RV Things

Water pumps are essential to the function of your recreational vehicle, especially if you are camping far away from a water source. Water pumps draw water up from your water tanks underneath your RV and pump the water throughout the RV; to your sinks, toilets, and showers.

Water pumps are typically powered by 12-volt batteries and do not need electricity to function.

Choosing the right water pump for you RV sounds like a daunting task, but with the right information and product suggestions, you will find recreational vehicle water pumps are easier to understand and install that you might have thought.

Types of Water Pumps

There are three main types of water pumps that are helpful to know about when shopping for your RV. Shurflo, Flojet, and Bayite are the most commonly used and easy to understand water pumps. They are all very similar in the way they are set up and function. There are some differences you need to be aware of to buy the right pump for your RV, though.

The main differences between these three types of water pumps lie in their Gallons Per Minute (GPM), Pounds Per Square Inch (water pressure or PSI), and Amperage (strength of electric current or AMP) measurements. Each recreational vehicle is different, so make sure to check what requirements your RV requires for water pumps.

Otherwise, you risk damaging your pipes with too much pressure, electricity usage, and low water flows to all your outlets.

What To Look For In A Water Pump

Before you start shopping around the internet for your water pump, you need to know what you are looking for in a water pump as far as specifications go. Questions you should ask yourself, or your prospective water pump candidate, before you buy is include:

Does the water pump come with a manual?

It would be a shame to have your water pump arrive at your house, go to install it, and have there be no instructions. Not only do owner manuals help with installing your equipment, but they also help educate the owners on care and maintenance of the water pump.

How many gallons of water should your RV produce to function comfortably?

Check with your manufacturer for information on the correct water usage your RV can handle. This is important for both your water consumption and understanding of which pump to buy. When shopping for your water pump, the answer will fall under the Gallons Per Minute product description category.

Dimension, Weight, and Power

Check your old water pump to make sure your new one will fit. Check to make sure you are buying a water pump that is the same size and weight as your old one. Also, make sure it produces the same PSI and Amperage recommended for your specific RV. You don’t want to ruin your plumbing!

Product Warranty

Lastly, you want to check and make sure that the company you are buying your water pump from includes a warranty. This is a good precaution in case your pump becomes damaged for any reason.

Comparison of 4 Different Water Pumps

Here are some water pump suggestions that have the best ratings and the best owners satisfaction. These pumps do vary in price, so we arranged them from least expensive to most expensive for the sake of the buyer.

Shurflow 4008-101-E65 3.0 Revolution Water Pump

The first of the two Shurflow water pumps represented here is a great choice for your RV.

This water pump includes a self-priming feature, a four-chambered diaphragm with adjustable pressure switch and by-pass (to avoid ruining your unit and’or plumbing), as well as a built-in check valve to eliminate back-flow into your system.

You will always experience a quiet operation with this water pump, as well as the ability to dry-run the unit. Never worry about the weather destroying your water pump, for the Shurflow 3.0 is climate protected for our convenience.

With a vertical suction lift of 6 feet, a PSI of 55, and pumps 3 Gallons Per Minute, this water pump falls into the mid-range of powerful water pumps.

Specifications:

• Voltage: 12V DC
• Dimensions: 4.75 x 5.5 x 11.5 inches
• Weight: 1 lb
• Amps: 7.5

Bayite 12V DC Fresh Water Pump

The Bayite Fresh Water Pump features smooth and even water flow, even at its maximum psi, and runs quietly and discreetly all day long.

Electrocoating protect the switches and wires from corrosion, and the body of the pump is also water and dust resistant, so you will never have to worry about cleaning this pump to avoid damage. Other features include a self-priming function, a vertical suctions lift of 6.6 feet, PSI measurements at 80-85 for its default and 100 at its maximum pressure measurement.

This pump is great for heavy duty use, as it pumps a large quantity of 4.5 gallons per minute. The water pump kit also includes two tube clamps as well as 3/8 inch Inlet/Outlet hose ports for your convenience.

Specifications:

• Voltage: 12V DC
• Dimensions: 16.5cm(L) x 10cm(W) x 6cm(H)
• Weight: 21 ounces

Flojet 1202.1050 04406-143A Quad II Water Pump ‘Quiet Quad’

The Flojet Quad II water pump is one of the less powerful pumps on this list, but nonetheless a quality water pump.

You may want to try this pump if you have a smaller RV or camper, and also if you don’t plan on using its amenities very frequently. This pump includes a self-priming feature, a four-pistol configuration made for high water flow, and a switch for intermittent running (so you can control how frequently the pump runs).

One neat feature about the Flojet is that you can install up to five water outlets on one single unit. The vertical suction is a little over 7.5 feet. Its PSI runs at 35, yet it still is able to pump 3.3 gallons of water per minute.

Specifications:

• Voltage: 12V DC
• Dimensions: 12 x 5 x 4 inches
• Weight: 4 lbs

Shurflo 2088-554-144 Fresh Water Pump

Last but not least is another Shurflo Fresh Water Pump, featuring a few differences between the other Shurflow mentioned above.

This Shurflo is a tad bit weaker in power compared to the Shurflow 3.0 but is wonderful for use in smaller campers and RVs that are not lived in for long periods of time. Instead of a four-chamber Diaphragm Pump, this pump features a 3-chamber diaphragm pump.

It still includes a built-in check valve to prevent back-flow into the unit and is throughout climate and thermally protected. The vertical suction lift is 6 feet, includes a 45 PSI, and pumps 3.5 gallons of water per minute.

Specifications:

• Voltage: 12V DC
• Dimensions: 14.7 x 8.3 x 7.7 inches
• Weight: 5.35 pounds

Whether you are a first-time water pump buyer, or you are a well-seasoned RV owner who is seeking more information on pumps, use this article as your guide to finding the best quality water pump for your RV. Make sure to ask questions (see What To Look For In A Water Pump) and check with your manufacturer to get the correct specifications for your RV beforehand. Happy water pump shopping!

Looking for an easy way to keep that RV clean when you’re on the road? We suggest one of the portable vacuums that are designed to clean small areas such as RVs, cars, stairs, and furniture.

There are many different kinds of portable vacuums to thoroughly clean recreational vehicles.  Below we’ll give you some tips on what to look for in one of these and share some of our recommendations on what to buy.

What to Look For in Portable RV Vacuums

When using portable vacuums, the number one thing a person should notice is how well the vacuum cleans surfaces.  A portable vacuum should be able to clean both hard floors and carpets with ease and keep up with everyday use to sustain a clean environment.  Some things to make sure the vacuum can handle is spills, pet hair, and the size of particles.

Electric vacuums are measured by Air Watts.  The more Air Watts available, the cleaner the floors and surfaces will be.  If the vacuum has a battery pack, then make sure the battery is charged enough to clean without having to recharge in the middle of cleaning.

The weight is another factor to look into because if it is handheld, then a heavy vacuum will put a strain on the wrist and make the job more difficult.  Another important feature to look at is the size of the bag.  How much dirt can the bag hold before emptying?

The final thing to check out is the price.  Make sure the price is worth the product and the features.  Also, make sure it is within the budget.

Editor Top Picks: RV Vacuum Reviews

Below we’ll share our editor’s thoughts on some of the best rv vacuums on the market right now. There is the Shark Rocket Corded Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum, the Oreck Commercial Pro 5 Super Compact Canister Vacuum, the HP Dirt Devil Central Vacuum System, and the Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner. If you’re looking for the best RV vacuums, then let us help you.

1. Shark Rocket Corded Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum

This vacuum is made mostly for carpets but can be used anywhere and has an attachment with a TruePet mini motorized brush.

It runs on electricity and comes with a fifteen-foot chord for cleaning rooms with ease.  There is no recharging any batteries with this handheld machine.  Many of our editors find it gets in those tight spots very well such as steps and corners.

This is a lightweight vacuum and weighing 3.7 pounds.  It runs off of 400 watts of power and cleans any surface.

The filters are easy to clean and are washable, so there is no purchasing more filters.  This vacuum will never lose its suction power, and it has a dust cup for easy to dump out the trash that is picked up.

Loose debris, pet hair, and dirt are no problem for this portable vacuum as it is capable of cleaning deep in surfaces.  The dimensions are 9.7 x 4.9 x 13.6 inches, and it comes with a 12″ crevice tool, dusting brush, TruePet Motorized Brush, and an extending hose for those hard to reach places.

2. Oreck Commercial XL Pro 5 Super Compact Canister Vacuum

This portable vacuum cleaner is lightweight and has a shoulder strap to make it easier to carry the five-pound vacuum where ever it is needed.  Please note that the weight is only the vacuum without the attachments and hoses.

The attachments that come with the vacuum are a 30-foot power cord which makes it easier to go from room to room without changing outlets.  There is a complete 11 piece detailing set that comes with the attachments.

It has a four-foot hose with an adjustable extension for cleaning vents, ceiling fans, and any place out of reach.  This vacuum is made for hard surfaces, high areas, upholstery, carpets, stairs, small spaces. and along edges.

The dimensions are 8 x 6 x 15 inches, and it holds up to 1 quart of dirt and debris.  One thing that makes this portable vacuum so great is the old fashion saying “Made in the USA.”  Oreck takes pride in this saying, and all the components and parts come from and are put together here in America.

It is listed as a commercial vacuum and is great for cleaning RVs, but it can also be used for cleaning hotels and restaurants.  The vacuum has a one-year commercial warranty.  There is a bag that is disposable and needs to be changed along with the filter, so this needs to be purchased separately.

Most are satisfied and impressed with the weight and how easy it is to use the vacuum.   The shoulder strap they said is a lifesaver along with the many attachments.

3. HP Products Dirt Devil Central Vacuum System

This vacuum is built into a certain area of a building and is designed for saving space.  Though it is meant for portable buildings and RVs, it is not easy for moving around, but it does bring the value up in price for an RV.

It comes with a 7′ to 35′ hose that expands for large areas and can easily be stored away.  The bag holds up to one gallon of dirt and debris.

There are several attachments that come with the vacuum along with a mesh bag to keep all the attachments together.  There is a 10″ floor tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, and crevice tools for those hard to reach places.

It is capable of picking up dirt and debris at a flow rate of 100 cubic feet per minute.

The dimensions are 14.5 x 7 x 6.2 inches, and the vacuum weighs 21pounds and 14 pounds without the attachments.  The product has a 5-year guaranteed warranty and the Air Watts is 501 with 120 volts AC Amperes.

4. Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

This vacuum is the most powerful of the cordless vacuums and runs off of one Lithium-ion battery.  It takes about three and a half hours to charge fully and has a running time of sixty minutes when using the non-motorized tool.

It runs off of 21.6 volts.  The length can be extended fully to use as a regular vacuum for floors, or it can be shortened for a handheld vacuum for furniture.

The bin for the dirt and debris is 0.2 gallons, and there is a filtration system that is fully sealed and blocks up to 99.97% of particles and puts out cleaner air as it is working.

There is a two-year warranty on parts and labor.  Most people enjoy the three-speed power modes for any size job or floor type.  They also appreciate the drop in docking feature which saves on space.  It allows the vacuum to charge while mounting on a wall or an easy to grab spot for grab and go.

The vacuum weighs 5.86 pounds, and the dimensions are 9.8 x 10.1 x 49.2 inches.  It comes with a mini soft dusting brush, a combination tool, a mini motorized tool, and a crevice tool for those hard to reach places.

All Vacuums for RVs Used Anywhere

Along with RVs, these portable vacuums can be used anywhere it can fit.  These are some of the best vacuums on the market but there are many others.

For RVs, there is nothing better in the opinions of the public through the five star ratings and reviews.  Research is the key factor to finding the perfect portable vacuum and sometimes trial and error off of others who have used the products before hand can also be beneficial to saving money and valuable time.

Traveling is always amazing. You get the opportunity to meet new people, visit new places, and experience new cultures. Spending quality time on the road is an adventure that is full of joy, but there are also several challenges that you have to deal with. One of the most effective ways of traveling and enjoying life on the road is by living in a recreational vehicle (RV) that offers you the possibility to move around wherever you want. You are also free to take your spouse and kids with you and bring your belongings as well.

However, things might be so tough when you are just getting started with RV travel. There is so much information that you will need to make good decisions that will make your RVing experience memorable. If you are a starter, then you are in the right place. We are here to offer you the best tips that will prepare you to hit the road and enjoy your RV camping. Read on to discover some of the top RV camping tips for beginners.

Renting vs. Buying

We can’t deny the fact that there are lots of different types of RVs out there and choosing the best can be a daunting task to accomplish. You also have to decide whether you want to buy or rent your RV. For beginners, this isn’t an easy decision to make with advantages and drawbacks for both of them. However, the moment you settle down and consider a few factors, it becomes easy to make a final decision.

If you are a starter, the best option is to rent until you decide the type of RV that suits your unique needs. Consider taking major road trips with different types of RVs and evaluate them critically to determine the best type that can satisfy your long-term camping goals and suit your style. Once you have taken several road trips and established what works for you, consider purchasing your own RV since it will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Take Time to Know Your RV

With little road experience, it is critical for RV beginners to take some time to learn how the motorhome works even if you are renting it. If something breaks unexpectedly, you should be in a good position to fix the mess and go on with your traveling and camping. This will save you a lot of money and time that you would have spent calling the mechanic.

Furthermore, when you get t know your RV well, you are less likely to make costly operational errors. For instance, if you don’t understand how many amps your primary breaker can handle, there is a high possibility that you will blow it off. This is a costly error that can easily be avoided by taking some time to understand your motorhome.

Learn to Take Advantage of the Available Resources

Ask any experienced RVer out there, and he/she will tell you that the happiest RVers are those that have perfected the skill of managing their systems well. The prospect of your first time behind the RV wheel or your first time setting up a campsite and enjoying nature can be quite intimidating. However, going in with some advanced knowledge can easily turn the many firsts into successful events.

There is a plethora of blogs and videos that share the aspect of RV camping life are incredible sources of information that will guide you through your first steps of RV camping. There is a lot that you can learn which will help you to feel much comfortable and confident. Therefore, make sure that you watch the videos and read the blogs before you get started, and you will end up making a lot fewer mistakes as a newbie.

Remember to Take a Practice RV Drive

Although driving a big vehicle for the first time might be intimidating, you need to do everything possible to get comfortable as a driver or a passenger. The best way to get rid of that fear before your camping day is by taking a practice RV drive. Keep in mind that you might appear ‘taller” and “wider” when driving an RV but that shouldn’t bother you so much. Practice driving in wide and open spaces and watch for bridges, height clearances at underpasses, low-hanging tree branches and anything else that might block your way.

You should also consider taking some driving courses that will help you drive your recreational vehicle like a pro when you finally hit the road. As mentioned earlier, you should also take some time to know your RV and understand basic things about it. It will be awkward when you realize that it’s too dark inside and you don’t know where the light switch is located. You should also remember to secure all your personal belongings so that they don’t shift while you are driving.

Bring Along All the Essential Tools and Spare Parts

Take care not to turn your RV into a moving auto parts store but don’t forget to bring along some essential tools and spare parts that will come in handy when your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly.In most cases, the RVers are getting away from the busy city life and setting camps in quieter places. However, it is good to note that the further you get away from the city services, the more self-reliant you need to be.

It’s a balance, and you need to remember the fact that each trip will always have its unique challenges, so it is critical to plan wisely before you hit the road. Some of the basic RV tools that you shouldn’t miss to pack include; the digital tire gauges, heavy gauge jumper cables, and the T-handle style lug wrenches.

We all love our recreational vehicles, the fun and memories they provide us during the warm summer camping season, but what should you do with that RV during the winter? I suppose if you are a member of the “rich and famous club” you can rent some type of building, workshop, shed or other large enclosed space to store your baby for the winter, but if you are like the rest of us you will probably have to just get by with what you have, which usually means storing the RV outside of your home or at some type of rental storage facility. And while this might sound like a tragedy waiting to happen, there are actually some things you can do right now to ensure that your RV stays in tip-top shape during the cold winter months—and ready to once again serve you when the summer rolls around.

In this article we have provided a brief guide for storing your RV outside during the winter, with tips and tricks that have proven very successful for others just like.

Winter Storage Tips for Your RV

If you are forced to store your RV outside for the winter months, either at your home or at some type of rented storage yard, there are several strategies you can employ to ensure your recreational vehicle survives the bitter cold, rain and snow that is often associated with this season. Here we have listed just a few of these strategies:

Wash and Wax Your RV

When it’s time to put your RV out of commission for the winter, the first thing you should do is give it a good wash and a wax job. This may sound like an odd time to do this, but a coating of high-quality wax will actually help protect the paint of the RV from sun damage, and will also keep the dirt buildup to a minimum. Waxing your car for storage will also make it much easier to clean when it comes time to take it out of storage.

Check and Clean All Seals

With your car nice and clean, it will be much easier to inspect and clean all of your silicone seams, caulking and rubber seals. These seals and seams are located throughout the RV, both inside and outside, so be very thorough with your inspection. Dirty seals and seams can be cleaned with water and a mild detergent to keep them in proper working order. However, if you have any seams or seals that are cracked or in disrepair, NOW is the time to get them fixed, and failing to do so can ultimately cost you a ton of money. According to experts, water damage is the number one problem people face during winter storage, and once the damage has been done it can cost thousands of dollars to remedy.

Keep Your RV Ventilated

When moisture finds its way into the interior of an RV the end result can be a musty smell, mildew and dangerous mold, some of which is impossible to clean and get rid of. That being said, one of the best ways to keep moisture from accumulating in the interior of your vehicle is to allow for ventilation. Most recreational vehicles have rooftop vents, and leaving these vents open during the winter can prevent the buildup of moisture. But how do you go about preventing rain and other forms of moisture from entering the vehicle through these vents? The answer is specialized vent covers.

Vent covers are specially designed to allow lots of air flow while also preventing rain and snow from getting inside the vehicle. With air vents, you can equalize the temperature both outside and inside the vehicle, which prevents condensation and other forms of moisture.

Other ways to vent your RV when in storage is to leave the cabinet doors open, slide open closets, and even prop open the refrigerator door.

Let There Be Light

Mildew and mold spores can proliferate in dark, damp and dank spaces. To combat this, you will want to allow at least some sunlight to come into the RV when it is in storage. While it may “feel” more secure to pull down all the nighttime or blackout shades when your RV is outside in the winter, studies have shown that the darkness inside can actually lead to mold. Instead, just use the simple daylight curtains (to hide the contents within) and leave the windshield uncovered to allow for lots of light.

Secure Slide Outs and Treat Seals

This is perhaps a no brainer, but when storing your RV in the winter you will want to pull in all of the slide outs and securely fasten them. This way, the mechanical parts that help retract and extend these slide outs will not be exposed to the winter elements and there are fewer chances of leaks. Before you pull in the slide outs for the winter, take some time to clean and inspect all the seals. You can even apply some seal conditioner on the seals to keep them flexible all winter, and some anti-corrosion protectant on the slide rail. Some RV owners will also rub baby powder on the inner seals before closing the slide outs, which will help keep the parts dry and make the slide outs easier to open up when the storage period is over.

Screen Potential Entry Points to Keep Insects and Rodents Out

There are many potential entry points on an RV where bugs and rodents can set up shop for the winter. Some of these bugs, depending on the part of the country in which you reside, can cause some major havoc to recreational vehicles once inside the rig. To prevent this, we suggest you thoroughly inspect your RV and screen off any exterior spots that may allow bug and critter entry. Popular places include rooftop plumbing vents, exterior fridge panels, air intake piping and furnace exhaust openings.

Also, make sure you clean the interior of your RV thoroughly, and remove any traces of food from the vehicle. The last thing you want is for a family of mice or rats to move into your prized vehicle during the winter, doing untold harm to your electrical wiring and leaving little “presents” throughout your cabinets and drawers.

Shut Down All Electrical Power

If you want to be sure your RV starts when you come back to retrieve it after a long cold winter, there are a couple of things you can do. None of these tactics are completely foolproof, but they will reduce the chances of a drained RV battery. First, make sure to cut all electrical power by turning off your battery disconnect switch, which is usually located very near the battery. This will ensure zero drain on the battery bank while in storage. You should also charge your battery before storing the RV, as a fully charged battery has less chance of freezing up than one that is very weakly charged.

Taking Care of Plumbing and Tanks

In terms of plumbing, the steps you will want to take will actually depend on temperature—whether or not there is a chance of freezing. In warm temperatures, you can usually get away with just flushing the waste tanks real well before going into storage, and then filling them back up about one-quarter to one-half tank to prevent drying out. For the fresh water tanks, try filling them up all the way, adding about a half cup of bleach and running them into all the pipes as a way to disinfect your system while it’s in storage.

If there is a chance of freezing, we recommend removing all water from your tanks, including the water heater tank. You can then put antifreeze into the piping, valves, drain traps and a little in each water tank to prevent the pipes from freezing. If you plan to store your RV in severely cold temperature, we recommend you check with the manufacturer about the proper way to winterize your car.

Securing Your RV

To protect against theft, we first recommend you store your RV in a reputable RV storage lot with plenty of their own security measures. If you are storing your vehicle at home—or away from home—you can put a hitch lock on the king pin to prevent anyone from hooking up to your RV while you are away. You can also lock the wheels using a wheel lock; and be sure to ask a trusted neighbor to watch your RV if you plan to be away on vacation.

Protecting the Tires

To keep your tires looking great and prevent having them blowout or deflate while in storage, there are several things you can do to reduce that chance. Try to park it in a cool, dry area, and remove as much unnecessary weight as possible from inside of the vehicle. Fill the tires to the recommended PSI—and then add an extra 25 percent, making sure you do not surpass the manufacturer’s rim capacity. Clean the tires with soap to remove any excess dirt and oil; and move the RV to a different spot every three months to prevent cracking and flat-spotting from the cold, dry weather.