Rainbird RVAN Nozzle 24' Adjustable Arc

R-VAN24 – Adjustable Rotary Nozzle Specifications

What is the difference between the R-VAN24, R-VAN18, and R-VAN14?
All three are part of Rain Bird's R-VAN rotary nozzle series and share the same technology and matched precipitation rates — the difference is coverage radius. The R-VAN14 covers 8–14 ft, the R-VAN18 covers 13–18 ft, and the R-VAN24 covers 17–24 ft. Because all models share matched precipitation rates, they can be mixed within the same irrigation zone without creating uneven coverage.

What does "matched precipitation rate" mean and why does it matter?
Matched precipitation rate means that all R-VAN nozzles — regardless of arc setting or radius adjustment — apply water at the same rate (inches per hour). In practice, this means a 90° corner nozzle and a 270° wide-coverage nozzle in the same zone will both finish watering the ground at the same time. This eliminates dry spots and overwatering within a single zone, which is a critical advantage in irregularly shaped landscapes.

How do I adjust the arc and radius?
Both arc and radius are adjusted by hand, with no tools required. Rain Bird recommends making these adjustments while the system is running so you can visually confirm the coverage pattern in real time. The R-VAN24 features a minimum radius of 17 ft — do not reduce the radius below this threshold as it will compromise precipitation uniformity.

What is the pull-up flush feature?
The R-VAN24 includes an exclusive manual flush feature. By pulling up on the nozzle stem, you can flush dirt, debris, and sediment out of the nozzle body — even in extreme field conditions. This keeps performance consistent and extends nozzle life without requiring removal or disassembly.

Which Rain Bird spray bodies are compatible?
The R-VAN24 is compatible with Rain Bird 1804, 1806, and 1812 pop-up spray bodies, as well as 1/2" risers and standard adapters. It is not compatible with Rain Bird 1802 or 1803 spray bodies. DripWorks carries a full selection of compatible Rain Bird spray bodies.

What water pressure does the R-VAN24 require?
The R-VAN24 operates between 30 and 55 PSI, with an optimal recommended pressure of 45 PSI. At the recommended pressure, the nozzle achieves peak uniformity and wind resistance. If your supply pressure exceeds 55 PSI, pairing this nozzle with a pressure regulator — or using Rain Bird's 1800 PRS-45 pressure-regulated spray bodies — will protect performance. For best results in water-restricted environments, the 1800 PRS-45 bodies are specifically designed to pair with R-VAN nozzles at the optimal 45 PSI.

Can I retrofit my existing spray heads with R-VAN nozzles?
Yes — and it's one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make to an older irrigation system. Retrofitting standard spray nozzles with R-VAN rotary nozzles can reduce flow by up to 60% and improve water efficiency by up to 30%. As long as you have compatible Rain Bird 1804, 1806, or 1812 spray bodies installed, the R-VAN24 drops right in.

Is the R-VAN24 WaterSense or MWELO compliant?
Yes. R-VAN nozzles have been tested to meet or exceed a 0.65 distribution uniformity threshold for California MWELO (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance) compliance. They are also eligible for rebates from many local water districts — check with your local utility for available water conservation rebates.

Is there a full-circle (360°) version of the R-VAN24?
Yes. Rain Bird offers the R-VAN24-360, a full-circle 360° rotary nozzle in the same 17–24 ft radius range. This is ideal for center-of-lawn placement where full-circle coverage is needed. Contact DripWorks if you'd like help sourcing this model.