Water transfer solutions
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Filling the water tank of your RV is usually a simple task. Simply connect a potable water hose to a water spigot and fill the tank using the port provided by the manufacturer. But what about those times when there isn't a proper spigot nearby? The small fill port on the side of the trailer is not so convenient when you're trying to pour water out of a 6-inch-wide spout into a 2-inch-wide opening intended for a garden hose. Even if you have a funnel or a narrow spout, lifting and holding a heavy jug of water high enough to fill the trailer is difficult for many people.
To solve these problems, I designed and built a transfer pump that can move water from any container into the trailer’s water tank using the same water hose I normally use. I use several 5-gallon water cans to get the water to my campsite. I put the pickup tube of the pump into each can and then plug the pump into 12v. The pump has enough suction to self-prime, and the outlet connects to my normal water hose and tank-fill tube. Transferring the contents of each 5-gallon can takes about 2-3 minutes.
My design uses an oscillating self-priming pump just like the one installed on my Escape. The pump includes a screen filter, and an internal check valve. It can even be used as a backup pump for the trailer in an emergency. Links below to the parts I used. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
SEAFLO Water Diaphragm Self Priming Pump
In addition to the pump, you will need the following:
A 12v power cord with cigarette power plug
You will also need a hose clamps to attach the tube and some soldering equipment or wire nuts to attach the power cord to the pump.
Assembly is simple. The pump comes with adapters that can be used to connect the ½” tube via barbed fittings. Cut a short section of tube for the output, and leave a longer section of tube for the pickup/input. Put a barbed-to-GHT fitting on the pump output so that it can be connected to the water hose used to fill the tank. Cut off the female end of the 12v power cord, and solder the wires (or use wire nuts) to the pump power supply wires. I mounted the pump to a board, so it is easier to move around and handle. Be sure you insulate the connections on your wires, and I also recommend adding a strain relief of some kind.