Planning Your Water System
Water is life on the road. A well-designed system provides fresh water for drinking, cooking, and showering while managing grey water responsibly. Here's how to get it right.
Sizing Your Tanks
The eternal question: how much water do you need? Consider your travel style:
- Weekend warriors: 40-60L fresh water is usually sufficient
- Full-timers: 80-120L gives you 3-5 days of autonomy
- Off-grid adventurers: Consider 150L+ with water-saving fixtures
Grey water tanks should be at least 75% of your fresh water capacity.
The Pump and Pressure
A 12V diaphragm pump is the standard choice. Key features to look for:
- Self-priming: Can draw water even when the tank is low
- Pressure switch: Automatically shuts off when taps are closed
- Flow rate: 8-12 L/min is comfortable for showers
Add an accumulator tank to smooth out pump cycling and reduce noise.
Hot Water Options
Nothing beats a hot shower after a dusty day. Your choices:
- Instant gas heaters: Compact and efficient, but require gas setup
- Electric tank heaters: Simple but power-hungry (best with shore power)
- Diesel heaters with water coil: Piggyback on your heating system
- Heat exchanger: Uses engine coolant—hot water while driving!
Filtration and Safety
Always filter your water. A two-stage system with sediment and carbon filters removes particles and improves taste. For questionable sources, add a UV purifier for complete peace of mind.
