If you have a failing or loud water pump RV unit, showering, flushing the toilet, or washing dishes while traveling or staying at campgrounds without a city water connection can be challenging.
Filling your freshwater tank is useless if you can’t use the RV pump PSI to push the water from your holding tank to your taps and toilet and enjoy a flow with sufficient water pressure for your needs.
However, shopping for an RV water pump replacement can get confusing with so many models on the market. So, we put together the best 12-volt water pressure pump options below, with a full review to help you quickly compare and buy the right model for your travel trailer or motorhome.
How an RV Water Pump Works
An RV fresh water pump pulls water from your storage tank and pushes it through your plumbing system, so you have water at your toilet, sinks, and shower.
The pump creates the pressure necessary for a good flow of water, but different pumps have PSI ratings that vary, so it’s essential to get one that meets your needs.
When you don’t have a connection to a city water line, you turn on the RV water pump switch, which activates the unit so you can use the water you store in your freshwater holding tank.
What Is An RV Water Pump? (Video)
Features to Look for When Buying an RV Water Pump
While any water pump for camp use will allow you to use your RV when you don’t have city water available, you’ll want to look at the following features to ensure it’s suitable for your camping style:
GPM (Gallons Per Minute) of Water Flow
Most RV water pumps have a rating of one to four gallons per minute of flow. The larger your RV and the more taps you may use at the same time, the higher you want the GPM to be.
A pump with a rating under 1 GPM will provide a weak trickle of water, while a pump over 4 GPM may overwhelm your RV’s plumbing system or just run out of your freshwater holding tank too quickly.
If you’re replacing an existing pump, look at the label to find the GPM rating and buy a comparable model unless you’re looking to increase or decrease the flow.
PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch)
The PSI of an RV water pump should range between 50 and 75, which is a safe level for most recreational vehicle plumbing systems and is on par with city or campground water pressure.
Going too high on PSI will give you firm water pressure for showering or washing dishes, but it can easily blow out pipe fittings. For this reason, stick to the recommendation found in your RV owner’s manual or match the current pump’s PSI rating.
Noise Level
The noise level of a running water pump can affect the comfort of camper occupants, so finding a quiet RV water pump is smart.
However, if you need a more powerful water pump to handle the needs of your big fifth wheel or motorhome, you can use noise-reducing rubber pads or covers during installation to help buffer the sound.
Size
Most RV water pumps are similar in size, but the more capacity or power a pump provides, the bigger it will be.
Most recreational vehicle manufacturers place the water pump on the floor near the fresh water tank and have wiring, pipes, or other appliances nearby, limiting your space when installing a replacement.
Measure the open area where you plan to install a new RV water pump so you don’t buy a unit that is too tall, long, or wide to fit.
Energy Efficiency
Most people use their RV batteries to power their water pump, such as when boondocking, on travel days, or when staying at campgrounds without hookups. Therefore, purchasing an energy-efficient RV pump that can run on less wattage will help conserve your battery power during a trip.
Most water pumps for RVs run off 12-volt power, but there are some 110-volt RV water pump options if you have an inverter or a generator to power your camper when you can’t plug in.
No matter what type of water pump you purchase, finding a unit that uses the least energy to operate so you can use your other RV appliances and lights is best.
The 7 Best RV Water Pumps For Replacement
Here are our top picks for 7 RV water pumps that deliver a reliable water flow, with details on the features that make them a great choice for replacement.
1. Lippert Flow Max Water Pump
- PREMIUM PRESSURE - Flow Max averages 50 PSI with an average of over 3.0…
- DURABILITY - Designed with a heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant motor
- COMPATIBILITY - Choose from a 12V or 115V configuration depending on your…
- BLOCKS DEBRIS-The included Flow Max screen prevents debris from entering the…
- REDUCES DAMAGE- The Flow Max water pump can run dry without incurring damage…
GPM: 3.0
PSI: 50
Voltage/Energy Use: 12V or 115V – 9.5 max amperage draw
Size: 10.5 x 6 x 5.5 inches
The Lippert Components Flow Max Water Pump is an affordable yet high-quality, self-priming pump with safety certifications from NSF, ANSI, and CSA.
The design features three chambers to ensure a smooth water flow while reducing vibration and noise. In addition, the motor is reliable, resists rust or corrosion, and can withstand freezes and thaws without cracking the housing.
The pump automatically runs when you open a tap, and the unit can withstand dry operation without damaging the motor if your holding tank water runs out. Because you can configure the power to run on 12V or 115V, it is a great portable water pump for camping.
The average 3.3 GPM flow rate and 45-50 PSI are ideal for small and mid-size recreational vehicles.
BEST FEATURES:
- Easy to install
- Filter screen to keep debris out of the pump
- Noise-reducing mounts
- Run dry protection
Lippert Flow Max Water Pump (Video)
2. Flojet RV Water Pump 03526-144A
- 12V DC – You can NOT Plug this into the wall of your house as that is…
- 4.4 Amp Draw @ 10 PSI
- 2.9 Flow GPM – Self Priming
- 50 Pressure Switch Max PSI
- This item is brand new. We buy them buy the cases. So we rebox and they do have…
GPM: 2.9
PSI: 50
Voltage/Energy Use: 12V – 7.5 max amperage draw
Size: 9 x 4 x 4 inches
The Flojet RV water pump 03526-144A is a great choice of the 7 for replacement if you want a quiet water pump for RV use.
The pump has nine feet of vertical lift suction to self-prime efficiently, even with low water flow. In addition, the three chambers have vibration suppression to lower noise during operation, with soft-mount feet to enhance quietness further.
The motor can run safely in wet and dry states, so you don’t have to stress about failures if your freshwater supply runs out.
Installation is straightforward, with snap-in fittings included in the package, but we suggest you upgrade to more durable fittings than the plastic ones they supply.
BEST FEATURES:
- Easy to install
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Noise-reducing mounts
- Run dry protection
- Built-in bypass for less pulsation
Flojet RV Water Pump 03526-144A (Video)
3. Shurflo 4008-101-A65 RV Water Pump
GPM: 3.0
PSI: 55
Voltage/Energy Use: 12V – 7.5 max amperage draw
Size: 4.9 x 8.1 x 4.38 inches
The Shurflo 4008-101-A65 model is perfect when you want an affordable unit with a bit more water pressure for showering in your RV.
We find the flow rate sufficient when more than one tap is open simultaneously, although it does run a bit noisier than similar RV pumps. We also like that you can mount the self-priming unit vertically or horizontally without impacting performance.
The design features a one-piece diaphragm with an internal bypass that keeps cycling to a minimum yet provides excellent flow. In addition, the construction and materials are durable and will deliver years of maintenance-free operation.
BEST FEATURES:
- Vertical or horizontal installation
- Automatic low-pressure shut off at 45 PSI
- Compact and lightweight
- Thermally protected if runs dry
- Internal bypass for low cycling
- Check valve to prevent backflow
Shurflo 4008-101-A65 RV Water Pump (Video)
4. DC HOUSE 42-Series Upgrade Water Pump
- [Specifications]: 12V DC electric diaphragm water pump, 5.0 GPM flow capacity, 7…
- [Performance]: Self-Priming up to 9.8 vertical feet
- [Pressure setting]: Built-in adjustable pressure switch, the range is from 40…
- [Feature]: Easy to install and Quiet
- [Service]: 4-year Warranty, if you have any questions, please feel free to…
GPM: 5.0
PSI: 55
Voltage/Energy Use: 110V – 1.5 max amperage draw
Size: 9.3 x 5.1 x 4.5 inches
The DC HOUSE 42-Series 110-volt RV water pump is the solution for those who want to plug in their unit or have the flexibility to use it as a portable water pump for camping to hook up an outdoor shower or dishwashing station.
The flow rate of the DC House is impressive, with five gallons per minute to handle the needs of large motorhomes, travel trailers, or fifth wheels with multiple taps. The extra PSI boost also delivers a higher-quality stream to rinse away soap or dirt.
With the safety auto shut-off if overheating occurs and self-priming, whisper-quiet operation, this robust pump is well worth checking out. This pump even offers an adjustable pressure range from 17-60 PSI.
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BEST FEATURES:
- Higher water flow
- Self-priming to 9.8 feet
- Quiet operation
- Run dry protection
- Adjustable PSI setting
- Auto start/stop pressure switch
5. Bayite 12V DC Freshwater RV Pump
- The patented design delivers smooth & consistent flow at all ranges of…
- Inlet and Outlet: 3/8-inch hose barb ports. Vertical Suction Lift: 6.6ft (2m)….
- The pump body is sealed to prevent incidental moisture and dust from entering….
- Sealed switches and electro coating to inhibit corrosion. Soft rubber mounting…
- The pump in combination with a low backpressure water system can exceed all…
GPM: 1.2
PSI: 80 max
Voltage/Energy Use: 12V – 5.0 max amperage draw
Size: 6.5 x 4 x 3.5 inches
If you have a small RV or are on a tight budget, the compact Bayite 12V Fresh Water Pump should fit the bill. While the GPM rate is lower than other models, the performance is outstanding at this price point.
The pump features an adjustable PSI between 40 and 80, with automatic safety shut-off if it exceeds this number. The unit self-primes and has a vertical lift of 6.4 feet so that you can easily use it for outdoor camp shower setups.
The build is durable, so you should expect years of use without failure. Many RVers with teardrops or pop-up campers without a plumbed sink find this pump an ideal DIY solution for washing up using a 5-gallon bucket of clean water.
BEST FEATURES:
- Adjustable PSI setting
- Very small and easy to install
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Overheating and excessive pressure shut-off
6. Amarine Made 12V Diaphragm Water Pump
- RV Water Pump: Boat water pressure pumps are specially designed for a wide range…
- Pressure Switch: 12v water pump is powered by a built-in 35 PSI pressure switch…
- Water Flow Rate: Get a water flow rate of 1.1 gallons per minute (4.2 Litres per…
- Self-Priming: Its self-priming feature lets rv water pump 12v be installed above…
- Easy to Use and Install: Safety is ensured with the built-in thermal protector,…
GPM: 5.5
PSI: 60
Voltage/Energy Use: 12V – 17 max/8.0 running amperage draw
Size: 12.05 x 7.05 x 6.61 inches
The Amarine Made 12V Pump is another great option for RVers looking for more PSI and GPM to upgrade their camping experience.
We like how well this self-priming pump smoothly delivers water under low voltage, with ample PSI to really clean your body or dishes. The rubber mount helps reduce vibration and noise, and the design includes a dry run capacity to prevent motor damage.
A built-in pressure switch will automatically turn off the pump at 35 PSI and restart it when it reaches a safe operational level. The seals of the entire unit are tight to prevent leaks or the incursion of dust or moisture that could damage the motor so that it will perform flawlessly for years.
BEST FEATURES:
- Adjustable PSI (10-60)
- Comes with an inlet strainer to clear away large particles
- Very quiet operation
- Superior build with corrosion-resistant materials
- Excessive pressure shut-off
- Adjustable water flow rate 0.8-5.5
7. Seaflo Self-Priming Water Pump
- (1)Diaphragm Pump,(1) set of instructions,(2) 1/2″ barbed hose adaptors,(1) 50…
- 3.0 Gallons Per Minute capacity flow, and 45 PSI pressure setting
- Self priming, smooth, silent operation and can run dry without damage
- Voltage: 12 VDC Dimensions: 7.84″ X 5.00″ X 4.62″ Amps: 3.0 (6.0 Max. Amps)
- 4-Year Warranty
GPM: 3.0
PSI: 55
Voltage/Energy Use: 12V – 7.0 max amperage draw
Size: 7.97 x 4.92 x 4.37 inches
The Seaflo 42 Series Self-Priming Pump is a fantastic RV or marine water pump of the 7 with enough water flow and PSI for most camping or outdoor applications and is perfect for replacement.
The kit comes complete for quick installation with an easy-to-clean inlet filter, hose adapters, and simple instructions. The unit comes with PSI pre-set at 45 but is adjustable between 35 and 55 to suit your needs.
The unit is energy-efficient and only kicks on the motor when you open a tap. The unit is built for longevity, and the size is perfect for replacing most factory-installed RV water pumps.
BEST FEATURES:
- UL and CSA Certified
- Filter screen to keep debris out of the pump
- Noise-reducing mounts
- Run dry protection
- 6 feet vertical lift power
- Bypass technology for less cycling
Seaflo Self-Priming Water Pump (Video)
Best RV Water Pumps Wrap-Up
If you RV without a city water connection, you’ll need a quality RV pump to take water from your fresh water tank and deliver it to the bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor taps.
A working water pump will allow you to shower, flush the toilet, wash dishes or pets, or even clean some dirty laundry while boondocking or traveling on the road. The convenience of running water is invaluable, making an RV water pump a must-have accessory.
We hope you look into our best RV water pump suggestions above and find the right model to improve the comfort and cleanliness of all your camping trips!
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