Best RV Water Pump

A Guide to Finding The Best RV Water Pump in 2024

Normally, when it comes to road trips, you could settle for a couple packs of water bottles in the case the total distance is short. On the other hand, if the trip lasts for an extended period of time, it’s financially impractical to keep depending on the water bottles. To meet your water requirement without wasting too much money, you are going to need an RV water pump. But there are a lot of models on the market nowadays, which one is the right choice for your vehicle?

Best RV Water Pump Comparison Chart

RV Water PumpsFlow RatePricesOur Reviews
Shurflo 4008-101-E653.0 GPM$$$$*****
Shurflo 2088-554-1443.5 GPM$$$****
Flojet 03526-144A2.9 GPM$$$$*****
bayite Fresh Water Pump1.0 GPM$*****
Seaflo Water Pressure Pump1.2 GPM$$****
Seaflo Self Priming Pump3.0 GPM$$$****
Shurflo 4008-101-A653.0 GPM$$$*****
Flojet 04406-143A Quad II3.3 GPM$$$$****
Remco 55AQUAJET-ARV5.3 GPM$$$$$****
Seaflo DEMAND Freshwater Pump1.2 GPM$$***

Reviews Of Best-Selling RV Water Pumps

It’s tough to look for the best RV water pump if you are new to RVing and this article shall help you with that. 

The followings contain some of the best motorhome water pumps available for purchase as well as their field performance characteristics. All you have to do is to check out what the products have to offer and see if one of them could suit your demand. Take aspects of the trip into account and you should be able to make a good call with relative ease.

1. Shurflo 4008-101-E65 – Best Of The Best

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Specifications:

  • Flow Rate: 3.0 GPM
  • Voltage: 12V
  • Dimension: 4.9 x 8.1 x 4.3 Inches
  • Weight: 5 Pounds

Why This Is The Best

Compact and powerful, Shurflo 4008-101-E65 is the best RV water pump regarding all-around performance.

Featuring internal bypass and one-piece diaphragm, the Shurflo pump is able to offer consistent, long-lasting service to RVers. With a rate of 3 gallons per minute at up to 55 PSI, the pump would provide sinks, toilets, showerheads and so on with strong water flows. Despite the fact that it possesses such a great performance, the energy consumption of the pump is rather low (7.5 amperes using a 12V power source)

Multiple RV water pump reviews praise Shurflo 4008-101-E65 for its flexible installation, people could install the pump in virtually whatever kind of position they like. As the Shurflo is also light, it takes little time and effort to get the pump into the right spot. Thanks to the incorporation of Flow Reaction Technology, the pump minimize vibration accelerate cycling speed. The result is a fairly low level of noise in use which pleases RVers that want a peace of mind. Moreover, the presence of thermal protection permits the pump to run “dry” without sustaining damages.  

Pros:

  • Quiet operation
  • Well build and rugged
  • Good value for the price

Cons:

  • A bit slow
  • Lacks hookup equipment  

2. Shurflo 2088-554-144 – Editor’s Choice

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Specifications:

  • Flow Rate: 3.5 GPM
  • Voltage: 12V
  • Dimension: 5 x 8.6 x 4.45 Inches
  • Weight: 5.05 Pounds

Why It’s A Editor’s Choice

Like the idea behind Shurflo 4008-101-E65 but want something with a higher rate? Then Shurflo 2088-554-144 is the pump for you. Capable of delivering 3.5 gallons per minute, the Shurflo pump could meet the water need of most RVs without much difficulty. Even when you need to work with moderate pressures on your travels, the flow rate of the pump remains excellent. Being an NSF-certified model, the pump would not only suitable for bathing but also for preparing meals/drinking waters.

Depend on the layout of your RV and the space you have, you could mount Shurflo 2088-554-144 either horizontally or vertically. Since the Shurflo pump mostly utilizes polypropylene in its construction, the overall weight is manageable. Designed as a self-priming unit, the pump continues to run smoothly even when the water level in the vehicle tank is 9 feet below it. Among Shurflo RV water pumps, this model is the best when it comes to preventing reserve flow due to the use of a 1-way check valve. For the noise, the pump is somewhat loud in operation but it’s not excessive.

Pros:

  • Versatile design
  • The flow rate is high
  • Straightforward installation

Cons:

  • Kind of noisy in use
  • Mediocre endurance

3. Flojet 03526-144A – Editor’s Choice

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Specifications:

  • Flow Rate: 2.9 GPM
  • Voltage: 12V
  • Dimension: 4.75 x 6 x 9 Inches
  • Weight: 4 Pounds

Why It’s A Editor’s Choice

On the market nowadays, Flojet RV water pumps are famous for their quality and Flojet 03526-144A is not an exception. Made from 100% corrosion resistant material, the Flojet pump is thought of by many RVers as the best RV water pump when it comes to durability. Your current water pump is giving you a hard time as it’s too noisy? If that is so, you would put an end to your ears misery by getting this pump as a replacement. Pairing a soft mount with a pulsation eliminator, the pump eliminates noise effectively and efficiently.    

For installation, Flojet 03526-144A already comes with snap-in, half-inch port fittings so installing it is essentially a breeze. Similar to products of its competitor, the Flojet pump is self-priming which mean it could work when the water level drop below the pump. If needed, the pump would safely run in a dry state and many RVer around the glove appreciate that feature. While the rate of the pump is not exceptional compared to other models, it’s nonetheless adequate for ordinary travels.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting
  • Anti-corrosion
  • Strong and tough

Cons:

  • Low rate  
  • Subpar packaging

4. Bayite Fresh Water Pump – Best Value RV Water Pump

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Specifications:

  • Flow Rate: 1.0 GPM
  • Voltage: 12V
  • Dimension: 6.1 x 3.9 x 2.3 Inches
  • Weight: 1.4 Pounds

Why We Love It

You have a pretty tight shopping budget and are willing to settle for low flow rates? Then you must check out Bayite Fresh Water Pump. Generally speaking, in the aspect of cost-effectiveness, the Bayite pump is the best RV water pump money can buy. Possessing a balanced motor that makes innovative use of precision ball bearings, the pump performs admirably for its price tag. The motor also receives protection from a thermal breaker and that is why the pump has a long estimated lifespan.   

Combining sealed switches with electrocoating finishes, Bayite Fresh Water Pump Is able to resist corrosion in the great outdoors well. Because of the rubber mount, the Bayite pump produces little noise and so it’s a great quiet RV water pump for budget-minded RVers. With a flow rate of 1.0 GPM, the pump fall behind other models but its power requirement is quite low too. Because of that, in addition to RV use, it’s possible to use the pump in a variety of applications. When not in use, its automatic built-in switch cut off the pump from power.       

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Run quietly
  • Low current draw

Cons:

  • Very low rate  
  • Quality control is less than ideal.

5. Seaflo Water Pressure Pump

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Specifications:

  • Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM
  • Voltage: 12V
  • Dimension: 6.50 x 3.94 x 2.36 Inches
  • Weight: 1.5 Pounds

Why We Love It

Manufactured as a pump for various water applications, Seaflo Water Pressure Pump is ideal for liquid transfer, filtration, spraying, dispensing,… Although the Seaflo is a budget-friendly model, the low acquisition cost doesn’t compromise the performance of the pump. Due to the pump relatively light bulk as well as humble profile, you could mount it as you see fit. Since the installation is straightforward, it serves you well as an emergency replacement in case the main pump breaks down.  

As Seaflo Water Pressure Pump is a self-priming unit, it’s plausible to mount it over your tank and still receive consistent water flows. While at 1.2 GPM, the Seaflo RV pump is below average when it comes to flow rate but it makes up for that in ease of use. The 35 PSI automatic switch turns the pump on/off as the pressure rise above and drops below the predetermined value. Moreover, the pump itself got thermal overload in addition to ignition protection so you could use it without much worry.

Pros:

  • Self-priming and run quietly
  • Stops and starts automatically
  • The price tag is highly affordable

Cons:

  • Fairly weak pressure
  • The pumping capacity is barely adequate

6. Seaflo Self Priming Pump

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Specifications:

  • Flow Rate: 3.0 GPM
  • Voltage: 12V
  • Dimension: 7.84 x 5.00 x 4.62 Inches
  • Weight: 4.6 Pounds

Why We Love It

Your Shurflo 2088-554-144 is no longer in top condition and a replacement pump is urgently needed?  In that case, you need to take a quick glance at Seaflo Self Priming Pump. Featuring a flow rate of 3.0 GPM, the Seaflo pump is a solid investment for RVers that are searching for a high-pressure RV water pump. As its name suggests, the pump is self-priming and that means it’s able to draw water from 6 feet below it with relative ease.

Because of the low power need, the pump would not place substantial strains on the power grid of the vehicle.  

Being a hassle-free pump, Seaflo Self Priming Pump boasts full thermal and ignition protection. As a result, the pump should be safe from damages if it must run dry. Thanks to the innovative mounting layout that emphasizes noise reduction, the pump generates negligible noise while it’s in use. In fact, you could barely notice the presence of the pump if you are standing around 4 – 6 feet away from it. Besides the pump, you are going to receive barbed hose adaptors, mesh inlet strainer and instruction manual which facilitate installation. 

Pros:

  • 4-year warranty
  • Energy-efficient
  • Fit multiple applications

Cons:

  • Prone to leak without Teflon tape
  • Misaligned threads are reported by some customers   

7. Shurflo 4008-101-A65

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Specifications:

  • Flow Rate: 3.0 GPM
  • Voltage: 12V
  • Dimension 4.92  x 4.38 x 8.07 Inches
  • Weight: 5 Pounds

Why We Love It

A high-quality water pump from Shurflo, Shurflo 4008-101-A65 shall guarantee well-optimized performance regardless of your RV pumping setup. As a one-piece design that also possesses an internal bypass, the Shurflo pump is the best RV water pump when it comes to dependability. The 3-gallon flow rate of the pump is average but for the common trips, it should prove more than enough. Though it’s designed as a pump for RV, you could use it in other applications in case of emergency.

Since Shurflo 4008-101-A65 is a high-flow design, the consistency of the water output is superb compared to its competitor. Furthermore, the Shurflo pump emits a minimal amount of noise in use so RVers rarely feel disturbed by its sound. Because the pump features built-in thermal protection, the chance that it suffer damage while running dry is fairly low. With a net weight of 5 pounds, the handling characteristics of the pump receive many praises from users around the globe. Additionally, the excellent energy efficiency of the pump ensures that the utility bill is manageable.  

Pros:

  • Compact and light
  • Smooth flows of water
  • Operation noise is negligible

Cons:

  • The switch is not exactly tough
  • Slow customer support is noted

8. Flojet 04406-143A Quad II

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Specifications:

  • Flow Rate: 3.3 GPM
  • Voltage: 12V
  • Dimension 3.75 x 6.3 x 8.2 Inches
  • Weight: 3.9 Pounds

Why We Love It

Despite the fact that Flojet 04406-143A Quad II is indeed kind of loud, it’s still the best RV water pump for on-demand applications. Possessing an intermediate duty, pressure-switch control, the Flojet pump allows you to run it only when it’s necessary and therefore minimize energy consumption. With the 4-piston design, the pump offers a flow rate of 3.3 GPM which make it one of the strongest freshwaters pumps money can buy nowadays.  

Due to the use of quick-connect plug-in ports, mounting the pump requires just a few moments in general.

Similar to other modern-day pumps, Flojet 04406-143A Quad II is designed by the manufacturer to be completely self-priming. Because of that, the Flojet pump is capable of lifting water located as low as 8 feet below without much difficulty. Since the pump is not maintenance-intensive, you would not have any troubles servicing/winterizing it in times of needs. In addition to RV uses, the pump performs well in a variety of role from water transfers to agriculture purposes.      

Pros:

  • Leakproof connectors
  • Tough and self-priming  
  • Decrease pulsating flow

Cons:

  • Fairly noisy in operation
  • There are several complaints about defective units

9. Remco 55AQUAJET-ARV

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Specifications:

  • Flow Rate: 5.3 GPM
  • Voltage: 12V
  • Dimension 4.84 x 4.6 x 8.89 Inches
  • Weight: 8 Pounds

Why We Love It

A state-of-the-art variable speed RV water pump, Remco 55AQUAJET-ARV is the best RV water pump for people that desire flawless performance. In contrast with constant speed pumps, the Remco adjust the speed of its motor as you use different water fixtures. With the pump right around, you no longer have to deal with the headache of paying expensive utility bills at the end of the month. The pump is also equipped with a pressure sensor so in theory, you could detect anomalies in the water pressure as soon as they appear.    

Thanks to the 5-valve design, the flow rate and the shutoff pressure of Remco 55AQUAJET-ARV prove superior to the average pumps on the market. At 5.3 GPM, the Remco pump is able to meet the need and requirement of most RV applications you could name. Because the shutoff mechanism only activates at 75-85 PSI, the pump is compatible with modern filtration networks and extensive pumping systems. Hate noisy pump cycles? The soft start feature of the pump is what you need to put a definite end to the rapid cycling issue.  

Pros:

  • Automatic adjustment
  • High pressure tolerance
  • Variable speed settings

Cons:

  • Vulnerable to clogging
  • The wires are slightly short

10. Seaflo DEMAND Freshwater Pump

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Specifications:

  • Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM
  • Voltage: 12V
  • Dimension 3.86 x 2.44 x 6.65 Inches
  • Weight: 1.24 Pounds

Why We Love It

Come at an affordable price, Seaflo DEMAND Freshwater Pump got many features and functions that worth more than its cost. As it’s designed as a multipurpose wager pump, the Seaflo pump shall fit in RV, agriculture, and marine applications. The pump is self-priming and therefore, it’s fully capable of pumping water that lay way below its position. Additionally, the pump could draw and then transfer water without making to much noise in the process which pleases RVers that value peace of mind.

At only 1.2 GPM, the flow rate of Seaflo DEMAND Freshwater Pump is unimpressive but it’s adequate for common tasks. Moreover, the humble flow rate of the Seaflo pump also makes sure that it’s not going to deplete the battery of your recreational vehicle. As with other models on the market, the pump got ignition and thermal overload protection. Hence, the pump is able to run dry with a relatively low risk of damage. Since the pump is primarily made to be an on-demand example, its pressure switch turn on and off automatically

Pros:

  • Versatile use
  • Highly affordable
  • Smooth and silent

Cons:

  • Often cycle at times
  • The connections occasionally leak

Best RV Water Pump: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Although different RVers would prefer different qualities, there are issues that the majority of RV enthusiasts agree to be essential. Make sure that you keep these criteria in mind while searching for the best RV water pump for your vehicle.

1. Flow Rate (GPM)

As people use water pumps to get water to facilities and application that require the liquid, the average flow rate is obviously an important factor. Generally speaking, the rate is measured in GPM (Gallon Per Minute) and the higher the rate, the more water the pump is able to deliver. But it’s not always a good idea for RVers to get an example with an absurdly high flow rate.  Water pumps need energies to work and that means a powerful pump drain the battery of your RV at an accelerated rate and cause issues. At best, you would end up with expensive utility bills. At worst, the battery might die without any warning in the middle of the trip.

2. Noise

Considering the fact that water pumps feature motors, they would make some noise in operation and that is simply inevitable. That being said, you should still assess the pump noise level carefully in order to acquire a reasonably quiet unit. For most of the time, it’s widely advised to prioritize products from manufacturers that are well-known for utilizing noise reduction designs and technologies. Additionally, conduct a quick reach about the feedback of previous users of the water pumps. That would be more than enough to tell you whether the water pump in question could work quietly or not.

best water pump for RV

3. Ease Of Installation

Of course, it’s possible to drop your RV and the water pump at a workshop so the professionals could take care of the installation. Nonetheless, such services cost money and you already spend a lot on the pump, why don’t you get something that is easy to install?  The best RV water pump for your recreational vehicle must let you install it in any position you want without experiencing significant drops in performance. To achieve that goal, it’s strongly recommended that you go after lightweight, compact examples. They are very forgiving to work with in most of the case and facilitate transportation.

4. Acquisition Cost

We all want to get high-end products that have premium grade features but our shopping budget is not unlimited.  As a result, people have to take some time to think whether the price of a pump justifies its value on the field or not. There is no need to empty your wallet just to get the most expensive example in sight if you could hardly harness its full potentials. Take a look around the market and you should run into quality and affordable units. A good shopping method for budget-minded RVers is to set aside an amount of cash that you are willing to spend on a pump. That would narrow down the choice and also avoid overspending. 

5. Cycling

The flow rate fluctuates from time to time and that is why pressure drops in water pumps are not uncommon. Once the rate exceeds the actual consummation, it’s necessary for the pump to shut down and only reactivates if everything comes back to normal. People call the “on and off” phenomenon a pump cycle and its likely affect your overall experience with the pump. The cycling tends to take place when the water pump is tapped off but it might occur while you are using the bathroom as well. In order to be called best RV water pump, the pump cycle of a unit needs to take place automatically.  

3 Tips For RV Water Pump Maintenance

Generally speaking, having the best RV water pump is meaningless if you are unable to keep it in good condition. Here are a couple of suggestions that you always have to keep in mind when it comes to pumping maintenance. Put them to good use and your water pump is going to stick around for years to come without fail.

1. Ensure That Everything Is Sanitized

Neglecting the sanitization process is one of the top causes that lead to less than ideal performance and pump failures. If you forget to sanitize the pump once in a while, limescale build-ups shall form on valves and diaphragm which result into low flows. To prevent that from happening, it’s important that you remember to sanitize your pump before and after prolonged storage.   

2. Winterize Your Pump In Winter

In the case you let water freeze inside the pump and the RV piping pipes, there could be catastrophic damages.  

As a result, make sure that you winterize your vital RV water pump by draining it completely during winter storage. For periodic travel in winter, consider using food grade propylene glycol so as to protect the pump from potential harms.

3. Inspect The Pump Before Travel

Everyone knows that nothing last forever, even the best RV water pump would fail eventually. That is why it’s of utmost importance to check the pump for cracks before travel and carry repairs if needed. With timely repairs, the damage extend would be minimized and the water pump shall remain operational for quite some time. If possible, delay your travel and get a new unit as that is a much better alternative to heading out with an unreliable water pump.

Frequently Asked Questions About RV Water Pumps

  • What is an on-demand pump?

If a pump is described to be an on-demand unit, it means that the pump only operates when necessary. After you turn on the water pump, it would continue to deliver the water for as long as the faucets and so on remain open.   Even when the water application comes to a definite halt, the pump should run until the preset pressure is met then it shuts down automatically.

  • Is there a way to make water pumps work quietly?

If you are stuck with a noisy RV water pump, there are several improvised solutions to somewhat remediate the situation. Slipping a mouse pad underneath the pump assembly would isolate the vibration and the result is a reduced noise level. Additionally, cover all rattling pipes in insulated foam in order to clamp down the noise.  

  • How many accessories as well as fittings come with the average RV water pump?    

Depend on the model and the brand that release it, what you receive in addition to the pump varies greatly.  In some cases, the manufacturer shall give you all the parts you need to get the pump up and running. However, there are certain suppliers that place the hardware in separate categories and then require RVers to make additional purchases.

Last Updated on January 1, 2024

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