Member - Troll 81 (QLD) replied:

To be honest I rigged up some pipe that took up halve my roof rack and upon measuring I only got 55l in there….it was a waste of money and space if you ask me. Mine was purely for water storage and the project got abandoned once I found out that it only took 55l

Sand Man (SA) replied:

My suggestion is to invest $30 for a battery operated shower such as the one I have from Coleman.

Heat the water on the camp fire and add to a large tub until the water temp is right.

Stand in the tub and place the immersible pump in there as well.
As you shower, you will recycle most of the water and this should be good enough for a couple.

That's the way the wife and I do it and have no problems at all.

Used to share the bath water with my siblings as a kid. Didn't have a problem with that either.

BIGDOG24308 replied:

Hi Freepearo,

Pressurise it ???? Its a camp shower !!!

I know some people carry huge loads on the roof, but if your asking advise......mine would be, don't.

If you just want hot water for a shower, there are lots of ways beside carrying shiploads on yu roof.

Cheers...........BIGDOG

Member - GeeTee (NT) replied:

Yep we use a single tube down one side of the roof rack. Painted flat black with a tap and click fitting on one end. Get hot enough during the day for a warm shower at nightfall. Does two of us. Weight not a problem.
That said I have installed a Helton Hot Water System in the vehicle. Waiting for a chance to try it out.!

johannagoanna replied:

I use a black 20L fuel Jerry laying down on the roof. After a day of driving in the sun, it is the perfect temperature for a nice hot shower. I simply connect the filler nozzle to the jerry, attach a hose, and then turn the jerry on it's side. The flow pressure is enough for a shower, actually, was too much, so fitted a garden sprayer to the end that is adjustable! It usually lasts a few days, with myself and two kids showering.

Works well for me and the kids, and it cost me bugger all. I know there are other ways, but I am a bit into the 'KISS' principle - no mechanical parts to stuff up!

Jo

Member - Duncan W (WA) replied:

If you want hot water get one of those 20l plastic bag jobs, fill it and sit it in your roof rack. When you get to where ever dump it all in a bucket and use a 12v shower. Camping stores currently have the 12v showers for less than $30. Excellent showers.

If you must have a tube on the roof plumb in a tyre valve or similar and plug your compressor hose onto it and pressurise the tube and keep the compressor running while you shower.

freepearo replied:

Thanks everyone for your feedback it's great! As we (family of 4) are planning on living this way for 12 months I was looking for an easy & cheap way of ensuring we always have warm water at the end of the day (providing the sun keeps shining!).
I think I like the idea of a couple of black jerry cans and a hose fitting, sounds incredibly simple and effective. I have looked at the shower pumps / systems around and decided that I didn't want to waste battery power (big or small) on this.
Lastly I agree - this is a luxury and we love to rough it when camping however roughing it for 12 months with 2 kids might be pushing the boundaries a little.

See ya on the road!