water pump replacement - what is best?

[nola]

Hi All,
I am looking at replacing the water pump in my '74 tradwind and need some help in trying to understand what the best route to go is, I know nothing about the water pressure and what you want vs what is too much, etc. Is there a prefferred pressure or gpm to look for? are the new ones like shure flow's Shurflo Smart Sensor Extreme too much & would it cause leaks etc? (info from web site below) what have others used that have replaced thiers recently? any help\advice appreciated..
all the best,
Nola
sureflow info on smart sensor pump from website..

• High Flow (over 5.5 GPM )
• Variable Speed Pump Controlled by Smart Sensor (trade mark sensor)
• No Pressure Switch Needed
• Silent operation at any Flow/Pressure Condition
• No Rapid Cycling
• Seamless Heat Electro-Coated Motor Shell
• 5 Chamber Design
• Large Inlet and outlet Valve Passages
• Automatic Voltage Protection
• Current Limiting at 10 Amps Max.
• Quiet performance and constant water temperature
• Self Priming
• Easy Installation
• Maximum amp draw is 10 amps
• Dimensions are : 9.25” x 5.0” x 4.72”
• Shut-off Pressure is: 65 PSI

[overlander63]

65 PSI seems a bit high for shut off pressure, can it be adjusted downward? I am thinking more along the lines of 35 PSI. 65 may damage some weaker water lines. (of course, that is one way to find them)

[rwnash]

I don't know what pump is "best", but I have been quite happy with a Surflo "quiet" model that I installed several years ago in my 1975 Trade Wind. I think that it has a 30 psi shut off. I also installed a small Shurflo pressure tank to reduce pump cycling. The only promlem so far occurred this spring when it did not want to self prime after winter storage.

Hope this helps.

Whit Nash

[GreatPumpkin]

I went with a Shur-flo 2.8gpm (Model 2088, self priming, 4 amp draw) and am happy with how it works, and the flow.
5.5gpm sounds a little fast to me - I'm not sure of your freshwater tank size, but here's a few calulations to consider:

40 Gallon tank @ 5.5gpm = 7.2 minutes to completely be out of water.
30 Gallon tank @ 5.5gpm = 5.4 minutes

40 Gallons @ 2.8gpm = 14.2 minutes
30 Gallons @ 2.8gpm = 10.7 minutes

[uwe]

Originally Posted by GreatPumpkin

I went with a Shur-flo 2.8gpm (Model 2088, self priming, 4 amp draw) and am happy with how it works, and the flow.
5.5gpm sounds a little fast to me - I'm not sure of your freshwater tank size, but here's a few calulations to consider:

40 Gallon tank @ 5.5gpm = 7.2 minutes to completely be out of water.
30 Gallon tank @ 5.5gpm = 5.4 minutes

40 Gallons @ 2.8gpm = 14.2 minutes
30 Gallons @ 2.8gpm = 10.7 minutes

However, that's only the pumps maximum delivery rate. This does not mean your faucets and lines allow this much flow. Shower heads are usually restricted severely for water savings, and the added resistance to flow in the lines and valves will slow delivery rate way down.
A higher flowing pump can deliver more water if needed, let's say if someone flushes the toilet while you're in the shower, the shower won't be affected as much, since the pump can push enough water for both.

[davidz71]

Sounds to me that you are looking at the Shurflo Smart Sensor 5.7 gpm pump that Camping World has on sale until July 25. You don't need something that big. They have a Smart Sensor 4.0 gmp up to 50 psi and max draw of 9 amps which would be better for your unit. I have the Shurflo Fresh Water pump in my 25' that is up to 2.8 gpm at 45 psi and have not had any problems with it. I've had my eye on the Smart Sensor 4.0 if my current pump ever goes out.