The Dometic Recon 360 Faucet pumping water out of a Dometic Go Jug through a LifeStraw water filter.
The Dometic Go Faucet, a battery-powered device, has been a key component in various portable water setups, including vanlife and camping. The new Dometic Recon 360 Faucet appears to be a significant improvement, with its advantages becoming clear after initial use and a week of testing.
The Recon 360 Faucet provides a portable water pumping solution for locations without traditional plumbing, such as boats, cabins, vans, beaches, job sites, or campgrounds. A silicone hose connects to the faucet and can be attached to Dometic’s Go Jug or Recon Hardside Coolers via a CPC quick-connect fitting. Alternatively, the tube can be inserted into any jerry can using a third-party CPC adapter. The system is also compatible with inline filters from brands like LifeStraw and Camelbak.
Notable upgrades include the replacement of the previous touch surface with tactile mechanical buttons. One button activates a standard water flow, suitable for tasks like brushing teeth or filling a glass. A second, larger button provides a more powerful stream, ideal for washing dishes, hair, or rapidly filling water bottles. The water flow can be stopped with a second press of the active button, or it will automatically cease after 90 seconds or dispensing 1.5L/3L, conserving water.
It’s very small and portable with a battery good for about 150 liters.
Here in my van, the rotating base prevents the stiff water tube from twisting the faucet away from the sink.
Stacked on top of Dometic’s 11-liter Go Jug, where the water tube connects through that white CPC coupler on top.
The light is very useful at night. Pictured here in a blacked-out room.
During testing, the smaller button dispensed one liter of water in 41 seconds, producing a sound level of 52dB at arm’s length. The fast button delivered one liter in 24 seconds, with a louder output of 60dB. The low-flow mode is quieter than the original Go Faucet, featuring a lower-pitched, less intrusive drone. Despite this improvement, the faucet’s operation might still be too noisy for discreet nighttime use in close quarters, though its bright LED light can assist in low-light conditions.
The Recon 360 Faucet’s base now offers 360-degree rotation, enhancing placement flexibility. This feature is beneficial for preventing the stiff, crimp-resistant water hose (included with both Dometic models) from causing the lightweight faucet to shift or twist, which could lead to spills.
Charging has been updated from Micro USB to a more modern USB-C connector. The battery maintains a capacity sufficient for approximately 150 liters (about 40 gallons) of water. A new 4-stage LED meter on the faucet’s top clearly indicates the remaining charge.
This faucet is slightly more compact but heavier than the Go model. It includes metal pucks that can be attached to surfaces like countertops or water jugs, providing a magnetic base for the faucet. The new magnet’s strength is approximately double that of the previous model, offering improved stability, especially when traveling on uneven terrain. The durability of the Recon 360 Faucet is expected to match or exceed its predecessor, which has proven resilient despite accidental impacts.
The water hose clicks into the Dometic Go Jug (shown here), Dometic’s new Recon Hardside Coolers, and even generic jerry cans that use universal CPC couplers.
The primary consideration is the price difference: the Recon 360 Faucet is priced at $149.99, while the Go Faucet remains available at $99.99. While the Go Faucet is a capable device, the Recon 360 addresses numerous minor issues, potentially justifying its higher cost. Although more affordable, less functional alternatives exist, Dometic’s durable and feature-rich faucets are a worthwhile investment for those requiring regular portable water access.
