H-2-hellO to you, fellow road warrior – you must be looking for the best RV water pumps on the market! Aren’t we all?
Water pumps are a crucial piece of gear for RV road trips. Without them, there can be no showers and no ablutions on the roads ahead. And as a long-time nomad of the wheeled arts, I KNOW how crucial they are.
I’ve installed a few RV water pumps in my day. I’ve also had enough fritz out on me to know what you need when looking for a new RV water pump. As such, I’ve applied this expertise as I’ve cross-referenced the market leaders and chosen both the best water pumps as well as sorted them by specific RVer’s needs.
The summary is short: the Seaflo 55 Series takes the top spot. It is by far the best-performing RV water pump that is going to service most full-time and part-time RVers without breaking their budget!
Of course, there are more premium and more budget choices too. There are almost too many choices! And endless specifications to browse to ensure it works for your RV and lifestyle.
So instead of spending days (or weeks) procrastinating and perusing, just keep reading. In here, you’ll find the seven best water pumps for RVs on the market and who exactly they’re right for. And one of them is guaranteed to be perfect for you.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get your pump on!
Our Top 7 Picks
- Seaflo 55 Series Water Pump [Best Overall]
- Remco Aquajet RV Series Water Pump [Best Splurge]
- Shurflo Precitrade 2088 [Best Budget]
- Pentair Shurflo Revolution 4008 [Best Budget Alternative]
- Seaflo 21 Series Water Pump [Best Single Appliance]
- USA Adventure ProGear 3200 [Best Warranty]
- Lippert Components RV Water Pump [Best For Quietness]
The 7 Best RV Water Pumps
You’ve seen the summary, now it’s time to see the full story. Ahead are the individual reviews of the best water pumps for RVs on the market.
Prepare for a journey through a seasoned pro’s expert advice complemented by hilarious zingers. All to prepare you for the much grander journey ahead.
1. Seaflo 55 Series Water Pump
Value meets versatility in our top pick: the Seaflo 55 Series! It’s my personal choice for the best RV water pump. However, I’d also say it’s one of the best value 12V water pumps you’ll find with variable speed technology out there!
The Seaflo 55 meets the needs of most RV enthusiasts and full-time RVers. Featuring Variable Flow Technology, its impressive 55 GPM flow rate and 60 PSI cut-off are capable of powering up to five appliances simultaneously. And ALL with regulated pressure (and a built-in pressure switch of course).
But despite all this fancy tech on offer, you’re still looking at a very comfortable mid-tier price point for a top-tier water RV pump. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find another RV water pump this cheap that includes the same bang for your buck. This variable speed pump even offers durability features that include:
- Low-flow cycling prevention
- Thermal protection
- Self-priming function
Truly, the Seaflo 55 Series does it all. And all stacked into a deceptively quiet 5-chamber diaphragm!
Overall, there’s a lot of good that can be said about the Seaflo 55 Series and not a lot of bad. There are some reports of shoddy customer service. They’re rare though, and the product has a 4-year warranty to back it up which is excellent. I can tell you from personal mid-trip horror stories that these are important considerations. Even the best water pumps for RVing are fickle creatures!
Otherwise, the Seaflo 55 Series is a well-priced and well-rounded, quiet water pump for basically all RVs and campervans. A five-fixture capacity is enough for most full-time RVlifers and oodles for part-timers. And all that cash you’ve saved on its digestible price tag can go straight into the road trip budget!
2. Remco Aquajet RV Series Water Pump
While the Seaflo 55 Series pump will service most RVers, the Remco Aquajet is for anyone who wants the best of the best RV water pumps. Though similar in stats, the Aquajet edges out the Seaflo in areas of size, power, and even noise level. This thing is a silent but deadly beast!
The standout feature that separates the Remco from the pack is its advanced circuitry. This allows the water pump to automatically control motor speed and maintain optimal water pressure, even if using multiple fixtures at once. This guarantees zero chance of rapid cycling.
Remco, however, has dedicated special attention to the noise levels of the pump. Or more specifically, the lack of noise. Remco boasts that the Aquajet RV Pump is a whopping 90% quieter than other diaphragm pumps on the market. While reports suggest those boasts may be greatly exaggerated, it’s still certainly a contender for the quietest RV water pump available with this level of power.
But… it’s big. And it’s expensive. Even with all the durability and premium features of a top-shelf RV water pump, you need to want it. It won’t fit in all RVs. It might also be overkill and suck too much power from smaller RVs. You have to plan for this purchase.
As a budget nomad who prefers campervan-style RVs, I can say that the Remco is not for me. It’s very unlikely to suit fellow RVers who prefer a dash more dirtbag in their travels. For those RVers, the Seaflo 55 or the next pump on this list is a much better option.
But for full-time, big-time RVing in style, you can’t do much better than the Remco Aquajet. It’s the best RV water pump you can get this side of 12 volts!
3. Shurflo Precitrade 2088
So, speaking to my fellow frugal travelers now, here is the best budget pick. The Precitrade Shurflo 2088 balances a very manageable cost with a level of quality that still rivals our top picks. In my travels, I’ve learned that affordability shouldn’t mean missing out on key features, and this water pump proves it.
In comparison to the other budget pump-up next on our list, the Shurflo Precitrade packs more POWER. Its solid 3.5 GPM flow and 3-chamber diaphragm design ensures consistent flow and operation across multiple appliances. Plus the built-in check valve does a fabulous job preventing any reverse flow.
Finally, this cheaper RV water pump still self-primes up to nine feet! I can tell you from my own admin days cursing at my hand tools that a feature like that helps a lot with installation.
But it’s not all sunshine and showers! While it does have enough power for most casual RV users, it still doesn’t hold up as strongly in real-use scenarios as the Seaflo 55 or Remco Aquajet does. And it’s also significantly louder than you’d want a water pump of this power level to be.
If the Remco is a bit too premium and the Seaflo 55 sounds just a tad excessive for your style, then this Shurflo water pump might be your Goldilocks’ porridge – just right! It still packs a lot of top features, including thermal protection, without the heavy price tag.
But if you need more than the Precitrade can give, opt for the first two picks on this list. Alternatively, if you want a similar price point at a quieter level, try our next pick.
4. Pentair Shurflo Revolution 4008
The next budget water pump for RVs clocks in at a very similar price to the Shurflo Precitrade. Stats-wise, it’s also very similar. However, by sacrificing a little bit of power and functionality, the Shurflo Revolution offers a more quiet experience. This quieter water RV pump is tailored for those who prioritize tranquility in their on and off-road adventures.
The aptly titled Revolution offers innovation in its whizz-bang technology. Its unique one-piece diaphragm design paired with an internal bypass enables smooth and consistent water flow with more peace and quiet. This bypass valve also safeguards your RV’s plumbing system from excessive water pressure.
Furthermore, this RV water pump self-primes up to six feet. Again, this is less than the Precitrade but enough to still help a lot.
The comparison between the two budget picks is clear. More power or more serenity. Personally, I opt for quieter RV water pumps like the Revolution. But I’m big on my middle-of-nowhere, dead-silent camping. If you’re looking for a budget pick but need more power, go for the Precitrade.
Of course, neither will be able to go toe-to-toe with the heavy hitters on this list. They offer higher power, more robust self-priming, and more durability too. They’re still the recommendation for people living full-time in their RVs.
But if you want quality at a very fair price and would prefer to hear the sound of a babbling brook over a grumbling water pump, the Shurflo Revolution is for you. Or, if all of these options are still too much power and cost, try our next choice!
5. Seaflo 21 Series Water Pump
The Remco Aquajet was the best 12V water pump you can buy at a steep price. But what about the complete other end of the spectrum? The Seaflo 21 Series is the budget choice for the frugal road warrior. Especially when a simpler way of van life is your style!
This thing, by comparison to all the other pumps on this list, is SO much cheaper and smaller. But it’s only suitable for operating one appliance at a time. That’s going to wildly affect who this water pump is suited for.
As it’s the same series as the top pick – the Seaflo 55 – you’re still getting a lot of value. Just without as much of a kick! The flow and shut-off pressure are significantly lower, as is the self-priming feature (up to four feet). It’s also got a very low power draw and is super compact making installation a snap.
However, the pump is still equipped with protection mechanisms and has a high-quality Seaflo-style build. Plus the lower water pressure makes the Seaflo 21 Series one of the quieter RV water pumps on this list.
But keep in mind that with that sort of flow and power draw, you’re not going to be able to run much more than simple sinks and other small appliances. This is the exact kind of water pump I’ve opted for in my more grungy travels. It’s best for very simple campervans that have low overall water needs.
Big, luxury road-mansions running multiple fixtures at once will want something like the Remco Aquajet. You could use it as a standalone backup pump for one appliance you want to run separately. But really, the Seaflo 21 Series is for singular appliances and one at a time. It’s better suited for budget adventurers with cheaper tastes in simpler styles…
The valiant dirtbags of the van life.
6. USA Adventure ProGear 3200
We’ve looked at a lot of the best water pumps for RVs so far. But up next is the USA Adventure ProGear 3200, and it’s not just another water pump: it’s a commitment. Offering a lifetime warranty, it’s a clear frontrunner for those who prioritize long-term assurance in their gear purchases.
Performance-wise, it doesn’t pack the same level of power as the Seaflo 55 or Remco Aquajet. However, it still packs more into its build than the budget picks. Furthermore, alongside its promise of durability, it boasts a 3-chamber diaphragm pump and self-priming capability of up to 10 feet. It’s also got a check valve that ensures no backflow and guarantees a smooth and hassle-free operation.
But when stacked against the competitors, what truly sets the ProGear 3200 apart isn’t just its performance metrics. It’s the peace of mind. Its comprehensive warranty backed by consumer support is a testament to the company’s confidence in its product and its unwavering support for its customers.
While many pumps can deliver efficient performance, few offer a lifelong safety net. I said it once and I’ll say it again, RV water pumps are fickle things! A few too many blow-ups on the roads have taught me that pumps that offer reliability and long-term security, like the Progear 3200, matter. For that reason, it’s a very strong contender.
In summary, the USA Adventure ProGear 3200 is the embodiment of commitment. Now, thoughts of commitment might give most nomads an allergic reaction (myself included!), but we should be more open to these things when they concern the gear for our rig. For RVers who value longevity, invest once in this RV water pump and rest easy knowing you’re covered for life.
7. Lippert Components RV Water Pump
For those who crave tranquility during their RV journeys, the Lippert Components 12V RV Water Pump is an oasis in a vast landscape of noisy pumps and campsites. While many pumps claim to be silent performers, this water pump truly takes the crown in the realm of hushed operations. Some customers report that it’s so quiet they forgot to turn it off and burnt out the electric motor!
Don’t let its silent demeanor fool you though. This RV water pump delivers admirable flow and performance. When pitted against other top contenders like the Seaflo 55 and Remco Aquajet, this water pump doesn’t quite match up. But if we’re talking consistency, serenity, and value, it most certainly does match up, and it exceeds the budget choices in all areas as well.
But it’s the quiet operation that truly elevates this water pump. This pump prioritizes peace, allowing RVers to enjoy the natural ambience without the constant hum and reminder of our RV maintenance to-do list.
Of course, it is still significantly less powerful than the Seaflo and Remco. It’s not the best pick for large full-power van-sions or big family RVs where multi-fixture capability is a necessity. But for RVers who wish to merge efficiency with serenity, this pump sets a gold standard. With this pump onboard, you get more than water…
You get tranquility on wheels.
What To Look For When Buying a New RV Water Pump?
Setting out on the open road in your shiny to not-so-shiny RV is an unparalleled adventure! But it’s absolutely crucial to ensure your mobile abode is equipped with the essentials first. As someone who has done both pumped and pump-less RV living, I can’t stress how much easier daily life is with a high-quality water pump that can pump water from my freshwater tank to anywhere I need.
But RV water pumps come with a lot of technicalities that may perplex the less mechanically minded. Before you go buying, let’s dive into EXACTLY what you need to look for.
Water Pump Flow Rate (Gallons Per Minute)
The pump’s flow rate tells you how fast water gets delivered. Think of it as your pump’s speed. The more gallons per minute (GPM), the higher your flow and the more effective your appliances are. Variable speed pumps like the Seaflo 55 Series can adjust their flow rates to suit your needs.
I’ve found that a rate of 3 to 5 GPM works very well for most RVing, even full-time. It’s enough for getting yourself and the dishes squeaky clean!
Water Pressure (PSI)
Water pressure matters! Imagine wanting a strong shower but getting a weak dribble. The water pressure goes hand in hand with the water flow to define your experience.
Aim for a pump with a water pressure of 30 to 50 PSI to really boost your RV’s multi-fixture capacity. And consider the auto-shutoff too! This sets the benchmark for what water pressure the pressure switch shuts off at to improve the pump’s lifespan as well as defines what the maximum water pressure is.
Size of Pump
Space is a luxury in an RV. Always check the pump’s dimensions before buying. I always make sure it fits my storage/installation area.
Remember, size matters only relative to your needs (hurhurhur). A bigger pump isn’t always better. Go for what fits or what isn’t going to be a pain in the gluteus maximus to install.
Noise
Unless you enjoy the sound of Autobots transforming in your peaceful camping adventures, take into account the RV water pump noise. A quiet evening can be ruined by a loud pump.
Check for pumps with a low decibel rating. Or browse the reviews to see what users say. But do expect some noise – nothing’s perfect.
Thermal Protection
RVing can take you across all kinds of climates. From the Nevadan deserts to the Coloradan peaks, temperatures will vary wildly!
Thermal protection stops the pump from overheating or freezing. It’s a small feature, but it’s saved me from pump troubles too many times to count.
Our Verdict
H-2-whoa, you are ready to go! (With the flow.) By now, I hope you’ve found the best RV water pump for your needs. Because you won’t find any better than the RV fresh water pumps on this list!
It really does come down to your needs though. At the end of the day, what matters is that your RV’s water pump can deliver water from your fresh water tank to wherever you need. There are pumps for single appliances. There are pumps that prioritize longevity. Some prioritize serenity. It’s about what YOU need.
The top pick remains the Seaflo 55 Series. It’s the best combination of all factors that matter in an RV water pump. It’s got durability, power, and efficiency, and weighs in at a very respectable price point.
Alternatively, if not even the Seaflo 55 can service your road warrior needs, try the Remco Aquajet. This proverbial beast is better suited to the road paladins. Full-time RVlifers in big, hulking luxury rigs will need a pump to match that energy.
And if none of these pumps work, you can always try to go full dirtbag with the by-the-river living. I’ve done plenty of that too! But I can tell you after your fifth round of freezing cold bucket showers, you’ll either be aching for a better setup or yearning for a city water connection.
So get a pump and get clean. Be a dirtbag in spirit only. But in your hygiene and in your travels, be a cleanbag. With a whizz-bang and oh-so-sexy RV water pump.
H-2-Over and out.
If you liked this article, check out our other RV gear recommendations!
