Water pump

[swindoncaravan]

Hello, I've recently purchased an old caravan at my sons glider club and I would like to know how do I plumb in the water? I need a water pump for a whale fitting, bit will it run on mains or do I have to buy a battery? There is battery space and charging leads in the power compartment on the outside. I have no idea about caravans at all, so any help would be appreciated.

 

[Woodentop]

It would help if you quoted the make, model, and year of the caravan?

 

[swindoncaravan]

It would help if you quoted the make, model, and year of the caravan?

It is a swift challenger. Made around 2000 I would say.

 

[trevormonty]

The pump is 12v but should run without a battery if caravan is plugged into mains(230VAC).
Caravans have 12VDC and 230VAC electrical systems in them with 230V to 12V power supply/ battery charger. 12V is used for control systems, some lights, gas/230V heater fans, gas HW controller, water pumps. This allows most things to work offgrid on 12V battery.

Plumbing system will typically have pressure switch to activate pump when tap is open. This will be white thing with knob on top to adjust pressure setting. Has in and out pipes and couple wires, should be under seat near water inlet. May need to adjust this knob once water system is primed will click when activating.

Other thing to be aware of is drain/pressure relief valve this is on floor next to hotwater cylinder, again under a seat. Yellow level should be horizontal either direction in normal use, up to drain water. Valve has pipe on bottom that goes through van floor for drain. People drain system including HW cylinder(10-15L) to lighten van for travel and to stop pipes freezing while in storage.

To prime system once drained may take a while and 10-20L of water. Leave taps open to let air out.

When purchasing pump take photo of water inlet fitting on outside to show shopkeeper. Worth applying some plumbers grease(non toxic) to fitting orings to make plugging in easier.

 

[Mel]

There are videos on you tube that may ( or may not) help you. This one for instance

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eMdRu3ZW_ks&pp=0gcJCRsBo7VqN5tD


Good luck
Mel

 

[Buckman]

Are you leaving in situ or are your proposing to tow it home? When last was it serviced and a damp check done? The damp check is the most important as you do not want it falling apart if towing home.

 

[toad a caravan]

On the windows or the draw bar there should be a 16 digit number,the 10 digit refers to the year of manufacture,or 1999 is X,2000 is Y and 2001 is 1, hope this of use, I'd recommend checking the condition of the tyres for signs of damage such as cracks,bulges and age,also for their weight capabilities.Much of these subjects have been previously discussed on this forum in the past....Good luck and welcome aboard.. Gary

 

[swindoncaravan]

Are you leaving in situ or are your proposing to tow it home? When last was it serviced and a damp check done? The damp check is the most important as you do not want it falling apart if towing home.

It stays on site. Has got so.e damp in the walls, but I only use it for some where to sit now and again, never stay in it

 

[Buckman]

It stays on site. Has got so.e damp in the walls, but I only use it for some where to sit now and again, never stay in it

Good ideas you can sit out of the rain. Just make sure that you have plenty of fresh air ventilation as with damp you may have mould, and mould spores are dangerous for the human respiratory system.