9 Best RV Water Pump (Guide and Review)

Do you want to upgrade or replace your RV water pump? Or maybe you just want convenience every time you go to shower, flush the toilet or use the faucet in your RV.

If you’re curious, we’ve done our homework and reviewed the best RV water pumps you can get your hands on. Let’s get started, shall we?

Disclosure: Some of the links on this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Our Top 3 Best RV Water Pump

9 Best RV Water Pump (Guide and Review)

Shurflo A65 12V RV Water Pump

• Voltage: 12V DC
• Flow rate: 3 GPM
• PSI: 55

The cool thing about this SHURflo water pump is the self-priming feature that makes it possible to supply water consistently even if the source is running low. Better yet, it can run dry without getting damaged.

Thanks to its automated variable pump cycle, it doesn’t make a lot of noise and you don’t need to operate it longer than necessary. Also, it can shut down automatically if it gets too hot to prevent a fire breakout.

On the downside, this unit has an average lifespan of about 3 to 4 years. Then again, it’s a bargain considering the price.

What We Like

• Automated pump cycle
• Self-priming and thermal protection
• Built-in check valve
• Consistent water pressure
• It doesn’t consume a lot of power
• 2-year warranty

What We Don’t Like

• 3 to 4 years lifespan 

Flojet Triplex Diaphragm Automatic Water System Pump

• Voltage: 12V DC
• Flow rate: 2.9 GPM
• PSI: 50

Quite impressive, this water system pump is designed with three chambers diaphragm to stabilize the pressure and reduce the noise. It also comes with sound-absorbing mounts and snap-in port fittings to keep the pump quiet while running.

It only consumes 12 volts of electricity so you don’t need to worry about draining your battery. What’s more, it delivers 2.9 gallons per minute at 50 PSI of pressure which is more than enough for an average RV or motorhome.

However, this RV water pump is not suitable for winter.

What We Like

• Three chambers diaphragm design
• Noise absorbing mounts
• Corrosion-resistant material
• Self-priming feature
• Automatic pump cycle

What We Don’t Like

• Not ideal for winter

SEAFLO 33-Series Industrial Water Pressure Pump

• Voltage: 115V AC
• Flow rate: 3.3 GPM
• PSI: 45

How about a water pump with self-priming capabilities up to 6 feet? Beyond that, it can run dry without damage, and even if the motor is running at full capacity, it will be as quiet as your air conditioner.

Talking about the water pressure, you can manually adjust it from 17 psi to 60 psi. However, it will automatically turn on and off to keep the pressure consistent at 45 PSI.

Unfortunately, this water pump consumes slightly more power than a typical 12V RV water pump.

But on the bright side, it’s an industrial and multi-purpose water pressure pump that you can use in your RV, boat, or home.

What We Like

• Adjustable pressure switch
• Easy to install
• Self-priming feature
• It’s quiet
• Anti-airlock protection

What We Don’t Like

• It consumes more power than average

Shurflo 2088 Series 12V Water Pump

• Voltage: 12V DC
• Flow rate: 3.5 GPM
• PSI: 45

In contrast with the previous model, this Shurflo 2088 Series 12V Water Pump has a flow rate of 3.5 gallons per minute and consistent 45 PSI pressure. In fact, it can self-prime up to 9 vertical feet; plus, it can be mounted at any angle.

The motor is designed with a permanent magnet and if it gets too hot, it will shut down automatically. Moreover, you can use it to pump warm water as long as it doesn’t exceed 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is just one thing though; this pump is made out of steel and if you don’t install it using a padded foam, it will probably disturb your peace due to the noise and vibrations.

What We Like

• No reverse flow
• Thermally protected motor
• Compact design
• Automatic pressure switch
• Easy to install
• Self-priming function

What We Don’t Like

• It’s noisy

Remco 55 Aquajet RV Series Water Pump

• Voltage: 12V DC
• Flow rate: 3.5 GPM
• PSI: 65

If you open multiple faucets while using this pump, the water pressure will remain consistent.

What’s even more interesting is that this is a variable speed pump that will automatically adjust its flow rate and speed to match up your water requirements; that means it’s quiet and doesn’t consume a lot of power.

To top it off, it’s equipped with a high-performance 12V motor with low voltage protection and a thermal protector. Did I mention, it has a maximum pressure bypass that protects your RV’s plumbing system?

However, it’s a shame this will cost you more than most RV water pumps on our guide. Then again, we think it’s worth every penny considering the exceptional features.  

What We Like

• Automatic variable speed control
• Very quiet while running
• Maximum liquid temperature at 140°F
• It can be rotated
• Consistent pressure
• Low voltage protection

What We Don’t Like

• It’s expensive

ECO-WORTHY 110V High-Pressure Water Pump

• Voltage: 110V AC
• Flow rate: 4.5 GPM
• PSI: 45

With a flow rate of 4.5 gallons per minute, this Eco-Worthy RV pump has the highest volume water supply on our guide.

In addition to that, the pump will turn on automatically when you open the tap and switch off when you close the faucet.

If you look closely, you will notice it’s fitted with rubber-mounted feet to tone down the noise and vibrations. But perhaps the biggest trick under its sleeve is the filter that helps to remove impurities before supplying the water.

For a pump that delivers 4.5 gallons per minute, it’s no surprise that it consumes more power than an average 12V RV pump. Even so, it would be useful especially for multi-purpose applications.

What We Like

• Multi-purpose water pump
• Self-priming pump
• High flow rate
• Automated pump cycle
• It’s quiet
• Easy to install

What We Don’t Like

• High power consumption

Bayite 12V DC Fresh Water Pump

• Voltage: 12V DC
• Flow rate: 1.2 GPM
• PSI: 80

If you want a small and compact water pump for your RV that doesn’t consume a lot of power, this could be a good option. It weighs just 400 grams and can pump 1.2 gallons of water per minute.

Surprisingly, this unit can deliver up to 85 PSI of pressure; so that means you don’t need to worry about inconsistent flow rate. What’s more, it comes with a self-priming function that will keep the water flowing when the tank is low.

So far, its biggest drawback seems to be that it can’t run non-stop for more than 6 hours.

What We Like

• Quiet when installed
• Smooth and consistent flow rate
• Small and compact design
• It doesn’t consume a lot of electricity
• Very durable

What We Don’t Like

• It can’t pump for more than 6 hours

Camplux 12V Water Pump

• Voltage: 12V DC
• Flow rate: 1.2 GPM
• PSI: 35

This is a low-budget 12V water pump that is suitable for outdoor showers, garden sprinklers, agricultural spraying, and water taps in your RV. Well, it’s not that complicated, but it can deliver 1.2 gallons of water per minute at 35 PSI of pressure.

The best part about it is the automatic switch that turns on the pump as soon as you open the tap; that way, you can reduce power consumption. Also, the pump’s body is made out of plastic but the mounting feet are covered with rubber to minimize the vibrations.

It’s obvious, isn’t it? This is a compact RV water pump but don’t expect it to do too much work. 

What We Like

• Multi-purpose water pump
• Self-priming feature
• Adjustable cut off pressure
• Budget-friendly
• Easy to operate
• Low power consumption
• Lightweight

What We Don’t Like

• Low water flow rate

12V Portable Submersible Water Pump

• Voltage: 12V DC
• Flow rate: 2.5 GPM
• PSI: 8

This 12V pump is smaller than your smartphone, but it can supply 2.6 gallons of water per minute up to 18 feet away. If you want, you can even submerge it in a 20L bottle and deliver water directly to your tap.

Installation shouldn’t be a hassle since it comes with everything that you need including a 3.2 feet connection pipe. Otherwise, the pump is as quiet as a mouse, and it doesn’t require maintenance.

However, if you want to prevent the pump from overheating, you shouldn’t run it continuously for more than 15 minutes.

What We Like

• Lightweight and portable
• It can be submerged
• Easy to install
• No maintenance
• It’s very quiet
• Shockproof construction

What We Don’t Like

• It can overheat after 15 minutes

What is an RV Water Pump, and Why Would You Need It?

An RV water pump is used to force water from the vehicle’s built-in tank to the piping system. Basically, if you want a consistent flow of water from your rig’s tank to the shower, toilet, or sink, you will need an RV water pump.

However, an RV water pump doesn’t just force water through the piping system, but it can also regulate the water pressure.

That means you can reduce the pressure to consume less water per minute and increase the pressure to get things done faster.

Besides that, you don’t need to rely on city water and campground systems if you have an RV water pump.

How Do They Work?

An RV water pump is usually designed with two ports; an inlet and an outlet. Once the RV pump is up and running, the diaphragm expands to draw in the water from the RV’s storage tank to the inlet port.

As the water flows through the pump, the diaphragm contracts to force the water through the outlet or discharge line at a higher pressure.

The pressurized water is then distributed to the piping system which is connected to your shower, sink faucet, and toilet.

What to Look for When Buying an RV Water Pump

Gallon Per Minute (GPM)

For starters, you need to consider how many gallons of water the RV pump you want to purchase can deliver in one minute. Most RV pumps on the market typically discharge a flow rate of 1 GPM to 4 GPM.

Of course, an RV pump with a high GPM (gallon per minute) will supply a consistent flow of water to more faucets simultaneously. However, there is a catch; the higher the GPM, the more power you will need to operate the pump.

Then again, if your RV pump delivers a low GPM, you could have problems running multiple faucets at the same time. For that reason, you should avoid an RV water pump with a gallon per minute rating of 1.2 and below.

As a matter of fact, the best RV water pumps on the market can supply 3 or 4 gallons per minute; anything more than that and you risk draining your battery too fast. Better yet, you should choose an RV water pump that you can easily adjust the GPM speed.

Pounds per Square Inch (PSI)

Unlike the GPM that measures the flow rate, the PSI (pounds per square inch) is all about the water pressure. How much do you need? Most RV piping systems are designed to handle between 40 and 70 PSI, so make sure you choose a water pump within that scale.

Keep in mind that if you use a water pump with a higher PSI than your plumbing system can handle, you could damage it. On the other hand, if you choose a water pump with less than 40 PSI, don’t be surprised if the water pressure is underwhelming.

However, just to be on the safe side, you should check the RV’s manual to figure out how much PSI you need on a water pump.

Voltage

Most RV water pumps you will find on the market are either 12 volt or 24-volt units. 12-volt water pumps are usually the standard in most RV and motorhomes because they consume less power.

But if you think you’ll need more water pressure, you could choose a 24-volt pump; although it will require more maintenance than a 12-volt water pump. Not to mention, a 24-volt water pump will increase your water and electrical bill.

Let’s just put it this way; if you’re on the fence about it, we recommend you pick a 12 voltage RV pump rather than getting something that will consume too much power than necessary.

Size

The size of the water pump is a big deal considering that it needs to fit in your designated RV space. But first, you need to figure out what size of water pump you should get by measuring the space where you want to install it.

Depending on your RV model, you can have different spaces to install the water pump and it could be anywhere from the water basement storage area, under the bathroom sink, under the bed, or near the water heater.

The good news is; a standard 12-volt water pump has a compact design that can fit in most RV rigs.

Noise Level

You don’t want to get distracted every time your RV water pump is running in the background, do you? For the sake of your tranquility, you should consider buying an RV water pump that comes with noise dampening material and a low vibration mount.

Interestingly, some RV water pumps are designed with a 5 chamber diaphragm to reduce the noise as much as possible. Alternatively, you can minimize the noise and vibrations during installation by sliding a padded foam under the pump before you mount it.

Self-Priming and Thermal Protection

Since the RV’s storage tank has a limited water source, you should choose a pump that can deliver water from the tube; especially if the supply is almost depleted.

Besides that, the self-priming feature helps to prevent the pump from damage in case the water runs out.

What else? The best RV water pumps have a thermal protection feature to prevent a fire breakout. In other words, if the pump overheats, it will shut down automatically.

Types of Water Pumps

Constant Speed

A constant speed RV pump supplies water at a single speed or flow rate. That means, you can’t adjust the water flow rate or speed but you can switch it on or off.

Even though constant speed water pumps are simple and affordable, they have a shorter lifespan compared to other types of water pumps. This is because constant speed pumps can continue running longer than necessary.

Variable Speed

As the name suggests, variable speed pumps automatically adjust the water flow rate to match the demand. However, the water pressure is usually constant even if the flow rate is variable.

The good thing about variable speed pumps is that they don’t make a lot of noise. Also, if you find a variable speed pump with an automated cycle, it will reduce your energy consumption.

On the flip side, variable speed pumps are more expensive than constant speed pumps.  

High Volume

Most high-volume water pumps supply more than 4 gallons per minute. Of course, due to such a high flow rate, you would need a big rig that can provide 50 amps.

Otherwise, most high-volume water pumps are rated at 24 volts, and they’re usually installed in buses, trailers, and trucks. For the average RV dweller, it doesn’t make sense to install a high-volume water pump in a typical RV unless you consume water like an elephant. 

Conclusion

If we had to pick the overall best RV water pump, we would choose Remco 55 Aquajet RV Series Water Pump. This is because it’s an automatic variable speed pump with thermal and low voltage protection.

However, if you’re on a tight budget, we recommend the Camplux 12V Water Pump. 

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Last Updated on 28 April, 2022 by Veronica