6 Best Accumulator Tanks For Consistent RV Water Pressure Nomads Swear By

You know the sound. That pulsing, stuttering groan from your RV water pump the second you crack open a faucet for a trickle of water. It’s the soundtrack to late-night bathroom trips and a constant reminder that your water system is working harder than it needs to. An accumulator tank is the simple, inexpensive upgrade that silences that noise and transforms your sputtering water flow into a smooth, consistent stream.

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Why an Accumulator Tank is an RV Game-Changer

At its core, an accumulator tank is a small pressure vessel with an internal air bladder that acts as a cushion for your water system. When your pump runs, it fills the tank with pressurized water, compressing the air bladder. When you open a faucet, this stored pressure pushes water out before the pump needs to kick on.

This simple mechanism has three huge benefits. First, it dramatically reduces pump cycling—that annoying on-off-on-off stuttering. This not only saves your sanity but also extends the life of your water pump’s pressure switch. Second, it conserves battery power, as the pump runs less frequently.

Finally, and most noticeably, it smooths out the water flow. No more sputtering or pulsing when you’re trying to rinse dishes or take a shower. It creates a more residential-like experience, turning a basic RV necessity into a small daily luxury. It’s one of those upgrades you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.

Shurflo 182-200: The Industry Standard Choice

If you ask ten seasoned RVers what accumulator tank they use, at least half will say the Shurflo. There’s a reason it’s become the de facto standard for both OEM installations and aftermarket upgrades. It’s reliable, widely available, and does exactly what it’s supposed to do without any fuss.

The Shurflo 182-200 is pre-charged to 30 PSI but is adjustable, making it compatible with the vast majority of RV water pumps on the market, especially Shurflo’s own popular models. Its design allows for vertical or horizontal mounting, giving you flexibility in tight utility bays. It’s the kind of component you install and forget about, which is the highest praise you can give to a piece of RV plumbing.

This isn’t the fanciest or highest-capacity tank on the list. It’s the dependable workhorse. For most RVers with a standard 3.0 to 4.0 GPM pump, the Shurflo provides the perfect balance of performance, cost, and reliability. It’s the go-to choice if you want a proven solution without overthinking it.

Seaflo Accumulator Tank: A Reliable Budget Pick

Let’s be practical: not every upgrade needs to be the top-of-the-line model. The Seaflo Accumulator Tank is a perfect example of a product that delivers about 80% of the performance of premium brands for a fraction of the cost. For many nomads, especially those on a tight budget or upgrading an older rig, that’s a trade-off worth making.

Seaflo tanks are often nearly identical in form and function to their more expensive counterparts. They feature a similar internal diaphragm design, standard 1/2" threaded ports, and an adjustable pre-charge pressure. They effectively reduce pump cycling and smooth out water flow, ticking all the essential boxes.

So, what’s the catch? Sometimes, the build quality on the plastic housing or the air valve might feel a little less robust than a Shurflo or Jabsco. However, in my experience and that of many others in the community, they hold up surprisingly well. If you’re looking to solve the pump-cycling problem without a big investment, the Seaflo is a smart, functional, and wallet-friendly choice.

Remco 55-AQUAJET: High-Performance Option

Some RV water systems are more demanding than others. If you’ve upgraded to a high-flow water pump like Remco’s own Aquajet series or a similar 5.0+ GPM model, a standard accumulator tank won’t cut it. That’s where the Remco 55-AQUAJET shines.

This tank is built to handle the higher volume and pressure of performance pumps. Its larger internal capacity provides a bigger cushion of pressurized water, which is essential for preventing a powerful pump from rapid-cycling. Think of it this way: a small tank paired with a big pump is like putting bicycle shocks on a monster truck—it’s just not up to the task.

The Remco is for the RVer who has invested in a residential-style shower head or simply refuses to compromise on water pressure. It ensures your high-end pump can operate efficiently, delivering that smooth, powerful stream it was designed for. It’s an investment, but it’s the critical link to unlocking the full potential of a high-performance water system.

Jabsco Mini Tank: Ideal for Compact Systems

In a van conversion or a small Class B, every square inch of space is precious real estate. Finding room for a standard accumulator tank can be a real challenge. The Jabsco Mini Accumulator Tank is designed specifically for these tight-squeeze scenarios.

This tank is significantly smaller than most other models, making it possible to tuck it away in a cramped cabinet or under a sink where nothing else would fit. It provides the same core benefits—reduced cycling and smoother flow—but on a smaller scale. It’s a perfect match for smaller, lower-flow pumps often found in compact RVs.

The tradeoff, of course, is capacity. It won’t provide as large a water buffer as its bigger cousins, meaning the pump will still kick on a bit more frequently. But for a small system, that’s a perfectly acceptable compromise. It’s the right tool for the job when space, not peak performance, is your primary constraint.

Lippert Flow Max: For High-Demand Water Pumps

Lippert is a giant in the RV component world, and their Flow Max accumulator tank is engineered to integrate seamlessly with their high-volume Flow Max water pumps. If you’re running one of their 40 or 60 PSI pumps, this tank is designed to be its perfect partner, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

The key here is system synergy. While you can mix and match brands, pairing a pump and accumulator from the same manufacturer often simplifies installation and guarantees compatibility. The Flow Max tank is robustly built to handle the steady, high-pressure output of its companion pumps, preventing the kind of stutter and strain that can prematurely wear out a pump motor.

This is a great option for owners of larger fifth wheels and Class A motorhomes that often come equipped with more demanding plumbing systems. If your rig already has a Lippert pump, or you’re upgrading to one, choosing the Flow Max accumulator is a no-brainer for a hassle-free, high-performance setup.

Jabsco PAR-MATE: A Durable, Proven Performer

Before Shurflo dominated the market, Jabsco was the name many old-school RVers trusted. The Jabsco PAR-MATE series represents that legacy of durability. These tanks are known for their rugged construction and are a fantastic alternative to the more common choices.

The PAR-MATE tanks, like the 1-liter and 2.5-liter models, offer a slightly different form factor that might fit your space better than other designs. They are known for having high-quality diaphragms that hold their pre-charge for years without needing adjustment. It’s another install-it-and-forget-it component from a brand with a long history in the marine and RV worlds.

Choosing between a Jabsco PAR-MATE and a Shurflo 182-200 often comes down to brand loyalty, availability, or minor differences in mounting brackets. Both are excellent, reliable choices that will fundamentally improve your RV water system. The PAR-MATE is simply another proven performer you can install with total confidence.

Key Factors for Choosing Your Accumulator Tank

Picking the right tank isn’t just about brand names. It’s about matching the component to your specific system. Get this right, and you’ll be rewarded with a quiet, efficient water system.

Here are the critical factors to consider:

• Pre-Charge Pressure: This is the most important setting. Your accumulator’s pre-charge pressure should be set at or just below your water pump’s "cut-in" pressure. If it’s set too high, the pump will still cycle constantly. If it’s too low, the bladder can get damaged. Most tanks are adjustable with a standard tire pump.
• Tank Size/Volume: A larger tank holds more pressurized water, meaning the pump runs even less. However, it also takes up more space. Match the tank size to your needs—a small tank for a compact van, a larger one for a big rig with a high-flow pump.
• Physical Dimensions & Mounting: Before you buy, measure the space you have available. Check the tank’s dimensions and look at its mounting options. Some are designed for vertical mounting, while others are more flexible.
• Port Size: The vast majority of RV plumbing uses 1/2" threaded fittings. Double-check that the tank you choose has the correct port size to avoid a last-minute trip for adapters.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a balanced system. A small pump needs a small tank. A powerful, high-volume pump needs a larger, more robust tank to keep it happy.

A stuttering water pump isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a sign of an inefficient system. By adding the right accumulator tank, you’re not just buying silence. You’re investing in the longevity of your pump, conserving battery power, and making daily life on the road just a little more comfortable.