Thinking of getting a 12 volt pump to transfer water from 10 & 20 litre containers into van tank. Getting a bit hard to hold them up and pour into funnel. Also interested in these bladders I've seen for the purpose of carrying water from fill point for use when bush camping. Main advantage being storage when not needed.
Is there any particular type of pump to look for? I mean I see many caravan water pumps but they are designed for pumping to tap in caravan. I suspect shorter operation at higher pressure.
I'm thinking Anderson Plug under side of van with power switch in line and a couple of hoses attached. Stow it when not in use though it could of course be a permanent fixture. It's the type of pump I need that I'm curious about.
Met a bloke years ago who had a seperate water tank for shower which he used to fill with a hose and pump built into van from creeks he could back up to in NT.
Peter_n_Margaret said
04:00 PM Nov 18, 2025
Standard RV diaphragm pump is a good choice as it will self prime from up to 2m, or more. You don't need high pressure. 40psi is TOPS. More than that can be a problem if used for its designed purpose.
River in the Kimberley.
Well 15 on the Canning Stock Route.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Tuesday 18th of November 2025 04:07:46 PM
Some pump types will 'push' water more effectively than they will 'pull' water. ie, the pump works better with a short hose on the suction end, and longer hose (where necessary) going from the pump to the tank you are pumping in to.
I use a variety of pumps on our property including 12v and all of mine wont pump water unless the pump is close to the suction end (even when I prime the pump).
BaldEd said
07:39 AM Nov 19, 2025
When required, I just use a 12v submersible aquarium pump, available from aliexpress, to transfer water from a 20 litre container into my caravan's fresh tanks. The small grey pump fits down through the opening in a 20 litre container. I extended the power lead and power it from a cigarette lighter socket in the van. Easy peasy - no lifting or mucking around with funnels etc required. The little pump pumps @ 10 litres per minute.
67HR said
12:40 PM Nov 19, 2025
I made this one for jerry cans to van tanks, as BaldEd says you can drop it in or in the case of a 10lt woolies water container I pull the cap of the bottom and attach a piece of hose with non return valve that came with the pump. I added an inline switch and power from tug or van from the towbar
Roughly 10lt a minute.
-- Edited by 67HR on Wednesday 19th of November 2025 12:42:39 PM
Thanks for the prompt response guys.
67HR your device looks absolutely perfect for my needs. Just 20litre container on the ground pumping up less than 1 metre to water filler and a couple of minutes to transfer 20 litres.
Peter your rig looks even more serious than the one I mentioned.
Had a bit of experience with windmills pumping water back in my hippie days so well aware of limitations on pick up height.
Thinking of getting a 12 volt pump to transfer water from 10 & 20 litre containers into van tank. Getting a bit hard to hold them up and pour into funnel. Also interested in these bladders I've seen for the purpose of carrying water from fill point for use when bush camping. Main advantage being storage when not needed.
Is there any particular type of pump to look for? I mean I see many caravan water pumps but they are designed for pumping to tap in caravan. I suspect shorter operation at higher pressure.
I'm thinking Anderson Plug under side of van with power switch in line and a couple of hoses attached. Stow it when not in use though it could of course be a permanent fixture. It's the type of pump I need that I'm curious about.
Met a bloke years ago who had a seperate water tank for shower which he used to fill with a hose and pump built into van from creeks he could back up to in NT.
Standard RV diaphragm pump is a good choice as it will self prime from up to 2m, or more.
You don't need high pressure. 40psi is TOPS. More than that can be a problem if used for its designed purpose.
River in the Kimberley.
Well 15 on the Canning Stock Route.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Tuesday 18th of November 2025 04:07:46 PM
I use a variety of pumps on our property including 12v and all of mine wont pump water unless the pump is close to the suction end (even when I prime the pump).
I made this one for jerry cans to van tanks, as BaldEd says you can drop it in or in the case of a 10lt woolies water container I pull the cap of the bottom and attach a piece of hose with non return valve that came with the pump. I added an inline switch and power from tug or van from the towbar
Roughly 10lt a minute.
-- Edited by 67HR on Wednesday 19th of November 2025 12:42:39 PM
67HR your device looks absolutely perfect for my needs. Just 20litre container on the ground pumping up less than 1 metre to water filler and a couple of minutes to transfer 20 litres.
Peter your rig looks even more serious than the one I mentioned.
Had a bit of experience with windmills pumping water back in my hippie days so well aware of limitations on pick up height.