Staycations have certainly risen in popularity since the days of COVID. Travel restrictions encouraged many people to explore holiday options closer to home, making caravans and motorhomes an ideal way for families to enjoy the freedom of a getaway while avoiding the challenges of overseas travel. Although international travel has resumed, the appeal of touring holidays remains strong. At the same time, a growing number of people are choosing to live full-time in caravans, campervans, and motorhomes. Rising housing costs and increasing living expenses have made this lifestyle an attractive and more affordable alternative for those looking to reduce their outgoings while enjoying greater flexibility.
When spending time in your caravan or motorhome, having access to clean, great-tasting drinking water is essential for staying hydrated and enjoying your trip. Whether you’re filling up at campsites, service points, or community spots, the taste, odour and quality of drinking water can vary significantly. That’s why more caravan and motorhome owners are turning to water filtration systems rather than relying on bottled water or hoping for the best from the local tap water.
Why water filtration matters when caravanning
Touring in a caravan or a motorhome means dealing with:
- Different local water sources
- Chlorine taste and odour
- Sediment
- Concerns around microplastic and unwanted contaminants from tap water
- Limited storage for bottled water
A good filtration setup gives you more confidence in your onboard supply and reduces the need to constantly buy drinking water while travelling. Doulton ceramic filtration is designed to reduce a broad range of common contaminants while retaining essential minerals.
So, what water filter options work best for homes on the move?
If you’re looking for a long-term solution that delivers cleaner, better tasting water on the road, then Doulton’s under sink and countertop water filter systems are strong options.
The first thing is to consider how you travel and how often; the space you have available in your setup; and whether you want to or can make permanent changes to your current water system.
Best for permanent installation: Under Sink systems
Under sink water filter systems, such as the Doulton Kingfisher, connect directly into your water line and remain hidden out of sight. If you had slightly more room under the sink, or were concerned about specific contamintants, you can also explore our DUO and TRIO under sink systems that still remain a compact solution whilst focussing on reducing key concerns such as PFAS and Fluoride.
Benefits include:
- No loss of usable worktop space
-
Filtered water available instantly
- Tidier, more integrated set up
- Ideal for regular travellers and full-time van life
Best for flexibility and simplicity: Countertop systems
The Doulton countertop water filter system provides the perfect non-permanent solution, making it easier to transfer between vehicles or between your home and campervan.
Benefits include:
- Minimal installation
- Portable between caravan and home
- Great for occasional touring or rental vehicles
For holidayers or travellers who want filtration without plumbing or electricity, countertop water filtration systems offer an appealing balance of convenience and performance. You have the choice of a gravity system from our British Berkefeld range or the Doulton tap-mounted countertop – both ideal options for those who'd like to take filtered water with them both home and away!
Choosing the best water filter system for you
Water filter performance matters, but so does usability. Choosing the right system for your setup, travel frequency, and needs is important for getting the most out of your investment.
As a rough guide, we've outlined some of the key system types, contaminants of concern and best matches below. It is worth noting that all of our systems and filters are tested to reduce broader contaminants than the overview below, so if you'd like further advice, please get in touch with the team.
| System Type | Contaminant Concern | Best Match |
| Under Sink | Chlorine, Microplastics, Heavy Metals | Doulton Kingfisher Under Sink System |
| Under Sink | Chlorine, Microplastics, Heavy Metals, PFAS, Fluoride, Nitrates. | Doulton DUO or TRIO system with pre-filter cartridge/s tailored to your needs |
| Countertop | Chlorine, Microplastics, Heavy Metals | Doulton Tap-Mounted Countertop |
| Countertop | Chlorine, Microplastics, Heavy Metals, PFAS | British Berkefeld system with Ultra Sterasyl |
| Countertop | Chlorine, Microplastics, Heavy Metals, Fluoride | British Berkefeld system with Ultra Fluoride |
Under sink filtration offers you versatility to tackle your specific water quality concerns, with the Doulton HIP Duo or Trio systems offering additional pre-filter capabilities on top of the protection provided by the Biotect Ultra filter, that can be used in both the under sink and countertop systems.
However, if you want a system that you can use interchangeably between vehicles, caravans, the home or elsewhere, then a countertop water filter system provides that flexibility of use.
Some practical considerations may include:
- Available cupboard depth
- Budget available for the system
- Whether you want a dedicated filter tap
- DIY skills to fit the system, or need for a plumber
- Countertop space, especially around the sink area
Ultimately, if you want a discreet, permanent solution, the Doulton under sink range offers compact but powerful water filtration on tap. If flexibility matters more, then a countertop system gives you better-tasting water without the commitment of a full installation.
Whichever you choose, reducing reliance on bottled water can make life on the road simpler, better for the planet, and create more space in your campervan or motorhome for the things that really matter. Having constant and trusted access to cleaner, safer water also offers additional peace of mind whereever you roam!
To see how this can work, check out The Rolling Dreams installation of the Doulton HIP Duo under sink water filter system at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HqK1Burvmc
Explore the Doulton under sink systems here or check out the Countertop system here. And for any further assistance, our team are always happy to help over on social media or through email and phone.
