We used this method to have hot water on tap at all times while doing the latest Cape run in the xover camper.
Fixed a length of PVC water pipe ( we painted it black ) to the top of the roof rack, attached a shower head to have a quick gravity fed shower at the end of the day.
By attaching a tap to one end you can easily access the water for things like washing your hands or doing the dishes.
I have not got a photo of the set up as it was on sons Troopy.We set it up for extra hot water if needed even though the Cross over off road camper has hot water.We found it the best addition we added for the trip to the Cape due to the fact there was always plenty of hot water when needed.
We set this up in about half an hour from start to finish.When you buy your PVC pipe make sure you measure the length of your vehicle or what ever you are going to attatch it to as it has to be longer than the vehicle if you want to use it to have a shower.
We attatched the PVC pipe to the roof rack on the Troopy to give us a little more height to stand under to shower we secured the PVC with light chain and then padlocked on tight (it never moved the whole trip )
We just connected one of those cheapo shower hoses to the tap we put into the end and sealed it with sealant.
When we needed to re fill it we just filled pipe from front end by screwing off the cap and using a hose from the tap (if we were lucky to find a water tap ) or filled it via the bucket. Next time we use it we would take a watering can as I think that would be a lot easier than the bucket method.
The water never got too hot to not be able to use it,but I guess if it did just let a bit out and add some cold to the pipe.
Maybe if you only needed the PVC pipe for hot water and not for showers you could put it across the A frame of van.It would be no heavier than two 20lt containers of water.
Everyone who we ran into during out trip was going to add this nifty back up water supply when they got to a Mr Bunnings.
I have not got a photo of the set up we set it up inbut will try to explain how we set it up.
We used six inch,but you could use to suit your own needs.
If you leave your shower to after the sun goes down or it looses some of it's heat.
Also if you are camped up just move into some shade if possible and it will soon cool the water down.
Also you could use the water and fill a garden spray container that way you would be able to just add what hot water you need into spray container then add cold water.
As I have mentioned it worked for us with no burnt skin.Just use your own common sense.
I think if the pipe was painted black it would even heat up more and maybe stay hotter longer.
Just in case you are contemplating this, here are some calculations to help you with this idea:-
1. Every metre length of 100mm diametre pipe will hold 7.25 litres of water.
2. Approximately 30% maximum of the surface area of that pipe will be exposed to direct sun at any time.
3. Therefore the surface area of the pipe exposed = pi x diameter x 30%, = 3.142 x 0.1 x 0.3, = 0.094 sq metres for every metre length of pipe exposed.
4. Maximum solar insolation is approximately 1000 watts per square metre.
5. Therefore the maximum power input to the pipe per metre length would be 0.094 x 1000 x 1 = 94 watts.
6. It requires 1 watt applied for 1 hour to raise 1 litre of water by 1 degree Centigrade at sea level, so 94 watts will raise 7.25 litres by 13 degrees for every hour that you have maximum sunshine.
This assumes no wind loss, no re-radiation, no shade, and maximum sunshine.
Edit: Lack of optimum surface absorption, low insolation levels, and other losses will result in a far lower total temperature rise than the math would suggest, especially if travelling, where wind losses will be substantial.
-- Edited by brian on Tuesday 18th of March 2014 09:12:12 AM
