Water Systems & Management

Portable options include pressurized solar shower bags and rechargeable camp showers like the RinseKit or Nemo Helio. For built-in solutions, consider a wet bath design with a shower pan and curtain, or an outdoor shower attachment mounted to your van's exterior. Cassette-style portable toilets can be combined with shower setups for complete bathroom functionality.

Design your camper van's water system by evaluating water needs and space. Install a 20-40 gallon fresh water tank, ideally under seating, with a 12V pump (2-3 GPM) and accumulator. Use food-grade PEX tubing. Include a grey water tank equal to or larger than the fresh tank, a sink, faucet, drainage, exterior inlet, water filtration, and tank monitors.

Drain all water tanks and open all faucets and drain valves. Use an air compressor at 30-40 PSI to blow out remaining water. Add RV antifreeze to p-traps, toilet, and pour it down each drain. Pump antifreeze through the system, disconnect filters, and insulate pipes if used in winter.

Install a multi-stage filtration system with a grease trap, particulate filter, and activated carbon. Use biodegradable soaps to reduce environmental impact, and consider recycling gray water for toilet flushing or plant watering. Use sink strainer covers and follow local regulations for disposal at dump stations or disperse filtered water properly.

Use a spray bottle to clean dishes and pre-wash produce before traveling to save water. Cook with minimal water and reuse it for dishwashing. Maintain a separate drinking water container to reduce main tank usage. Opt for one-pot meals and use biodegradable soap with a two-basin wash/rinse system.

Build a waterproof shower area with sealed marine-grade plywood or PVC panels. Install a shower pan connected to a gray water tank. Use a water pump (at least 2.8 GPM) linked to a fresh water tank, and add a propane or electric water heater for hot water. Ensure ventilation with a fan or window.

Choose a permanent indoor or portable outdoor shower. For indoor setups, install waterproof walls and flooring with a sloped drain connecting to the grey water tank, and use a water-efficient showerhead linked to the water pump and heater. Add ventilation and water containment. Outdoor options include exterior-mounted showerheads and privacy solutions like shower tents.

Install low-flow faucets and showerheads, use foot pumps for precise control, and collect gray water for toilet flushing. Wash dishes in a basin, take navy showers, and keep drinking water separate. Consider waterless toilets, and use spray bottles for washing. These techniques help conserve water effectively in a camper van.

Install a water filtration system to safely refill from various sources. Use a foot pump or low-flow faucet to minimize consumption. Collect and reuse gray water for flushing toilets when possible. Carry collapsible water containers for additional capacity. Track usage with a simple gauge or transparent tank. Consider a portable shower with pause button for efficient bathing.

Interior wet bath combos integrate toilet and shower in one space-efficient unit, while shower pans with curtains offer indoor convenience. Portable outdoor showers like Road Shower mount externally, and solar shower bags suit warm weather camping. Portable privacy tents with pump showers provide occasional use versatility, each differing in water use, privacy, and space needs.

Install a low-flow showerhead with a pause button and take navy showers to conserve water. Opt for biodegradable soap and consider a recirculating shower system for minimal water use. Collect gray water for toilet flushing. Keep showers under two minutes and use wipes or dry shampoo between full showers.

Install low-flow faucets and showerheads with on/off switches, and use foot or hand pumps to monitor usage. Collect and reuse gray water for toilets or plants. Wash dishes in a basin, take navy showers, and use biodegradable dry shampoo and wipes. Capture rainwater for non-potable uses if permitted.

Options include a wet bath (combined toilet/shower space), convertible shower area (using shower curtains or doors), or portable outdoor shower. Use a water pump, propane or electric water heater, and water-saving showerhead. Install proper drainage and ventilation to prevent moisture issues. Consider a recirculating shower system for extended off-grid stays.

Install low-flow faucets and showerheads. Use a foot pump or pressure switch instead of an electric pump. Collect and reuse gray water for flushing toilets or watering plants. Take navy showers (wet, turn off water, soap up, rinse). Use spray bottles for dish rinsing. Keep drinking water separate from washing water. Consider waterless options like dry shampoo.

Install a multi-stage filtration system using sediment, carbon, and ceramic filters, and add UV purification for biological contaminants. For areas with poor water quality, consider reverse osmosis. Use a water pressure regulator to safeguard the system. Place a filter at the intake and tap, and regularly test water quality with portable kits.

Use biodegradable soaps and install a filtration system to minimize environmental impact. Disperse filtered gray water on permeable surfaces away from water sources, or use designated dump stations. Consider a portable gray water tank for transport. Always comply with local regulations and avoid dumping in sensitive or unauthorized areas.

Designing an efficient camper van water system involves using appropriately sized fresh and gray water tanks (20-40 gallons) and a 12V water pump with a pressure switch (2.8-3.5 GPM). Use food-grade PEX tubing with push-to-connect fittings, include an accumulator tank, install inline water filters, and add exterior fill ports and drain valves.