Easy Guide: Installing A 12V Water Pump In Your Camper Trailer

Installing a 12V water pump in your camper trailer is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few hours. It is important to follow the correct steps to ensure a successful installation and avoid any potential issues. Before beginning the installation process, gather all the necessary tools and materials, including a drill or screwdriver, wire cutters, a wire stripper, and the water pump itself. By carefully following the instructions for mounting, wiring, and connecting the pump, you can ensure a reliable water supply for your camper trailer's sink, shower, or any other application.

Locating the 12v water pump in your camper trailer

If you have access to your RV manual, you can consult it to locate the 12v water pump. The manual should provide you with the specific location of the pump and any relevant instructions for its replacement or repair.

If you do not have access to the manual, you can locate the pump by tracing the pipe or tube coming off the top of your water storage tank. Follow this pipe to where it meets the inlet connection on the 12v water pump. This will lead you to the pump's location.

Once you have located the pump, you can proceed with the replacement or repair process. This typically involves shutting off the water supply and electricity to your RV, disconnecting the hoses and electrical wires, and then removing the pump. The process may vary depending on the specific model of your pump and RV, so it is important to refer to the manual or seek professional guidance if you are unsure.

It is worth noting that most water pumps are designed to save space and are usually small and easily accessible. This makes locating and working on the pump a more straightforward process.

Disconnecting the hoses and wires from the pump

Locate the 12v water pump by consulting the manual that came with your camper trailer. If you don't have access to the manual, you can usually find the pump by tracing the pipe or tube coming off your water storage tank to where it meets the inlet connection of the pump. Once you've located the pump, gather the necessary tools, which include a flat-head screwdriver, a socket set (if needed), and some towels.

Shut off the water supply to your camper trailer. This is an important safety precaution to avoid any unwanted spills or scalding water injuries. Make sure to disconnect all electricity as well, including turning off breakers and power sources to prevent electric shock.

Place towels under the hose connections to catch any water that may spill out during the disconnection process. This is an important step, as there may still be water in the pump.

Using your flat-head screwdriver, loosen the hose clamps on both the inlet and outlet connections of the pump. Gently pull the hoses off the pump. Be careful not to spill any remaining water.

Now, let's move on to disconnecting the wires. The wires you need to focus on are the red (power) and black (ground) wires. Cut or disconnect these wires from the RV's power source, being mindful of any other wires that may be connected to them. If there are other wires of different colours connected to the red and black wires, make sure to take note of which colours go with which, so you can correctly connect them to your new pump later.

At this point, your pump should be disconnected from the hoses and wires. You can now lift the old pump out of position and prepare to install your new 12v water pump by following the installation instructions provided with your new pump. Remember to exercise caution and refer to a professional if you're unsure about any steps.

Removing the pump and cleaning the inlet filter

Before you begin the process of removing the pump and cleaning the inlet filter, make sure you have the necessary tools. These include a drill or screwdriver, wire cutters, a wire stripper/crimper, spade connectors, and a crescent wrench. You may also want a bucket or bowl, and a sponge or towel to catch any water that spills out.

Now, locate your water pump. If you no longer have the manual for your camper trailer, go to your water storage tank and trace the pipe or tube that comes off the top to where it meets the inlet connection on the 12v water pump.

Place a bucket or bowl underneath the pump to catch any water that spills out. Then, using your hands, carefully unscrew and remove the inlet and outlet lines from the pump. If the fittings are too tight, use pliers to get them started, but be gentle so as not to damage the plastic fittings.

With the inlet and outlet lines disconnected, you can now remove the pump. Simply unscrew it and lift it out of position. Now you can access the inlet filter. Using a crescent wrench, unscrew the filter. Once it's detached, open the filter by twisting the two halves in opposite directions. Clean away any debris inside. If it's badly clogged or very old, you may want to consider replacing it completely.

Before installing the cleaned or new filter, ensure both the pump and filter have directional arrows. These arrows indicate the direction of the water flow. Make sure both arrows are facing the same direction before screwing the filter onto the pump. Use a crescent wrench to screw the fitting from the pump into the filter. Press and twist the fitting to lock it into place.

Installing the new pump and filter

To install a new 12V water pump and filter in a camper trailer, follow these steps:

Firstly, locate a suitable place to mount the pump. The pump should be mounted as close as possible to the tank and can be positioned either horizontally or vertically (using a retaining strap). Mark the position by holding the pump and marking where the holes need to be drilled. Drill the holes but do not mount the pump yet, as this will allow more flexibility when installing the water lines.

Next, install the filter. The filter should be pressed and twisted gently into the inlet housing. It is helpful to wet the filter before installation. Engage the locking collar.

Now, install the chosen fitting on the outlet side of the pump, wetting it first, and engage the collar to lock it in place.

After this, install the suction-rated hose onto the inlet. It is essential to use stainless steel clamps in marine environments and they are recommended for other environments.

Finally, bolt the pump in place, ensuring the water lines are not stressed. Stainless steel bolts are essential for marine use and recommended for other environments.

Once the new pump and filter are installed, you can proceed to connect the electrical side of the pump.

Testing the new pump for leaks

Once you've installed your new 12v water pump in your camper trailer, it's important to test it for leaks to ensure there are no issues that could lead to water damage or pump failure. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

• Check for Leaks Before Turning on the Pump: Before turning on the pump, it's a good idea to do a preliminary check for leaks. Visually inspect the pump and the surrounding area for any signs of water or coolant. Look for any wet spots, drips, or small streams of water. Pay close attention to the seals and fittings as these are common areas for leaks.
• Turn on the Pump and Listen: Once you've confirmed that there are no immediate signs of leaks, turn on the pump. Listen carefully for any unusual noises. A low-pitched grinding noise, for example, could indicate an issue with the pump bearing. If you hear such a noise, it's important to address it promptly as a faulty bearing can lead to pump failure.
• Observe the Pump's Performance: While the pump is running, observe its performance. Look for any signs of water or coolant leaking from the pump. Pay attention to the weep hole, which is often located in front of the seal. If you notice water leaking from the weep hole, it's an indication that the seal is faulty and needs to be replaced. Also, check for any unusual behaviour, such as the pump jumping around or making loud noises.
• Check the Pressure Switch: If the pump exhibits erratic behaviour, such as turning on and off frequently, it may be due to an issue with the pressure switch. Adjust the system and try to identify the cause of the problem. This could be related to the pump's installation, such as a loose connection or improper mounting.
• Monitor the Temperature Warning Light: Keep an eye on the temperature warning light while the pump is running. If the light comes on, it could indicate that the pump is not circulating enough coolant due to a leak or malfunction. Turn off the pump immediately to prevent potential engine damage from overheating.
• Perform a Cardboard Test: Place a piece of light-coloured cardboard or a large piece of paper under the pump, especially if it's mounted inside the camper trailer. Run the pump for a while and then turn it off. Examine the cardboard for any signs of moisture or discolouration. If you notice green liquid on the cardboard, it's likely antifreeze, indicating a coolant leak.
• Re-Tighten Connections and Refill the System: If you don't find any major leaks or issues, it's a good idea to re-tighten all hose clamps and connections. Ensure they are securely fastened to prevent leaks. After that, refill the system with water or coolant to the appropriate level and run the pump again.

Remember, it's important to address any leaks or issues promptly to avoid potential water damage to your camper trailer and its components. If you notice any problems during the testing process, consult a professional or refer to a detailed guide on troubleshooting and repairing your specific pump model.

Frequently asked questions