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Camco 22491 Fresh Water Pump 12V 3.0 GPM Variable Flow Demand Diaphragm RV Marine Pump

Camco 22491 12V 3.0 GPM variable flow demand diaphragm fresh water pump for RV and marine applications with self-priming and run-dry protection
Camco Fresh Water Pump - 12V 3.0 GPM Variable Flow RV/Marine Pump
 
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Part Number: 22491
Manufacturer: Camco

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Camco 12V DC 3.0 GPM / 55 PSI Camco 22491 -- 12V Variable Flow Fresh Water Pump for RV and Marine

A compact, demand-activated diaphragm pump built for RV fresh water systems, liveaboards, and marine applications. The Camco 22491 delivers 3.0 GPM at demand with automatic 55 PSI cutoff, self-priming capability, and run-dry protection -- everything you need to keep water flowing from tank to tap without a pressure regulator on the supply side.

Reliable Pressure On Demand -- No Tank Pressure Required

The Camco 22491 is an automatic demand diaphragm pump designed to replace or upgrade the factory fresh water pump in most Class A, B, and C motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, and marine vessels. It pulls water directly from your onboard fresh water tank and delivers pressurized flow to every faucet, shower, and toilet in the rig -- all without city water hookup.

The variable flow design means output adjusts to demand automatically. Crack a faucet halfway and the pump modulates; open it fully and flow ramps up. When you close the tap, pressure builds to the 55 PSI cutoff and the pump shuts off cleanly. No short-cycling, no hunting -- just steady, quiet pressure.

Demand-Activated Operation

Pump starts and stops automatically when flow is detected. No manual switches or float valves required at each fixture.

Variable Flow Output

Modulates from low trickle to full 3.0 GPM based on system demand -- gentler on fittings and more efficient at partial use.

Self-Priming Design

Primes from dry against a vertical lift typical of RV tank placements -- no manual priming or foot valve needed on initial startup.

Run-Dry Protection

Safe to run without water for extended periods, protecting the pump when the fresh water tank runs low or empties unexpectedly.

Variable Flow vs. Fixed-Speed Pumps

Traditional fixed-speed RV pumps run at full output or not at all, which causes noticeable pulsation at low flow rates and can stress fittings over time. The Camco 22491 variable flow design adjusts motor speed to match actual demand, which means:

  • Smoother, more consistent water pressure at every fixture
  • Quieter operation -- the pump is not hammering at full speed for a slow trickle from the bathroom sink
  • Less wear on diaphragms and check valves compared to constant on/off cycling
  • Better compatibility with low-flow fixtures and RV shower heads

Self-Priming Capability

The 22491 can self-prime from a dry start across the vertical lifts typical in RV fresh water plumbing. Once the inlet line is connected to your fresh water tank and the pump is wired to 12V DC, it will pull water up and prime itself automatically on first use. No priming plug, no foot valve, no hand-filling the inlet line.

Installation Overview

The Camco 22491 is designed for straightforward drop-in or new installation in RV and marine fresh water systems. Standard connections keep the job simple:

  • Inlet and outlet ports sized for standard 1/2-inch RV water line -- barb or threaded fitting as applicable to your line type
  • Mounts via four rubber-isolated feet to reduce vibration and noise transmission to the floor or cabinet panel
  • Wire directly to a dedicated 12V DC fused circuit -- connect positive and negative leads, observe polarity
  • Install an inline strainer filter on the inlet (not included) to prevent debris from reaching the diaphragm
  • Pump may be mounted in any orientation; upright is most common for drainage access

Accumulator Tank Recommendation

While the variable flow design reduces pulsation significantly compared to fixed-speed pumps, pairing the 22491 with a small accumulator tank (typically 0.5 to 1.0 gallon) further smooths pressure, reduces pump cycling, and extends pump service life. Accumulators are especially worthwhile in full-time RV use or on longer trips where the pump runs frequently throughout the day.

Fresh Water Use Only

The Camco 22491 is rated for potable fresh water service only. Do not use this pump to transfer grey water, black water, fuel, chemicals, or any fluid other than clean fresh water. Running abrasive or corrosive fluids will damage the diaphragm and void any warranty claim.

Maintenance Tips

  • Inspect and clean the inlet strainer filter every season or whenever flow seems reduced
  • Winterize by blowing out lines or running RV antifreeze through the pump before freezing temperatures -- do not allow water to freeze inside the pump body
  • Check all barb connections and clamps annually for seepage or loosening caused by vibration
  • If the pump short-cycles (kicks on and off rapidly with no faucet open), check for a failing accumulator bladder or a small leak in the downstream plumbing

Pump Specifications

ManufacturerCamco
Part Number22491
Vendor Part Number07-6745
UPC014717224918
Pump TypeDemand diaphragm, variable flow
Voltage12V DC
Flow Rate (max)3.0 GPM
Cutoff Pressure55 PSI
OperationAutomatic demand-activated (pressure switch)
Run-Dry SafeYes
Self-PrimingYes

Electrical Specifications

Input Voltage12V DC nominal
Current Draw (max)Approximately 7-8 amps at full load (typical for 3.0 GPM 12V diaphragm pump class)
WiringPositive and negative lead wires -- direct 12V DC connection
Fuse Recommendation10-amp inline fuse on positive supply lead

Physical Specifications

MountingFour rubber-isolated mounting feet for vibration reduction
Approximate DimensionsApproximately 11 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches (typical compact 3.0 GPM diaphragm pump footprint)
Port Size1/2-inch inlet and outlet (standard RV water line compatible)
Mounting OrientationAny orientation; upright preferred

Fluid Compatibility

Approved FluidPotable fresh water only
Diaphragm MaterialSantoprene or equivalent EPDM-compatible compound (typical of this pump class)
Body MaterialGlass-filled polypropylene (typical for 12V RV pump housings)
Temperature Range33 deg F to 140 deg F (0.5 deg C to 60 deg C) -- do not operate in or allow freezing

Application Compatibility

RV TypesClass A, B, C motorhomes; fifth wheels; travel trailers; toy haulers; camper vans
Marine UseFreshwater onboard plumbing on powerboats, sailboats, and liveaboards
Typical Replacement ForOEM 12V demand pumps in the 2.8-3.5 GPM range from Shurflo, Flojet, or equivalent factory-installed units
Accumulator CompatibleYes -- 0.5 to 1.0 gal accumulator tank recommended for full-time or heavy use

What Is Included

IncludedCamco 22491 fresh water pump with integrated mounting feet and wiring leads
Not IncludedInlet strainer filter, accumulator tank, hose barb fittings, wire connectors, inline fuse

Important Information -- Read Before Installing

  • Fresh water only: Do not pump grey water, black water, fuel, or chemicals through this unit. Diaphragm damage and contamination will result.
  • Freezing: Water left inside the pump body will expand and crack the housing. Winterize before any risk of freezing temperatures by blowing out lines or running RV antifreeze through the system.
  • Polarity: Observe correct 12V DC polarity when wiring. Reversed polarity can damage the motor.
  • Fusing: Always install an inline fuse (10 amp recommended) on the positive supply lead. The pump is not internally fused.
  • Inlet strainer required: Install an inline strainer filter on the inlet line before the pump. Debris ingestion will damage the check valves and diaphragm and is not covered under warranty.
  • Pressure system: This pump is designed for closed-loop RV fresh water plumbing. Do not run the outlet against a capped or blocked line for extended periods -- the 55 PSI cutoff switch will cycle the pump, but prolonged deadhead operation generates heat.


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