We have a Pennine Pathfinder FC and after a lot of doubt, I'm now pretty convinced our "iffy" water supply has been a constant problem for us because of dodgy contacts between camper and outboard pump.
Replacing both the contacts on the pump line and the socket isn't cheap (caravan parts never are, are they?) so I was wondering if switching to an on board pump would not only fix it for now but would guarantee the problem would never come back.
Does this strike anyone as a sensible thing to do or are on board pumps even less reliable?
If you think caravan parts aren't cheap, you should try boat parts! Chandlers think anyone who owns a boat must be a billionaire! I always got any bits from a caravan supplier if I could.
I once fitted an inboard pump to a caravan years ago, along with an inboard water tank. The only disadvantage I can think of was that it was a bit noisy, but it worked just fine. Never had any reliability problems. Boats have onboard water pumps too, and they are usually the same sort of pumps as caravans.
Can't comment on the conversion aspect but my 'Ace' has one fitted and it works very well indeed. Plenty of pressure and it has the advantage of sucking the water up rather than pushing it.
DaveS1
Quote: Originally posted by DaveS1 on 31/5/2017
Can't comment on the conversion aspect but my 'Ace' has one fitted and it works very well indeed. Plenty of pressure and it has the advantage of sucking the water up rather than pushing it.
DaveS1
Why is sucking the water up an advantage Dave? It can be a snag. Only certain pumps will suck up water, and some will only suck a very short distance. Also, the tiniest air leak will break the suction, and the pump won't suck anything. However, given the right pump and no air leaks, there should be no problems whatsoever.
Hi Colin.
Only an advantage if you have a leak between the Aquaroll and the pump, as I had. You just get air sucked into the system and not water squirted out.
DaveS1
I must admit I have thought of fitting an inboard pump myself, when the submersible pump I currently use gives up. However, there is a massive difference in price between inboard and submersible pumps. A decent suction pump will cost at least 4 or 5 times what a submersible costs.
We have an onboard pump which is very good - they can run dry without burning out too, which submersibles can't.
If this is used in conjunction with an onboard tank with a small amount of water during travelling, then you have all facilities available as normal if required.
The only downside is some noise if used at night for anyone sleeping in the bunk above the pump.
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Topic: Convert to an on board pump?
