If your caravan or motorhome draws water from an external container — an Aquaroll, Water Hog, Water Porter, or similar — you need a reliable submersible pump to get water into your system. The two main systems on the market are Whale Watermaster and Truma Ultraflow, and at Newquay Camping Shop we stock the key pumps for both. Here's a full guide from our team at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ.
Whether you're touring Cornwall's coastal campsites, spending a season in the South West, or just replacing a worn-out pump before your next trip, this guide covers everything you need to know to get the right pump for your setup.
Understanding Your Water System
Most caravans and motorhomes use one of two socket systems at the external water inlet:
- Truma Crystal II / Compact socket (light blue) — requires a Truma-compatible Whale pump or a Truma Ultraflow pump assembly
- Truma Ultraflow Filter Housing or Compact Housing — requires a Truma Ultraflow-compatible pump
- Whale Watermaster socket — requires a Whale Watermaster pump
Getting the right pump for your socket type is essential — if you're unsure which system your caravan or motorhome uses, pop into our Newquay showroom and our team can help you identify it.
The Four Main Pumps
Whale Watermaster Pump & Plug Truma EP1322 — £79.99
The EP1322 is a Whale Watermaster replacement pump and plug designed specifically for use with Truma Crystal II / Compact sockets (identified by the light blue hose). If your caravan has a Truma Crystal II or Compact socket and you want a Whale pump, this is the one.
- Compatible with: Truma Crystal II / Compact sockets (light blue) only
- Kink-resistant, wipe-clean hose for easy storage
- Easy-fit plug — no awkward tabs
- Suitable for microswitched or pressurised water systems
- No extra adaptors needed
Best for: Replacing a worn pump on a caravan or motorhome with a Truma Crystal II or Compact socket.
Whale Watermaster High Flow Pump 12V EP1612 — £79.99
The EP1612 is Whale's high-flow Watermaster pump for use with Whale Watermaster sockets. The anti air-locking pump enhances performance, and the easily replaceable pump head means you can swap it out without replacing the whole assembly. A secure locking clip keeps the plug firmly in the socket.
- Compatible with: Whale Watermaster sockets
- Anti air-locking pump for enhanced performance
- Easily replaceable pump head
- Long, soft, kink-resistant hose for compact storage
- Secure locking clip
- Suitable for microswitch or pressurised systems
Best for: Caravans and motorhomes with a Whale Watermaster socket, or anyone upgrading to a high-flow pump.
Truma Ultraflow Pump Assembly — £79.99
The Truma Ultraflow Pump Assembly is Truma's own ergonomic pump solution for drawing water from an external container into your caravan or motorhome. Compatible with both the Ultraflow Filter Housing and the Ultraflow Compact Housing — making it the natural choice if your vehicle already has a Truma Ultraflow housing fitted.
- Compatible with: Truma Ultraflow Filter Housing and Compact Housing
- Ergonomic design for easy use
- Works with Aquaroll, Water Hog, Water Porter, and similar containers
Best for: Caravans and motorhomes with a Truma Ultraflow Filter Housing or Compact Housing already fitted.
Whale Watermaster Truma Ultraflow EP1642 — £79.99
The EP1642 is the bridge between the two systems — a Whale high-flow pump designed specifically for use with Truma Ultraflow Compact and Ultraflow Filter Housings. At 15.8L/m flow rate it's the highest-flow pump in the range, making it ideal for caravans and motorhomes with multiple water outlets. The unique easi-press plug, protective plug cover, hose holder, and dust cover make it one of the most practical pumps we stock.
- Compatible with: Truma Ultraflow Compact and Ultraflow Filter Housings
- Flow rate: 15.8L/m | 3.8 amps | 12V
- Unique easi-press plug for easy connection
- Protective plug cover — keeps O-rings from drying out in storage
- Handy hose holder to keep the pump end off the floor
- Kink-resistant, flexible hose
- Dust cover on the submersible pump end
Best for: Caravans and motorhomes with a Truma Ultraflow housing who want a Whale high-flow pump with the best practical features in the range.
Which Pump Do I Need?
| Your socket / housing | Recommended pump | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Truma Crystal II / Compact (light blue socket) | Whale EP1322 | £79.99 |
| Whale Watermaster socket | Whale EP1612 | £79.99 |
| Truma Ultraflow Filter or Compact Housing | Truma Ultraflow Pump Assembly | £79.99 |
| Truma Ultraflow Filter or Compact Housing (want Whale high-flow) | Whale EP1642 | £79.99 |
Just Need a Replacement Pump Head?
If your hose and plug assembly are still in good condition and you just need to replace the submersible pump itself, you don't need to buy a full pump-and-plug kit. The Whale Hi-Flow Submersible Pump GP1652 — £49.99 is a standalone 12V submersible pump (15.8 lpm / 3.8 amps / 1.4 Bar) that can be used as a direct replacement pump head on compatible systems. Compact, quiet, and low power consumption — it's also a cost-effective way to upgrade a manual water system to electric.
We also stock Maas pumps as an alternative replacement option — ask our team in store for availability and compatibility with your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which pump I need for my caravan or motorhome?
The easiest way is to identify your external water inlet socket. If it has a light blue hose, it's a Truma Crystal II or Compact socket — use the EP1322. If it's a Whale Watermaster socket, use the EP1612. If you have a Truma Ultraflow Filter Housing or Compact Housing, use either the Truma Ultraflow Pump Assembly or the Whale EP1642. If you're unsure, pop into our Newquay showroom and our team will identify it for you.
What's the difference between the Truma Ultraflow Pump Assembly and the Whale EP1642?
Both are compatible with Truma Ultraflow Filter and Compact Housings. The Truma Ultraflow Pump Assembly is Truma's own pump — a straightforward, ergonomic solution. The Whale EP1642 is a Whale high-flow pump with additional practical features: a protective plug cover, easi-press plug, hose holder, and dust cover. Both are £79.99 — the EP1642 is the better-specified option if you want the extra features.
Can I just replace the pump head without buying a new hose and plug?
Yes — if your hose and plug are in good condition, the Whale GP1652 Hi-Flow Submersible Pump (£49.99) is a standalone replacement pump head. We also stock Maas pumps as an alternative — ask in store for compatibility.
What flow rate do I need for my caravan?
For a single-outlet system (one tap), a standard flow pump is usually sufficient. For multiple outlets — a tap, shower, and toilet flush, for example — a high-flow pump like the Whale EP1612, EP1642, or GP1652 (all 15.8 lpm) is recommended to maintain adequate pressure across all outlets simultaneously.
Are these pumps suitable for use on Cornwall's campsites?
Yes — all the pumps we stock are designed for standard 12V caravan and motorhome water systems and work on any campsite with an EHU or a leisure battery. Cornwall's campsites range from fully serviced pitches with EHU to more basic grass pitches — all these pumps run on 12V and work equally well on both.
Where can I buy Whale and Truma water pumps in Cornwall?
The full range is available online with free UK delivery and in store at Newquay Camping Shop — Cornwall's dedicated camping and caravanning specialists at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ, serving caravanners and motorhome owners across Cornwall and the South West.
