Shurflo pump trouble

[Cary and Don]

We had the Shurflo extreme 5.7 smart sensor pump.  This is the original model with four screws in the end cap over the pressure sensor.  Now for the problem.  It seems that these were lemons.  That is why the new model  was completely redesigned.

The first night out on a two week trip, the pressure sensor in the water line broke.  Our 100 gallons of water ran out.  Thank goodness we had the tanks in a pan with a drain since they are under the bed.  When this sensor breaks it pops out of the water line and all your water drains out the quarter inch hole it was mounted in.  This is such a common failure that there aren't any parts available to repair this pump.  The pressure switch can be purchased from china in lots of 30. 

We were out of warranty even though we had real low usage.  I would suggest that if you have this pump, to check that sensor and make sure it isn't cracked before you get wet feet too.  The end of the sensor and the lock nut is somewhere in our water lines.  We hope it doesn't hang up somewhere real inconvenient.

Don and Cary
GMC4107
Neoplan AN340

[dougyes]

We went through a few of those too. Now we buy the simpler models.

[belfert]

I seem to see fewer reports of problems with the Flojet Sensor VSD than the Shurflo model.  For some reason I bought two of the Sensor VSDs so I have a spare and I do carry the spare with me.

[gus]

I have a switch to the water pump on the wall next to the toilet. We keep it off except while using.

The wall switch makes it easy to turn on the pump during the night during many of those trips!!

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Don,

I have had the same and other problems with my 5.7 in the past 5 years. Most of my trouble is with the pressure sensors.

They either get dirty of just a bad design leaving me with the pump not turning on..  I go through at least 1 per year and

I only put up with it because camping world will exchange them at any age and you just can't beat the water pressure they put out!

I do carry a spare when they fail and travel to camping world at my convenience..

Nick-

[boogiethecat]

Yup I agree, bad design. I've been through three in two years and I carry a spare now.  Unfortunately I like the way the pump works more than I dislike the flaky design!
The good thing is that thus far they've replaced all the broken ones for free.... just ask...