The ultimate water upgrade for your caravan: How to equip your motorhome with a luxury shower and a marine washing system using the Marco Pump UP3/E
- Admin EES
- Jun 26
- 5 min read
Anyone who travels with a caravan and enjoys life there knows how precious water is. Nothing is more annoying than weak water pressure when washing up or a shower whose spray fluctuates between a pathetic trickle and an uncontrollable jet of water.
If you want to improve your comfort when you're off-grid, Marco's UP3/E pumps and their variants (the smaller UP2/E, the larger UP6/E and UP12/E), along with their corresponding electronic controls, are the ultimate solution . Whether you want to install a proper outdoor shower or clean your vehicle with water from a nearby lake, you'll find the right guide here to take your mobile water system to the next level.
How do I equip my caravan with a shower function?
Installing a shower in a caravan is easier than you might think, especially with a complete shower set including hose and spray head. The UP3/E pump series is ideally suited for this purpose thanks to its constant pressure output.
According to the instruction manual, an efficient shower system can be set up as follows:
The water source: Connect the suction hose of your UP3/E pump to your fresh water tank.
Power supply: Connect the pump to your caravan's 12V/24V DC system (always use the fuse size recommended in the manual).
The shower set: Connect the outlet to your complete shower set. Since the UP3/E operates with electronic control, you don't need a large expansion tank. When the trigger on the shower head is activated, the pump immediately detects the pressure drop and starts gently.
Can I wash my van with water from a lake?
Yes, absolutely! But you have to do it right so the pump doesn't break. If you're parked by a beautiful lake and want to wash off the road grime, you can use an upgraded twin-pump set or a single UP3/E configuration to draw water directly from nature.
⚠️ Important note in the user manual: When pumping from a lake, always use a 50-mesh inlet filter (strainer) . Lake water contains sand, algae, and small particles that can damage the internal PTFE gears of your UP3/E pump.
By using a dual pump system, you can use one pump for your clean internal water system and the second pump for external, demanding cleaning tasks such as washing the van.
Controlling the speed of the water: Why is this important?
Why do Marco UP3/E pumps stand out from conventional pumps? It's due to the intelligent speed control .
Conventional caravan pumps (such as the basic models from Shurflo or Flojet) either run at full speed or not at all. This results in the pump constantly switching on and off, causing loud noises, vibrations in the pipes, and unnecessary battery drain.
Thanks to the integrated electronic controller of the UP3/E , the pump regulates the speed of the water motor depending on consumption .
If you only open the tap a little to wash your hands, the pump rotates slowly and quietly, consuming minimal energy.
When you fully open the shower, the pump increases its speed to maximum to provide you with water pressure like in a hotel.
This will drastically extend the lifespan of your pump , protect your caravan's battery, and ensure peace and quiet at night.
Automatic switches with sensors: Why are they helpful?
Older caravan fittings require mechanical pressure switches. These are known to click constantly, wear out, and require manual calibration.
The UP3/E and the other models in the "UPX/E" series feature integrated automatic electronic switches with pressure sensors . Support for:
Maintenance-free: They calibrate themselves automatically.
Dry-run protection: If your water tank is completely empty, the sensor detects the lack of pressure and automatically switches off the pump after a few seconds. This prevents the motor from burning out.
Leakage detection: Should a micro-leak occur in the water pipe of your caravan, the sensor detects the abnormal behavior and switches off to prevent flooding of your caravan.
What accessories do I need for my UP3/E or UP6/E?
To unlock the full potential of your Marco Smart pump, you should check out the official accessory ecosystem:
Inlet water filter: Essential for the safety of your equipment.
Control panels: Remotely controlled LED panels that allow you to monitor pump activity and troubleshoot problems from the cabin.
Complete hose and spray sets: Perfect for the above-mentioned outdoor showers and vehicle washes.
Why doesn't my caravan pump pump itself?
You switch on your Marco UP3/E pump, the motor hums, but no water comes out. If your pump is not pumping water, this is usually due to one of the following common problems, which are described in the operating instructions:
Installed too high: The pump is mounted too far above the water tank.
It ran for too long without water: It ran for too long without water.
Winter storage: After prolonged disuse, the pump chamber dries out. Solution: Before starting up the pump, add some water directly into the pump chamber.
Air leaks in the intake line: Even the smallest air leaks can destroy the vacuum. Check the line for cracks, loose hose clamps, or a clogged filter with worn seals.
Air leaks at the pump front panel: Loose mounting screws or a worn seal on the front cover.
Faulty electrical wiring: Loose connections can lead to a voltage drop and slow down the motor.
Blocked pipes or restrictive valves: Blockages in the pipes or the use of restrictive accessories (such as an aquastop valve or a closed spray gun).
Sharp hose loops: Kinks or tight loops in the outlet hose that trap air.
💡 Quick solution: 90% of suction problems can be solved by tightening the hose clamps or manually pouring some water into the pump chamber after winter storage!
Do you need spare parts for your UP3/E? You can order them directly from us !
Which Marco pump model is best suited for my caravan?
Before purchasing, it is essential to compare flow rates and pressures to determine which model is suitable for your caravan's water pipes.
Model | Flow rate (Max.) | Pressure (Max.) | Best suited for... |
UP2/E 12/24V Electronic Water Pressure System 10 l/min €160.00 | 10 l/min (2.6 GPM) | 2.5 bar (36 PSI) | Small motorhomes, one tap + toilet |
UP3/E 12/24V Electronic Water Pressure System 15 l/min €246.00 | 15 l/min (4.0 GPM) | 2.5 bar (36 PSI) | Standard caravans, luxurious shower facilities |
UP6/E 12V/24V Electronic Water Pressure System 26 l/min €498.00 | 26 l/min (6.9 GPM) | 2.5 bar (36 PSI) | Large motorhomes, dual pump systems, intensive laundry |
UP12/E 12/24V Electronic Water Pressure Pump 36 l/min €654.00 | 36 l/min (9.5 GPM) | 2.5 bar (36 PSI) | Even larger motorhomes |
UP12/E-DX 24V Electronic Twin Pump System + PCS 72 l/min 2.5-3.5 bar €1,826.00 | 72 l/min (19 GPM) | 2.5 bar (36 PSI) | Elite motorhomes. Can fill a 1500-liter hot tub in 20 minutes. |
Ready to upgrade your caravan water system?
Don't settle for the loud, stuttering operation of conventional diaphragm pumps like Shurflo or Whale . The Marco UP3/E electronic gear pump offers quiet, reliable, and intelligent water pressure that transforms your caravan into a home.
Do you need help determining the exact cable cross-section or fuse size for your specific caravan configuration?
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