August
2003. After 17 years my original water pump was delivering
almost no water pressure. It was time for a new pump.
This
pump was $188 at Camper's World. That is a lot of money but its
computer technology promises to deliver "just like home"
water flow. FloJet™ also makes a model using this technology.
It has a smaller O. D. but is a longer housing.
One
of the weak points in my system has been the "hard pipe"
connection between the water pump and the water heater. (red line)
The vibration can be transferred to the heater and cause more
noise and premature wearing of the fittings. The plumber of this
trailer turned the heater fitting so the pipe runs parallel to
the floor. It is too close so the pounding it takes against the
floor caused the weld on the lower heater connection to leak.
Note the shims under the water heater to give a little clearance
between the pipe and the floor. This has worked since 1987.
"Save
the mounting screws you will need to reuse them."
You
would think for $188 you would get all new hardware but you don't.
Save the mounting screws you will need to reuse them. The pump
comes with a quick connect fitting. In order to use this fitting
you connect it to the line first and then slide the fitting into
the pump and put on a retaining collar.There
are three "o" rings on the fitting. Lubricate t hem
liberally with plumbers grease.This is a computer controlled pump
so the polarity must be correct or you will burn it out. Once
I verify the hot line I wire nut the lines into place for a test
pump. I am still very suspicious of the quick connect fitting.
."There
are three "o" rings on the fitting. Lubricate t hem liberally
with plumbers grease."
I
bounce around the pump with my hands to simulate what might happen
when jostled down the road. Sure enough the fitting broke loose.
There is too much tension created by the direct hard pipe connection.
I will now follow the "recommended" directions and install
a flexible hose on both ends of the pump. This will also reduce
the noise.The
perk I got with the flexible hose was that I could position the
pump over to gain more storage space. This 32S has twin beds.
The pump is located under the road side bed.
"the polarity must be correct or you will burn it out."
Review: Positive - This pump does live up to its billing. It
delivers water at a pressure equivalent to a city water hook-up.
There is no pulsating at any speed you run the faucet. Overall
it provides a quieter operation. Negative - This type of pump does draw more current if
you run it at full blast.
It is inconvenient to install because SHURflo does not supply
the silicon grease for the "O" rings. It also does not
supply the larger screen which you will have to install.
"SHURflo
does not supply the silicon grease for the "O" rings."
This
picture was taken before the new screen was purchased.
There goes another $24. The grease can be obtained at a pool supply
store. The screen can be ordered from a local RV dealer or from
Camping World on line. Summary - It is nice to be able to fill the toilet quickly
for thorough flushing. I will need to train people not to run
the faucets full blast when dry camping to keep the holding tanks
from filling too quickly and to conserve battery power. I would
recommend you look at the Flojet model. If it includes more of
the needed parts it could save you a lot of money. end
To view installation instructions click here.
