Trust me; if you have ever gone more than a week with a bad water pump, you know just how important these little devices are. With so many to choose from, I decided to test out six of the most promising water pumps, and here is what I found.
The ProGear 3200 RV water pump is my first choice because it has all the features you would want at a great price. If you are looking for the highest quality water pump for your RV, then the Remco 55 Aquajet is the clear winner.
Best RV Water Pumps: My Review
I didn’t want to create something generic for this list where I review a few random RV pumps. Instead, I decided to list a few pumps that suit various needs. By doing this, I have created a list that has something for everyone. Here is that list, and then we will review each of them.
1. ProGear 3200 RV Water Pump -Best Overall
2. Flow Max Water Pump -Best Budget Option
3. DC HOUSE 33-Series -Best Value For Money
4. Flojet 03526-144A -Best For Ease Of Use
5. Remco 55-AQUAJET -Best High Quality
6. AUHOLNVN 12v Water Pump -Bets Portability
It is possible to buy a water pump only to find out that it isn’t that great. Also, you might have purchased the wrong type of pump for your needs. That is why in this article, I have a list of the best and a short buying guide. I also have a few maintenance tips that you have to know. So, keep reading.
1. ProGear 3200 RV Water Pump -Best Overall
| Specifications | |
| Max Output Pressure | 150 psi |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
| Capacity | 3.2 Gallons per second |
| Priming Capabilities | 8 feet |
| Dimensions | 4.84 x 9.12 x 4.55 inches |
| Power | 12v |
Firstly, the ProGear 3200 RV replacement water pump is universal, which will fit most RVs. However, you should still make sure it will work on yours. Because the pump is universal, you can use it in cabins and caravans as well. At least you know that if you need to make an emergency stop and sleep in a cabin, you will have a water pump.
Because the pump can push out 3.2 gallons per minute, you can be sure that you have solid and stable water flow no matter where you are. Also, the device has an automatic shut-off switch. This is useful if you want to conserve water and also battery power.
The device is self-priming which is helpful if you switch the water on and off often. Finally, the device is durable, and the manufacturer is so confident in their product that they offer one of the best guarantees available.
2. Flow Max Water Pump -Best Budget Option
| Specifications | |
| Average Output Pressure | 50 PSI |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 3 Gallons Per Minute |
| Power | 12 v |
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 6 x 5.5 inches |
The Flow Max is a relatively inexpensive device that delivers a premium experience. The device has an average pressure of 50 PSI and pushes out approximately 3 gallons per minute. However, the PSI is set to 45 out of the box.
I had no problems with pressure which is the first thing you look for when reviewing products Like These.
If you travel in dusty areas such as Nevada and some parts of California, debris can be an issue, and the Flow Max has done something about this problem with their corrosion resistance motors. Also, their Flow Max screen aims to stop debris from getting into the pump. This means cleaner water and also a longer-lasting water pump.
I tried the 12-volt configuration, but you can get it in 115-volt if you prefer. In terms of quality, the water pump is solid. It is also easy to install, and finally, the device is portable.
3. DC HOUSE 33-Series Water Diaphragm Pump -Best Value For Money
| Specifications | |
| Average Output Pressure | Up to 55 PSI |
| Weight | 4.69 lbs |
| Capacity | 3 Gallons Per Minute |
| Priming Capabilities | Up to 9.8 feet |
| Dimensions | 10.75 x 5.94 x 5.39 inches |
Value for money is a concept that often gets overlooked in these types of reviews, but I understand that my readers want the absolute best for what they can afford, and many have you actively seek out value-for-money bargains. Well, I think I found it with the DC House 33 series.
The water pump pushes out 3 gallons per minute and Is self-primed for up to 9.8 feet; this is an incredible achievement for a device that costs as much as this one does. Because it can Prime at 9.8 feet, many people use it in their marine vehicles such as yachts, and if you have a class A RV, this device is perfect.
In some situations, value-for-money often means less than impressive quality, but that is not the case here. DC house is so confident that they are offering a four-year warranty. So, no, I don’t see any compromises in quality. This device has an automatic pressure switch set to 45 PSI.
4. FloJet 03526-144A- Best For Ease Of Use
| Specifications | |
| Output Pressure | 50 PSI |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs |
| Capacity | 2.9 Gallons Per Minute |
| Priming Capabilities | Up to 9 feet |
| Dimensions | 9 x 4 x 4 inches |
The floJet is a remarkable device that actively works to help conserve your power. While it does not pump out as much as the ProGear, I find that 2.9 gallons per minute is more than enough for your daily needs.
The FloJet also has an automatic switch the turns off when it hits 50 psi but switches itself back on when it needs to apply more pressure. Speaking of pressure, the Flojet is so stable the many people use it in their cabins and parts of the home where plumbing is limited.
Finally, I want to talk about the noise. I understand that noise levels are not critical when traveling, but a water pump can keep some people up at night. The FloJet has noise-reducing mounts so that the noise generated does not reverberate through the RV.
5. Remco 55-AQUAJET ARV RV Series Water Pump- Best High Quality
| Specifications | |
| Max Output Pressure | 85 PSI |
| Weight | 6.43 lbs |
| Capacity | 3.5 Gallons Per Minute |
| Priming Capabilities | Up to 13 feet |
| Dimensions | 12.3 x 6.2 x 5.4 inches |
Remco is arguably one of the most popular brands amongst the RV community, and for a good reason, they make great quality products and products that work. It is no surprise that this is the most costly product on this list, and it would be our number one pick if it weren’t for that price tag; however, you get what you pay for.
I highly recommend the Remco 55 aqua jet. The device can push out 3.5 gallons per minute and has an automatic shut-off switch that activates at 75 to 85 PSI. Look, if you don’t mind spending an extra $100 to $150 for a premium experience, This is the RV water pump for you.
6. AUHOLNVN 12v Water Pump- Best Portability
| Specifications | |
| Max Output Pressure | 55 PSi |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
| Capacity | 3 Gallons Per Minute |
| Priming Capabilities | Up to 9.8 feet |
| Dimensions | 7.97 x 4.92 x 4.37 inches |
One of the quietest water pumps that I have used is the 6. AUHOLNVN. When you see what it can do, this quietness caught me by surprise. It has a pressure output of 55 PSI and can push out 3 gallons per minute. Incredibly, it is self-priming for up to 9.8 feet, making it perfect for a class A RV.
If you want more pressure, they have other options that go up to 5.5 gallons per minute. However, that might be overkill, especially if you have a class B or C RV.
The water pump has an adjustable pressure switch and can be easily adjusted from 32 to 80 PSI. Also, once you have changed the water pump shut off setting, you don’t have to do it again, which makes it convenient
How To Choose The Best RV Water Pump In 2021/2022?
Now that I have given you a list of products that I have tried and tested, I feel that it is good to provide you with a few tips on choosing a water pump for your RV. The easiest way to do this is to give you a few questions that you need to answer yourself. So let’s get into it
What Features Are You Looking For?
Most modern RV water pumps are standard with automatic pressure switches, so if you see one that doesn’t have it, I would maybe stay away from it because it can end up being very inconvenient at the worst of times not to have it.
Some RV water pumps have built-in filters, and even though you can find suitable quality strainers that are relatively inexpensive, you might find it a lot easier to buy a water pump that already has one.
All of the products I have listed come with all the features you need. Some have more than others, but at the end of the day, if you can’t think of anything else that you need, it’s probably because you don’t need more.
How Much Power You Have
Look, if you have enough power, you can go for something more substantial than a 12-volt water pump. However, my advice is that you don’t often need more than 12 V because water pumps are relatively efficient at what they do on a limited amount of power.
As long as you have a 12 Volt car battery that is charged, you can power your water pump. Luckily, all of the products we mentioned do work on 12 v. If a salesperson tries to pressure you into buying something more, keep in mind, you won’t be able to use it if you don’t have enough power.
How Much Pressure You Need
The water flow on most of these is as good, if not better, than many homes, and when you look at the average gallons per minute of a shower in the USA, it’s easy to see why. Chances are your home uses around 2.1 gallons per minute.
When buying an RV water pump, anything that has 2.5 or more gallons per minute is sufficient. Also, 40 PSI is more than enough pressure to handle most of your needs.
You will notice that all of the products listed in this article meet all of those requirements.
What Is Your Budget?
Because most replacement water pumps are universal and they all provide similar functions and features, one of the most significant factors you need to consider is your budget. Before I get into it, I spoke with a few of my RV friends, and most of them have spent between $150 to $200 on their water pumps because, realistically, water flow is rather important especially on long trips.
A water pump also holds its resale value. So, if budget is a problem for you right now, don’t feel pressured into buying an expensive pump. Instead, get what you can for now and aim to get a more premium version like the Remco further down the road.
There is no point paying your entire budget on a water pump only to find out that you can’t travel anywhere because you have over-extended.
How Much Space Do You Have?
If you have a class B RV, space can be minimal, and you might find that your water pump, as small as it is, takes up too much of your allotted space. If this is the case for you, be sure to check out our specifications sheet for each of the products listed in this article.
You could go for the smallest water pump and hope it fits in your Class B RV, or you can measure how much space you have and buy one accordingly. It is the main reason why I added all of the dimensions to my reviews.
How To Protect Your RV Water Pump
Most water pumps have anti-corrosive materials, so that takes care of one job for you. However, it can only do so much, and one of the best ways of taking care of your water pump is to prevent debris from causing any damage.
To do this, you need a filter. You can expect a review regarding the best strainer pretty soon, so don’t forget to bookmark our home page. That said, I find that the SHURFLO (255-313) does the job perfectly well. It is easy to attach and has a transparent filter to see when you need to clean it.
Externally, your pump shouldn’t take too much damage. I guess it all depends on you, your RV, and where you travel to. It is best to assess your water pump often if you feel like external factors are damaging it. This way, we can catch any issues early before they create more problems.
Do Not Let Your RV Water Pump Run Dry
Taking care of your RV water pump sometimes means that you have to avoid damaging it. Many RV water pumps promise that they won’t get damaged if they run dry. However, I have found that in most cases, you still want to avoid this.
If you notice that your pump is not pulling any water in after a blowout, switch it off immediately. You then want to remove your filter and in that inlet, pour a little bit of water. Switch the pump on and off quickly, and this will pull water into the diaphragm.
Once you have water in the diaphragm, the pump should automatically correct itself, and if you do this correctly, you can avoid a catastrophe.
Final Thoughts
Having a good water pump is not just about having good water flow in your RV. It can also make winterizing the motorhome a lot easier. Hopefully, this extensive review and buying guide has helped you make a decision that so many of us struggle to make.
Good luck, and happy camping!
Check out our article on: 9 RV Door Latch Options (Including Wireless Options)
