Living in the SW of WA the sola showers ain't much good in winter. A big search on the net yeilded some pretty prizy gizmos. Heat exchange was not an option on the old (now retired) datsun ute.
Besides I wanted portable. This is not recommended for those non-tinkerers as it could be hazardous (in a big boom sort of way) but the thing works a treat!
Components:
1 old gas HW system from a plummer mate $0
1 Dick Smith 12v
camp shower $25
1 old microphone stand from
the tip $0
2 garden hose connectors $6
a few worm drive clamps $2
a bit of poly pipe, garden hose and a couple of gutter bolts $2
an old upright compressor trolley and an old 20L plastic drum $0
1 old 12v drill battery $0
1 old ciggy lighter from wreckers $1
Method:
Pull apart the old gas HW system, pull out
the pilot light assembly and jam (
well) the valve so gas is straight through.
Mount the header tank some 6" from the gas burners and fasten it, pop the hoses and clamps on the in and out copper pipes. Cut the
camp shower hose so the pump can use a connector to the in pipe and the shower head to the out pipe. I also use a hose joiner adapter so you can reconnect the
camp shower for summer use.
Mount onto an old trolley or WHY, place a 20 l drum in a convenient position with an extra filler and cap cut from another old one if mounted horizontal like
mine. This is for filling and the convenience of a tap also on the side as you can just recirculate into the tank for just hot water.
http://www.goodcasinos.com/album/albums/camping/DSC00502.JPG
Basically for power I use an old 12v drill battery (lasts an hour flat out, plenty for a dozen hot 5 min showers).
I use the gas bottle to control the temperature and the water should be turned on first before lighting as it heats in about 10secs. All in all you can cart it anywhere and it works a treat. Very economical on gas as it needs about a 1" flame on the tank to heat the water adequately.