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DRSmart's avatar
DRSmart
Explorer
Apr 27, 2021

Transferring fresh water when dry camping

I’ve been transferring fresh water into our fresh tank while dry camping from 6 gallon water jugs using the onboard pump but it takes about 5 minutes for each jug. I set the Nautilus valves for filling the fresh tank with the internal pump. I’ve also tried using an external pony pump setting the Nautilus for city water. The pony pump providing the pressure. I’d like to use an external pump to speed things up and wondered what others are using. The on board pump is the SHURFLO 4008-101-A65 3.0 GPM Revolution RV Water Pump. There seems to be quite a resistance to my pony pump that I’ve tried and wondered if something like a 5.5gpm 60psi RV pump used externally would be a good way to go.

25 Replies

  • I'm very interested in this discussion ... as I've been searching for a reliable, hand-held pump powered by a 12V cord - that I can merely plug into one of the RV's 12V outlets - so that I can transfer fresh water from a plastic 5 gallon jug on the ground up into the RV's outside fill spout.

    I'd buy at least two of the right kind of pump - one for fresh water and another for gasoline (i.e. to fill the portable generator's tank from a 5-gallon jug). The common cheap ones available via Amazon don't hack it - I've tried and they're junk.

    Does anyone have an online buying link to a decent 12V pump with a long cord that terminates in a 12V cigarette lighter male plug?
  • profdant139. Our previous trailer had a gravity feed and I did as you do. Our current trailer only has water in via the Nautilus system which is a series of valves on a service panel and many 90 degree bends and fittings behind the panel, which I think restricts flow to some degree.
  • Maybe I am missing something, but when we are boondocking and I have to add water to the fresh tank, I lift up a six gallon jug of water and pour it into the fill port on the side of my trailer. We've been doing it that way for 16 years.

    I should add that we use a big funnel in the fill port -- DW steadies the funnel while I pour the water.

    It's great exercise, too! Biceps and legs and lots of other muscle groups get a nice workout.

    This task is amusing in very cold or very windy or very rainy weather, and most amusing in cold windy rain. Snow is no problem -- it just slides right off.

    Maybe I will look into a 12 volt pump, after all . . . . ;)
  • If you're considering the Seaflo 5.5 GPM 60 psi pump, skip it. I just bought one (looking for better flow) and it's a total disappointment. Lousy pressure and about the same volume as my Shurflo 4008. Oh and it's horrendously loud and it vibrates due to cavitation.
    I'm waiting for Shurflo to come out with a 5 chamber bypass pump.
  • Yeah, just get the most-capacity 12v pump you can. I'd also suggest bigger storage vessels. I have 4 26-gal 'boxes', custom made, so I can haul lots because I don't conserve. Hauling 75-100 gallons of water at a time is pretty nice.

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