Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator (40064) Review – Budget RV Protection or Flow-Killer?
Quick Summary
Campground water pressure can be all over the place – one site trickles, the next could blow a PEX fitting right out of your wall. The Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator (40064) is a popular low-cost way to protect your RV’s plumbing from high city water pressure, while giving you a simple color-coded gauge to see what’s going on.
What this product is
- A non-adjustable brass water pressure regulator with a built-in color-coded gauge
- Screws directly to the campground spigot using standard 3/4″ garden hose threads
- Factory pre-set to keep outlet pressure around 40–50 PSI, with maximum incoming pressure up to 125 PSI
- Made from lead-free brass that’s drinking-water safe and CSA low-lead certified
Most RV plumbing systems are happiest somewhere around 40–55 PSI, with many experts recommending you avoid going above 60 PSI to reduce the risk of leaks or burst fittings. Camping World Blog+1
Quick Verdict
The Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator (40064) is a simple, budget-friendly “set-and-forget” regulator that does a good job protecting RV plumbing from high city water pressure. Real owners overwhelmingly praise its solid brass body, easy installation, and peace of mind. However, a noticeable minority complain about low water flow and a fragile plastic gauge that tends to fog, leak, or fail after a few months.
It’s a great fit for weekend campers and newer RVers who just want basic protection and don’t need to fine-tune pressure. It’s not ideal for full-timers, high-end rigs with multiple fixtures running at once, or anyone picky about strong shower pressure—those folks are usually happier with an adjustable brass regulator.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros
- Very affordable entry into RV plumbing protection
- Lead-free brass body, drinking-water safe
- Simple to use – just screw it on and go
- Color-coded gauge helps you see if pressure is low/normal/high at a glance
- Many owners report no leaks and reliable performance for years
- Small and compact; easy to toss in your water bin
Cons
- Not adjustable – factory preset only
- Gauge uses colors instead of PSI numbers, which some owners find vague
- Multiple real-world reports of weak flow / low pressure inside the RV
- Gauge is plastic and prone to issues (condensation, cover popping off, failures)
- Some units leak at the gauge or fittings and/or fail after a season or less
If you already know you just want a basic regulator with a gauge and don’t mind non-adjustable pressure:
👉 Check the Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator (40064) price and reviews on Amazon
What the Camco 40064 Is & How It Fits into Your RV Setup
In simple terms
The Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge (40064) sits between the campground spigot and your RV’s city water inlet. Its job is to:
- Knock overly high city water pressure down to a safer 40–50 PSI range
- Help you visually check pressure with a simple green/yellow/red gauge
- Protect your PEX lines, fixtures, toilet valves, and water heater from spikes that could otherwise cause leaks or damage camperid.com+1
If you’re new to RV water hookups, this is one of those “small, cheap things” that can save you from a very big, very wet problem. To see how it fits into the bigger picture of hoses, filters, and tanks, it’s worth skimming our RV water basics guide:
- Recommended read: RV Water System 101: How Your RV Gets Water
Key specs & features that matter
Based on manufacturer information and retailer listings, here are the core specs for the Camco 40064
Key Specs
- Material: Lead-free brass (drinking-water safe)
- Threads: Standard 3/4″ garden hose (GHT) – fits typical campground spigots/hoses
- Pressure Range:
- Factory outlet range: 40–50 PSI (non-adjustable)
- Max incoming pressure: 125 PSI
- Gauge: Color-coded dial (green/yellow/red), no PSI numbers
- Use: Outdoor use only (not for inside the rig)
- Certifications: Compliant with low-lead laws; CSA low-lead certified (NSF/ANSI 372)
Spec & Comparison Table
| Feature / Spec | Camco 40064 (this model) | Typical adjustable brass regulator (generic) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Non-adjustable regulator with gauge | Adjustable regulator with gauge |
| Outlet pressure | Factory pre-set ~40–50 PSI | User-adjustable (often 0–160 PSI range) |
| Gauge style | Color-coded zones, no PSI numbers | Numeric PSI scale, often liquid-filled |
| Material | Lead-free brass body; plastic gauge housing | Lead-free brass body; often heavier metal gauge |
| Flow characteristics (owner reports) | Safe but can feel restrictive for some users | Many designed as “high-flow” with larger internal orifice |
| Ideal user | Budget-minded RVers wanting simple plug-and-play | RVers who want to tune pressure for stronger showers / tankless heaters |
| Typical price band | Lower / budget | Mid to higher, depending on brand & features |
If you want more context on how this style compares to high-end adjustable models, check out our dedicated guide to regulators:
Real-World Owner Snapshot
We went through a large number of recent reviews from RV owners and other users who bought the Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator (40064). Here’s the high-level picture.
Reviews snapshot
- Approximate overall sentiment:
- Major retailers list this model in the mid-4-star range overall (for example, ~4.6/5 stars at Walmart for 40064).
- On Amazon, most written reviews are 4 and 5 stars, with a significant cluster of 3–2–1 star reviews focusing on gauge durability and low pressure.
- Top praise from owners:
- Protects RV plumbing and hoses from clearly high campground pressure
- Feels solid and well-built in brass
- Very easy to install and use, even for first-time RVers
- Gauge gives helpful peace of mind about pressure at the post
- Most common complaints:
- Water flow inside the RV feels weak or “just a dribble” for some setups
- Gauge issues: fogging, plastic cover popping off, leaking, or failing/sticking after a short time
- Non-adjustable outlet pressure – some owners wish they could bump it up
Best for / Not ideal for
- Best for:
- Weekend campers and seasonal RVers who mostly want inexpensive protection
- New RV owners who appreciate a simple color gauge instead of guessing
- Travelers who stay at a mix of campgrounds and want to know when pressure is high or low
- Not ideal for:
- Full-timers or heavy users who run multiple fixtures at once and hate weak showers
- RVers who prefer precise PSI readings and control (tankless water heaters, etc.)
- Anyone who camps in hard-water or harsh climates where cheap gauges tend to fail quickly
If this sounds like it fits your camping style, you can see more buyer photos and the current price here:
👉 Check the Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator (40064) price and reviews on Amazon
What Real Owners Like – Pros
Drawing from dozens of buyer reviews, here are the main “pro” themes that show up again and again.
1. Real plumbing protection & peace of mind
Many RVers bought this after hearing horror stories or experiencing blown fittings themselves. Owners repeatedly mention:
- It stopped blown lines and emitters in drip systems and RV plumbing
- They no longer worry about “mystery 90 PSI hookups” at older parks
- One owner shared how a previous stay blew a toilet line; after switching to this regulator, they could visibly see safe pressure on future hookups and avoided repeat disasters
For the price, people feel like this is cheap insurance compared to the cost of repairing water damage in a trailer.
2. Simple, beginner-friendly design
New RVers love that there’s no setup or adjustment required:
- Just thread it onto the faucet, hook your hose to the other side, and turn on the water
- Reviews from new campers repeatedly call it “simple,” “no frills,” and “perfect for beginners”
- The compact size means it doesn’t add bulk or make your water bin a jumbled mess
Several reviewers said it’s “one of the easiest tools to use for an RV” – just screw it on like a hose and forget about it.
3. Solid brass body & overall build (apart from the gauge)
When people talk about the regulator itself (not the gauge), the tone is mostly positive:
- The brass housing feels heavy and durable, not flimsy
- Threads are clean and seal well; many reviewers report no leaks at the brass connections
- Multiple owners mention using the same unit happily for years or multiple seasons without issues
Some long-term users are still on the same regulator after 2+ years, which is encouraging for a budget unit.
4. Color-coded gauge is very easy to read
Even though the gauge has its own downsides (we’ll get to that), plenty of campers appreciate that:
- The dial shows green = normal, red = danger, and yellow = borderline at a glance
- You can instantly see if your issue is low park pressure (green is low) versus a clog in your filter or hose
- Several reviewers used it to diagnose low pressure as a campground issue, not a problem in their RV
For visually checking whether you’re in a safe zone without squinting at numbers, the gauge works as intended when it’s working properly.
What Real Owners Complain About – Cons & Limitations
No product is perfect, and this regulator definitely has some recurring complaints. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.
1. Non-adjustable & often feels “too low” for some RVs
One of the biggest themes: this regulator cannot be adjusted, and many owners feel the outlet pressure is on the low side.
Common comments include:
- “Pressure is just a little lower than what the pump puts out – wish I’d bought an adjustable one.”
- “Shower was basically a dribble until we removed the regulator.”
- “Gauge sits at the low end of the green, water flow is weak throughout the rig.”
If your rig already has long runs of plumbing, multiple fixtures, or a restrictive shower head, this preset 40–50 PSI can feel sluggish. For many people it’s fine, but a noticeable minority find it too restrictive for comfortable showers.
2. Gauge durability & design issues
The gauge is the single most criticized component on this model. Real owners have reported:
- Plastic lens / cover popping off in storage bins or during use
- Condensation under the lens, making it hard to read
- Gauges that stick in one position or no longer return to zero
- Gauges that fill with water and leak out of the face
- Gauges failing or becoming inaccurate after just a few months of regular use
Several buyers ended up taping the lens on, resealing threads, or replacing the gauge entirely with a better metal unit. A handful simply kept using the regulator body and ignored the gauge.
Bottom line: expect the gauge to be the weak link. Some units last years, but enough fail early that you should factor that into your expectations at this price.
3. Restricted flow in some setups
While many reviewers say water flow is acceptable, another chunk of owners complains that:
- The regulator chokes flow so much that hoses don’t expand, showers are weak, or appliances (like washing machines) time out
- Some describe it as essentially a “simple choke” with a small internal opening, rather than a more sophisticated regulator
- Certain users reported that once the unit started to fail, flow dropped to a near trickle
This isn’t universal – plenty of RVers find flow good enough – but if you’re sensitive about shower strength or running multiple fixtures at once, this is a real trade-off.
4. Occasional leaks & short lifespan
A smaller, but still notable, group of reviewers mention:
- Leaks around the gauge threads or plastic face
- Units that begin leaking or failing after one season or a few months of full-time use
- Problems after freezing temps when the regulator was left outside with water inside
To be fair, some of these issues can happen with almost any budget regulator that’s left out in winter or bounced around in bins. But the pattern here is clear: while many owners get years of use, others feel it’s more of a consumable – something they expect to replace periodically.
Who the Camco 40064 Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)
Best for you if…
This regulator is likely a good match if:
- You’re a weekend camper or seasonal RVer who wants basic protection from high park pressure
- You hook up to unknown city water a lot and want a simple visual gauge to confirm things look safe
- You’re okay with “good enough” flow rather than maximum possible shower pressure
- You want a compact, inexpensive unit that’s easy to toss into your water tote and use at every site
A lot of “average users” fall into this bucket: they’re plugging into typical campgrounds, they don’t run two showers and a washing machine at once, and they’d rather spend less now and upgrade later if needed.
Consider skipping this model if…
You’ll probably be happier with an adjustable regulator or higher-end option if:
- You’re a full-time RVer living on city water hookups most of the year
- You run multiple fixtures at once (e.g., large fifth wheels, toy haulers, multi-bath rigs) and hate weak water flow
- You have a tankless water heater that requires a minimum flow/pressure to fire reliably
- You want a numeric PSI gauge for precise tuning (50 vs 55 PSI, etc.)
- Your water is extremely hard or mineral-heavy, which tends to kill cheaper gauges more quickly
In those cases, spending more on a high-flow adjustable brass regulator with a better gauge is usually worth it. We highlight those in more depth in our regulator roundup:
Mini Real-World Stories
To bring this down to earth, here are a couple of paraphrased examples from actual buyers:
- The “blown toilet line” camper:
One RVer hooked up to city water at an RV park and immediately blew a line off the back of their toilet. After that expensive lesson, they switched to this Camco regulator and used the gauge to verify safe pressure at each stop. Future hookups stayed in the green, and they didn’t repeat that mistake. - The “low pressure detective” camper:
Another owner arrived at a campground complaining of weak water pressure inside the RV. With the regulator in place, they could see that the pressure at the post itself was low, especially during peak evening usage. Instead of chasing phantom plumbing issues in their rig, they realized it was simply a park-supply problem. - The “gauge quit but regulator kept working” owner:
Several long-term users note that after a few months the gauge either fogged, stuck, or lost its cover. Rather than throw the whole thing away, they continued using the brass regulator body under the assumption it was still restricting pressure – and in many cases it seemed to do so just fine.
These stories line up with the broader pattern: mechanically, the regulator usually does its job, but the gauge and long-term flow performance can be hit-or-miss.
Installation & Usage Tips (from Real Owners & RV Best Practices)
Installing this regulator is straightforward, but a few tips will help you get the most out of it.
Basic hookup steps
- Turn off the campground spigot completely.
- Thread the Camco regulator onto the spigot (gauge facing up so you can read it). Hand-tighten firmly; avoid overtightening with pliers.
- (Optional but recommended) Attach your water filter after the regulator if you use one.
- Connect your white RV drinking-water hose from the regulator/filter to your RV city water inlet.
- Turn the spigot on slowly and watch the gauge. Confirm the needle settles in the green zone.
- Go inside and check for leaks and adequate flow at a faucet or shower.
Pro-tips from experienced users
- Use Teflon/plumber’s tape on metal-to-metal threaded joints if you see dripping at the connections (spigot side especially).
- Support the hose and regulator – don’t let the regulator hang in mid-air from a long hose; use a short leader hose or support to reduce strain on fittings.
- In freezing conditions, disconnect and drain the regulator; don’t leave it outside full of water overnight. Several gauge failures appear to be freeze-related.
- If the gauge lens is loose, many owners simply secure it with a small piece of clear tape around the edge to prevent it popping off and exposing the needle.
- If your pressure feels weak, check:
- Whether the gauge is at the low end of green (suggesting campground pressure is low), and
- Flow through showerheads or filters that might be more restrictive than the regulator itself.
FAQ: Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator (40064)
Q1. What pressure is the Camco 40064 set to?
A: The Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge (40064) is factory pre-set to reduce outlet pressure to roughly 40–50 PSI, even if incoming city water is much higher (up to 125 PSI).
Q2. Is this regulator adjustable?
A: No. This is a non-adjustable regulator. You cannot dial the pressure up or down. If you want to choose a specific PSI (e.g., 50–55 PSI), you’ll need an adjustable brass regulator instead.
Q3. Does the gauge show PSI numbers?
A: The gauge on the 40064 uses color zones (green/yellow/red) rather than numeric PSI markings. Some owners find this easy to read at a glance; others wish it displayed exact pressure.
Q4. Is the Camco 40064 safe for drinking water?
A: Yes. The body is made from lead-free brass and is certified to low-lead standards (NSF/ANSI 372), making it suitable for potable water use when connected properly.
Q5. What water pressure should I aim for in my RV?
A: Most RVs are happy in the 40–55 PSI range, and many experts recommend staying below about 60 PSI for long-term plumbing health. Always check your RV’s owner’s manual; if it specifies a maximum, follow that.
Q6. Can I leave this regulator hooked up all the time?
A: Mechanically, yes, many RVers leave a regulator connected at the spigot whenever they are on city water. Just remember to disconnect and drain it in freezing weather and to check the gauge periodically for fogging or damage.
Final Verdict: Is the Camco 40064 Worth It?
Final Verdict:
Overall, the Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge (40064) delivers exactly what it promises at its price point: basic protection from overly high city water pressure, in a compact, lead-free brass package with a simple color-coded gauge.
- Its biggest strengths are:
- Simple, beginner-friendly design
- Solid brass construction and standard hose threads
- Factory pre-set safe pressure range for most RVs
- Very low cost compared to potential plumbing repairs
- Its biggest weaknesses are:
- Non-adjustable outlet pressure that some RVers find too low
- A plastic gauge that’s prone to fogging, leaks, or early failure in a noticeable minority of cases
- No numeric PSI markings, which frustrates more technical users
If you’re a weekend camper or casual RVer who wants cheap insurance against high city water, doesn’t need a fire-hose shower, and is okay with the possibility that the gauge might not last forever, this regulator offers good value for the money.
If you’re a full-timer, run multiple fixtures often, or simply know you’ll be picky about water flow and gauge quality, you’ll likely be happier investing in a high-flow adjustable brass regulator instead.
Would we personally use it?
For a small or mid-size rig used mostly on weekends, we’d be comfortable using the Camco 40064 as a starter regulator, with the understanding that:
- It may restrict flow more than we’d like in some parks
- The gauge should be treated as a convenience, not a precision instrument
- If we start camping more often or add a tankless heater, we’d budget for an adjustable upgrade
Final Call-to-Action
If you want a simple, plug-and-play regulator with a basic gauge and you’re okay with those trade-offs, this is an easy way to protect your RV’s plumbing:
👉 Check the Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator (40064) price and reviews on Amazon
