12 Volt Caravan Water Pumps, Filters & Accumulators

Outback Equipment stocks Australia’s largest range of 12-volt caravan water pumps, 24v water pumps, and filters from brands like Shurflo, Camec, Seaflo, and more. Water pumps were once for homes only, but now compact 12v pumps make it easy to have running water in your caravan. Choose from hand pumps for camping sinks or automatic 12v and 24v Shurflo water pumps that run your shower, sink, and toilet together.

What kind of caravan water pumps do we sell?

We have a range of 12v caravan water pumps that provide ample power for medium and large vans. Before purchasing, consider the electrical setup you want in your RV. If you're outfitting a bus or truck, a 24v pump from Seaflo or Flojet will work well with your starter battery.

When installing, add a fuse near the battery on the positive wire. The current draw of a 12v pump is low, so a 2.5mm to 4mm wire should work. We suggest using a twin core cable from the battery's positive and negative terminals to your 12v water pump instead of earthing to the chassis, which can prevent system issues. If you'd rather go without a 12v system, browse our manual hand pumps.

Water pump flow rates

A caravan water pump creates a specific flow rate, measured in litres per minute, which can vary depending on where it's installed in the van. The flow rate you need depends on your setup. Many standard caravans use the Shurflo 4009 12v water pump, which supports multiple appliances at once. For a smaller setup, like the back of a 4x4, a Shurflo Compact 12v pump with a 4-litre per minute flow rate is ideal.

Under pressure:

Water pressure is measured as PSI or bar.

PSI = pounds per square inch. Bar can be calculated at 14.5psi = 1 bar. When the pump reaches the cut-off pressure, it will stop pumping.

Cheaper caravan water pumps, like the Whale Inline 12 volt pump or submersibles, need to be hard-wired to a switch to work. An automatic pump, like the Shurflo 12v 4009, only activates when water is needed. It shuts off automatically once the water pressure in the line reaches a set level. Many quality 12v water pumps include a built-in pressure sensor, starting up when pressure in the outlet pipe drops below a specific cut-off (for Shurflo 4009, that's under 45 PSI). In simple terms, when the tap is off, water pressure builds up in the line. When you open the tap, pressure is released, creating flow, and the pump stops again when the pressure reaches its limit.

Some appliances in caravans and motorhomes aren’t built to handle the high mains pressure found at caravan parks, which can reach up to 80 PSI. For setups with hot water systems like the TRUMA, a pressure-limiting device, like the Shurflo inline water regulator, is recommended. If you’re using a portable system like the Bushranger instant hot water system, they usually come with an inbuilt pressure regulator, making them compatible with most mains outlets. It’s worth checking appliance compatibility before purchasing. The Bushranger kit includes a compact 12v pump rated at 4.5 LPM, but a higher-rated pump like the Shurflo 4009 will still work safely due to the regulator. However, seals in cheaper systems may wear out faster when exposed to the wrong pump or high pressure over time.

Popular hot water systems, like the Suburban, don’t need an inline or mains regulator. Remember, flow rate and pressure can change based on pipe diameter and length. Placing your pump at the recommended height and distance from your water tanks and appliances will help maintain optimal output, with 12mm or 1/2 inch hoses recommended for best performance.

What does it mean when my caravan water pump cycles?

Simply put, each time your water pump turns on and off, that's one cycle. The more cycles it does, the harder it works, leading to quicker heat-up. This can impact the pump's lifespan. For example, if you’re showering and frequently turn the tap on and off to save water, the pump works harder. While conserving water is key in a motorhome, frequent cycling can wear down the pump. If you want to save water without the extra cycles, consider adding an accumulator. This device balances the pressure, letting you turn the tap halfway to save water without straining the pump.

Without an accumulator, if your pump is rated at 10 litres per minute but you’re only using 5 litres, it will need to cycle off until the pressure drops. This can cause rapid cycling, which reduces the life of your 12v pump.

An accumulator keeps water pressure steady, no matter how much you open the tap. It reduces noise, lowers power draw, and keeps water flowing smoothly. Excess water pressure that can't escape is held in the accumulator. When it’s full, the pump stops, but water still flows from the tap until the accumulator empties. This cycle continues, providing a steady flow at various pressures.

Most newer pumps, like the Shurflo 4009, have in-built bypass technology, so you don’t need an accumulator. This system redirects some water back into the tank as pressure builds. But if you’re looking to upgrade, Shurflo accumulator tanks make a great addition to any RV setup.

Filters and Installation:

Adding a filter before your pump is essential to stop dirt and debris from entering and damaging the pump or diaphragm. Placing the filter before the pump also makes it easier to clean and replace cartridges, as no water sits in the inlet side when the pump is off. Our top-selling B.E.S.T caravan inline water filters, using micron technology, work best with pumps rated at about 8-10L per minute.

Most pumps in our range are self-priming, meaning they can pull water from a height of around 1.8m. However, when setting up, consider the dry prime height, especially in larger setups like converted buses up to 7 metres. A pump that can "run dry" without damage will be more convenient. Some lower-cost pumps wear out faster and may need to prime by sucking in air first. For the best results, we recommend placing a self-priming 12v water pump within 1.8m of each tank.

Mount the pump on a solid surface to reduce noise and vibrations. A quality pump should be quiet, but adding sound-deadening material around it will help even more. Always check the manual for specific installation steps.

For easy access to your pump filter or parts, install the pump in a well-ventilated, dust-free area. Keep it away from objects that could cause damage when driving. Using a non-rigid, flexible hose that doesn’t touch nearby surfaces will also help reduce vibration and noise.

Hoses and pipe fittings:

A food-grade caravan water hose, usually 25mm, is ideal from the water tank to the 12v pump inlet. After that, we recommend a 12-13mm food-grade John Guest hose. PVC piping or standard plastic hoses can work too, but add a water filter if you’ll be drinking from it. Every appliance, like a 12v pump, instant gas hot water system, and filters, has a pressure rating, and using soft or hard hoses can slightly impact water pressure. The 12mm John Guest hose is designed to maintain strong pressure in the line. To get the best out of your 12v pump, choose appliances and a filter with similar pressure ratings. For example, using a B.E.S.T caravan inline filter in a compact setup may slightly reduce pressure due to the filter’s 6 LPM rating, especially if paired with softer PVC hose.

Using a slightly larger hose before the pump inlet can help improve flow. Each pump includes guidance on the best hose fittings and pipe size. If you need help finding something specific, feel free to call our expert team for assistance.

Remember, every setup is unique. If you have questions or need more details, our friendly team is ready to help at 1300 854 185.

Why shop with Outback Equipment?

• We’re Australian owned and operated – Based in the south of Brisbane, our friendly local team is available to assist with orders or product inquiries.
• Plenty of payment options – Pay via PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, zipMoney, Afterpay, or direct deposit – whatever suits you best.
• Delivered to your door – Save time and energy with goods delivered straight to your doorstep.

Order Your 12v Caravan Water Pump Or Filters Today

Stay in complete control of your plumbing with our range of caravan 12v water pumps and water filters. For the best 12v water pumps Australia has to offer, shop online to find the finishing touches for your recreational vehicle today.