. The longest I’ve ever been in the road in my RV is less than 3 weeks. I am super paranoid about water quality. At home we’re on a well. I had a big system installed plus I have my well water tested quarterly. For the RV, I fill jugs at home for drinking water and use the van’s tank for dishwashing . But I never use that water for drinking, for the dog, coffee making etc. I have had to buy jugs of water on the road but I hate doing that. I wish I could find a system for the van sink, but I don’t know if there would be room. I guess for now, I will consider the Berkey system.
We hear ya! It’s a tough decision to find the right water filtration. The berkey worked well for us in the van, but it is really nice to have the whole Rv filtered. Check out the Acuve Arrow 2.0 for the UV filter at the tap. Might be good for the space in a van….. but I really like an actual filter….
Good question, I forgot to cover that! Because the blue housings are "oversized" it didn't effect our pressure at all. They rate the triple filter at 4.5 gallon/min. We use a 45psi regulator I think and so far we haven't noticed anything. 👍
Hi, thanks for the great video. I have a question regarding the clear source filtration system are the filters proprietary? They appear to be the same size water filters I can buy at Lowe’s
Yes I think it is important to put "clean water" in the RV tanks... But going to extremes to filter water that is stored in a not sterile RV water system does not work for me...
They recommend to do that if it's going to be a month or more between uses. But it's fine to leave it if it's only going to be a couple weeks in-between trips. 👍
I like the idea 3 stage filtering for the RV however don't understand the hight price tag for the Clearsource system. It seems to be a standard 10" filter so where is the $500 value coming in? There are plenty of 3 stage canister systems with similar filters for around $100 to $200 available online. I could be missing something but I am never a fan of just paying for a name.
I would only use it for the sink, we never worry about shower water, after all, you just flush and dry. so far, we just use bottled water for drinking, and use the RV Campground showers. but, we are weekend campers 2 or 3 times a summer. ----- using Bottled Water at home is normal for us, our Rural Water system is so loaded with Chlorine, that we cannot drink it, plus it is loaded with Calcium crap....
That's good to know Neil! I forgot to cover flow, but with our 45psi regulator, we didn't notice any flow difference from before. We'll have to see as the filters become more dirty how the flow holds up.
Hi, we also use the ClearSource 3 canister filter and a Berkey. Do you also use a water softener? We have the softener after the filter so the entire rv gets softened water. We don’t like drinking softened water but you can’t just soften the hot water. If you use a softener, do you run the water through the Berkey? Does it get clogged from the salt in the softened water? TIA
Hello. We have not tried a water softer yet for our RV. It's on the list, but we just haven't added it in yet. We do have friends though with a RV softner and a Berkey...I've never heard them say anything about it...
Yeah for us $70 is expensive, but what if you get sick from the virus or something? Not to mention the hook ups and the stuff other people do. Just another safe way to get clean water without the bottles.
This filter doesn’t soften the water, so you would have to get a water softener if you want one. We don’t have a water softener, but might get one in the future.
Ah trust issues my Brother. About twenty years ago I was looking for a system for my house at the Home Show. Talked to two different outfits and they described coming out and testing the water to get just the right system. I informed them both that not only would I have a sample from my tab but would have two other control samples. They both got very upset and asked if I didn't trust them. I said as the Great One said trust but verify!!. Have you thought about taking water samples to a lab and having them test for this system and the Berkey? Trust issues me?
🤣Yes, trust but verify! I like that. I bought a cheap TDS and PH meter to test and then I found out they don't really tell you much....so I skipped that part! But, a lab would be interesting to see what they say!
I forgot to Cover Flow in the video Louis! But, because the blue housings are "oversized" they allow good flow and we didn't notice any decrease from before. They rate it at 4.5 gallons per min.
@Irene Iron Travels this would be a Nay for us. I can see a lot of full timers using this system. We mostly boondock and use a basic filter. When running low, we have an additional 60 gallons of water in a holding tank in our truck bed. We never drink the rv water. Always bring water by the bottle and gallon jugs for drinking and coffee. Looks like a good system nonetheless.
@Irene Iron Travels my company has installed countless Nuvo water softners in residential homes. It's great when targeting hard water. I have one in our home. Calcium build up has ceased to exist!
I recently purchased the Clearsouce CTC300 and it leaks a lot. It seems they over tightened the fittings between stage 1 and stage 2 and cracked the female fitting. I have sent the several emails with no answer from them.
I believe the CTC300 is by clear2o and not clearsource. I’m not familiar with the other brand, sorry. But keep emailing them, I’m sure they’ll get back to you.
Thanks! No I didn't see that...looks like it saved the link in two parts! www.etrailer.com/RV-Water-Filter/Clearsource/CS87FR.html?etam=a0027 Thanks Again !
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Are you still planning on boondocking? The LAST thing you want to do is fill your tanks with filtered water, and then drink water from your tanks without filtering it again before drinking! Why? A filter like this will pull out all the chlorine in the water, and that's what keeps things from growing while the water sits. So if you remove the chlorine, let the water sit in your tanks for a week, things could grow. If you don't filter it again before you drink it - you could end up having a bad time! Installing this filter between your pump and spigots would be fine when boondocking.
That is a good point Paul! We are definitely going to have to clean and sanitize the tanks and lines more (probably not a bad thing🤣) As we transition we might want to still use the berkey...but we really do want to free up the counter space!
@@IreneIronTravels I have a 2-stage filter under the sink in my van. Not as good as your clearsource, but much better than a blue in line filter. My water can sit for months at a time. Every time I fill my tank I pour a cup of bleach into the tank first. Water smells beachy in the bathroom sink, but smells / tastes perfect coming out of the kitchen sink with that filter. I don't know what makes the most sense for you guys, just be careful!
Thanks Paul. You know that might just be the answer for us… is to get an under the sink in-line filter as well to ditch the Berkey. Also we usually do an RV park inbetween boondocking, so we can flush the tanks and lines with bleach more often. Appreciate the thought! 🙏
That filter is a scam...period. Nothing special about this system. Build your own and buy filters from anywhere. Its a gimick please dont fall for it. If your sponsor gives you one. Then you'll shill.
