General Pump
3000 PSI - 5.5 GPM Pressure Washer with Comet RW5535 or General Pump PSS5535
VRT3 Unloader
K7 Unloader
VRT100 Unloader
5.5 GPM Pressure Washer Bundle
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How to Choose the Right General Pump Unloader
Three of the four products here are unloaders, and the wrong one is the fastest way to blow a seal or lose pressure control. Two things decide it: your pump's flow rate, and how the valve reacts to it.
Match it to your GPM
The unloader has to handle your pump's gallons per minute or it fights the flow. The VRT3 runs up to 10.5 GPM. The K7 covers 6.6 to 10.0 GPM. The VRT100 is the high-flow valve, rated to 26 GPM for big surface-cleaner rigs. Undersize it and you choke the pump. Oversize it and you give up fine pressure control.
Pressure rating and port size
The VRT3 handles up to 4500 PSI on 3/8" FPT ports. The K7 tops out at 3500 PSI, also 3/8". The VRT100 steps up to 1/2" ports and 4640 PSI for high-volume work. Check your pump's max pressure first, then match the ports so you're not adapting fittings all over the manifold.
Pressure-actuated vs. flow-actuated
The VRT3 and VRT100 are pressure-actuated. They react to system pressure on their own, so there's nothing to wire or set. The K7 is flow-actuated, with a balanced piston and no external springs, so less wears out over time. Either way, the valve bypasses water when you let off the trigger. That's what saves your pump between sprays.
General Pump Unloader Sizing Chart
| Your rig | Max PSI | Unloader |
|---|---|---|
| Standard, up to 10.5 GPM | 4500 PSI | VRT3 Unloader (EZ Start) |
| 6.6 to 10.0 GPM, fewer wear parts | 3500 PSI | K7 Unloader |
| High-flow, up to 26 GPM | 4640 PSI | VRT100 Unloader |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the VRT3, K7, and VRT100?
The VRT3 is the EZ Start valve for standard rigs up to 10.5 GPM and 4500 PSI. The K7 covers 6.6 to 10.0 GPM with a flow-actuated, no-spring design that wears slower. The VRT100 is the high-flow option, rated to 26 GPM and 4640 PSI for big surface-cleaner setups.
Which General Pump unloader do I need for my pump?
Start with your pump's GPM and max PSI, both on the spec plate, and match the unloader so its rating sits at or above your numbers. Stuck between the VRT3 and the K7? The K7's balanced piston means fewer parts to replace down the road. Still not sure, call Ford and we'll match it to your rig.
Will these unloaders fit a Comet or AR pump?
Yes. The K7 is rated for General Pump, Comet, and AR pumps, and the VRT3 and VRT100 work the same way. None of them are brand-locked, so match the GPM, PSI, and port size and you're good.
Is the General Pump PSS5535 a soft wash pump?
No. The PSS5535 is a 5.5 GPM triplex built for pressure washing, not low-pressure soft washing. For a 12V or batch soft wash setup, look at the Soft Wash Pumps collection instead.
Why does my unloader bypass when I let off the trigger?
That's the job. When you stop spraying, the unloader routes water back through the bypass instead of dead-heading the pump. It keeps pressure from spiking and saves your seals. And if it's not bypassing, your pressure's set wrong or the valve's worn.
