Automatic vs. Manual Wall-Mount Hose Reels: RW-22 vs. RW-20

A wall-mounted hose reel keeps the hose off the ground and gives it a permanent storage location near the water supply. The bigger decision is how the hose should return to the reel after each use.

An automatic retractable reel uses an internal spring mechanism to rewind the hose while the user guides it. A manual reel uses a crank, giving the user direct control over winding speed and hose placement.

The RELHOST RW-22 Dark Grey 115 ft reel and the RELHOST RW-20 aluminum-frame reel represent these two approaches. Both are wall-mounted, but they suit different priorities.

Quick Comparison

Choose the RW-22 When Automatic Rewinding Is the Priority

The Dark Grey RW-22 includes a 115 ft × 5/8 in reinforced PVC hose and a 6.5 ft leader hose. Pull out the length needed, stop when the hose locks, and use a short pull to release the reel for retraction.

The automatic mechanism reduces the physical work of winding a long hose by hand. However, automatic does not mean unattended. Always hold and guide the hose until it has fully retracted. Releasing the hose during retraction can allow it to move too quickly and create a safety risk.

The reel mounts on a 180° metal swivel bracket, allowing it to follow the user toward different areas of the yard. The quick-release design also allows the reel to be removed from the bracket for seasonal storage.

Choose the RW-22 when you want the hose included with the reel, fast cleanup is a priority, a 115 ft hose provides the right reach, and you want the reel to swivel toward different working directions.

View the RELHOST RW-22 Dark Grey 115 ft Retractable Hose Reel

Choose the RW-20 When You Prefer a Manual Crank

The RW-20 uses an aluminum frame and a manual crank. Instead of relying on a spring-driven retracting mechanism, the user controls the winding speed and guides the hose onto the reel.

It is available in two configurations:

• MAX 135FT: Holds up to 135 ft of standard 5/8 in garden hose; garden hose is not included.
• With 100FT Hose: Includes a 100 ft hose.

A leader hose is included to connect the reel to the outdoor water supply. The reel mounts to a wall using a rail-and-clip system. For winter storage, turn off the water, disconnect and drain the hoses, release the lower clips, and lift the reel from the mounting rail.

Choose the RW-20 when you prefer a straightforward manual crank, want direct control over winding speed, already own a compatible hose or want to select one separately, or need capacity for up to 135 ft of standard 5/8 in hose.

View the RELHOST RW-20 Manual Wall-Mount Hose Reel

Automatic Retraction vs. Manual Crank

RW-22 automatic retraction

After watering, a short pull releases the locking mechanism. The reel then winds the hose back while the user keeps hold of it and guides it toward the housing.

Automatic retraction offers less manual winding effort, faster cleanup, an integrated reel-and-hose system, and enclosed storage. The hose must still be controlled throughout retraction, and the included 115 ft × 5/8 in hose determines the working configuration.

RW-20 manual crank

The user turns the crank and guides the hose evenly across the reel. The process requires more physical input, but the user controls the speed from start to finish.

The manual design provides direct control, a choice between a no-hose capacity version and a 100 ft hose version, and up to 135 ft × 5/8 in capacity on the MAX 135FT configuration.

Hose Included or Selected Separately?

The RW-22 comes as a complete 115 ft × 5/8 in hose-and-reel system. This is convenient for buyers who want a matched setup without choosing a separate garden hose.

The RW-20 offers more configuration flexibility. The MAX 135FT version is sold without a garden hose and allows the owner to use a compatible 5/8 in hose up to the reel’s stated capacity. A separate variant includes a 100 ft hose.

Actual capacity can vary with the hose’s construction and thickness. Do not force more hose onto the reel than it can wind evenly.

Mounting and Seasonal Removal

Both products require a structurally suitable wall and careful installation. Before drilling, check for electrical wiring and plumbing, use the correct hardware for the wall type, and confirm the mount is level and secure before pressurizing the system.

• RW-22: Uses a 180° swivel wall bracket and can be removed from the bracket for storage.
• RW-20: Uses a mounting rail secured by lower clips; the reel can be lifted from the rail after the hoses are disconnected.

Follow the correct product manual rather than using the drilling instructions from one model on the other. Their hardware and mounting procedures are not interchangeable.

Which Reel Fits Different Homeowners?

Frequent watering and faster cleanup: Choose the RW-22. Automatic retraction reduces the effort required after every watering session.

Direct control and simple manual operation: Choose the RW-20. The crank lets the user decide exactly how quickly the hose winds onto the reel.

A ready-to-use long hose system: Choose the RW-22 if the included 115 ft × 5/8 in hose matches the property.

Reusing an existing hose: Choose the RW-20 MAX 135FT configuration if you already have a compatible hose.

Directional movement around the yard: The RW-22’s 180° swivel bracket is useful when the hose needs to move toward different sections of a yard or driveway.

Winter Storage and Care

1. Turn off the outdoor water supply.
2. Release pressure from the hose.
3. Disconnect the leader hose from the spigot.
4. Drain water completely from the hose and reel.
5. Remove the reel from its mounting bracket or rail.
6. Store it indoors in a dry location.

Trapped water can freeze and damage the hose, reel, or connected plumbing. Seasonal draining and indoor storage matter for both automatic and manual models.

Final Decision

Choose the Dark Grey RW-22 if you want a complete 115 ft × 5/8 in system, automatic retraction, and a 180° swivel bracket.

Choose the RW-20 if you prefer a manual crank, want direct control over rewinding, or need the flexibility to select a compatible hose separately.

The better reel is the one whose rewinding method, hose configuration, mounting system, and storage routine fit the way you actually use the yard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the RW-22 and RW-20?

The RW-22 uses controlled automatic retraction and includes a 115 ft × 5/8 in hose. The RW-20 uses a manual crank and is available either without a garden hose or with a 100 ft hose.

Does the Dark Grey RW-22 include the garden hose?

Yes. It includes a 115 ft × 5/8 in hose and a 6.5 ft leader hose.

Does the RW-20 include a garden hose?

It depends on the selected variant. The MAX 135FT version does not include a garden hose. A separate variant includes a 100 ft hose. A leader hose is included.

Which reel holds more hose?

The RW-22 comes with a 115 ft × 5/8 in hose. The RW-20 MAX 135FT version can hold up to 135 ft of standard 5/8 in hose, although actual capacity can vary with hose thickness and construction.

Do both reels mount to a wall?

Yes. The RW-22 uses a 180° swivel bracket. The RW-20 uses a mounting rail and lower locking clips.

Is automatic retraction completely hands-free?

No. Always hold and guide the RW-22 hose throughout retraction. Never release the hose while it is returning to the reel.