Hello All, I am new here and also new to caravanning. 3 weeks ago I got a sweet deal on a 1996 Windsor Trustar Pop top and would like to do some "additions" to make life a little more comfortable. I have already had two trips away, one for a night close to home to get a feel for the van, the other to Agnes Waters for 3 days.... beautiful spot.
Anyway after the first night the two single beds came out and the center bed side table also got demolished and replaced with a Queen Bed Frame and a very comfortable matress :). I managed to do all this without compromising on the existing storage area and created some additional storage under the bed frame in the center.
I should provide some context around how my wife and I plan to see Oz in our new Van. Initially we will be doing the caravan park thing, paying $40 bucks a night for power and water and using the facilities at the park. However, while at Agnes, my wife asked if would be possible to set up our own hot water system and have an outside shower on the slab in the annex area to take a shower in private. We have a pop up full annex we will use. I don't believe it would be difficult to get hold of a cheap gas hot water system, something like this one I found on ebay:
I was thinking I would have a plumber extend the gas pipe from the stove (install an isolator etc) and have a small outlet that is mounted at the back area of the annex that I could plug a gas bayonet fitting into if. I would have to fabricate a bracket of some sort that I can mount the unit to and would have to lug the unit in and out of the van each time we stop to set it all up. I have a 240v outlet under the annex but would rather not go an electric system as the outlet is likely to be used by other apparatus and gas is available when power is not. Keep reading as I have suggested an alternative to this outdoor gas set up below and would appreciate feedback.
I am not sure if van parks allow grey water to drain off the slab areas to the nearby dirt pad or grassed areas. It wont be a lot of water given we don't plan to stay for any longer than 3-5 days in each park.
I could ramble forever about everything I plan to do to the van but this thread is about the hot water system. Essentially I am chasing recommendations for specific equipment and what other people have done. I need to consider ventilation requirements for these outdoor units, and have thought about mounting an indoor gas unit in the cupboard adjacent to the stove and 3 way fridge if I can find a unit small enough, I could go as small as 2 Litres a minute if we had too. I am also not sure if the slotted vent in the cupboard would suffice for ventilation, it would be ideal though as it would provide pressurised hot water on demand to the mixer unit in the sink as well as an outdoor shower. Money is not really an object for the right arrangement (said with disclaimers). The unit itself does not have to be top of the line though if you know what I mean. I plan to do all the plumbing and mounting etc. myself (except the gas side of it, I will use a licenced plumber/gas fitter).
So any ideas on:
- Portable Gas Hot Water System
- Pump to suit (I was looking at the Jabsco Par-Mate as it is self priming, 12V, quiet, low current draw and small)
cheers
CaptKirk
Dougwe said
12:37 PM May 10, 2017
Welcome to the gang CaptKirk, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Have you thought of checking out the Coleman On Demand hot water. Runs off a gas canister and available all over. Could be worth a looksee.
Don't let them beam you up until you have it sorted.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Wednesday 10th of May 2017 12:39:56 PM
CaptKirk said
12:49 PM May 10, 2017
G'day Doug,
thanks for replying. I have looked at these and the other Cube type arrangement in BCF.
the units are nice and light and compact, havnt ruled it out.
the thing is I that I figured if I could get something plumbed up permanently to the Gas line I already have I wont have to muck around with canisters. In addition if I can mount gas unit inside (vented cupboard) I can plumb to the sink and an external fitting for showering and never have to lift anything around.
I'll keep looking, there is bound to be a unit I can install inside, it will prolly cost a small fortune though
kirk out
TheHeaths said
01:36 PM May 10, 2017
Capt Kirk,
I understand the idea to make the wife happy, but I don't think you will find caravan parks to be receptive to the idea of water running off of the slab onto the grass. If you could come up with some sort of pool/pond idea to stand in to shower, with a drain to the sites waste point, I think it would be much better.
It may also get some neighbours upset if the sites are close together.
Aside from that, good luck working this out.
Beam me up Scotty!
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Wednesday 10th of May 2017 01:36:56 PM
CaptKirk said
01:39 PM May 10, 2017
cheers for the feedback. I figured the same. I guess I could stand in a plastic container or the like and tip it out at the end of a shower. No big deal I guess..
kirk out
macka17 said
01:45 PM May 10, 2017
Hi.
There are batter units that the ColemAn.
A lot of us. Plus businesses run the "Hot-Tap" unit.
I'm very pleased,
Mounted on outside wall piping underneath and t piece to spare gas bottle.
This CAN be mounted inside. Just remember. "FLU".
Whatever you fit has to breathe to the outside.
Hence my outside mount. Easier. less hassles.
Regarding the bed.
s soon as you fit or buy a double bed van. you lose 1\2 the floor space.
I have 2 singles, with 2 pieces of 6x3. 5\8ths ply under each mattress.
You want some exercise. Turn them both round actross the van. Do same with mattresses.
Do your thing.
Turn them back and walk.about. live normally with full access to van agaion.
I went back to sleeping by myself (and the cat) 15 yrs ago.
Much betterer I reckon. No elbows in ribs, Stop snoring.
just a peaceful sleep in your own room.
There are a coupla good posts on the Grey water thing here. Check them out.
Regards
Bryan said
03:22 PM May 10, 2017
Yep, the Joolca Hottap is a nice unit
CaptKirk said
04:00 PM May 10, 2017
Thanks Macca and Bryan, I will check out the Joolca Hottap.
Cupie said
07:03 PM May 10, 2017
Definitely a bad idea to let your shower water run out of the shower cubicle .. Just won't be acceptable whether on a slab or grass or even bush camping. You might be there for just a few days but someone else is sure to follow & put up with your mess. Perhaps a floor in the shower tent with waste going to a remotely located bladder. A lot of mucking about though.
Whatever you use just make sure that it is VERY easy to set up or you won't use it. Much easier to walk up to the shower block. You've paid for it's use.
Have you considered a dual pop up to house your portapottie too? Or maybe use it as a foot stool or seat in your shower enclosure.
I was talking to a plumber/gas fitter mate of mine today, he advised me that it is now illegal to mount outdoor type gas hot water systems inside caravans as a retro fit type arrangement. Special designed units such as the Suburban Gas & 240V (SW6DEA) are ok (but very expensive) as they have their own enclosure which is cut into the van and accessible from the outside. Anyway, though I would share. My setup will cost me about $550 including hoses, wiring, switch etc. No plumbers or electricians required.
I am a little concerned about the unit vibrating on the drawer bare but Joolca guarantee the setup and general reviews are all positive on their site. I would recommend buying direct from the OEM as they offer full money back guarantee including freight costs whereas most distributors don't. Lastly Joolca offer the 5m shower hose wheras most distibutors offer a 2m hose. May sound insignificant but it will make all the difference.
Thanks for all your help guys. See you on the road.
....... Initially we will be doing the caravan park thing, paying $40 bucks a night for power and water and using the facilities at the park. ....
Not many places are only $40 a night for even an 'unpowered' site.
Once you get out of the eastern seaboard regional areas and move into the more popular outback tourist destinations it can be up to $65 a night for a scummy sandy-gravelly site where you are squeezed in like sardines and have rancid and decrepit amenities blocks and often even more than that in the Top-End or WA.
This is why so many of us set our vans up to free camp.
Warren-Pat_01 said
11:17 PM May 12, 2017
Try Peake Hill (near Dubbo) - $23 a night for a powered site & free pancakes for breakfast! Clermont Qld, Gilgandra (NSW) - $30 a night. Heaps of places unless you want Big4s that are from $25-33 aa night.
And those places encouraged grey water to go on the lawn/garden.
CaptKirk said
11:04 AM Jul 17, 2017
I plumbed up the system to my mixer in the sink and an outdoor shower. Was very easy to do. Here is a pic of my set up. 3 months and going strong. Highly recommend Joolca
Hello All, I am new here and also new to caravanning. 3 weeks ago I got a sweet deal on a 1996 Windsor Trustar Pop top and would like to do some "additions" to make life a little more comfortable. I have already had two trips away, one for a night close to home to get a feel for the van, the other to Agnes Waters for 3 days.... beautiful spot.
Anyway after the first night the two single beds came out and the center bed side table also got demolished and replaced with a Queen Bed Frame and a very comfortable matress :). I managed to do all this without compromising on the existing storage area and created some additional storage under the bed frame in the center.
I should provide some context around how my wife and I plan to see Oz in our new Van. Initially we will be doing the caravan park thing, paying $40 bucks a night for power and water and using the facilities at the park. However, while at Agnes, my wife asked if would be possible to set up our own hot water system and have an outside shower on the slab in the annex area to take a shower in private. We have a pop up full annex we will use. I don't believe it would be difficult to get hold of a cheap gas hot water system, something like this one I found on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GECKO-Gas-Portable-Shower-Camping-Hot-Water-Heater-LPG-Outdoor-Instant-Caravan/141826007220?_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D777003%26algo%3DDISCL.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140117125611%26meid%3D33cfdcf8662f45d788c4ff194aa9642d%26pid%3D100009%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D10%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D332098707358
I was thinking I would have a plumber extend the gas pipe from the stove (install an isolator etc) and have a small outlet that is mounted at the back area of the annex that I could plug a gas bayonet fitting into if. I would have to fabricate a bracket of some sort that I can mount the unit to and would have to lug the unit in and out of the van each time we stop to set it all up. I have a 240v outlet under the annex but would rather not go an electric system as the outlet is likely to be used by other apparatus and gas is available when power is not. Keep reading as I have suggested an alternative to this outdoor gas set up below and would appreciate feedback.
I am not sure if van parks allow grey water to drain off the slab areas to the nearby dirt pad or grassed areas. It wont be a lot of water given we don't plan to stay for any longer than 3-5 days in each park.
I could ramble forever about everything I plan to do to the van but this thread is about the hot water system. Essentially I am chasing recommendations for specific equipment and what other people have done. I need to consider ventilation requirements for these outdoor units, and have thought about mounting an indoor gas unit in the cupboard adjacent to the stove and 3 way fridge if I can find a unit small enough, I could go as small as 2 Litres a minute if we had too. I am also not sure if the slotted vent in the cupboard would suffice for ventilation, it would be ideal though as it would provide pressurised hot water on demand to the mixer unit in the sink as well as an outdoor shower. Money is not really an object for the right arrangement (said with disclaimers). The unit itself does not have to be top of the line though if you know what I mean. I plan to do all the plumbing and mounting etc. myself (except the gas side of it, I will use a licenced plumber/gas fitter).
So any ideas on:
- Portable Gas Hot Water System
- Pump to suit (I was looking at the Jabsco Par-Mate as it is self priming, 12V, quiet, low current draw and small)
cheers
CaptKirk
Welcome to the gang CaptKirk, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Have you thought of checking out the Coleman On Demand hot water. Runs off a gas canister and available all over. Could be worth a looksee.
Don't let them beam you up until you have it sorted.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Wednesday 10th of May 2017 12:39:56 PM
G'day Doug,
thanks for replying. I have looked at these and the other Cube type arrangement in BCF.
the units are nice and light and compact, havnt ruled it out.
the thing is I that I figured if I could get something plumbed up permanently to the Gas line I already have I wont have to muck around with canisters. In addition if I can mount gas unit inside (vented cupboard) I can plumb to the sink and an external fitting for showering and never have to lift anything around.
I'll keep looking, there is bound to be a unit I can install inside, it will prolly cost a small fortune though
kirk out
Capt Kirk,
I understand the idea to make the wife happy, but I don't think you will find caravan parks to be receptive to the idea of water running off of the slab onto the grass. If you could come up with some sort of pool/pond idea to stand in to shower, with a drain to the sites waste point, I think it would be much better.
It may also get some neighbours upset if the sites are close together.
Aside from that, good luck working this out.
Beam me up Scotty!
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Wednesday 10th of May 2017 01:36:56 PM
kirk out
There are batter units that the ColemAn.
A lot of us. Plus businesses run the "Hot-Tap" unit.
I'm very pleased,
Mounted on outside wall piping underneath and t piece to spare gas bottle.
This CAN be mounted inside. Just remember. "FLU".
Whatever you fit has to breathe to the outside.
Hence my outside mount. Easier. less hassles.
Regarding the bed.
s soon as you fit or buy a double bed van. you lose 1\2 the floor space.
I have 2 singles, with 2 pieces of 6x3. 5\8ths ply under each mattress.
You want some exercise. Turn them both round actross the van. Do same with mattresses.
Do your thing.
Turn them back and walk.about. live normally with full access to van agaion.
I went back to sleeping by myself (and the cat) 15 yrs ago.
Much betterer I reckon. No elbows in ribs, Stop snoring.
just a peaceful sleep in your own room.
There are a coupla good posts on the Grey water thing here. Check them out.
Regards
Yep, the Joolca Hottap is a nice unit
Definitely a bad idea to let your shower water run out of the shower cubicle .. Just won't be acceptable whether on a slab or grass or even bush camping. You might be there for just a few days but someone else is sure to follow & put up with your mess. Perhaps a floor in the shower tent with waste going to a remotely located bladder. A lot of mucking about though.
Whatever you use just make sure that it is VERY easy to set up or you won't use it. Much easier to walk up to the shower block. You've paid for it's use.
Have you considered a dual pop up to house your portapottie too? Or maybe use it as a foot stool or seat in your shower enclosure.
I ended up going with the Joolca Hot Tap system.
www.joolca.com.au/hottap
I also purchased the Hottap Cover Jacket as I will be mounting it on my draw bar adjacent to my gas bottles:
www.joolca.com.au/hottap-jacket
It will be mounted with the hot tap Draw bar Mount
www.joolca.com.au/drawbar-mount
I also bought this cheap pump off ebay which I plan to mount and plumb with power supplied via a 12V switch inside the van door.
www.ebay.com.au/itm/222485437673
I was talking to a plumber/gas fitter mate of mine today, he advised me that it is now illegal to mount outdoor type gas hot water systems inside caravans as a retro fit type arrangement. Special designed units such as the Suburban Gas & 240V (SW6DEA) are ok (but very expensive) as they have their own enclosure which is cut into the van and accessible from the outside. Anyway, though I would share. My setup will cost me about $550 including hoses, wiring, switch etc. No plumbers or electricians required.
I am a little concerned about the unit vibrating on the drawer bare but Joolca guarantee the setup and general reviews are all positive on their site. I would recommend buying direct from the OEM as they offer full money back guarantee including freight costs whereas most distributors don't. Lastly Joolca offer the 5m shower hose wheras most distibutors offer a 2m hose. May sound insignificant but it will make all the difference.
Thanks for all your help guys. See you on the road.
Kirk Out
Hi Richard ( CaptKirk )
Came across this picture a while ago
It's maybe something what give you some ideas
Cheers John
Not many places are only $40 a night for even an 'unpowered' site.
Once you get out of the eastern seaboard regional areas and move into the more popular outback tourist destinations it can be up to $65 a night for a scummy sandy-gravelly site where you are squeezed in like sardines and have rancid and decrepit amenities blocks and often even more than that in the Top-End or WA.
This is why so many of us set our vans up to free camp.
And those places encouraged grey water to go on the lawn/garden.
I plumbed up the system to my mixer in the sink and an outdoor shower. Was very easy to do. Here is a pic of my set up. 3 months and going strong. Highly recommend Joolca