12 Volt Pumps For Motorhomes, Caravans, Campers and Small Boats

Boats, caravans, and motorhomes use 12 voltdiaphragm pumps need to be mounted properly
pumps in several applications. Fresh water (Potableto prevent undue vibration.
drinking water) supply pressure and delivery isMotorhome water pumps and caravan water
maintained by pumps. Sewage or effluent waterpumps are usually centrifugal pumps. In addition to
may be removed with the help of a pump. Buta submersible pump, an inline booster centrifugal
what type of pump should be used in a particularpump can be added. Popular submersible brands
application?of 12V pumps are the Whale GP881,Comet
All pumps work on the principle of creating aElegant Immersion; Comet VIP Plus Immersion;
vacuum into which liquid is drawn. Liquid movesand Comet GEO Plus Immersion. These range
into the pump because of the air pressure on thefrom a delivery rate of 8 litres/minute to 20 l/m.
surface of the large body of liquid into which theIn size they vary from 38 to 43mm in diameter,
pump is placed or connected with by an intakemaking it an easy matter to slip them into the
pipe or hose. There are two basic ways in whichopening of water tanks. The Comet pumps have
that vacuum is created, and these differences arethe ability to be run dry for up to 2 hours without
reflected in centrifugal pumps and diaphragmdamage, where as the Whale pumps strictly
pumps.advise against being run dry.
Centrifugal pumps are very simple. A rotatingComet and Reich make inline booster centrifugal
impeller inside the pump forces water away frompumps. The delivery rate of these ranges from 11
the centre of the passage, thus creating theto 18 l/m. These are slightly larger than the
vacuum. This design makes them cheap tosubmersibles.
manufacture, easy to maintain, and submersible.Diaphragm 12volt pumps for motorhomes and
However, they are usually not self-priming, andcaravans are the Shurflo, Posiflo, and Fiamma.
can't handle many solids in the liquid matrix. TheyThese pumps range in capability from 15 to 40
also cannot maintain an even pressure. There is apounds per square inch pressure, at delivery rates
seal which prevents water from leaking into theof 7 to nearly 22 litres per minute. The largest of
motor. If these pumps run dry for very long thethese is the Fiamma Aqua Pump capable of 10
seal can be damaged.litres per minute @21.75 psi (1.5bar). With a
Diaphragm pumps are larger and morestainless steel filter and non-toxic parts these
complicated. They use a drive shaft to raise andpumps are highly sanitary. They are resistant to
lower a flexible diaphragm with each stroke. Thisdeposits of scale and rust. Diaphragm pumps will
changes the pressure inside the pump alternatelynot be damaged if it runs dry.
opening and closing an intake and outflow valve,Marcle Leisure can supply various pump
drawing water through. Diaphragm pumps requireaccessories such as additional filters, tubing, foot
more maintenance, are not usually submersibleswitches, non-return valves, expansion tanks
because water should not contact the mechanical(accumulators), and inline pressure switches.
parts. They are initially more expensive.Many 12 volt pump options are available from
Diaphragm pumps are self-priming. CertainMarcle Leisure for caravan, motorhome, and small
diaphragm pumps can handle dirty water andboat applications. By paying attention to the
even debris because the liquid does not flowvarious types and brands of pumps and their
through the moving parts. They can also maintaincapabilities the owner of a recreational vehicle can
a steady pressure, however without anmeet any need associated with the movement of
accumulator tank water flow can pulse. Also,liquids.