120 Volt Water Pump

[mikeintn]

Does anyone out there have a 120 VAC water pump in there coach? We don't boondock and was just wondering if there was an advantage (higher GPM etc) to a 120 Volt pump. We always are running our genny or hooked up to shore power (or can turn the inverter on) so no real need to stick with 12 VDC pump. We aren't having pump issues, just thinking about the water flow at the shower and faucets. Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[Bikeboy57]

Yes,

Yes we have a 120V pump. Get one with a built in accumulator. You can set the pressure on most.

I use this one instead of the more expensive headhunter.

pump

[time2roll]

There are better 12v pumps available to improve performance without engineering a 120v solution.

[jsikora]

Some pro's and cons to the 120 vs 12 volt pumps. Like you we love NASCAR tracks and are planning to hit more than a few this summer. The second year we went to Charlotte I added a second 60 gallon water tank just so we didn't have to call to be filled (We were on site for both All Star and CC 600). I originally got a 120 pump for that tank and piped into the water system. It was a great idea until the night before the CC600 and the main tank ran out of water. It was late at night and the generator i had then was pretty loud. I didn't want to annoy my neighbors so had no way to flow the water. I switched to a 12 volt for the second year and actually put a 2 way switch so i could turn on inside water or outside depending on level.

We have since replaced the 5th wheel with a older MH and I plan to move this tank to that also and leave the 12V pump. The other advantage is if we are traveling i can still pump water without the need for AC.

[Dutch_12078]

Shur-flo makes 120 VAC pumps that are a direct physical replacement for some of their 12 VDC models. Don't expect a big change at the faucets from a higher flow rate pump though. The EPA restricts kitchen and bath faucets to 2.2 GPM max at 60 PSI. and 1.5 GPM if they're "Water Sense" certified.

[Gruu]

I'm sure you have thought of this but, 120VAC and water,. NOT a good mix. If you decide to do this, be VERY CAREFUL.

[LVJ58]

Here's a site where you may find a pump that will work for you::

http://flojetpumpsupply.com/

Good luck...:)

[mikeintn]

Kayteg1 wrote:
The household on demand water pump come in huge sizes. Sure they can support 3 faucets but do you have that many in RV?
If you don't have enough flow with your 12V pump, you can upgrade to bigger one in 12V size.

I have a sink in the kitchen, sink in the bathroom and a sink in the bedroom and the shower. No all aren't on at the same time, but yes I have 3 faucets plus the shower.

[Dale_Traveling]

Personally I would search out a higher flow/pressure 12VDC pump. Never say never when it comes to being off the grid. Hate to have to run the generator because the Navigator had an extra cup of morning coffee while on the road between camp grounds.

[Bobbo]

While there are 120v pumps, there is no advantage to them for an RV. Of course, the only disadvantage to them is the inability to run them from the house battery in an emergency.

The term "boondock" doesn't just mean no water. It means no services at all. No water. No electricity. No sewer. Think "driving out 30 miles into the desert and stopping for the night." THAT is boondocking.

[mikeintn]

Thank you bluwtr49, Old-Biscuit for the answers (and Fireup for understanding). I saw the 4gpm shurflo but didn't know how well they worked. The wiring wouldn't be an issue for me, and a simple relay circuit could be used so existing switches could be used.
I (and others here) don't really consider camping at racetracks true "boondocking". We don't have hookups but run the generator for 4 to 5 days non stop (as does everyone else there) and if I need the water refilled or the sewer pumped (or ice or a paper or dish worked on or whatever) all I have to do is sit outside for 30 minutes or so and flag the truck driver down.

[bluwtr49]

Our 4 gpm Shurflo provides more than enough pressure and flow for the house demands...as long as DW doesn't run the kitchen faucet while I'm in the shower.

FYI, I no longer use park water except to fill the tank so I run the pump for everything.

[Jagtech]

There are available small 120v "Pony Pumps" that will do the job. But that said, a good solar charger will easily keep up with the intermittent demands of a 12 volt pump.

[FIRE_UP]

Ranger Smith wrote:
Gosh . . . Some people have just too much time on their hands. Why would you want to do that. Campground pressure is plenty adequate for showers etc.

Well,
Not sure of where you've camped but, we've encountered many campgrounds with far less than adequate pressure. In fact, the most recent one was Page Springs RV Resort (although we'd never label it that)just about 20 miles southwest of Sedona AZ. It even says in their brochure, "low water pressure". And, we've been in several others that it was actually better to use our coach water pump due to better pressure and more consistent flow and just use the campground water supply to refill the tank when needed.

If folks want to change certain components in there motor home, far be it from me to tell them why they shouldn't. Reasoning for the change(s) sometimes can be questioned but, it's their coach so, it's up to them to change what they want.

If one doesn't boondock, which means that primarily they camp or park at RV parks, then yes, you'd think that there would be park water supply where they camp/park. And that would mean there would actually be no need for a change from a 12VDC pump to a 120VAC pump.

But, again, it's theirs so, have at it, for whatever reason(s).
Scott

[mikeintn]

Because we like to camp at NASCAR races and other things like that where everyone runs their generators and there are no water hookups. Didn't mean to ruin your day, it was just a question. When I said boondock I was trying to use that term like most I read on here, no generator and only off the batteries.