Electric vs manual water pump

[flinchlock]

I need some help deciding an electric vs a manual water pump...

Manual is better, because of...
Lower cost?
No electricity used?
Maybe no winter freeze problems?
Easier to trouble shoot if a clog happens?

Because I do not have my camper yet, how does the manual water pump work...
Each pump produces x ounces?
Water only flows while pump handle moves?

Also, someone made a comment about something hitting the manual ? or electric? pump and it accidentally turn on?

Mike

 

[DLN]

Mike,

We really like the electric water pump option, more convenient for larger amounts of water, dish washing, filling water bottles, etc. Winterizing is more difficult with it though. To do it properly the water lines should be disconnected to drain the pump completely or add an antifreeze to the system which I don't like doing. Even without the pump the system still needs to be winterized to keep it from freezing. So far we haven't had any problems, but the camper and truck are garaged when not in use. The switch on our pump must be held down to run water so no accident on is possible.

 

[erod]

mike, i have the manual pump but have never used it...the winterizing issue would come up for me...it can get cold in a moments notice in mt. and having pipes/pumps freeze and break would be a pain. let us know what you come up with!

 

[Puffins]

Running a manual with no problems. You get a good amount with each pump. Helps with water and battery conservation.

But hey, I like the manual windows on my commuter.

 

[b team]

I hate the manual pump because i like having two hands for cleaning (not one pumping water)

I added a electric pump and put a valve inline to reduce the waterflow if i need to. Even with the electric pump you can still use the handpump.

 

[Ted]

hand, electric, how about foot pump!

Mike,

We have the electric pump. Even with it, you need to prime the faucet with the hand pump before turning it on. And I have accidently turned on the pump by bumping into the button also. All in all, I prefer the ease of the elctric.

One non-factory option I have seen is a foot pump. It is the type used in yachts so it may take some research to find one. It pumped on the downstroke as you step on it and on the upstroke when you release it so you get a constant stream, unlike the hand pump. Might be a bit of work but just wanted to let you know there is another option out there.

Ted

edit - found one on line: http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|51|26723|316451&id=223941

 

[craig333]

I have the electric to go along with the shower option. I can't quite imagine using a hand pump and showering

 

[brett13]

Ted,

The link you posted is to a pump that puts out 4 gal per min. That is a lot of flow. Kramer would approve of that shower. For comparison, I believe the electric pumps put out 1.0 GPM. Although, since it is manual, you can always just skip a beat and it could be more efficient than the electric since you don't waste as much. Thanks.

 

[Pete D]

If you have a shower, you pretty much have to have electric, but otherwise I prefer the manual.

It keeps you from wasting water when washing hands, brushing teeth, rinsing stuf, etc. It also uses absolutely no electricity, needs less maintenance and is easy and in-expensive to replace. It will generate a lot less gray water.

BTW, the handle on the manual pump has two positions, one of which keeps the prime when left there and the other releases the prime (easy winterizing!). The positions are usually marked on the side.

I sort of got around the two-hand problem by keeping a dish-detergent squeeze bottle of water by the sink when I was fulltiming and that also meant better rinsing because the water went right were I wanted it.

 

[flinchlock]

I see that electric vs a manual water pump has very strong opinions!

Since we will be getting an ATC (no shower option) we will be going with an Outback Porta-Privy and heat water via solar plastic bag, the stove, or a Zodi heater.

I especially like what Pete said...It keeps you from wasting water when washing hands, brushing teeth, rinsing stuff, etc. It also uses absolutely no electricity, needs less maintenance and is easy and in-expensive to replace. It will generate a lot less gray water.

The ATC only holds 15 gallons of water, and we tend to be pretty stingy with water.

But, since I have until June 2008, I have plenty of time to make the final decision.

Thanks for all the great feedback!

Mike

 

[Marc]

flinchlock,
I took delivery of my ATC Cougar back in April. I am quite happy with the options I chose, however if I was doing it all over I would go with the electric pump option. Not that the pump doesn't work very well but for the few xtra $$$ it is nice to have it both ways. I primarily use the water tank for the dog and doing the dishes. Drinking water is usually bottled.

Marc

 

[Pete D]

The thing I've noticed on a lot of different RV groups is that we all have different camping styles, sometimes vastly different (in my case, half-vast), and different needs.

I got along skipping soap and using CG pit toilets, plus not carrying anything that needed to be cold (unless I was intending to eat it real soon!), but some folks just can't leave daily hot showers, flush toilets and chilled foods behind, so more amenities are needed to satisfy those needs.

 

[EdoHart]

I seem to have both

Because I bought my camper used, I'm not sure what came with it originally, but I seem to have both an electric and a hand pump. I don't know if the electric is getting a little worn out, but I can get water faster using the hand pump. However, I usually use the outside drain as the primary means of getting water from the tank. Not only is it convenient for outdoor cooking/cleaning/filling dog bowls, but it is also the fastest of all 3 ways to get water out.

 

[flinchlock]

I am quite happy with the options I chose, however ... I would go with the electric pump option. Not that the pump doesn't work very well but for the few xtra $$$ it is nice to have it both ways.
Hope this does not sound too stupid... it never occured to me I can use either... I was thinking that the electric water pump would disable/remove the manual pump.

In a current model ATC Cougar, where actually is the switch? or push button? for the electric water pump?

Mike

 

[benburnett]

switch for pump

The switch is part of the monitor panel on the front of the cabinet. One switch is for the pump and the other switch on the panel tells you the water level of the tank and the battery charge level.

Edohart,

Either the pump is wearing out or more likely it sounds like you may have some blockage in the line. If you take off the front of your cabinet you will see the water pump and it is easy to take off and check for blockage if you get a chance.

 

[flinchlock]

The switch is part of the monitor panel on the front of the cabinet. One switch is for the pump and the other switch on the panel tells you the water level of the tank and the battery charge level.
Ben, do you have a picture of a current model Cougar that shows what stuff is mounted where on that panel (especially in relation to the sink)?

Remember, you are going to move the thermostat to the right side of that panel because when my wife washes the dishes, she will have water all over the entire front panel.

So, will that monitor panel also get drowned?

Mike

 

[benburnett]

Monitor

I think it will be ok. It is the black square in the photo in line at the edge of the stove.

 

[EdoHart]

Edohart,

Either the pump is wearing out or more likely it sounds like you may have some blockage in the line. If you take off the front of your cabinet you will see the water pump and it is easy to take off and check for blockage if you get a chance.

Thanks. I'll look into it. How much slack is there in the 12VCD outlet and the monitor panel mounted to the front of the cabinet?

 

[flinchlock]

Ben, do you have a picture of a current model Cougar that shows what stuff is mounted where on that panel (especially in relation to the sink)?
Crap, I checked the ATC web site but did not see that pix, but now I see it!

Thanks,
Mike

 

[benburnett]

Thanks. I'll look into it. How much slack is there in the 12VCD outlet and the monitor panel mounted to the front of the cabinet?

To be honest I don't remember. There has to be enough to be able to wire the outlets into place though without the front being connected yet. We just drilled holes into the front panel for the wiring to go through and for the outlet to fit into. I would expect enough slack there to take the front off and set it down anyway.