Water Pump Woes

[Mello Mike]

We had a water leak happen to us recently when we had our camper hooked up to city water and it wasn’t fun. Through some quick troubleshooting, I was able to trace the problem to a faulty check valve in our Shurflo water pump. Whenever we hook the camper up to city water, the faulty valve allows water to enter the fresh water tank unabated. Eventually, the tank fills up with water spilling over into the propane compartment and into the main compartment of the camper. This is the second Shurflo water pump issue we’ve had in our camper in the 2.5 years we’ve owned it. I think it’s time for another make. Any recommendations?

[ardvark]

There are multiple pump manufacturers out there and there are all pretty much plug and play with some minor modifications. Just Google RV water pumps and you will find an assortment. Of course a fast fix is to leave the pump alone and add a back-check valve in the water line, if you have room for one.

However, is there no way to extend the overflow line on the tank so if it does fill, the water does not flood your camper?

Steve and Andra
2012 F350 6.2 gasser SRW LB
Fab Fours front and rear in case we run into a rhino
2019 Northstar Laredo SC

[Mello Mike]

Ardvark, no there’s no way to extend that. The fill and overflow line are in the propane compartment on the driver’s side.

A marine grade water pump sounds good to me. The quality of the products they use is far superior than what we typically find in RVs.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, For the above reasons I carry a spare water pump, otherwise if the pump does go out, most likely the camping trip will soon be over…

[Pat Davitt]

Mike,

You can try Jabsco marine pumps. Here’s a West Marine URL: https://www.westmarine.com/freshwater-pumps/jabsco

Surflo also makes marine grade pumps. Most RV pumps aren’t up to the same spec as marine grade. Which means they are less expensive.

Pat

[Mello Mike]

Thanks, Pat. I’ll have to look into that make. Never heard of them.

[Pat Davitt]

Mike,

More than 60 years ago Jabsco invented the flexible impeller pump. They have been a major player in the pump industry ever since. They concentrate on the marine and industrial sectors.

They make good stuff.

Pat

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