Unless you have unlimited financial means or you are currently shopping for a new house, it isn’t much you can do about the quality of water in your home. It is pumped from whatever source you use and comes out of your tap at whatever mineral hardness or softness is currently in your water system. Over time, hard water can cause the buildup of mineral deposits that damage your plumbing and leave your toilets and bathtub/shower floor stained.
This may be an inconvenience you are willing to live with at home with regular maintenance and scrubbing, but if you are a mobile home owner water hardness should be of great concern to you. As you travel from place to place, the mineral levels in the water will shift dramatically, and you will need a water softener system in order to maintain your RVs plumbing efficiently and keep your water quality at a regulated standard for your convenience and comfort.
Choosing a portable water softener for your needs can be something of a process though, and you may not know what features are important or what type of system to install. To make that shopping process easier, I’ve compiled a list of the top five portable water softeners to keep you and your motorhome on the go with the consistent water content that will preserve the longevity of your RVs plumbing.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Portable Water Softeners – Comparison
| Picture | Product Name | Brand | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | On The Go OTG4-StdSoft | On The Go | 18 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Watts RV PRO-1000 | Watts Water Technologies | 9 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT | On The Go | 32 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | CR Spotless DI-120 | CR Spotless Water Systems | 27 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Camco EVO Premium RV | Camco | 3.65 pounds | Check Latest Price |
5 Best Portable Water Softeners – Review
1. On The Go OTG4-StdSoft-Portable 8,000 Grain RV Water Softener
There is a lot to love about the OTG4. It has a built-in carry handle to make it convenient to store and carry. Softening water and preventing rust and mineral stains and deposits are what it does best, and it was specifically designed for RV and Marine users who want to make sure their water reservoir and water flow system all function properly for years to come.
The advantage of this 8,000-grain capacity is that it needs just one box of common table salt to regenerate your water supply in 15 minutes or less. Better still, regenerated water in the tank stays soft for up to 20 days. The OTG4 also includes multiple adapters that allow it to be hooked up to marine, RV, and even garden hose water connectors, and it is designed to create a minimal pressure drop while occupying even the smallest spaces aboard your boat or RV.
Best of all, the OTG4 is a completely tool-less design for convenience and portability. I’d recommend this model for RV or boat owners who want something that is both efficient and compact without compromising on features, efficiency, or quality.
2. Watts RV PRO-1000 OR M7002 10000 Grains Portable Water
For those in need of a larger volume portable water softener solution, Watts RV Pro-1000 is an excellent choice. With a 10,000 grain capacity and a design that is as elegant as it is simple, this model can re-generate vast amounts of water quickly and efficiently with just a little-added household salt. With standard RV connectors and adjustable flow controls integrated into the carry handle, this is definitely a powerful, no-frills option.
Despite its vast capacity, it is a snap to install even in tight spaces like water-flow compartments or under an RV sink. The PRO-1000 also sports a wide mouth twist top for ease of access when adding softener tablets, and the connector system allows connections with standard RV water systems or standard threaded water spigot connectors for homes and RV parks via a garden hose.
This model is a good choice for high volume users who are interested in a water softener exclusively for RV use and want a simple, efficient model that doesn’t take up space or complicate their mobile water softening process.
3. On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener
On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener, this is the OTG high capacity model that also does double duty as a water conditioner. Suitable for either marine or RV use, the OTG4-DBLTSOFT can regenerate in 30 minutes or less with a couple of boxes of salt. You and can soften a staggering 1600 gallons of water that will stay fresh and conditioned for up to 40 days.
It is also the largest capacity portable water softener that is commercially available right now. Like every OTG model, the DBLTSOFT sports an integrated carry handle and wide-mouth top for quick and efficient recharging with softener tablets, and the hose connector swivels 360 degrees to make installation and use convenient and hassle-free.
Best of all, this model is completely tool-free and connects quickly and easily with included adapters to RV park or marina water connectors. This is the best model option for high volume users who don’t want to compromise on quality or ease of use for their portable water softener.
4. DI-120 Cr Spotless Water System
A portable solution intended for low-capacity, low-volume users who want soft water for specific purposes around their home or on the go, the DI-120 fits the bill. Designed to connect to standard threaded hose spigot connectors for garden hoses or at RV parks, this handy model can be set up and used for converting standard water sources into the soft water for car washing, pop up campers, or even camp shower tents.
All you have to do is add a resin pack, hook up the hoses, and get to work. Water pressure and flow control will take care of the rest. I’d say this model is ideal for car detailing enthusiasts and low volume users rather than for RV or marine use, but in a pinch, it works quite well for either function.
5. Camco 40631 EVO Premium Water Filter
Camco 40631 EVO Premium Water Filter. One of the most compact water softener/filter combinations on the market, Camco’s offering is designed for low volume users who want to filter and soften water from any source quickly and easily. Using a 5-micron barrier and granulated active carbon filter, this model can eliminate bad tastes and odors from water, as well as sediment, bacteria, chlorine, and other negative water contents.
The filter is replaceable and should last at least one camping season before it needs to be changed out. I would like to stress that this is a great filtering and softening solution in terms of space-saving, but I would not recommend it for high volume water users as it really is not designed for converting and regenerating vast quantities of water.
Things To Consider Before Buying:
When it comes to selecting the right portable water softener for your RV or marine needs, you need to ask yourself some key questions.
- Where will it be used?
- Where will it be stored?
- How often will it be used?
- Will you permanently install this model?
- What is the cost per use in terms of specialized resins or softener salt?
- What capacity of water do I need to convert on a regular basis?
These questions should guide your purchasing decision so that you don’t overspend on features or capabilities that are overkill for what you actually need.
Furthermore, if you purchase a model that is too large for your RV or boat, that means it will be taking up cabin space on your trip, and that can complicate your setup and teardown routine and adding unnecessary time and hassle to your stops along your route.
Final Verdict
Keeping the considerations in mind, my first choice for an RV or marine portable water softener is the On-The-Go Standard Soft-Portable OTG-4. It is the most compact option that also handles a moderate capacity of water using nothing but common table salt to recharge and regenerate a water supply. It also offers the most in terms of flexibility for owners who don’t want to commit to a permanent installation of a portable water softener but like having the option to install later if they want.
The OTG-4 also offers the most cost-effective solution for high volume users without compromising on quality or features, and because it is toolless and includes all necessary adapters, it will save you time as well as money.
While no portable water softening solution is by any means perfect for every user, the OTG-4 comes the closest in terms of meeting the widest variety of needs at the best price point. Also, if you have already invested in an RV or a boat, you want to do everything you can to guarantee its longevity and minimize your maintenance and repairs.
Using a portable water softener solution is an integral part of that process, and the OTG4 definitely fits the bill regardless of your water softening needs. If you are in the market for a portable water softener and haven’t checked out the OTG4 yet, give it the once over and decide for yourself if it will be a good fit for you.
With its combination of features, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, I think you will find it difficult to discover a better portable water softener that does as much as this one.