DIY Solar Camp Shower

[ZR2_Zamboni]

When we tent camp or Boondock with our T@G camper, we want to be able to shower with hot water. There are “professional” units made of aluminum for hundreds of dollars. There are also innumerable DIY options using plumbing supplies for less than $100. Here’s my project.

8 feet total length
5.5 gallon (US) capacity
Total cost under $100

Details of the build on IG @DocAndJojo

 

[HuddExpo]

Nice work. Curious as to why you just didn't go with black abs pipe though. Also, are you pressurizing it with a bike pump or on board air.

Thanks.

 

[PapaDave]

Good work, make sure your glue joints are good, I’ve read of some builds exploding when they get hot and pressurized bouncing down the trail. Looks like it was a fun and satisfying build

 

[eagle_A40]

ZR2_Zamboni, nice build.

What is the material that the saddles(supports) made from?

 

[ZR2_Zamboni]

Nice work. Curious as to why you just didn't go with black abs pipe though. Also, are you pressurizing it with a bike pump or on board air.

Thanks.

ABS pipe can leech chemicals into the water with heat and UV exposure.

Pressure can be hand pump, bike pump or in my case, PowerTank CO2 system.

 

[ZR2_Zamboni]

Good work, make sure your glue joints are good, I’ve read of some builds exploding when they get hot and pressurized bouncing down the trail. Looks like it was a fun and satisfying build

I used a lot of glue - appreciate the pointer.
Won’t travel with it pressurized, only at base camp. That’s the purpose of the pressure release valve (relieve pressure before travel).

 

[ZR2_Zamboni]

ZR2_Zamboni, nice build. View attachment 111536

What is the material that the saddles(supports) made from?

Yoga block. LOL

 

[chetvan]

nicely done! I will be building one soon for my van

 

[eagle_A40]

Yoga block. LOL

Thanks.
Good idea for a mount; and not expensive at all.

 

[Tvot84]

What kind of temp do these things produce?

 

[Morehouse Expedition]

Thanks for the thread I have been thinking about this exact build for awhile now right down to the pressure relief valve.

 

[rsweet]

I just use one of these...https://www.rei.com/product/115294/nemo-helio-lx-pressure-shower fit a decked drawer, like 9"x9"x9".

 

[RoyB]

I just use one of these...https://www.rei.com/product/115294/nemo-helio-lx-pressure-shower fit a decked drawer, like 9"x9"x9".

Nice, but what fun is that! DIY is where it’s at...

 

[RickR]

yeah I want to build one when I get my trailer, but two tubes to double the capacity.

 

[Stomper_TJ]

Your thread inspired me.... I had ABS, so I used it.using ABS, it is NOT safe to drink, but I don’t mind using it to shower or clean off equipment. It holds about 9.5 gallons

 

[TimRaphael]

Nice. I added a boil head union because my spigot connect leaked on my original version (based on REI DIY)...Here's the new spigot

 

[TimRaphael]

That should be "bulk head union."

 

[OverlandGX]

Nice, new weekend project