The length and diameter of your fresh water hose creates more pressure drop than most RV owners realize, especially when using the thin-walled “drinking water safe” hoses commonly sold at RV stores. A 50-foot standard RV water hose can reduce pressure by 10-15 PSI compared to a 25-foot hose, which becomes noticeable when the campground’s water pressure is already marginal.
This pressure drop compounds with your RV’s internal plumbing, which often includes multiple fittings, right-angle turns, and smaller-diameter supply lines that further restrict flow. The result is weak shower pressure and slow-filling tanks, even when the campground spigot has good pressure. Many owners assume the problem is their RV’s plumbing or the campground’s system, when the hose setup is actually the limiting factor.
The solution isn’t necessarily buying the shortest hose possible, but understanding the trade-offs. A larger diameter hose maintains better pressure over longer distances, though it’s heavier and more expensive. Some experienced RVers carry multiple hose lengths — a 25-footer for close hookups and a 50-footer for sites where the spigot is farther away, rather than always using the longest hose they own.
Testing your water pressure at both the spigot and inside your RV during setup helps identify whether hose length is affecting your system. If there’s a significant difference, consider upgrading to a larger diameter hose or using the shortest length that comfortably reaches your connection.