GOBluTech AR3 3-Stage Review

When you’re living or traveling in an RV, water quality isn’t something you can take for granted. Every campground, state park, or RV resort has different water sources, and while some are fine, others can be full of sediment, heavy chlorine, or that strange aftertaste you just don’t want in your coffee.

That’s why we decided to upgrade our RV setup with the Blu Tech AR3 3-Stage RV Water Filtration System. After using cheaper inline filters for a while, we knew it was time to invest in something more reliable, compact, and built specifically for RVers. 

The AR3 checked all of those boxes with its stainless steel components, lightweight design, and most importantly, its ability to filter down to 0.2 microns (that’s up to 100 times smaller than what standard RV filters catch).

In this review, I’ll share our firsthand experience with the Blu Tech AR3, from setup and performance to the real-world pros and cons. If you’re an RVer wondering whether this is worth the investment, this review is written with you in mind.

Why Water Quality Matters for RVers

If you’ve been RVing for any length of time, you already know that campground water is unpredictable. Some places have clean, crisp-tasting water. Others? Not so much. Over the years, we’ve run into water that smelled like chlorine, tasted like metal, and even left behind a reddish tint in the sink from iron.

For RVers, this isn’t just about taste; it’s also about protecting your health and your rig. Poor-quality water can:

• Introduce sediment and rust into your plumbing, which can clog pipes and fixtures.
  
• Carry chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and other chemicals that affect taste and smell.
  
• Contribute to microplastic contamination, a problem that has been getting more attention lately.
  
• Shorten the lifespan of your RV’s water heater, faucets, and appliances.
  

Many people start with the cheap blue inline filters you can grab at Walmart. They’re fine for light use, but they’re usually rated at 20 microns, meaning plenty of particles and contaminants can still slip through. That’s why we wanted to step up to something more advanced and reliable.

The Blu Tech AR3 stood out to us because it was designed specifically for RV life, not just repurposed home filters. Between the compact design, stainless steel components, and filtration down to 0.2 microns, it offered exactly what we needed for full-time travel.

First Impressions of the Blu Tech AR3

The first thing we noticed when unboxing the Blu Tech AR3 3-Stage RV Water Filtration System was the build quality. Everything about it feels solid and thoughtfully engineered. The stainless steel canisters and quick-connect fittings stand out right away, no cheap plastic parts here.

For us, one of the most significant selling points was its compact size and lightweight design. At just under 10 pounds, it’s a fraction of the weight of other 3-stage systems we’ve seen on the market. Most comparable units can weigh upwards of 25–28 pounds, which is a big difference when you’re conscious of storage space and towing weight in your RV.

Another immediate impression: it’s designed with RVers in mind. The smaller 5-inch filters take up about 70% less space than standard 10-inch canisters, which means they easily fit into most wet bays without a struggle. We also appreciated the electroplated aluminum frame; it’s light but still durable enough to handle bouncing around in storage compartments or being used outside in different weather conditions.

Even before hooking it up, we could tell this wasn’t just another “repurposed home filter system.” It’s clear Blu Tech built the AR3 specifically for the needs of RV owners, right down to the quick connects that make setting up at a new campground fast and frustration-free.

Key Features of the Blu Tech AR3

The Blu Tech AR3 isn’t just another RV water filter; it’s a complete 3-stage system built with RVers in mind. Here’s a closer look at what makes it stand out, along with our real-world experience using it.

Stage 1: Sediment/Iron “Longevity” Filter

• Purpose: Captures larger particles like sand, rust, and sediment that are common in campground water.
  
• Why it matters: This stage helps extend the life of the other filters and prevents gunk from building up in your RV plumbing.
  
• Our experience: At one campground, we noticed visible discoloration in the water before filtering. After installing the AR3, that issue disappeared.

Stage 2: Granular Activated Carbon “Tasty” Filter

• Purpose: Targets chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and other contaminants that cause bad taste and odor.
  
• Why it matters: Even if water is technically safe, it doesn’t mean it tastes good. This filter is designed to make the water pleasant to drink, cook with, and shower in.
  
• Our experience: Coffee and tea taste cleaner, and we no longer notice that “pool water” smell from campground hookups.

Stage 3: 0.2 Micron High-Flow Filter

• Purpose: This is where the serious filtration happens. With a 0.2 micron rating, it catches particles up to 100 times smaller than standard 20-micron RV filters.
  
• Why it matters: This means greater protection from fine sediment and potential microplastics.
  
• Our experience: The water looks noticeably clearer, and it gives us peace of mind knowing we’re filtering more than just the basics.

Stainless Steel Quick Connects

• Hookups can be a pain when you’re setting up or tearing down camp, but these quick connects make it simple.
  
• Our experience: One click and you’re set. It’s especially convenient if you move often or don’t like fiddling with stiff plastic fittings.

Filter Life: 3–4 Months

• Blu Tech recommends replacing filters every 3–4 months, depending on water quality.
  
• Our experience: We haven’t hit the replacement window yet, but so far, performance has been consistent with no noticeable drop in water flow.

Compact & Lightweight Design

• At just over 8 pounds and about 14 inches long, it’s designed to fit RV bays with room to spare.
  
• Our experience: Compared to bulkier filtration systems we’ve seen, this one is a game-changer for space savings.

Built for RV Life

• Stainless steel canisters, an electroplated aluminum frame, and UV resistance mean it can handle life on the road.
  
• Our experience: We feel confident leaving it out in the elements without worrying about corrosion.

Real-World Performance: How the Blu Tech AR3 Holds Up on the Road

Specs and features are one thing, but what really matters is how a system performs when you’re setting up at a campground after a long day of travel. That’s where the Blu Tech AR3 has impressed us the most.

Setup and Connection

Hooking up the AR3 is straightforward. The stainless steel quick-connects make it simple to attach the system between the campground spigot and our RV’s water inlet. No cross-threading, no fighting with plastic fittings. It’s literally a “click and go” setup that takes less than a minute.

Water Taste and Smell

This was the most significant difference we noticed right away. At one campground, the water had a strong chlorine odor before filtering. Once we ran it through the AR3, the chlorine smell and taste were gone entirely. Coffee, tea, and even just a glass of cold water taste noticeably cleaner.

Water Pressure

A common complaint with multi-stage filtration systems is the drop in water pressure. Blu Tech designed the AR3 for high flow, and we’ve seen that firsthand. Showers feel the same as unfiltered hookups, and appliances run normally. There’s no frustrating trickle effect like we’ve experienced with other filters.

Durability and Storage

We’ve used the AR3 in various weather conditions, rain, sun, and heat, and the electroplated aluminum frame and stainless steel canisters have held up without issues. The compact size also means it doesn’t eat up valuable space in our wet bay or storage compartments.

Peace of Mind

For us, one of the biggest wins is simply knowing our water is cleaner and safer. RV life already comes with enough variables; water quality shouldn’t be one of them. The AR3 gives us confidence no matter where we’re hooked up.

Pros and Cons of the Blu Tech AR3

No product is perfect, and while we’ve had an excellent experience with the Blu Tech AR3 so far, there are definitely a few things potential buyers should keep in mind. Here’s our honest breakdown:

Pros

• Compact & Lightweight – At just over 8 lbs., it’s much lighter and smaller than most 3-stage systems, making it RV-friendly.
• Superior Filtration (0.2 Micron) – Filters particles up to 100x smaller than standard RV filters. That’s huge for health-conscious travelers. 
• Great Taste – Noticeable improvement in both taste and smell of campground water.
• Durable Build – Stainless steel canisters and quick connects feel premium and are built to last.
• High Flow Design – Maintains solid water pressure, even with three stages of filtration.
• Easy Setup – Quick connects make hooking up painless.

Cons

• Price Point – It’s more expensive than basic inline filters and even some larger canister systems. For budget-minded campers, this could be a hurdle.
• Filter Replacements – You’ll need to replace filters every 3–4 months, depending on usage and water quality. While reasonably priced, it’s an ongoing cost.
• Not Reverse Osmosis or UV – The AR3 excels at removing sediment, chlorine, and micro-particles, but it’s not designed to remove dissolved solids or kill bacteria/viruses. For RVers pulling water from questionable sources, additional filtration may be needed.
• Limited International Support – Some customers have reported challenges getting filters shipped outside the U.S.

Overall, the pros heavily outweigh the cons, especially if you value clean, safe, and great-tasting water in your RV without sacrificing storage space or water pressure.

How the Blu Tech AR3 Compares to Other RV Water Filters

One of the biggest questions RVers have is whether the Blu Tech AR3 is worth the higher price compared to the filters you can buy at Walmart or Amazon. Here’s how it stacks up.

AR3 vs. Standard Inline Filters (like the Camco Blue Filter)

• Inline filters are cheap and easy to find, but most are rated at 20 microns. That means they’re only catching larger particles.
  
• The AR3 filters down to 0.2 microns, which is 100 times smaller. This makes a dramatic difference in water clarity, taste, and overall safety.
  
• In our experience, the taste difference alone made the upgrade worth it.

AR3 vs. Larger Canister Systems (10-inch Filters like Clearsource)

• Many RVers use 10-inch canister systems. They do a solid job, but they’re bulky and heavy, often weighing 25+ pounds.
  
• The AR3 achieves the same 3-stage filtration in a much smaller package that’s easier to store and move around.
  
• While Clearsource and similar brands also have strong reputations, the Blu Tech AR3 was explicitly designed for RV use, not repurposed from home systems.

AR3 vs. DIY Water Filtration Setups

• Some people build DIY setups with 10-inch housings and off-the-shelf filters. While cheaper upfront, they’re heavier, larger, and not as convenient to set up.
  
• The AR3’s stainless steel quick-connects and compact frame make it much easier to use at different campgrounds.

In short, while you’ll pay more for the Blu Tech AR3 compared to basic or DIY solutions, what you get in return is better filtration, a more straightforward setup, and a system built specifically for RV life.

Who the Blu Tech AR3 Is Best Suited For

Not every RVer needs a 3-stage filtration system, but for the right person, the Blu Tech AR3 is a game-changer. Based on our experience, here’s who will benefit the most.

Full-Time RVers
If you’re on the road year-round, you’re connecting to all kinds of water sources. Consistency and reliability are key, and the AR3 provides peace of mind every time you hook up.

Health-Conscious Travelers
For families or individuals concerned about microplastics, chlorine, or other contaminants, the AR3’s 0.2 micron filtration offers significantly enhanced protection compared to basic inline filters.

Campers with Limited Storage
Space in RVs is always at a premium. The AR3’s compact size and lightweight frame make it ideal for those who don’t want bulky 10-inch canisters eating up their wet bay or storage compartments.

Seasonal and Weekend Campers Who Want Quality
Even if you only camp a few times a year, the AR3 makes sure you don’t have to compromise on water quality. It might be overkill for some, but for those who prioritize safe and good-tasting water, it’s worth it.

Anyone Tired of Cheap Filters
If you’ve been using single-stage filters and are ready to upgrade, the AR3 is a significant performance improvement without adding a ton of weight or complexity.

Buying Options & Replacement Filters

The Blu Tech AR3 is available directly from Blu Tech’s website as well as through select retailers. When purchasing, it’s worth considering where you can source replacement filters, as they need to be changed every 3–4 months, depending on water quality and usage.

Where to Buy

• Blu Tech Official Store – The most direct option, with customer support and the latest product updates.
  
• Amazon – Convenient for Prime shipping and easy access to replacement filters.
  
• RV dealerships and shows – Blu Tech partners with major RV manufacturers and often showcases their products at events like the Tampa RV Show.

Replacement Filters

• Blu Tech’s replacement filter kits are reasonably priced compared to other high-end RV filtration systems.
  
• Each kit includes the Sediment/Iron “Longevity” Filter, the Carbon “Tasty” Filter, and the 0.2 Micron High-Flow Filter.
  
• Expect to replace them every 3–4 months. In areas with very turbid or heavily treated water, you may need to replace them sooner.

Cost Consideration

• While the upfront cost of the AR3 is higher than basic inline filters, the replacement filters are reasonably priced and help balance out the long-term investment.
  
• For full-time travelers, this is one of those “buy once, cry once” purchases—you’ll pay more up front, but you get the peace of mind of a reliable, long-lasting system.

Final Verdict: Is the Blu Tech AR3 Worth It?

After adding the Blu Tech AR3 3-Stage Filtration System to our RV setup, it’s clear this is more than just an “upgrade.” For us, it’s become an essential piece of gear we don’t want to travel without.

The taste and smell improvements were noticeable right away. Coffee and drinking water are cleaner, and even showers feel fresher. We also appreciate the peace of mind knowing we’re filtering out far more contaminants than a standard inline filter could ever handle.

From a practical standpoint, the lightweight and compact design makes it much easier to manage than bulkier 3-stage systems, and the stainless steel quick-connects save time every time we set up camp.

It’s not the cheapest option on the market, and it won’t replace a reverse osmosis system if you’re looking to filter out dissolved solids or bacteria. But for everyday RV travel and camping, it strikes the right balance between performance, portability, and durability.

If you’re a full-time RVer, a health-conscious camper, or just someone tired of rolling the dice with campground water, the Blu Tech AR3 is an investment that pays for itself in peace of mind and better quality of life on the road.

Our verdict: Yes, the Blu Tech AR3 is worth it.

FAQ: Blu Tech AR3 3-Stage RV Water Filter System