7 Best Utility Pumps For RV Awning Water Removal That Serve Multiple Needs
A utility pump quickly removes pooled water from an RV awning, preventing damage. Discover our top 7 multi-functional picks for this and other tasks.
A sudden downpour during the night leaves a massive, sagging belly of water in your RV awning. You know the weight is straining the fabric and arms, but tilting it to drain sends a tidal wave crashing down next to your campsite, creating a muddy mess. This is a classic RV problem, and while many people just risk the "dump and run" method, a small utility pump offers a controlled, safe, and surprisingly versatile solution. Investing in the right pump isn’t just about saving your awning; it’s about adding a powerful problem-solver to your toolkit that can handle a dozen other jobs around the rig.
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Why a Multi-Use Pump is an RV Essential
The most immediate job for a utility pump is preventing awning damage. That pooled water is incredibly heavy, easily stretching fabric, bending roller tubes, and even damaging the support arms that attach to your rig. A small pump lets you remove that weight safely and direct the water exactly where you want it to go, like a nearby drain or patch of thirsty grass.
But thinking of it as just an "awning pump" misses the bigger picture. This one tool can become your go-to for so many RV tasks. Use it to transfer fresh water from a portable bladder into your main tank without heavy lifting. It can empty a flooded storage bay after a seal fails or pump gray water from your main tank into a portable tote if you can’t move your rig to the dump station. It’s your emergency backup for a failed water pump or your best friend for winterizing, easily pumping antifreeze through your lines.
In a small space like an RV, every tool has to justify the space and weight it occupies. A single-task item is a luxury, but a multi-tasker is an investment in efficiency and preparedness. By choosing a pump that can handle your awning and a half-dozen other potential problems, you save storage space, reduce weight, and gain peace of mind knowing you’re ready for whatever the road throws at you.
Wayne WWB WaterBUG: The Top All-Around Performer
Quickly remove standing water from basements, window wells, and yards with the WAYNE WaterBUG. Its patented Multi-Flo Technology offers versatile discharge options and pumps up to 1350 GPH, clearing water down to 1/16".
If you want one pump that excels at the awning job and handles most other tasks with ease, the Wayne WaterBUG is it. Its standout feature is its ability to suck water down to a mere 1/16th of an inch from a flat surface. This means it gets your awning, or a flooded floor, almost completely dry without you having to tilt or squeegee the last bit out.
This is a 120V AC pump, meaning you’ll need to be plugged into shore power, or have a generator or capable inverter running. But that power gives you impressive performance, moving over 1,200 gallons per hour (GPH). It also features multi-flow technology, allowing you to discharge water from the top or the side, which is incredibly handy when you’re working in a tight or awkward space like a storage bay.
The WaterBUG’s design makes it a true utility champion. Because it removes water so effectively from flat surfaces, it’s perfect for drying out a leaky slide-out floor, emptying a kiddie pool for the grandkids, or dealing with a plumbing leak under the sink. It’s built tough, it’s reliable, and its performance on the primary job of drying a flat surface is second to none. For the RVer who usually has AC power, this is the top all-around choice.
Superior Pump 91250: A Durable, High-Flow Choice
Quickly remove water with the Superior Pump 91250, pumping up to 1,800 gallons per hour. Its durable thermoplastic build and removable suction screen ensure reliable performance.
Sometimes, speed is the most important factor. The Superior Pump 91250 is a thermoplastic workhorse designed to move a high volume of water quickly. Pushing up to 1,500 GPH, it can drain a seriously waterlogged awning in a fraction of the time it takes smaller pumps, reducing the strain on your equipment that much faster.
The trade-off for that speed is that it doesn’t get a surface quite as bone-dry as the WaterBUG. It will leave a little more residual water behind, but for many, getting the bulk of the weight off fast is the more critical task. Its durable, corrosion-resistant construction means you don’t have to baby it; it’s built to be tossed in a bay and used for tough jobs.
This pump’s high flow rate makes it exceptionally useful for other large-volume tasks around the RV. If you use large water bladders to haul fresh water while boondocking, this pump can transfer 60 gallons to your tank in just a few minutes. It also makes quick work of emptying a large portable waste tank or dealing with serious ground flooding around your site after a storm. It’s a powerful and robust tool for those who prioritize speed and durability.
Rule 500 GPH Bilge Pump: The Best 12V DC Option
Keep your boat dry and protected with this reliable 500 GPH 12V submersible bilge pump. It features a built-in check valve to prevent backflow and a thermal cut-off for safe, efficient operation.
For those who spend most of their time off-grid, a 120V AC pump isn’t practical. This is where a 12V DC bilge pump, like the classic Rule 500, becomes the undisputed champion. Designed to live in the harsh, wet environment at the bottom of a boat, these pumps are incredibly tough, fully submersible, and run directly off your RV’s battery system.
You will have to do a tiny bit of DIY. Most bilge pumps come with bare wire leads, so you’ll need to add your own alligator clips to connect to a battery or wire on a 12V accessory plug. This is a simple, five-minute job that gives you a go-anywhere water removal tool. At 500 GPH, it has plenty of power for an awning but sips energy, so you don’t have to worry about draining your batteries.
The real beauty of a 12V bilge pump is its freedom. You can use it anywhere, anytime, without firing up a generator. Drop it into a bucket of stream water (with a filter on the intake) to fill your fresh tank. Use it to pump out a kayak or create a simple outdoor shower. Its small size, low power draw, and operational freedom make it an essential piece of gear for any boondocker.
Little Giant APCP-1700: Ideal for Large Awnings
If you have a massive Class A or fifth wheel with a huge, flat-pitched patio awning, you know it can collect an alarming amount of water. For these big jobs, a pool cover pump like the Little Giant APCP-1700 is the perfect tool. It’s specifically designed for this exact scenario: removing standing water from a large, flexible surface.
Its best feature is often the integrated automatic switch. You can place the pump on the awning before a storm, and it will automatically turn on when it detects a certain level of water and shut off when it’s done. This is a "set it and forget it" solution that protects your investment without you having to brave the rain. With a flow rate of 1,700 GPH and a long 25-foot power cord, it’s built for serious water removal.
While its primary function is a perfect match for large awnings, this pump is a beast for other utility tasks. It can easily drain a hot tub at a seasonal site, clear a flooded campsite, or transfer massive amounts of water in an emergency. It’s definitely overkill for a small travel trailer, but for owners of big rigs who face significant water collection, it’s an ideal, automated solution.
Seaflo Submersible Pump: Versatile & Camp-Ready
The Seaflo submersible pump is another fantastic 12V DC option that often comes in a more user-friendly, camp-ready package than a traditional bilge pump. It’s a compact, lightweight, and affordable tool that’s perfect for a wide range of tasks beyond just the awning. Its low power draw makes it an excellent companion for those with modest solar setups.
Think of this as the Swiss Army knife of RV pumps. It’s not the most powerful, but its portability and ease of use are its greatest strengths. It’s small enough to be tucked into any drawer or cubby. You can use it to create a simple hand-washing station at your campsite, power a DIY outdoor shower, or transfer water between small containers with minimal fuss.
Because it’s so small and quiet, it’s also great for more delicate jobs. If you have a small water leak inside, you can use it to empty a catch pan without having to move everything to dump it. For the RVer who values versatility and simplicity in a small, 12V-powered package, the Seaflo is an incredibly useful and budget-friendly tool to have on hand.
SumpMarine Portable Pump: Simple, Quick Operation
For the ultimate minimalist, a drill-powered pump is an ingenious space-saver. The SumpMarine portable pump isn’t a standalone device; it’s an accessory that attaches to your cordless drill, using the drill’s motor to power the pump’s impeller. If you already carry a cordless drill—and most RVers do—this adds a powerful capability without taking up much more space than a deck of cards.
The primary advantage is its tiny footprint and weight. There’s no motor, no power cord, just the pump housing and two hose connections. It’s a brilliant solution for those who are fanatical about saving space and weight. Operation is simple: attach hoses, chuck the drive shaft into your drill, and pull the trigger.
However, this design comes with clear tradeoffs. Its performance is entirely dependent on the power and battery life of your drill. It’s also a completely manual operation—you have to be there holding the drill the entire time. This makes it perfect for quick jobs like draining the awning or transferring five gallons of water, but less ideal for a long, continuous task. It’s the right choice for the RVer who needs a pump only occasionally and prioritizes compact storage above all else.
Topsflo TL-C01: The Ultimate Compact Pump Choice
Sometimes, the job calls for finesse, not brute force. The Topsflo TL-C01 is a miniature brushless 12V DC pump, often found inside high-tech equipment like solar water heaters or liquid-cooled computers. For the RV world, it’s a niche tool that solves certain problems better than any high-volume pump could.
Its strengths are its tiny size, near-silent operation, and incredibly low power consumption. The flow rate is low, but for gently draining water off an awning without creating a waterfall, it’s perfect. You can place it on the awning, and it will slowly and quietly drain the water over time, which is ideal in a crowded RV park where you don’t want to disturb your neighbors.
The real magic of a pump like this is in its potential for custom projects. Its small size and efficiency make it the perfect heart for a DIY indoor drinking water filter system, a small recirculating water feature, or an automated watering system for plants inside your rig. It’s less of an emergency utility pump and more of a precision instrument for creative RVers who need a small, reliable, and efficient way to move water for specific applications.
Ultimately, the best pump for your RV isn’t just the one that can clear your awning. It’s the one that aligns with your travel style. Whether you need the 12V freedom of a bilge pump for boondocking, the automated power of a pool cover pump for a massive Class A, or the minimalist ingenuity of a drill pump, the right choice is a tool that solves multiple problems. Think beyond the rain and pick a pump that will become one of the most valuable, multi-talented problem-solvers in your RV toolkit.