Shurflo pump with Internal Tank arrangement???

[BadgerBalls]

I own a 2004 Swift spec Abbey Impression 520L caravan. It has an internal tank with pump as well as the external normal fit pump and water carrier.
The lift pressure is dismal on the standard pump system so I decided to put in a sureflo. I have a problem though.Because the internal pump allows water both ways I cannot simply replace it with the Shurflo. The only way I can see I can use it is if I put a series of valves in to switch the flow and put another pipe into the internal tank. Alternatively put 2 Shurflo pumps in, one for the external lift (in this case will it draw through the wall unit and external pump, and one to pump out of the internal via another entry, as the external fills the tank by passing the water through the internal pump.
Maybe I can use some solenoid valves to switch the flow, but I am pretty confused at the moment
Has anyone ever done this?

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Badger Balls
My Bailey Senator Wyoming has an inboard tank.
The onboard tank is filled from the aquaroll using the onboard pump .
There are two levers levers which have three position permutations:-
1. direct the water into the onboard tank
2. onboard tank to taps
3. taps from aquaroll,
They basically open or close valves altering the direction of the water. You access the valves on mine by opening a flap/door on the front of the front seats.
On the switch panel ,next to the caravan door, you set the pump switch to "fill" to fill the onboard tank from the aquaroll having set the levers to their correct positions.
When the onboard tank is full the pump automatically stops.There's a float which operates a cut out switch so the inboard tank doesn't overfill.
You then select either "taps from onboard tank" or "taps from aquaroll" by setting these levers to the relevant position. Put the switch on the panel to "pump" amd that's basicaly it. If you see a series 6 Senator at a dealer a visual inspection will show how the pipes are connected. Not too difficult.

 

[BadgerBalls]

Yep thanks for that. I have been in touch with a UK company that makes 12v 1/2" tube solenoid valves. I am currently working out a method to introduce these, thus preventing you from having to keep cranking taps to get the right arrangment. It seems a pain to me having to keep lifting the seats or crawling about to acheive a relatively simple task.
regards

 

[underitall]

Hi BadgerBalls.
I have worked on a solution for this weeks ago out of boredomand have just drawn it up again.
It uses 4 solenoid valves.
AR(Aquaroll), OBT (On board Tank), S1/2/3/4 (Solenoid Valve 1/2/3/4), Taps (Cold Taps & Water Heater)
AR to the Taps: S1 & S3 On, S2 & S4 Off.
AR to OBT: S2 & S3 On, S1 & S4 Off,
OBT to Taps: S4 & S1 On, S2 & S3 Off.

Hope this helps if you've not sorted it already.
Tom.

 

[Jennifer2]

Yep thanks for that. I have been in touch with a UK company that makes 12v 1/2" tube solenoid valves. I am currently working out a method to introduce these, thus preventing you from having to keep cranking taps to get the right arrangment. It seems a pain to me having to keep lifting the seats or crawling about to acheive a relatively simple task.
regards

We have the little taps arrangement in our van, and would like to make the system easier to operate.
Could you share your source of the solenoid valves?

 

[underitall]

Hi Jennifer.
Just quickly I cannot find a UK supplier but These on eBay would work fine, coupled to two each of These.
If it was done my way, yes it would use 4 valves and 8 barb fittings but I think it would be quite good, saves lifting up the bed anyway!
Tom.

 

[Jennifer2]

Thanks for that. My OH has worked out a plan that needs 3 bi-stable solenoid valves, but has been unable so far to source any such valves.
Our little taps are just behind the bed box flap, so no need to lift the cushions. You do however need to get on the floor to do it, and the knees are getting rather creaky these days!