A typical 3 GPM 12 V RV water pump draws about 25-80 watts (roughly 2-7 amps at 12 V), around 50 W in normal use. It only runs when a faucet is open, so daily energy use is tiny.
- Running watts
- 50 WTypical; 25–80 W across models
- Starting watts
- NoneNo motor surge
- Per day
- 0.03 kWh0.5 h of use
- Current
- 4.2 AAt 12 V while running
Figures checked against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer data on . Your model's label is the final word.
Watts by model and setting
Most rv water pump models draw between 25 and 80 W while running; a typical one draws about 50 W. Assumes about 30 minutes of total pump run time a day for dishes, showers and toilet flushes; 50 W x 0.5 h = 0.025 kWh.
- Pressure: draw rises from about 2.2 A at open flow to about 6.8 A near the 55 PSI shut-off (SHURflo 4008 spec)
- Flow rating: 3-4 GPM pumps draw more than 2 GPM pumps
- Clogged strainer or kinked lines make the pump work harder
- Variable-speed pumps run more smoothly and can draw less at low flow
Running an RV water pump on a generator or power station
- Generator: at least 50 running watts. A generator rated 1,000 W or more covers it with room to spare.
- Power station: continuous output of at least 50 W. Pure sine wave output is the safe choice for motors and electronics.
| Power station capacity | Estimated runtime |
|---|---|
| 500 Wh | 8.5 h |
| 1,000 Wh | 17 h |
| 2,000 Wh | 34 h |
| 3,000 Wh | 51 h |
Based on 50 W average draw and 85% usable capacity.
- Runs from the RV's 12 V house battery; any power station with a 12 V outlet can run it for a long time
- Use a 10 A fuse as the pump maker specifies and keep wiring short and adequately sized to avoid voltage drop
- Turn the pump off when leaving the RV or sleeping to prevent cycling from small leaks draining the battery
Add it to the generator calculator
Questions people ask
How many amps does an RV water pump use?
A common 3 GPM pump draws about 2.2 A at open flow and up to about 6.8 A near its pressure shut-off, per SHURflo's data sheet. That's roughly 25-80 W at 12 V.
Will my RV water pump drain my battery?
Not in normal use; 30 minutes a day is only a few amp-hours. A leak that keeps the pump cycling can drain it, so switch the pump off when not in use.