What is a Vehicle Shower?
Imagine yourself after a hot day of driving, hiking and setting up camp... you have trekked through desert dust and your muscles are tired and sore. What better way is there to wash and scrub up than under an invigorating hot
shower. But you're in the most remote part of
Australia, so it must be a dream, right? Wrong - we're not talking about
cold showers here, or even solar hot water showers but real hot showers with pressure that you can enjoy on even the most remote outback trip. Most of the components for these showers are installed under the bonnet of your vehicle and utilises the engines cooling system to heat up an external water supply. This supply may be water from a creek or water-filled container and is pumped to a Heat Exchange Unit and then back to your
shower – nice and hot. So now you like the idea? Yes, most of us do, so let's look go over the common questions.
How Much Water is Used?
Typically, a 5 - 10L bucket of water is suitable for a
shower for one person. Recycling
shower water is a smart trick for showering the family. Simply, stand in a big bucket while you
shower with the inlet hose taking the run-off back into the system. This way you can cycle the water through the heat exchanger continuously. Soap suds etc do not damage the heat exchange unit.
How long your bucket of water takes to empty depends on the pressure that your pump delivers the water and if any flow restrictor is implemented on your
shower head. You can do the maths by working out how many litres of water the pump is designed to deliver. Some water pumps are designed to deliver around 4 litres of water a minute (4 LPM), whilst others may deliver up to 7 litres per minute (7 LPM).
Do I Need a Shower Screen?
The answer is one of personal preference. Consider that when you are in a place where you will actually use the vehicle
shower, you will likely be in a camp that's fairly remote. If no one is there to see you, then there's no need to cover up. A
shower screen or
shower tent is quite bulky to pack and store for a non-necessary item so if you're planning long term travel, you probably don't need one. If you do prefer to purchase one,
shower screens are available in most department stores and
shower tents are available in many specialist
camping stores
Australia wide.
Are Vehicle Showers Restricted to 4WDs?
Not at all, in fact 2WD family cars can easily be fitted with a
shower system. A lot of small caravans don't have a
shower so adding a
shower system can mean you don't even need to visit caravan parks and instead spend the night at your favourite remote location. There are also many other uses not related to
camping such as washing down the dog at the beach, or even the horse after a sweaty ride.
Full Kit or Components?
Depending on the manufacturer, vehicle hot water showers can come in either kit form or sold individually as components. The complete kit will come with everything needed to setup the vehicle
shower, including any additional cables, hoses and clamps. For those who like to DIY, then you can purchase maybe the Heat Exchange Unit and hose fittings from the manufacturer and decide on a specific
shower rose and water pump of your choice later.
Vehicle Shower Components
These types of
shower systems basically comprise of a Heat Exchange Unit, a water pump, a
shower rose and the hoses, fittings, brackets, cables and fuses that are needed to put it all together.
Heat Exchange Unit (HEU)
This is one of the main components of a hot vehicle
shower system. This cylindrical copper-manufactured device commonly has four ports and utilises two of these to connect to the vehicle’s heater system. The remaining two ports are used for the water inlet and outlet for the
shower itself. Hot engine-heated water is carried into the main chamber of the Heat Exchange Unit and heats the copper coil that carries the colder
shower water. Generally, the longer the length of this inner coil, the more heat will be transferred and thus lead to hotter
shower water.
How are they Made?
Copper is the material that’s used for the Heat Exchange Unit (HEU) because this metal transfers temperature very efficiently. Inside the HEU comprises of copper piping, which is wound in a tight coil. This coil is usually made from one continuous length with no internal joints as to ensure there are no leaks. The coil is encased in copper tube and capped and may use baffles to direct the flow over the coils for maximum heat transfer. The images below, shows a hot water system that uses double wound technology. These coils are made from one length of copper pipe and are designed to provide hotter water than a standard single coil.
Water Pump
A water pump is used to pump the water to the Heat Exchange Unit and also to provide the water pressure for the
shower. These 12 volt units are usually powered by the vehicle battery and are normally fuse protected. Not all water pumps are the same, so it’s a good idea to consider its features and match them to your requirements. Below is an outline of some typical water pump features you may expect:
- Self priming capabilities
- Can run dry without damage
- Pressure cut off switch
- Adequate pumping pressures of between 4 and 7 litres per minute
- Can adequately draw water from a distance of between 4 and 10 metres and up an incline of several metres
- Manufactured with stainless steel bolts and screws to prevent rusting and corrosion
- Easy installation with rubber mounts and bolts
- Water pump parts are easily available
There are two main types of water pumps on the market and they are the U.S made Shurflo and Flojet water pumps. Some of the features for each of these water pumps are:
Shurflo
- Can be run dry without being damaged
- 10.6 litres per minute, 45 PSI
- Self priming with a vertical water lift of up to 3.6 metres
- Pressure cut off switch
- Commonly used in RVs
- 3 valve pumping chambers
- Extra quiet
- Energy saving
- Easy to install
- 1/2" IPS inlet/outlet
- Weighs 1.5kg
Flojet
- Marine grade stainless components used
- Very compact and only weighs 0.6 kg
- 4.6 litres per minute, 35 PSI
- Self priming and dry running with a vertical water lift of up to 1 metre
- Built-in pressure switch automatically starts and stops the pump
- Can draw water from a source up to 10 m away and up a 2m incline
- 3/8" and 1/2" IPS inlet/outlet
Shower Rose
This component which is also known as a
shower head is similar to the one in your bathroom at home. It is used to distribute the water into a wide area of water droplets to create the
shower.
Shower roses are available at most department, plumbing and hardware stores and there are many varieties to choose from. The ones used for vehicle showers are handheld based and the hose is usually made of rubber or brass chrome plated links. Some
shower roses have an adjustable flow control which serves a dual purpose. By decreasing the water pressure will not only slow the water flow, it should also increase the water temperature because the water will flow slower through the Heat Exchange Unit.
Other Components
Depending on the manufacturer, the vehicle
shower type and your vehicle model, the
accessories that are provided in a vehicle
shower kit should ensure a proper installation. The ‘other components’ that came with a vehicle
shower kit that we came across were:
- Fuse
- Water and dust proof fuse holder
- 10 amp silver contact switch
- Wire
- A couple of metres of heater hose in both 5/8" and 1/2"
- T pieces
- Nuts, bolts and washers to secure pump, eye lugs and other terminals
- Inline filter
- 2 to 3 metres of hospital grade shower hose
- Stainless steel hose clamps for both 5/8" and 1/2" hose
- Chromed brass elbow
Operating Tips
To operate a vehicle
shower effectively and efficiently requires some fine tuning and practical tips. Below is a general outline of operating tips that manufacturers may state in their usage manuals.
- First burst of water will be very hot as this was trapped in the heat exchanger. You should wait till at least 60 seconds before using the hot shower. The water temp should then drop to around 50 degrees Celsius and then be delivered continuously for showers.
- With most vehicle shower systems, the water temperature can be increased by adjusting the heater controls in the cabin.
- Temperature can also be increased by raising the engine revs during idle. This range as stated by one manufacturer to be in the range of between 1200 RPM and 1400 RPM.
- Further temperature adjustment can be obtained by regulating the flow control on the shower hand piece if it has one. To decrease the pressure and ensuring less water passes through the shower will make the water hotter. On the other hand, more water passing through the shower will make it cooler.
Installation
There are manufacturers that supply vehicle showers in the full kit with installation instructions for your vehicle type. Depending on where you buy your
shower system, installation might be available by a fitter. You may also seek the services of an auto mechanic to install the system or you can follow the instructions that come with most units to DIY. Whenever you decide to do it yourself; take your time, follow the instructions from the manufacturer carefully and observe any cautions. Remember, you can always obtain helpful advice by the manufacturer or maybe an auto mechanic if you’re ever in doubt about your abilities to perform the installation.
Where to Buy?
There are some auto accessory distributors for vehicle
shower systems that can provide fitting while you wait. It is similar to the way tyre shops can fit and balance your
tyres after a purchase and it usually takes around two hours to fit. Vehicle showers may be available from BCF, Opposite Lock, TJM, ARB and all good 4WD
accessories stores. It is a good idea to
shop around and consider all the pros and cons, including your budget and fitting costs. It is also worthwhile to mention about the warranties that should be included from the manufacturer and the fitter.
UHF Radio
If you are considering a trip into Australia’s vast outback, then a UHF Radio is an important communications device to have. Besides the entertainment value, such as chatting with other travellers, this radio can be a valuable part of your contingency list.
[Feature Story]
Accessories
This topic contains detailed articles on the complete list of vehicle accessories and equipment on today's market - includes basic essentials for weekend camping and must-have gear for setting up a 4WD for serious offroad use.
Winches
All travellers should be capable and equipped for winching so in this article we will discuss the various winching methods and equipment on the market. Written in conjunction with one of Australia's most noted experts in winch gear, we will also discuss some important safety issues along with providing some practical tips to suit everyone from traveller to competitor.
HF Radio
HF Radios are a wise consideration if you intend to travel throughout remote regions of Australia. In this article we discuss the usefulness of HF radio in practical situations and explain the many features and services available to enhance your use of the equipment including links to suppliers and manufacturers.
Suspension
There is an unfortunate but realistic fact about purchasing a new 4WD - it won't come fitted with a suspension system designed to carry the kind of load you'll pack for a serious outback trip. In this article we explain why it is important to consider fitting a new suspension system and what is involved.
Portable Fridges
The debate over which fridge is the best on the market is one of the most contested discussions in the camping recreation. In this article we look at the range of features and the major issues to consider when comparing brands and models.
Long Range Fuel Tanks
A large number of outback treks involve long distances between fuel outlets. Jerry cans are dangerous, difficult to store and not as convenient as a long range fuel tank. Fitting a long range fuel tank is a common modification and there are many good manufacturers.
Driving Lights
If you plan to do any night driving in the outback then a strong reliable light source is a must. Bad weather, night driving and the possibility of stray animals all demand the need for a clear view of the road and the standard vehicle high beam is not enough.
Topics Index
Each Topic contains a range of detailed and useful articles on products, services and issues. This section is full of practical tips, ideas, photos and factual information. Each topic has links to relevant Manufacturers, Retailers and Operators that can be found in our Directory; plus links to relevant Posts in our Forum; and links to related Trader listings.
Water Tank
Water storage is a critical issue for all four wheel drivers. Not only do you need to carry large amounts of fresh water, you also need 2 alternate supplies in case of contamination from one source. We suggest a couple of small plastic jerry cans for backup but for the main supply, the best water carrying solution is a stainless steel water tank.
Roof Racks, Luggage Trays & Boxes
In this article we look at the pros and cons of using the roof of your vehicle for storage when travelling; discuss what not to carry on your roof; provide some helpful packing hints and finally some useful buying tips.
Bike Carriers
Using a recreational vehicle such as a 4WD is all about exploring places and enjoying yourself. Taking a push bike can provide you with the added advantage of exercise and exploring that little further in the nice open air.
HF Radio Installation
In this article, we discuss the procedures for installing a HF radio and the modifications that can be considered for a successful installation. We look at the different options and locations on the vehicle to mount the antenna base and provide some cabling and console tips to give that professional look.
Aftermarket Seats
Unfortunately, car manufacturers don't always expect us to actually take our vehicles offroad - so when it comes to fitting out your vehicle for a major trip you replace your suspension to improve the ride so ... why not replace your seats?
Recovery Gear Needs
The majority of situations that will stop a 4WD from moving are tyre punctures or getting yourself bogged in mud or sand - and these can happen in the simplest of situations, and for no real fault of the driver.
Bull Bars, Rails & Steps
A vehicle's bull bar, sides steps and rails are known as its "bar work". Some critics might suggest that bar work is not necessary but for people actually using their vehicles for offroad touring, the bar work provides critical strength and protection and should therefore be considered as essentials.
Snorkel
Although significantly different, both petrol and diesel engines require a steady flow of air to operate. If the vehicle is not fitted with a snorkel, they do this by sucking air through the inner guard of the bonnet or just behind the grill. These open airways will also allow water to enter the engine if submerged - with disastrous results!
Cargo Drawers
This Article looks at gearing up for a 4WD camping trip and the need to find a sturdy, compact storage solution that won't rattle, break or allow loose items to fly around the cabin. We look at cargo drawers and list the features you should look for.
