Trailer Water Pump

[bballard]

The water pump in my fifth wheel acts like it's giving up after 2 1/2 years (and not with what I would consider much service as we usually camp with hookups). Instead of shutting off crisply, it sorta slowly runs down before stopping. RV tech said they should last much longer, but may have a leaking check valve. Anyway, what has been your experience with the various replacement pumps. This OEM pump hammers like crazy and pulses, and is probably low on the price/quality scale. Camping world has them in all kinds of price ranges, and I was wondering if the high cost ones are really worth the expense. They tout smooth water flow and quiet operation (like the high end motorhomes???). Any input or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Bob

 

[Jgolden]

There could be a leak or or a back siphon that lets in some air, and causes the slow stop. RV catalogs have a large variety of set ups even a storage tank that keeps more steady pressure. The noise is often not in the pump but caused by rigid plastic pipe. If you can add flexible tube as well as cushion the pump you won't be able to even hear it run. Also the fresh water inlet has a check valve you can see it in the hose connection) that can cause the slow stop if it sticks a little, have someone watch for leak there while you run the pump. . Had all these problems over the years.

 

[LandShark]

My experience with these pumps is that the failure is usually a bad microswitch. The switches are available from Radio Shack for a couple of bucks and replacement usually takes less time than taking out the pump. Last time I did one I had to make a slight modification to the switch housing with a file to accomatate a slightly different switch style.



Pump noise is more a function of mounting location and the type of mount rather than how much money you spent on the pump.

 

[David Oxland]

Is it, by any chance, one of the newer types that regulate speed in response to pressure. I just saw one in the dealers for the first time. They slow as they approach the set point.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I agree with the bad micro switch theory. You can get the exact replacement from an RV supply place and it's a lot cheaper (>$15) than a new pump.

Also the addition of an accumulator tank http://www.campingworld.com/browse/categories/index.cfm?deptID=3&catID=137&subOf=13 will extend the life of any pump by drastically reducing how much it cycles. The $34 unit at the bottom of this web page works great!

 

[clem]

Water pump

If your pump is bad you can get a new head with out the motor. If you belong to one of the RV Clubs the pump people go to the big gatherings. Like the Good Sam in Hutch. KS this summer. Art from Sure-Flow will gladly check it out for you and repair it for you at a deal you can't pass up

 

[TowPro]

There will always be air in your system as the hot water heater is made to retain some air. One of the cures for the hot temp releaf valve on the hot water heater leakin is to drain out some of the hot water allowing air back into the tank.



I have only ever had 1 water pump go bad, and it was leaking.



On both my campers the pump will slow down then stop. On my terry I have installed a pressure tank and it will now slow down over a period of several seconds before it stops.



I would leave the pump in there until it dies or leaks.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I had a pump in a truck camper go bad. it did the exact same thing as Bobs and it was definitely the micro switch.

 

[bballard]

Thanks to everyone for the input. Replacing the pump isn't going to be easy due to the location (surprise), so I'm going to do like TowPro and use it 'til it dies, and carry a spare for when/if it does. Also looking into adding the accumulator tank. Where is the micro switch located? Thought I would replace it for good measure.

Bob

 

[LandShark]

Micro switch location depends on the type of pump and model, but most are located on the end of the pump where the power wire is attached. One wire goes directly to the pump, the other to the switch. Take it apart and check it out.