Last Updated on January, 2025
Imagine a water pump in your RV that does what it says.
That rarely happens.
This problem applied to me, which led me to find the perfect answer to make my life in the RV more comfortable.
This review covers 5 of the best RV pumps that can be easily integrated into the typical RV’s 12V system.
Whether you are an individual, a couple, or a family, all you need to do is read through and pick what suits you the best.
But wait, why trust me?
Table of Contents
Why Trust Me?
I own a Storyteller Overland RV, and I currently use the top pick of this reading.
Before I ranked these five RV water pumps, I picked up around ten and tested each. I didn’t want to include the latter five just because they aren’t worth the investment.
Some of the details I have mentioned will be unavailable on the internet because I found them out.
Without further ado, let’s get started with the best and what I use; SEAFLO 55 Series.
5 Best RV Water Pumps to Buy
1. SEAFLO 55 Series
The SEAFLO 55 Series is the best-recommended RV pump; let me explain why.
As a brand, SEAFLO has been in the market for 13 years, dominating the professional DC pump manufacturing industry in China. SEAFLO also maintains an excellent brand reputation in the USA.
The SEAFLO 55 series is essentially a 12V self-priming water pressure pump with a Santoprene diaphragm.
It’s admirable that the motor will be no louder than your room fan while running. There are semi-rigid rubber feet for vibration and noise reduction.
As an RV pump specifically, this feature elevates the user experience.
If you didn’t already know, pumps of this kind are designed to contain the liquid inside, which is needed to initiate the pumping process.
In lament terms, the SEAFLO 55 series is more efficient by design.
What sort of peak flow rate does this pump offer? SEAFLO 55 offers an above-industry-standard peak flow rate of 5.5 GPM, aided by EPDM valves.
SEAFLO incorporates a five-chamber design that enables high volume and is operated by a heavy-duty motor. With a pressure of 60 PSI at the peak flow rate, it’s safe to say that the SEAFLO 55 Series is built for tough conditions.
To confirm it further, its self-priming capability is functional up to 9 feet directly vertical at 90 degrees.
SEAFLO has made it easy to use the 55 series RV pump with industry-standard threaded connections and multiple fittings that allow connection to any outlet.
The cherry on top is the 1/2″ threaded MNPT inlet/outlet.
How big is the 55-series pump? Its dimensions are 8.5″L x 5.75″W x 5.16″H, increasing its maneuverability. To complement all these features, this RV pump has a new robust pressure switch placed strategically to ensure convenient operations.
SEAFLO has made this RV pump a risk-free investment with a 4-year company warranty.
Considering all these factors, it’s safe to say that the SEAFLO 55 Series is the best RV pump on the market.
Pros
Cons
2. Shurflo Precitrade
The best substitute for the 12V SEAFLO 55 Series pump is the Precitrade Shurflo pump.
Let’s dive into the details.
The peak flow rate is lesser in this compared to the SEAFLO. However, with a 3.5 GPM maximum flow rate, you can expect much better flow than the cheap and unreliable RV pumps.
It is also a self-priming pump.
The best thing is that this flow rate is delivered with a high pressure of 45 PSI.
45 PSI is ideal (60 would have been the best), given that your RV’s faucets, connectors, and even toilets won’t be able to handle it if it exceeds 80 PSI.
Made from durable metal, the Shurflo RV pump is similar in size to the 55 series pump, measuring 8.5″L x 5″W x 4.5″H. Its Maneuverability is more than satisfactory, as it weighs only 4.8 pounds.
The ergonomic shape complements these dimensions.
Although not sound-suppressing by design, the Shurflo RV pump also has semi-rigid rubber feet to suppress vibrations. You should know that noise levels have the lowest rating on most selling platforms.
One of the buyers (link) specifically mentions that the pump can be a little bit loud. A solution for this is installing it in an insulated area. Otherwise, you can simply opt for the SEAFLO RV pump.
However, this RV has an Amazon product rating of 4.6 stars with 6,000+ ratings.
It is also impressive that its maximum lifting height is 12 feet. With a pump working with a 12V setting, electrical integration into your RV will be swift. After all, the appliance is battery-powered (please note that the batteries aren’t usually included).
This diaphragm pump is also thermally protected. Appliance protection is even increased thanks to the one-way operation check valve that prevents reverse flow.
You are highly likely to get a 30-day return guarantee, but this product lacks a company warranty.
If you can look past some of the downsides, the Precritrade Shurflo RV pump is reliable and can be recommended.
Pros
Cons
3. RecPro RV Water Pump
RecPro is a brand dedicated to RV-based products. Their water pump is marketed as the direct replacement for the Shurflo pump.
Let’s see the reasons behind the claim.
Being a self-priming 12V pump, you can expect high efficiency by design. After all, it has a unique one-piece diaphragm and internal by-pass, further elevating efficiency.
What about the flow rate?
As a substitute for the Shurflo pump, the RecPro pump can sustain a peak flow rate of 3 GPM. This flow rate, with self-priming, can be maintained up to 9 feet vertically, a testament to its RV-focussed design approach.
The RecPro RV pump generally delivers an impressive 55 PSI water pressure and will shut off at 45 PSI. If it could provide a 3.5 GPM, the RecPro RV pump would be better than the Shurflo pump.
The next question is about its loudness. This RV pump is designed to be quiet, like the SEAFLO pump. It would have been better if it had rubber feet.
RecPro RV pump’s built-in thermal protection feature certifies resilience against changing weather. The reverse flow protection protects the pump’s insides, increasing its longevity.
The icing on the cake is its corrosion-resistant valves while also being an easy connecting system.
This pump is relatively smaller, measuring 4.9″L x 4.3″W x 8.1″H, and it has excellent maneuverability.
Another unique feature of the RecPro RV pump is that it is designed to draw lower power. In other words, the battery durability will be higher.
You can get this RV pump in silver, although it is technically a silver and black design. I also would recommend you to place it on a rubber sheet which would fix its lack of rubber-based legs.
RecPro has always been a reliable brand, and their RV pump can be relied on as a second alternative for the SEAFLO’s.
It would have been fantastic if there was a company warranty, though.
Pros
Cons
4. Remco AQUAJET
Remco Industries is a US-based refrigeration, electrical, and mechanical service provider in the industry since 1977.
Remco’s 55 AQUAJET is the next substitute for the SEAFLO 55 series.
The Remco AQUAJET is a self-priming RV water pump made from durable aluminum.
Aligning with the brand’s specialty, this RV water pump has sophisticated electronics to adjust its water speed as you open and close water fixtures.
These features align with its 3.5 GPM peak flow rate and maximum water temperature of 140°F (60°C). The positive shut-off is at 75-85 PSI, which offers more water pressure that aligns with its unique design to manage the water flow.
I ranked it lower because although the water pressure is significantly higher than ideal, only a few RV systems can handle it.
Remco’s AQUAJET also has a unique soft start feature. It’s a best practice to start slower and gradually increase the intensity (I have discussed some best practices in a later section).
Because of this, any risk of annoying rapid cycling would be absent.
Collectively, it will elongate the lifespan of the RV water pump.
Aquajet has a patented five-chamber design. This displaces substantially more water per motor revolution compared to the average three and four-chamber models. Combined with the diaphragm model, the Remco RV water pump is a beast in utmost control.
Another admirable feature of this RV water pump is that it is designed to sustain the water pressure drop. The fact that it can operate at a peak elevation of 13 feet is excellent.
Remco’s one is a bit bigger than the rest of the RV water pumps so far, with dimensions 12.3″L x 6.2″W x 5.4″H. With a weight of 6.43 pounds, don’t be surprised if it is a bit difficult to manage.
If you buy from Amazon, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee in addition to the company warranty by Remco.
Although it might not be as good as the SEAFLO’s, the Remco RV water pump is a definite recommendation.
Pros
Cons
5. SEAFLO 21-Series
The SEAFLO 21 Series is the last substitute for the SEAFLO 55 Series.
Let’s dive into the details now.
The flow rate is one major difference between the top pick and the 21 Series. The 21 Series peak flow rate is 1.2 GPM.
But both are standard 12V RV water pumps with built-in thermal protection.
Nevertheless, the motor is designed to operate at a peak pressure of 35 PSI, managed with a modern built-in pressure switch. This would enable automatic stop and start, enabling better convenience.
The SEAFLO 21 Series’s maximum lifting height is 4feet as a self-priming RV water pump. So, be careful if you choose this pump that does not match your RV’s dimensions.
After all, this water pump can also be used on boats, which obviously have lower vertical heights. The pump’s ability to run dry, aligning with industry standards, elevates its versatility.
Furthermore, SEAFLO’s 21 Series RV water pump can be used for multiple applications. These include liquid transfer, circulation, dispensing, spraying, and even filtration.
What about its size? The 21 Series is a bit longer with dimensions 6.69″L x 3.94″W x 2.64″H but weighs 1.3 pounds. It’s safe to say that you can comfortably maneuver it. The ergonomic shape also helps.
I don’t need to remind you that SEAFLO maintains an untarnished brand reputation. Regardless of what you buy, as long as they fit your requirements, the pumps will work with no hassle.
Conclusion: The SEAFLO 21 Series is a recommendation, but it’s risk-free to choose the 55 Series.
Pros
Cons
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best RV Water Pump?
The approach is straightforward if you’re wondering how I chose and ranked these RV water pumps.
As long as you meet all these requirements, you’re guaranteed to buy the best, which is the SEAFLO 55 Series or an equivalent.
Types of RV Water Pumps
While there are many, specifically under different brands,
Tthere are three common types:
Constant-speed RV pumps are designed to pump water at a constant flow rate. Because of this, the pressure may vary from time to maintain the flow rate. Your main concern is the speed; pressure is what delivers it at the back end.
All RV pumps mentioned in this review belong to the constant speed category. Despite some claims, constant-speed RV pumps deliver a better experience. I advise choosingI suggest choosing an RV pump with 40+ PSI to deliver the best experience.
Constant-pressure RV pumps have varying speeds as they raise and lower the RPM value to maintain pressure. Although they are longer-lasting, they tend to be more expensive. I wouldn’t say a constant-pressure RV pump would be necessary for a typical RV.
If one owns a bus home, a high-volume RV pump is the way to go. These pumps typically have an average flow rate of 4-5 GPM and larger dimensions.
3 Best Practices With RV Water Pumps
Anyone can easily set up an RV pump and let it run. However, following 3 best practices will allow you to elongate the lifespan of your RV pump while optimizing its efficiency.
Deeper maintenance:
Water quality and pump protection initiatives:
Optimize the pump usage:
Read more:
In Conclusion
The market is saturated with RV water pumps thanks to their high demand.
That’s why you need to find the best value for money.
SEAFLO 55 Series offers incomparable features with a 60 PSI 5.5 GPM peak flow rate, coming closer to high-volume RV pumps but for the price of a normal RV water pump. With a 4-year warranty, it’s hard to find a risk-free deal.
I hope this review was helpful to you. Feel free to share this within your community.
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