Hot Water In A Camper: Diy Guide To Warmth

There are many ways to get hot water in a campervan, from boiling water on a stove to installing a water heater. Here are some of the most common methods:

- Boiling water in a pan on a campfire, wood burner, camping stove, or built-in cooktop is a simple and easy option for washing dishes or taking a sponge bath.

- Solar showers use the sun to heat water, making them environmentally friendly and portable. However, they may not be ideal for colder climates or areas with limited sunlight.

- Tankless propane water heaters are efficient and easy to install, but they must be properly vented if used inside a campervan.

- Water tanks can be heated using gas or electricity and are great for showers, but they can take up to 45 minutes to heat up.

- Combi heaters use diesel or gas to heat water and air, saving space by combining two functions in one unit.

- Calorifier water tanks use the engine's coolant system to heat water, providing hot water after a short drive. They can also be fitted with an electric heating element for additional convenience.

Boil water on a stove

Boiling water on a stove is one of the simplest and easiest ways to get hot water in a campervan. It is a great option if you just want to wash your dishes or take a quick sponge bath. However, if you want to take a shower, you will need to boil a large amount of water, which can be less efficient.

• Choose the right equipment: You will need a stove, a pot or kettle, and water. Select a stove that is suitable for camping, such as a liquid fuel stove, a canister fuel stove, or a biofuel stove. Make sure the pot or kettle is large enough to hold the amount of water you need and is made from a suitable material like stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium.
• Prepare your stove: If you are using a camping stove, set it up according to the instructions. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area and keep flammable materials away from the stove.
• Gather water: Fill your pot or kettle with water. If you are camping in an area with questionable water quality, consider using a water filter to remove impurities and make the water safe to drink.
• Boil the water: Place the pot or kettle on the stove and turn on the heat. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a rolling boil. A rolling boil is when the water is rapidly boiling with bubbles continuously breaking the surface. This ensures that the water is heated evenly and that any contaminants are killed.
• Use the hot water: Once the water has reached a rolling boil, you can use it for various purposes such as cooking, making hot drinks, or sterilizing water. Always handle hot water with care to avoid burns.

Remember to follow safety precautions when handling hot water and using a stove in a confined space like a campervan. Additionally, if you are camping in an area without access to clean water, be sure to filter or treat your water before boiling it to ensure it is safe for consumption and other uses.

Use a water heater

Using a water heater is a great way to have hot water in your camper. There are several types of water heaters available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview of some popular options:

Tankless Propane Water Heater

This type of heater uses an internal heat exchanger to warm water on demand, making it efficient and easy to install. It is important to ensure proper ventilation if using this type of heater inside your van. This option is not suitable for use at high altitudes.

Water Tank: Calorifier

A calorifier water tank features an internal coil connected to your engine's coolant line. As you drive, the engine heats up, and the coolant line draws heat away, flowing through the coil within the tank to heat the water. This option provides a full tank of hot water, ideal for showers, and can be a safe and reliable choice when installed correctly. However, it may not be suitable if you stay in one place for an extended period without driving.

Water Tank: Gas

If you carry LPG on board your campervan, a gas-powered water heater is an option. These water tanks have an internal gas burner that heats the water, providing a plentiful supply of hot water. Some models offer both electric and gas options for faster heating. Proper ventilation is necessary, and this option requires an onboard gas supply.

Water Tank: Electric

An electric water tank with a heating element is another choice. However, it uses a lot of electricity to heat the water, so it is most suitable when connected to mains power. It provides a full tank of hot water and is reliable and safe when installed correctly.

Combi Heater: Diesel

A diesel combi heater is a combined air and water heater that can be installed externally, saving space. It uses diesel fuel from your vehicle's tank and can heat water to a suitable temperature for showers. This option tends to be expensive and may not be suitable for use at high altitudes.

Combi Heater: Gas

Similar to the diesel option, a gas combi heater uses LPG as its energy source. It includes an integrated water tank and can be used with or without the air heater, making it suitable for summer use as well. This option provides a full tank of hot water and additional water storage but is currently expensive and requires an onboard gas supply.

Solar shower

To use a solar shower, first, fill the bag through the fill nozzle or cap, being careful not to fill it completely as water expands when heated. Place the bag in direct sunlight, ensuring that any absorbent sides are facing the sun. Do not lay the bag on the ground as this will slow down the heating process. Once the water has heated, hang the bag above head level, with the hose as straight as possible to ensure the best water pressure. Make sure the shower hose is connected properly and turn on any valves to allow water flow.

Under normal conditions, with full sun and temperatures above 50 degrees, solar showers can heat water to about 113 degrees Fahrenheit. This is considered a comfortable temperature, but if the water heats above this, there is a risk of third-degree burns. Solar showers range in capacity from 2.5 gallons to 10 gallons, with 5 gallons being a good option for those camping or hiking as it is light and portable when empty. Gravity-fed solar showers use about 2 gallons of water per minute, so a 5-gallon shower would last roughly 2.5 minutes.

Calorifier tank

A calorifier tank is a great way to get hot water in your campervan. It is a water heater that uses waste heat from your engine to heat up a tank of water. This is done via an internal heat exchange coil that's plumbed into the engine coolant line. As the engine is running, it heats up, and a coolant line draws this heat away from the engine, flowing through the coil within your tank, heating the water as it passes through, and then flowing back to the engine via the radiator. This enables a tank of water to be heated without the use of electricity, gas, or additional diesel.

The size of your hot water tank is an important consideration. Larger campers or RVs could opt for a larger electric unit, while a smaller vehicle with one or two people could use a small or even portable hot water calorifier. The amount of water you use will determine what kind of heater is best for you. Some heaters heat the water inside a tank, while others heat it as it flows through.

The benefits of a calorifier tank are that it doesn't require an additional heat source, and it generates a full tank of hot water, making it great for showers. It also enables additional water storage and is reliable, safe, and easy to install. The water heats up quickly—usually after around 10-15 minutes of driving once the engine is hot.

One potential downside of a calorifier tank is that if you stay in one place for several days without driving, you won't have hot water unless you have a secondary electric element. Additionally, installing a calorifier tank involves working close to your engine, which can be daunting.

Overall, a calorifier tank is a great option for hot water in a campervan, providing a reliable and efficient source of hot water for showers, dishes, and more.

Diesel air heater

A diesel air heater is a great way to have hot water in your camper. These heaters are usually combined with air heating in one compact unit, saving space and weight in your vehicle. They are also more efficient than gasoline-powered heaters, using a surprisingly small amount of fuel to run.

The Aqua-Hot Gen1, for example, is a diesel-powered heater that can heat both air and water. With a capacity of 13,500 BTU (20,000 for the propane version), it provides ample heating for your camper. The unit can heat water independently of the furnace, ensuring you always have hot water for a shower, no matter where you are. The Aqua-Hot Gen1 is also rated for high-altitude operation, up to 15,000 feet above sea level.

Another option is the Webasto Dual Top ST 6. This heater also serves a dual purpose, functioning as both an air and water heater. It has a compact design, making it easy to install under your van. The Webasto uses diesel fuel from your vehicle's tank, so you don't need to carry extra propane gas canisters. It features a 2.6-gallon stainless steel water boiler, which can heat water to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, the VEVOR Diesel Heater is a good choice. It is a 5KW integrated diesel heater with remote and LCD display. It has a 5L tank and is a compact diesel heating solution for RVs, trailers, campers, boats, and indoor use.

When choosing a diesel air heater, consider factors such as price, installation complexity, fuel efficiency, water heating capacity, and altitude performance. These heaters provide a convenient way to have hot water and a comfortable internal temperature in your camper.

Frequently asked questions