So you’ve found yourself on this page because the water pump in your RV is either broken or in need of an update.
(I’m a genius!)
We would want for you to take a shower, therefore we ask that you kindly replace it.
Heh.
When you are not connected to a water supply from the city, an RV water pump may be used to pressurize the water pipes inside of your trailer.
This is likely something that you are already familiar with.
The water pump in the travel trailer or motorhome transfers potable water from the freshwater holding tank to the RV toilet, as well as any faucet or shower in the recreational vehicle.
It maintains the flow of water through the RV’s plumbing system so that you may get water whenever you need it while you are camping.
There will come a time when your camper’s fresh water pump either has to be replaced or you decide to change it to a better performance model that gives greater water volume to your faucets.
Both of these scenarios are unavoidable.
So, what exactly is the most suitable RV water pump for your requirements?
The next section will provide you with evaluations of RV water pumps for three distinct types of application.
With the following paragraphs, you will find information that will assist you in installing a 12v RV water pump.
Fresh Water Provisioning for RVs
One component of the fresh water system in your RV is a water pump that operates on 12 volts.
You may read our Guide to RV Fresh Water Systems if you are interested in finding out more about the water systems that are available for campers.
In this section, you will discover how to get water into your unit, where to get water that is safe to drink, and how to take care of your plumbing system.
RV Water Pump Evaluations and Reviews
There are many brands available to pick from if you are searching for a water pump that operates on 12 volts for use while camping.
The majority manufacture 12v water pumps primarily for the recreational vehicle and marine industries respectively.
The vast majority of camper water pumps function in much the same manner; they are either constant speed pumps or they are completely turned off.
There are a few RV fresh water pumps available that are variable speed, which allows for a quieter operation (less pump cycling or “hammering” of the water pipes) and a steady supply of H2O.
These pumps are on the pricier end of the spectrum (no pulsing).
SHURFLO (Pentair) and Aquajet are two examples of brands that dominate the market for recreational vehicles (RVs), respectively (Remco).
Both of the manufacturers produce units of a high quality and have a high degree of dependability; however, the lifetime of the water pump may be affected by how the camper maker installs the pump.
There are other brands that focus more on the maritime industry (SEAFLO).
Continue on to read the evaluations of RV water pumps, as well as our recommendations for what we believe to be the top products in each category.
Best RV Water Pump
Pentair SHURFLO Pump 4008
Pros
- The highest rate of water flow is 3 GPM.
- Self-starting and able to function without additional liquid
- The pump is turned off at a pressure of 55 PSI.
- 7.5 amps maximum power draw
- Built-in check valve
- Direct replacement for a variety of RV pumps already in use
Cons
- Constant speed, which means the pump is either on or off, resulting in louder operation.
The Shurflo Revolution 4008 is the standard pump with a flow rate of 3.0 gallons per minute (GPM), and it is used pretty much everywhere.
It is inexpensive, dependable (of excellent quality), and performs a decent job of pressurizing an RV water system when you are not connected to city water.
All of these characteristics make it an attractive option.
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Best Camper Water Pump – High Volume
Pentair SHURFLO 4048
Pros
- A maximum of 4.0 GPM in terms of water flow rate
- Self-starting and able to function without additional liquid
- The pump is turned off at a pressure of 55 PSI.
- 10 amps maximum power draw
- Built-in check valve
- Use multiple faucets at one time
Cons
- Constant speed, which means the pump is either on or off, resulting in louder operation.
- It’s possible that your water pump’s power circuit has to be upgraded so that it can take a larger amperage.
The large volume, constant speed water pump manufactured by Pentair is known as the Shurflo 4048.
This 12v pump has a flow rate that is 33% greater than our top pick, the Shurflo 4008.
Its output is 4.0 gallons per minute (GPM), and it operates at a voltage of 12 volts.
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Best Camper Water Pump – High Volume
Pentair SHURFLO 4048
Pros
- 5.3 GPM as the highest possible water flow rate
- A smooth flow is provided by the variable speed.
- Self-starting and able to function without additional liquid
- Use multiple faucets at one time
- 10 amps maximum power draw
- Produced in the United States
Cons
- It’s possible that your water pump’s power circuit has to be upgraded so that it can take a larger amperage.
- The price is raised
RVs may benefit from having a variable speed water pump like the Remco Aquajet.
This pump has a high capacity, as measured by its production of 5.3 gallons per minute.
It is most effective when used in recreational vehicles (RVs) when you want to significantly cut down on the cycling of the water pump and where you want to maintain a consistent water pressure while operating your camper water pump.
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Purchasing A Brand-New Water Pump For An RV
When looking to purchase a new water pump for your recreational vehicle, what should you keep in mind?
Don’t simply go out and buy the first RV pump that you come across.
There are a few things that need your attention right now.
#1. Gallons Per Minute/GPM
It is important for you to be aware of the water output requirements that your RV’s pump must meet in terms of the number of gallons per minute.
Check the owner’s handbook that came with your RV for further information.
Avoid getting one that has an excessive amount of power.
Why? The larger and more effectively a pump operates, the greater the amount of power it will require from your batteries.
#2. PSI
It is essential for you to be aware of the water pressure (PSI: pounds per square inch) that is suggested for your vehicle.
This will allow you to get a 12-volt RV water pump that is capable of producing the required pressure.
Even yet, the most majority fall inside the so-called “safe” range of 60–75 pounds per square inch.
#3. Sizing
Take into consideration the mounting position of the 12v RV water pump that you now use.
When it comes to recreational vehicles (RVs), every inch of room is often put to good use.
This indicates that your pump is probably tucked away in a space that has very little spare room, if any at all.
It’s possible that you won’t be able to switch to a water pump with a higher capacity if your present installation is already rather constrained, since the new pump will be physically bigger.
When there is a limited amount of room, it might be difficult to install a new pump.
You may find the specs on the flow rate and the maximum water pressure in the owner’s handbook for your RV.
In the event that you are unable to locate the information, you should contact the RV manufacturer (let’s hope they are still in business!).
Accessories for Water Pumps for Campers
There are water pump attachments that can be purchased for motorhomes and travel trailers, and you should consider them essential (strainers).
Then there are several additional that you may use in the event that you want the water pump on your rig to be a little bit quieter.
#1. RV Water Pump Strainers
If grit, dirt, or any other foreign material were to get into the pump of your recreational vehicle, it might cause damage to the diaphragm (the pump mechanism).
It will wear down faster or develop catastrophic damage, and when that happens, your pump will no longer be able to pump water.
The following are examples of two standard filter strainers that were produced by Shurflo.
The first one has fixed fittings on both ends (NPSM threads), while the second one has a fixed fitting on the inlet side (NPSM threads), but it has a swivel nut fitting (NPT threads) on the outlet side.
Because it has a swivel nut fitting, threading the strainer even in confined spaces is much simpler.
Both strainers contain fine filter screens with a mesh size of 50 and housing that can be removed.
This method allows the displays to be cleaned without requiring the removal of the complete assembly.
The water pump’s input size is often used as a mounting point for these filter strainers.
NOTE: That the large volume water pump model Shurflo 4048 comes complete with its own strainer.
Strainer model 255-313 (255-213) made by Shurflo
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Strainer model 255-315 (222-215) made by Shurflo
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#2. Kit for the Silencing of RV Water Pumps
Let’s be honest here: there is no such thing as an RV water pump that operates in complete silence.
You will be able to hear it unless you have the good fortune to have your constant speed water pump buried a great distance away from you.
Even an RV water pump with various speeds will produce some amount of noise if it is not properly insulated from the living area of the RV.
This pump silencer kit comes with two bendable hoses that are designed to be inserted between the water pump and the plumbing system pipes in your RV.
Because the water lines on the rig are often stiff, adding a water line that is flexible has the tendency to lessen the transfer of vibrations from the pump to the plumbing system (which can cause rattling and other obnoxious noises).
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#3. Water Pump Accumulator
The majority of 12v RV water pumps operate at a steady pace.
This indicates that they are either turned on or turned off.
It’s either going to be top speed or nothing at all.
Pressure switches, which are able to detect the pressure in the lines of the water system, are the ones in charge of controlling the on/off state.
If you do not have your faucets or RV shower heads completely open, the RV fresh water pump will continuously cycle on and off, which may be quite bothersome.
Additionally, the on/off switch has a tendency to produce vibration, which in turn raises the total level of interior noise in your rig.
Installing an accumulator tank, also known as a pulsation eliminator, which has a water diaphragm inside of a pressure vessel is one strategy for lowering the frequency of this cycle.
You may think of the accumulator, which is located on the pressure side (output side) of your water pump, as a reserve tank since it builds up an excess of water there.
This eliminates the need for the pump to cycle as often, which enables the reserve H2O to be used.
This may lessen the cycling of the pump as well as spikes in the water pressure.
A reasonably priced 24-ounce Shurflo accumulator tank may be seen in the following image.
DO NOT: When working with a Remco Aquajet variable speed RV water pump, an accumulator tank is NOT permitted to be used.
It is not required, and doing so will actually interfere with the pump’s ability to function properly.
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#4. Installing A 12-Volt RV Water Pump
Water pumps for recreational vehicles like travel trailers and motorhomes aren’t too expensive, but replacing one may be a big pain in the neck.
It is not the procedure of installation itself that is so challenging.
In most cases, the problem is in the positioning of the dang thing.
In order to succeed in your work, you will often need to demonstrate a degree of adaptability.
The water pump for Marshall’s travel trailer is seen here.
Take a look at this jumble! You are unable to remove the material (ducting) that is in front of it.
At this point, Marshall has changed his pump a minimum of three times.
Take a look at this enormous mess.
This 12v water pump can only be accessed in this manner, since any other method would require removing the hot water heater.
The front black hose doesn’t have any give in it, which is a pain.
Before you get started, make sure the switch for your water pump is off.
The power from the RV battery is shut off as a result.
The next step is to open your faucets to reduce the pressure in the water pipes.
When you detach the plumbing fittings, water will flow out of the water hose, so have some towels nearby in case this happens.
It should go without saying, but you need to ensure sure the 12v RV water pump is installed properly by following the instructions that came with it.
If you adhere to the instructions and observe how the previous pump was set up, you will find that installation is a “piece of cake.”
Modifying the Settings on a Shurflo Water Pump
Because “playing” with the pressure changes on a Shurflo water pump may easily result in an excessive increase in the water pressure output of the pump, it is imperative that you refrain from making any modifications if you are unsure of what you are doing.
After the new pump has been installed, it is possible that it may cycle too often or at the wrong pressure.
It’s possible that the pressure switch and/or the bypass valve need to have their settings adjusted (though usually adjusting the pressure switch is all that is required).
If the pump turns on and off too often, an adjustment is required, and this is particularly true when a water fixture (faucet or shower) is opened all the way.
Please only carry it out if there is really no other option.
When making any alterations, you need to be cautious since it is simple to make too many changes at once, which might lead you into difficulty.
Adjustments should only be made if you are confident in your abilities; otherwise, you should defer to the judgment of professionals.
The full directions for adjusting the bypass valve and pressure switch settings have been taken directly from the Shurflo installation and operating manuals and are presented in their entirety here.
If you notice that your pump is turning on and off even while the faucets or the shower head on your RV are completely open, then the pressure switch is most likely the only component that requires a little adjustment.
If the [pressure] switch or the bypass are changed too much, it is possible for the shut-offs for the bypass and the [pressure] switch to overlap, which would result in THE PUMP NOT TURNING OFF.
By turning the screw on the pressure switch in the clockwise direction, the shut-off pressure may be increased.
By unscrewing the pressure switch screw in the counterclockwise direction, you may reduce the pressure at which the pump shuts off.
If you tighten the screw that controls the bypass, it will boost both the pressure at which the bypass begins and the pressure of the entire bypass.
By unscrewing the bypass screw in the counterclockwise direction, you may reduce the pressure at which the bypass begins as well as the pressure of the entire bypass.
WARNING: The pump will not turn off if the full bypass setting is reached before the shut-off setting for the pressure switch.
The pressure setting for the full bypass should be at least 10 PSI greater than the pressure at which the pump is turned off.
NOTE: In order to make these modifications, you will need a 5/64″ Allen wrench (also known as a hex key).
Conclusion
You will need a water pump if you travel in a recreational vehicle.
There will inevitably be periods of time during which you will not be located at a campsite or connected to a municipal water supply.
You will not be able to run ANY water of ANY kind in your rig unless you either have some kind of pump or a connection to municipal water.
Take for instance the scenario in which you make the decision to pull over at a rest area in order to feed your family.
There were no available amenities there.
To flush the toilet, wash the dishes, or wash your hands, you will without a doubt require a water pump that operates on 12 volts.
In addition, one of the most significant advantages of traveling in an RV is the ability to maintain one’s independence.
Having a camper water pump that is in good functioning order is helpful in making this feasible.
The purpose of RVing is to go out there and enjoy the scenery without being concerned about the pump in your RV.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or thoughts about the information that Marshall and Kelly have given for you, and if you have any questions or thoughts about the material, please remark below.
We do our best to respond to any inquiry that is both important and relevant.
(We ask that you read the previous comments because we will not respond to questions that have already been asked.)
I am appreciative of your reading!
