Water fill pump

For those who use a whale external pump this may help:

Instruction on web
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Example:
Do not use the pump in water temperatures above 40ºC [100ºF]
To obtain efficient running and maximum pump life, follow these easy steps:• Ensure there is sufficient water in the container.• Ensure maximum pumping period is not more than 15 minutes, continuous operation• Ensure all hose connections are firm and watertight.• Ensure the power supply is adequate. Low performance could result from a weak battery or reduced voltage.• When replenishing the water supply, it is possible to create an air lock in the pump. As a result, the pump will run noisily and give no flow. To remedy, unplug from the socket while keeping the pump submerged to dislodge the air pocket in the pump. Also shaking the dual hose gently may dislodge the air pocket in the pump. Alternatively switch off pump at main panel, open a tap outlet and switch pump on again at the main panel

Thanks for this thread, very useful. Our van came with no connections at all, it was 4 years old when we bought it. We were a little surprised that things like electrical hookup cables and filler hoses were not part of standard delivery, but it was our first time. My best guess is that used van dealers remove them, maybe it's a safety thing rather than a way to get you to buy more stuff from them.

I have been wondering about the Whale pump as we just a simple food grade hose into the lockable connector on the other side, however it is of no use for putting water in at home as we would need a very very long hose to reach the tap. Having a way to pump water in from a bucket would be idle - I think I know what I'll be asking for in my Christmas stocking.

MarkR wrote:Thanks for this thread, very useful. Our van came with no connections at all, it was 4 years old when we bought it. We were a little surprised that things like electrical hookup cables and filler hoses were not part of standard delivery, but it was our first time. My best guess is that used van dealers remove them, maybe it's a safety thing rather than a way to get you to buy more stuff from them.

I have been wondering about the Whale pump as we just a simple food grade hose into the lockable connector on the other side, however it is of no use for putting water in at home as we would need a very very long hose to reach the tap. Having a way to pump water in from a bucket would be idle - I think I know what I'll be asking for in my Christmas stocking.

I have the same problem, my food grade hoses don't reach between my garden tap and motorhome and there is no way I will use my garden hose to put water into the fresh water tank as it would no longer be fresh and it will introduce all sort of microbes into the water system.  When I want to put water into my motorhome at home I use my 30 litre water barrel and Whale external pump.

MarkR wrote:Thanks for this thread, very useful. Our van came with no connections at all, it was 4 years old when we bought it. We were a little surprised that things like electrical hookup cables and filler hoses were not part of standard delivery, but it was our first time. My best guess is that used van dealers remove them, maybe it's a safety thing rather than a way to get you to buy more stuff from them.

I have been wondering about the Whale pump as we just a simple food grade hose into the lockable connector on the other side, however it is of no use for putting water in at home as we would need a very very long hose to reach the tap. Having a way to pump water in from a bucket would be idle - I think I know what I'll be asking for in my Christmas stocking.

Hi Mark
Occasionally we use a collapsible bucket when using the whale external pump to top up with water. The bucket is also useful as a fire bucket on the club rallies we often go to. Beware not to get air bubbles in the bucket or you might end up having an air lock in the water system and also with limited water in it, not to run the pump dry. I'm not lucky enough to have a 'hole in the wall' water filling system, so on most occasions I rely on a aquarrol water barrel to do the water fetching/filling.

With regards to no hookup cables etc is it not possible to contact the dealer where you purchased the van and ask why were these essential items not included with the van?

..."however it is of no use for putting water in at home as we would need a very very long hose to reach the tap. Having a way to pump water in from a bucket would be idle(sic) - I think I know what I'll be asking for in my Christmas stocking."


I assume its a much longer food grade hose?
seriously, if your home tap is so far from the van you cant reach with a hose, then youre going to have to carry a great many buckets to the van to fill it..or let Santa know you need a longer one.
it will also useful at sites/aires where the tap is a good way away...and far easier to store than  
large plastic barrel.


IMHO, a "food grade" hose will still have 'all sorts of microbes' in it if it isnt emptied and dried out completely....who knows whats been lurking, trapped in any of the kinks where its been stored.


i looked inside my food grade hose and was pretty horrified to see how 'food grade' it wasnt after plenty of use....i cleaned it with Puriclean, or similar, but anyone who thinks a food grade hose doesnt 'go off' after serious use should have a peep inside...

I agree with you bolero boy.  I'm not a fan of any hoses for the reasons you state but have read somewhere that the inside of food grade hoses can be flushed clean more easily than garden hosepipes.  I don't know if this is true.  I find stowing wet hoses after use a pain as they continue to discharge water.  I don't find stowing the water roll a problem as it sits comfortably in the shower en-route and goes outside when we get to a pitch.  Unlike a hose the water roll and external pump can be sterilised and stored dry just like the trusty watering can.