No external pump switch ... something I found out the hard way

[MSCH]

just starting to think about doing something about it.

my RV doesn't have an external switch to run the electric water pump.
Every other RV I have owned had a switch to turn on the pump..
that means I can't suction water into the clean water tank from a container
if I don't have a pressurized water source.

it isn't a big problem until you go somewhere with no water supply other than a spigot or a hand pump
which was the case in many parts of Canada and Alaska.

so that is my today task.

 

[ctechbob]

I think I might be inclined to solve that problem with an external pump and a bucket.

 

[MSCH]

I think I might be inclined to solve that problem with an external pump and a bucket.

honestly, the pumps on these trailers are all designed to suction water in thru the hose connection. You just place the 4 way valve in the proper orientation and turn the pump on and suck water in from a bucket.
it is a nice feature that my hi end trailer didn't seem to think I needed.

both of my previous trailers had the switch... and the same pump... flojet...
I just never realized this one doesn't have the switch provision until I needed to add water from a container and I could not.
on the label in the connections compartment on my trailer it shows the pump switch and says it is optional..

 

[Wayne]

honestly, the pumps on these trailers are all designed to suction water in thru the hose connection. You just place the 4 way valve in the proper orientation and turn the pump on and suck water in from a bucket.

I sure wish mine would, winterizing would be much easier. I've tried everything and the moment a bit of air hits the pump, it's done. However, it has no problem priming when it's drawing out of the potable water tank. I don't understand why.

 

[MSCH]

after all my commentary, and doing a wiring job... I found out this RV still wont suctionin water from a can using the winterize feature, no matter what. Never had an issue on the other trailers... so I guess when I travel I will juist make sure I keep the water tank full if I am in dry country.

 

[MSCH]

still playing with this thing and came to the realization ( after hooking the pump directly to a pail of water that while I can prime and run the pump, however they plumbed the system nothing being pushed by the pump can be sent to the fresh water tank.
First of three RV's I have owned where I couldn't suction water into the system.

it has to be how they plumbed the 4 way valve. or didn't plumb it.

 

[Wayne]

If you figure your out, let me know because mine had the same problem.