Are you looking for a new caravan water pump?
If you want the water in your camping vehicle to flow smoothly then you’ll need a good one. There are a couple of different styles available with various levels of performance. This guide is all about finding the best caravan water pump for your needs.
It doesn’t matter if you want to wash the dishes or brush your teeth. A 12-volt water pump for caravans will make life a lot easier for you and your fellow passengers. Bear in mind, that you want a decent one so that you aren’t left short.
Let’s look at some different pumps now!
| Shurflo 4009 12V Standard Pump | Flojet 12 Volt Compact Pump 3/8B | Flojet 12 Volt Triplex Pump C-Tick Quad Fittings |
|---|---|---|---|
Our pick  |  |  | |
111 x 125 x 205mm | 89 x 58 x 157mm | 120 x 130 x 200mm | |
11 L/min | 3.8 L/min | 11 L/min | |
45 PSI | 35 PSI | 50 PSI | |
12V | 12V | 12V | |
7 | 3.5 | 8 | |
1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Best Caravan Water Pumps Australia
Shurflo 4009 12V Standard Pump
Our Pick
This 12V water pump for caravans does a lot of things right.
First of all, it’s reliable and sturdy. Water pumps have a reputation for breaking down after a while so it’s wise to invest in one with a long lifespan. The Shurflo 4009 is regarded as one of the best caravan water pumps in the business.
It also runs quietly. This is something that everybody will appreciate because nobody wants to be woken up by the sound of an electric pump in the middle of the night. Silence is golden.
The Shurflo has a flow rate of 11 L/min which is quite a lot. Meanwhile, it delivers strong pressure of 45 psi. It can also handle up to seven amps.
Finally, it’s available at a reasonable price. You can find it for around $130 to $160 which is fair considering the quality. It also has a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Flojet 12 Volt Compact Pump 3/8B
Best Compact Option
Flojet is one of the most respected caravan water pump manufacturers in the world. They have a wide range of pumps in a variety of sizes.
This particular model is popular because of its compact nature. It’s perfect for smaller caravans with fewer faucets. The water pressure is lower than some other pumps (35psi) but it’s still an effective unit.
It has many great features. This 12-volt water pump for caravans has a sealed motor to reduce noise. It’s also self-priming and dry-running for enhanced reliability.
Furthermore, it has a built-in pulsation eliminator and soft mounts for noise absorption. This is possibly the quietest caravan water pump you’ll find. But you are making a compromise when it comes to pressure.
The flow rate is much lower than more powerful pumps at just 3.8L/min. Also, it can safely handle up to 3.5 amps.
This caravan water pump will set you back around $150, and it comes with a 1 year warranty. RV owners probably won’t look twice at it, but it’s a good option for caravan users.
Flojet 12 Volt Triplex Pump C-Tick Quad Fittings
Honourable Mention
Flojet has a second 12-volt water pump for caravans in this guide. Their Triplex unit is one of the most powerful pumps you’ll find anywhere.
With a flow rate of 11 L/min and a cutoff of 50psi, Flojet has outdone itself here. If you have a camper or a caravan with multiple faucets, then this may be the best caravan water pump for you.
It’s also one of the safest units available. Firstly, it can handle a variety of chemicals without issue. Meanwhile, Flojet ensured that it is C-Tick approved so that you know you can trust it. Finally, it comes with an automatic cut-off and can handle up to 8 amps.
However, there are a few potential cons.
Realistically, it’s too powerful for smaller caravans. That’s not a fault with the water pump, it’s just not suitable.
Some customers may find it irritating that you have to buy a filter separately. This is advisable if you want to get the best out of your caravan water pump.
It’s also more expensive at almost $200 with a one-year warranty.
To be fair, you are paying for a more powerful pump, but you need to ask yourself if it’s worth it. Especially when you compare it to the Shurflo 4009 which has almost the same output.
Choosing a Caravan Water Pump
Nobody wants a water pump that sounds like the outboard motor on your tinny. The best 12-volt water pumps for caravans are quiet and efficient. Remember that a stronger pump isn’t always better. Make sure that you purchase the right size for your vehicle.
Also bear in mind that larger pumps delivering water to more appliances over a longer period of time, means more power consumption and therefore less 12V battery life between charges.
Let’s look at the recommended sizes based on the number of taps that you have.
Two to three taps
Most modern caravans will have at least three water outlets or two at a bare minimum. These are the kitchen tap, bathroom tap and potentially a shower.
In this case, a 12v water pump delivering about 9-12L/min should suit your needs.
Four to five taps
If you have a big RV or a larger caravan, you will need a stronger water pump. It should deliver between 17-22 L/min.
However, this is far too much for most caravans because the pressure will be too high.
Tips for Installing a Water Pump
It’s advisable to install your caravan water pump away from the sleeping area. Even quiet pumps like the Flojet 3/8B emit noise. You don’t want it to keep you awake all night so bear this in mind.
The 3/8B also has rubber bearings which make it far quieter than some alternatives. These don’t transmit vibrations as much and reduce noise.
Maintenance is important to ensure that your pump enjoys a long life. Check it regularly for leaks because they can damage your appliances like your hot water system, toilet and washing machine. If you know that you’ll face subzero temperatures - unlikely in Australia - empty the tank so there is no frost damage.
Final Thoughts
A good water pump is important to ensure that you get the most out of your caravan.
Everybody wants to be able to use the full capabilities of their camping vehicle when they’re on the move. One of the joys of a caravan or RV is that you have running water at your disposal.
You must buy the right type of water pump for your caravan.
The Shurflo 4009 Standard Pump is a great option because of its fast flow and great price. It’s more reasonable than the Flojet Triplex equivalent with almost the same output. That’s why it’s one of the best water pumps for caravans in Australia today.
If you want something smaller the Flojet 12V Compact Pump may meet your requirements. While it is much weaker, it’s near-silent and very robust.
As ever, if you have any questions about these products, please leave a message below!
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Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
