We’re working on turning this $2000 van into a do-it-all machine that can tow a car to the track, then serve as a mobile workshop and hotel room for the weekend.
There's nothing better than a hot shower after a sweaty day in a race suit, but that can be a tough thing to find when you're camping. Sure, most …
I may be having as much fun following the van modifications as you are doing them.
It's truly reached the Pinnacle of GRM-ness when you repurpose a bracket from a Miata.
I am feeling guilty however, about all the brass fittings that I never got around to returning.
Can you adjust the water temp ? and is that by adding more cold water or turning down the heater or changing the flow ?
THANKS
Yes, the heater has temperature adjustments just like a normal shower.
Where does your waste water go? Just out on the ground?
That may not be appreciated, depending on your location...
In reply to Rodan :
and to add to that , which "Green" soap and shampoo do you use.....
Yes, waste water and biodegradable soap goes onto the ground.
Tom Suddard said:Yes, waste water and biodegradable soap goes onto the ground.
One more essential is a pair of flip-flops.
Growing up here in Florida, the old folks called them thongs. That's a different thing now, not suggesting that!
I KNEW there was some Miata in that van!
This is great, and noted for my future van shower endeavors.
I dig the GRM-ness of the setup, but seems like a lot of complication (i.e carrying propane inside the van, for one) for something that overlanders have been doing for a lone time much more simply. Seems like with so much roof space on that van, you could just have gone with a pressurized (using compressed air) solar shower with substantial capacity (multi-tube or one of the purpose-designed roof tanks) I know you mention "not waiting all day" but....Your van is gonna be sitting there all day when you're on the track. Then again, when I get out of my suit, all I want is a cold (or lukewarm) shower lol....(that and I stay in cheap hotels rather than camping, for teh most part lol).
When I get around to it I'm going to build this for my rig: https://kombilife.com/diy-road-shower-for-van-life/
I've used one identical to this and there's surprisinly good pressure if you put a schrader valve on it and then you can just pressurize the tank with your little tire air compressor (and/or the sun will do it naturally while your van sits).
Anyhow, just an alternative.
EDIT: just noticed the Amazon thing, so that explains it ;)
EDIT 2: So, does the unit itself pressurize the water, or is pressure provided by the feed water? What I mean is, on the photos where you show the water on it looks like you have a garden hose hooked up (which provides its own water pressure), but if you're drawing water from a jug (like in one pic, where the shower isn't on), is there a pump or something that creates pressure (and suction to get the water from the jug)?
Very cool. On a nice low budget too!
The only part I'm nervous about is the air line fitting and hose clamps on the home-made propane line. I'm not sure of any good alternatives to this (I'm sure there will be some), but a small leak or failed hose clamps near a naked flame in the unit could quickly turn into a larger flame than you'd hoped for...
I am inspired. I believe that hot showers may be available at my cabin in thw near future
Hi , looking at an Amazon review it says
"You do have to convert from BSPT (British Standard Pipe Tread) to NPT in the US"
Is that what you did ?
Thanks
I like the Amazon disclaimer: "Yes, Amazon is paying us to tell you about the products we would be telling you about anyway." I love a good win-win! FWIW, lots of van-life foks add a length of black PVC pipe to the roof that stores water, provides water pressure, and can heat it in the sun. I don't see any roof racks, but its a good addition if you decide to go that route down the road. My favorite had a second length of metal pipe on the other side that acted as a tank for air pressure.
In reply to californiamilleghia :
IIRC, mine came NPT.
In reply to pinchvalve :
Yeah, we finally signed up for that Amazon program after years and years of recommending stuff. It's not much–I think we get like $2 if somebody buys a shower, for example–but every little bit helps.
You can see more stuff we recommend here:
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/recommended/
In reply to Tom Suddard :
I've seen that somewhere before
When I was in the Army, we just left a coupla dark colored jerry cans full of water out in the sun
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