When you are out on a camping trip with your RV, the first and foremost thing to ensure is a fresh water supply connected to your RV’s plumbing system. For drinking, cooking, washing, showering, etc. you will need a steady flow of water. But what will you do when there are no water hookups near your preferred spot? In such situations, an RV water pump is needed to pump the water from your RV’s fresh water tank to the plumbing system.
Yes, you can do without an RV water pump. But even if there is enough water in your tank there won’t be enough pressure in the RV’s shower faucet or the plumbing system. But if you have an RV water pump connected to the system you will get pressurized water in every water outlet.
So, for your convenience, we reviewed the best RV water pump available on the market: the Remco Aquajet Power RV Series Water Pump. It has a variable speed technology that will detect the lack of pressure in your RV’s plumbing system and will automatically adjust the water pressure.
Unlike a conventional water pump, it has a 5-valve design that will thoroughly control the flow rate and the pressure of water. To save your RV’s valuable battery charge, it will automatically shut off at 75-85 PSI.
This 5-valve and 5-chamber design is very rare for a conventional RV water pump. We highly recommend installing this product on your RV’s plumbing system. You should also check out the other RV water pumps in our review, which also excel in performance compared to your typical RV water pumps.
Table Summary
Remco RV Water Pump Remco RV Water Pump Pentar Shurflo 4048 High Flow Pump Pentar Shurflo 4048 High Flow Pump Pentar Shurflo Revolution 4008 Series Pentar Shurflo Revolution 4008 Series USA Adventure Gear Progear RV Water Pump USA Adventure Gear Progear RV Water Pump Lippert Components 12V Flow Max Water Pump Lippert Components 12V Flow Max Water Pump Flojet Triplex Automatic Water System Pump Flojet Triplex Automatic Water System Pump SEAFLO 21 Series DC Diaphragm Pump SEAFLO 21 Series DC Diaphragm Pump SEAFLO 55 Series Diaphragm Pump SEAFLO 55 Series Diaphragm Pump
Best RV Water Pump – Product Reviews
For an RV water pump, there are many factors that determine the best product. So, we researched the different features, and the pros and cons of each RV water pump and constructed a review section covering the top eight RV water pumps. Check them out below, and select the appropriate RV water pump based on the provided technical information.
1.Remco Aquajet Power RV Series Water Pump
Remco Aquajet Power RV Series Water Pumpis our best overall RV water pump to install in your RV’s plumbing system. It has an exceptional five-valve design that exhibits a major improvement in the flow rate and pressure of water from the conventional RV water pumps. Unlike traditional RV water pumps that have a cut-off pressure of 55 PSI, the Aquajet RV pump has a greater value of 75-85 PSI for its innovative design.
The flow rate of the RV water pump is 3.5 gallons per minute, not too much or too little. Thus, you will get enough water for your daily necessities and won’t waste water. The greater cut-off pressure of 75-85 PSI is a great feature to have if your RVs plumbing system is sophisticated and there is a possibility of increased pressure.
Another unique and effective feature of this product is its variable speed motor. When you use a water faucet, the advanced circuit programmed in this pump calculates the required pressure and changes the internal motor speed to optimize the water flow as well as the power consumption. To eliminate the need for rapid cycling, the Aquajet RV water pump has a soft start feature.
Conventional RV water pumps have three or four chambers. But this pump has five chambers and five individual valves that greatly increase the flow rate and the operating pressure of the pump but maintains the same power draw. The pump is also thermally insulated and the max liquid temperature it can handle is about 140°F.
Although Aquajet RV water pump has a greater flow rate and pressure, it still runs substantially quieter than your average pump. We couldn’t find any disadvantages for this product. It is compatible with RVs of variable sizes. Though the performance may be a bit of overkill for a small RV or trailer.
Pros:
- Motor uses variable speed for efficient flow.
- 10-amps power draw under max. operating pressure.
- Can run dry.
- Can overcome pressure for multiple outlets operating at the same time.
Technical Specification:
- Flow rate: 3.5 GPM
- Auto turn-off pressure: 75-85 PSI
- Current: 10 amps
- Voltage: 12V
- Priming: Self-priming
- Weight: 6.43 pounds
2.Pentair Shurflo 4048 High Flow Pump
Shurflo is one of the leading companies that produce top-grade RV water pumps. They designed this water pump with advanced flow reaction technology, and it has a unique single-piece diaphragm that negates any turbulent flow of water. Shurflo labeled this RV water pump as a replacement for their 4900 and 5900 RV water pump series.
This RV water pump has 4 gallons per minute flow rate and a cut-off pressure of 55 PSI. As this pump has a high flow rate, you can easily install it on your large RV and you will get proper flow of water in multiple outlets. The product has a 10amp draw, so it’s not that power-hungry like high-end RV water pumps.
The pump uses reduced cycling to consume less power from the RV battery. It also can be self-priming up to six feet. Shurflo says their unique single-piece diaphragm design coupled with an internal bypass system maximizes the freshwater flow without consuming much power.
Another innovative feature of this RV water pump is that you can run it dry without damaging the motor. So, you don’t have to constantly monitor the water level in your freshwater tank. The pump will automatically turn off to save energy if there is enough water in the tank and you’ve already got a water pressure of 55 PSI.
There is also a built-in check valve that prevents backflow and increases the flow rate of water. If you own a large or mid-sized RV, you can easily install this water pump and experience steady flow of water without any pressure drop.
Pros:
- Can run dry.
- 4 GPM and 55 PSI cut-off pressure is enough for larger RVs.
- You can use multiple outlets simultaneously and there won’t be any pressure drop.
- Efficient for a high flow rate RV water pump.
Cons:
- May be a bit noisy.
Technical Specification:
- Flow rate: 4 GPM
- Auto turn-off pressure: 55 PSI
- Current: 10 amps
- Voltage: 12V
- Priming: Self-priming up to six feet
- Weight: 5 pounds
3.Pentair Shurflo Revolution 4008 Series
This is another amazing RV water pump manufactured by Shurflo. Unlike the Pentair Shurflo 4048 High Flow Pump, this pump produces less noise even if it is operating at maximum pressure. Shurflo also designed this pump with a unique one-piece diaphragm. It is also built with advanced flow reaction technology.
If you compare both the Shurflo RV water pumps, you will see that this has a lesser flow rate of 3 GPM. The cut-off pressure is exactly the same, 55 PSI. And it also has a lesser current rating of 7.5 amps. Thus, you don’t need any heavy-duty circuit installed in your RV to properly operate this RV water pump.
As this product has a lesser flow rate, it may not be suitable for larger RVs with multiple trailers. But for sacrificing this one GPM, you can get little to no noise while the pump is running. You can say that this is an upgrade from the 4048 high flow pump with quieter operation and lesser power draw.
All the other features are exactly the same as the 4048 high flow pump. It has reduced cycling, self-priming up to six feet, built-in check valve, and can also run dry. Both the Shurflo pumps have a long life and can be mounted in any position.
So, if you have a small or mid-sized RV and you get easily irritated by the noise produced by rotating motors in the pump then we highly recommend installing this product. Enjoy smooth water flow with hardly any noise.
Pros:
- Less power draw with 7.5 amps current rating.
- Quieter operation.
- Prevents backflow.
- Self-priming up to six vertical feet.
Cons:
- May not be compatible with larger RVs with multiple faucets.
Technical Specification:
- Flow rate: 3 GMP
- Auto turn-off pressure: 55 PSI
- Current: 7.5 amps
- Voltage: 12V
- Priming: Self-priming up to six feet
- Weight: 4.38 pounds
4.USA Adventure Gear Progear RV Water Pump
This RV water pump is also one of our best selections in the lower price range. It also has the highest operating pressure, making it the sturdiest and most durable RV water pump. The pump runs on 12 volts DC and it has a flow rate of 3.3 GPM. According to the manufacturer, this RV water pump is a great replacement for Shurflo 2008/4008 series, Lippert, Flojet, and Seaflo water pumps.
The USA Adventure Progear RV water pump has a self-priming ability of eight vertical feet. Typical RV water pumps produced by Shurflo, Flojet, and others can self-prime up to six feet. Thus, by using this Progear RV water pump you can get greater self-priming height without spending more money.
The turn-off pressure of this RV water pump is 55 PSI. It can also run dry without causing any damage to the motor. The maximum operating pressure of the pump is 150 PSI. The construction of the pump is a three-chamber diaphragm design, and for this kind of price, you won’t get any better water pumps than this.
The pump has an automatic turn off feature. When not in demand, the pump will turn off and won’t consume the RV’s battery charge. There is a built-in check valve with the inlet and outlet ports. All the heavy-duty components have great durability and the pump is assembled in the USA.
If you want an RV water pump that is not that costly and has amazing features, then this is the perfect product for you. Although this is not the cheapest pump in our article, it has superior features considering its price.
Pros:
- 1-year replacement warranty.
- 3-chamber diaphragm design.
- 8 feet priming capability.
- The pump is CE approved and CSA certified.
Cons:
- Pump produces some noise.
Technical Specification:
- Flow rate: 3.3 GPM
- Auto turn-off pressure: 55 PSI
- Current: Not mentioned
- Voltage: 12V
- Priming: self-priming up to 8 feet
- Weight: 4.74 pounds
5.Lippert Components 12V Flow Max Water Pump
This is one of the best RV water pumps in the low price range. Though this product is not the lowest priced RV water pump included in our article, this is the most affordable pump for a medium-sized RV. The pump has an average pressure rating of 50 PSI and will provide 3 gallons per minute at maximum operating pressure.
The manufacturer, Lippert Components, constructed this RV water pump with a superior structure and durable motor. The motor is made out of corrosion-resistant, heavy-duty material that can also run dry without inflicting any internal damage to the valuable components. The housing is also freeze-tested and this pump passed the test with five two-hour cycles. Normal pumps usually fail at the first cycle.
This RV water pump will use a 12V DC source and has a maximum current draw of 9.5 amps. The efficiency of the product varies – if you run the pump in low pressure, it will be more efficient, and at maximum operating pressure, the 9.5 amps current draw will quickly drain your battery.
With the packaging of the product, you will get two connectors and one screen filter. The screen filter is added to prevent dirt and other harmful contaminants from entering the internal chamber of the pump. The connectors are both for the inlet and outlet ports, and they can be connected to flexible, high-pressure hoses.
Overall, this RV water pump is an affordable selection for medium-sized RV and trailers. You can get a smooth flow from the freshwater tank with quiet operation and disturbance free run.
Pros:
- Quiet operation.
- Can run dry.
- Freeze tested up to five cycles.
- Has superior pressure performance.
Cons:
- Has a higher current draw.
Technical Specification:
- Flow rate: 3 GPM
- Auto turn-off pressure: 50 PSI
- Current: 9.5 amps
- Voltage: 12V
- Priming: Self-priming
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
6.Flojet Triplex Automatic Water System Pump
Every pump in our article is self-priming and has a vertical suction lift around six feet. This Flojet RV water pump is also self-priming but has an increased lift of nine feet, the highest self-priming height in our article. So, you don’t have to be selective about placing the pump vertically close to your freshwater tank. It has a greater suction ability and will properly supply water even for a raised faucet.
The pump has a flow rate of 2.9 gallons per minute. It also has a pressure switch-off at 50 PSI. If we compare our other products with this RV water pump, we can see that it has a lower flow rate. But it also has a lower current draw of 7.5 amps. Thus, you will get slower battery drainage.
This pump is also equipped with dry running technology. Its 3-chamber design will ensure smooth and quiet flow of water for multiple faucets. There are also noise absorbing mounts and a built-in bypass valve assembled with the product. These features will ensure vibration-free operation and will significantly increase the pump’s life.
There is also no need for an additional accumulation tank. The only downside of this feature is the pump will overheat if it operated for a longer period of time. But it has an auto-shutoff feature to prevent overheating. Thus, you may not get a continuous flow of water.
The package includes snap-in port fittings to securely connect the hoses to the inlet and outlet ports and to make the installation easier. It is also relatively affordable and is ideal for small and medium-sized RVs.
Pros:
- Self-priming capability up to nine feet.
- Noise absorbing mounts.
- Included snap-in port fittings.
- Less pulsation is incurred by the built-in bypass valve.
Cons:
- May not be able to run continuously.
Technical Specification:
- Flow rate: 2.9 GPM
- Auto turn-off pressure: 50 PSI
- Current: 7.5 amps
- Voltage: 12V
- Priming: self-priming up to 9 feet
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
7.SEAFLO 21 Series DC Diaphragm Pump
The SEAFLO RV Water Pump is our budget selection and it is perfect for smaller RVs. You won’t require any high-end, high flow rate pump for your small RV. They usually tend to draw more current and drain the battery at a swift pace. If you install that kind of RV water pump, the electrical system of your small-sized RV may not be able to handle the power requirement.
Thus, this RV water pump is purposely manufactured to have a lower current draw. Averaged at 1.7 amps, the peak current draw can be around 2.7 amps. For the lower current draw, it also has a low flow rate of 1.2 GPM. So, this is not compatible with medium and large-sized RVs but is perfect for smaller RVs.
This RV water pump is also compact in design. There are rubber pads connected to the mounts that dampen the vibration and reduce the noise. The manufacturer says that the pump won’t run any noisier than your ceiling fan.
You can use multiple fittings to securely connect the hoses in the inlet and outlet ports. The chamber of the pump has additional thermal and ignition protection. It is a very safe and durable RV water pump to install on your RV.
The pump also has a low cut-off pressure of 35 PSI. So, it may not be able to provide smooth flow of water for simultaneous use of multiple faucets. You can say that this pump is the least powerful selection in our article. But priced at just thirty dollars, this pump is a bang for your buck for smaller RV owners.
Pros:
- Most affordable RV water pump.
- Lowest current rating.
- Needs less power.
- Ideal for smaller RV.
Cons:
- Not suitable for medium and larger RVs.
Technical Specification:
- Flow rate: 1.2 GPM
- Auto turn-off pressure: 35 PSI
- Current: 2.7 amps
- Voltage: 12V
- Priming: self-priming
- Weight: 1.51 pounds
8.SEAFLO 55-Series Diaphragm Pump
Our last and most powerful RV water pump, the SEAFLO 55-Series Diaphragm Pump, has the highest flow rate of 5.5 gallons per minute. It also has the highest current draw. But for such high ratings, it is still in the affordable price range.
Such a high flow rate may be excessive for smaller and medium-sized RVs. Also, the electrical system may fry if the wires are not capable of maximum current flow of 17 amps. Thus, this is a perfect pump for a multiple trailer system that has many faucets and a big freshwater tank. The average current draw of this pump is 8 amps. So, it is very effective for larger RVs considering that the maximum operating current is not employed for a long period.
The cut-off pressure is 60 PSI. The pressure switch is accurate and there won’t be any pressure drop for numerous faucets running simultaneously. It is also equipped with a built-in bypass valve to prevent backflow and has a five-chamber design for efficient and smooth flow. The five-chamber design requires less cycling but provides high flow rate.
For such a high-powered RV water pump, the construction of this product also has to be top-notch. The chambers of the pump are fully insulated for thermal protection and ignition protection. The manufacturer also includes a 4-year warranty with the pump and will provide replacement for faulty components.
Though this pump is a power-hungry device, it still is very efficient for such a high flow rate. The pressure check switch will automatically turn on and off detecting the requirement for faucet pressure. We suggest you go all out and buy this powerful RV water pump if you are the proud owner of a large-sized RV.
Pros:
- Highest flow rate.
- Perfect for large RVs.
- Has five-chamber design.
- Made out of premium components.
Cons:
- Noisier operation.
Technical Specification:
- Flow rate: 5.5 GPM
- Auto turn-off pressure: 60 PSI
- Current: 17 amps
- Voltage: 12V
- Priming: Self-priming up to six feet
- Weight: 6.1 pounds
Best RV Water Pump – Buyer’s Guide
Depending on the RV size, the electrical system’s current rating, and your budget, some pumps are more appropriate to install than the others. Our best pick RV water pump is suitable for all types of RVs in general. But you may find other products more to your liking depending on the features they provide. In this section, we will help you choose the perfect RV water pump for your RV by comparing each of its features.
Price
The price of an RV water pump primarily varies due to the brand names. Shurflo and Aquajet pumps typically have a higher price as they are said to be built with top-notch components. These high-end RV water pumps are priced over $100. But you can also get better performance from pumps under $100.
The price also changes depending on the performance. Conventional RV water pumps are designed with three chambers. But for better performance and reduced cycling, you can get an innovative five-chamber design by spending a little more on options like the Remco Aquajet Power RV Series Water Pump and SEAFLO 55-Series Diaphragm Pump.
Also, your RV’s size affects the price you will need to pay. Larger RVs require more powerful pumps. To get the best product you will have to go big or go home. It is advised to spend a bit more and buy the best of the best RV water pumps.
Design
The construction and design of an RV water pump is an important consideration to get smooth water flow and a long-lasting product. The build of the pump can also significantly muffle the noise generated by the motor.
Diaphragm pumps have a conventional design and they usually cost less than their competitors. The three-chamber design has a better performance. They have an average cut-off pressure of 55 PSI and enough flow rate for a medium-sized RV. High-performance ones include a five-chamber design for increased performance.
We also have a special RV water pump, the Aquajet RV water pump, which incorporates variable motor speed for superior performance and efficiency. It is also our best overall selection.
Noise Generation
An RV water pump is a piece of machinery, and as such it is prone to generating noise. But the noise may vary depending upon the construction and design of the product.
To dampen the noise, some RV water pumps add rubber mounts to suppress the vibration generated and hence the noise. Some products like the Pentair Shurflo Revolution Series are specially built just to operate with less noise. But for an RV water pump to run at lower noise, the flow rate and pressure have to be compromised.
Though the noise generated by pumps may be intolerable for a certain number of people, pumps don’t require to be operated at their maximum performance. The pump operating on average pressure and power always produces less noise than if full power is utilized.
GPM
The abbreviation GPM stands for gallons per minute. It describes the flow rate, i.e. the amount of water in gallons that can be pumped per minute. For the best RV water pumps, higher GPM means higher performance. With a high GPM rating, you can use multiple faucets simultaneously. We reviewed in our article the SEAFLO 55-Series Diaphragm Pump, which has the highest flow rate of 5.5 GPM.
For larger RVs, you surely require higher GPM pumps. We recommend going for our highest flow rate product if your RV is big. For smaller RVs you can use one with a low GPM value, like the SEAFLO 21 Series DC Diaphragm Pump with a flow rate of 1.2 GPM.
PSI
The pressure rating is as important as the GPM rating. The pressure of a pump determines if water flow has a smooth supply. The average operating pressure of a pump ranges between 45-55 PSI. Max operating pressure usually goes over 100 PSI. But it is recommended to run a pump on average pressure to prevent battery drain. It is also enough for your daily necessities in an RV.
The cut-off pressure switch of a pump detects the pressure at the outlet. And if enough pressure is present already, there is no need to use the pump. At that time the pump automatically turns off and saves power.
Priming
Always check if your selected RV water pump has a self-priming capability. Manual priming is a tedious and repetitive process. Thus, our reviewed RV water pumps all have self-priming capabilities. The suction lift of the pump indicates how high you can set up the pump over the water level.
So, for a deeper water tank, we recommend you choose our highest suction lift product, the Flojet Triplex Automatic Water System Pump. Otherwise, the pump may not be powerful enough to completely pump out all the water from the tank.
Power Requirement
Different RV water pumps have different current ratings. All the products reviewed in our article use 12V sources. So depending on the current, the power requirement also varies. The current rating mentioned in the technical information for each product is the maximum operating current. On average, the current draw and power are much lower. It fully depends on your water pressure requirements.
For higher current rated RV water pumps you will need a better electrical system and fuse installed in your RV. They are also power-hungry, thus you will need a larger battery source.
Additional Features
RV water pumps have additional features to further boost the performance and efficiency. Bypass valves that prevent backflow, dry running capabilities, and pressure switches are great features to ensure safe and superior operation.
Final Verdict
An RV water pump is a necessary device to have to ensure a consistent supply of water in your RV’s plumbing system at all times. Without one, the plumbing system may experience low pressure or complete loss of waterflow just when you need it for showering, cooking, etc. Even if you want to upgrade your water pump, you can gain insight from our reviews and select the best replacement model by comparing the features. We can assure you that you will be able to find the best RV water pump just from our top quality reviews.