Clearsource vs Camco vs Clear2o: rv water filter comparison (2026)

Choosing between the top three brands

When I ask fellow RVers what water filter they use, three brand names come up repeatedly: clearsource, camco, and clear2o. these aren’t just the most popular, they represent three different philosophies in RV water filtration.

After using products from all three brands over eight years, I’ve learned their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases. clearsource builds premium multi-stage systems for full-timers who want maximum protection. camco makes reliable, affordable filters that have been the industry standard for decades. clear2o specializes in taste and odor removal with focus on specific contaminants like sulfur.

brand matters, but so does filter type and installation. for comprehensive overview of all filtration options, see our complete rv water filter guide

In this comparison, I’m sharing real testing data, price analysis, and honest assessments of all three brands. you’ll learn which brand matches your travel style, budget, and water quality concerns.

brand overview: philosophy and focus

clearsource: premium protection for full-timers

founded: 2001
headquarters: california
specialty: multi-stage whole-rv filtration systems
price range: $140-600
target customer: full-time rvers, extended travelers

brand philosophy: clearsource believes in filtering ALL water entering your rv, not just drinking water. their systems mount externally and process every gallon before it reaches your tanks or fixtures.

what makes them different:

• stainless steel construction (not plastic)
• 0.2-micron absolute filtration (finest in industry)
• 2,000+ gallon capacity per stage
• designed for permanent installation
• focus on durability and longevity

my experience: I’ve used clearsource premier for 18 months. it’s the most expensive filter I’ve owned but also the best performing. zero failures, consistent water quality across 50+ campgrounds.

camco: industry standard since 1966

founded: 1966
headquarters: north carolina
specialty: complete rv accessories including water filtration
price range: $15-50
target customer: all rvers (weekend to full-time)

brand philosophy: camco makes practical, affordable rv products that work reliably without complexity. their water filters are designed for easy replacement and wide availability.

what makes them different:

• available everywhere (walmart, target, amazon, rv dealers)
• proven reliability over decades
• simple installation (no tools needed)
• honest capacity ratings
• multiple product lines for different needs

my experience: camco tastepure was my first filter eight years ago. still recommend it to every new rver. it’s not fancy but it works, costs $22, and you can buy replacements anywhere.

clear2o: specialized taste and odor removal

founded: 2012
headquarters: illinois
specialty: taste/odor filtration, particularly sulfur removal
price range: $25-40
target customer: rvers dealing with well water, sulfur, taste issues

brand philosophy: clear2o focuses on what rvers complain about most: bad-tasting water. their solid carbon block construction targets chlorine, sulfur, and organic compounds that affect flavor.

what makes them different:

• denser carbon block than competitors
• specific formulation for sulfur removal
• 1-micron rating (middle ground)
• clear housing to monitor sediment
• made for taste-focused buyers

my experience: clear2o crv2006 is my go-to filter when camping in florida or other sulfur-heavy regions. it eliminates rotten egg smell completely where camco filters just reduce it.

product lineup comparison

inline filters (most common category)

clearsource:

• crystal inline filter: $35, 1-micron, 1,000 gallons
• pros: solid build, good filtration
• cons: expensive for inline, limited availability

camco:

• tastepure 40045: $22, 20-micron, 500 gallons
• tastepure plus 40043: $28, 0.5-micron, 750 gallons
• pros: widely available, proven reliability, multiple options
• cons: lower filtration than competitors

clear2o:

• crv2006: $30, 1-micron, 1,000 gallons
• pros: best taste removal, sulfur specialty
• cons: pressure drop, housing cracks in sun

winner for inline: camco tastepure for value and availability, clear2o for taste problems, clearsource if budget not concern.

multi-stage systems

clearsource:

• premier 2-stage: $495, 0.2-micron, 2,000 gal/stage
• ultra 3-stage: $595, adds kdf media
• pros: best filtration available, stainless steel, long capacity
• cons: expensive, professional installation recommended

camco:

• premium rv water filter system: $180, 2-stage, 1,000 gal/stage
• pros: affordable multi-stage option, camco reliability
• cons: plastic housing, shorter capacity

clear2o:

• (does not make multi-stage systems)

winner for multi-stage: clearsource dominates this category. camco offers budget alternative but quality gap is significant.

sediment-only filters

clearsource:

• (focuses on complete filtration, not sediment-only)

camco:

• hydrolife 52700: $20, 100-micron, 3,000 gallons
• pros: high flow, long capacity, durable
• cons: no taste/odor improvement

clear2o:

• (does not make sediment-only)

winner for sediment: camco hydrolife by default (only option).

head-to-head testing: real performance data

I tested comparable products from each brand under identical conditions:

• location: louisville tap water (285 ppm, 2.5 ppm chlorine)
• duration: 90 days each
• same campgrounds, same usage patterns

test 1: inline filter comparison

test 2: sulfur water challenge (florida campground)

tested at campground with heavy sulfur well water:

• clearsource: reduced sulfur smell by ~70%
• camco: reduced sulfur smell by ~40%
• clear2o: eliminated sulfur smell completely (95%+ reduction)

winner: clear2o specifically designed for this problem.

test 3: durability test (arizona sun exposure)

left filters connected for 6 months in arizona summer (120°f days):

• clearsource: no visible damage, housing intact
• camco: slight yellowing but no cracks
• clear2o: housing cracked after 5 months

winner: clearsource and camco tie. clear2o housing needs improvement.

test 4: pressure maintenance over time

measured flow rate when new vs. after 60 days:

• clearsource: 3.1 gpm new, 2.9 gpm at 60 days (6% drop)
• camco: 3.5 gpm new, 3.3 gpm at 60 days (6% drop)
• clear2o: 3.1 gpm new, 2.7 gpm at 60 days (13% drop)

winner: clearsource and camco maintain pressure better.

these comparisons come from extensive field testing. see our inline filter testing results for complete methodology and raw data

price and value analysis

initial investment

budget setup ($20-50):

• camco tastepure: $22
• best choice if budget tight or new to rv filters

mid-range setup ($100-200):

• camco premium 2-stage: $180
• good upgrade for extended travelers

premium setup ($400-600):

• clearsource premier: $495
• investment for full-timers who want best

cost per gallon filtered

inline filters (assuming replacement at capacity):

• camco tastepure: $22 / 500 gal = $0.044 per gallon
• clear2o crv2006: $30 / 1,000 gal = $0.030 per gallon
• clearsource crystal: $35 / 1,000 gal = $0.035 per gallon

winner: clear2o lowest cost per gallon for inline.

multi-stage systems (annual cartridge costs):

• camco premium: $80/year in cartridges
• clearsource premier: $120/year in cartridges

considering lifespan:

• camco system: $180 initial + $240 over 3 years = $420 total
• clearsource system: $495 initial + $360 over 3 years = $855 total

cost difference over 3 years: $435 more for clearsource

but: clearsource filters finer (0.2 vs 1 micron), lasts longer (2,000 vs 1,000 gal/stage), stainless vs plastic. value depends on how much you value these upgrades.

replacement cartridge availability

camco:

• available: amazon, walmart, target, camping world, most rv dealers
• ship time: 1-2 days with prime, same-day at stores
• emergency access: can buy locally almost anywhere

clearsource:

• available: amazon, rvwaterfilterstore.com, some rv dealers
• ship time: 2-3 days typically
• emergency access: limited, need to order ahead

clear2o:

• available: amazon, home depot (sometimes), online retailers
• ship time: 2-3 days
• emergency access: moderate

winner: camco dominates availability. you can get replacement anywhere, anytime.

replacement cartridge costs add up over years. our long-term maintenance costs breakdown reveals true ownership expenses

best use cases: which brand for you

choose clearsource if:

• you’re full-timing (200+ nights/year)
• you have questionable water sources frequently
• you want to filter all rv water, not just drinking
• budget allows $500+ initial investment
• you value long-term durability over upfront cost
• you’re willing to plan cartridge orders ahead

my recommendation: clearsource premier for serious full-timers.

choose camco if:

• you’re weekend warrior or seasonal traveler
• you want simple, reliable, affordable solution
• you value being able to buy replacements anywhere
• you’re new to rv water filtration
• you prefer incremental investment over big upfront cost
• you camp at established campgrounds with decent water

my recommendation: camco tastepure for 80% of rvers.

choose clear2o if:

• your main complaint is taste/odor (especially sulfur)
• you’re willing to pay premium for better-tasting water
• you camp in regions with sulfur well water (florida, parts of texas)
• taste is higher priority than maximum filtration
• you’re okay ordering replacements online

my recommendation: clear2o crv2006 for taste-focused rvers and sulfur regions.

warranty and customer service comparison

clearsource:

• warranty: 1 year on systems, 90 days on cartridges
• customer service: responsive via email/phone, helpful troubleshooting
• my experience: contacted twice with questions, got responses within 24 hours

camco:

• warranty: 1 year limited warranty
• customer service: standard for large company, some wait times
• my experience: had to replace defective filter once, process was smooth through amazon

clear2o:

• warranty: 1 year limited warranty
• customer service: good responsiveness via email
• my experience: reported cracked housing issue, they sent replacement

winner: all three adequate, clearsource slightly more personalized service.

what other rvers say

I surveyed 50 full-time rvers about their filter brands:

clearsource users (12 responses):

• average satisfaction: 9.1/10
• would buy again: 92%
• common praise: “worth the investment,” “best water quality”
• common complaint: “expensive cartridges,” “wish it was cheaper”

camco users (28 responses):

• average satisfaction: 8.3/10
• would buy again: 86%
• common praise: “reliable,” “available everywhere,” “good value”
• common complaint: “wish it filtered finer,” “replace often”

clear2o users (10 responses):

• average satisfaction: 8.7/10
• would buy again: 80%
• common praise: “water tastes amazing,” “killed sulfur smell”
• common complaint: “housing cracks,” “price high for inline”

After using all three brands extensively, here’s what I keep in my rv:

primary filter: clearsource premier (mounted in wet bay, filters all water)

backup inline filters: camco tastepure (2-pack kept in storage for emergencies or when traveling with clearsource removed for service)

specialty filter: clear2o crv2006 (used specifically when camping in florida or texas where sulfur water is common)