MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: NewcastleKnight on May 01, 2011, 06:34:38 PM
-
I have one of the original blue primus hot water shower systems that I purchased second had some time ago. It has only been used a few times but has given up the ghost so I am starting to look for a replacement.
I am after something that I can use more regularly as the primus was a pain to set up.
I contemplated retro fitting a hotwater system to the Jayco but I have ruled that out because I can’t justify the $$$.
I have read a number of threads, at least those that I can find using the search button but thought I would throw it back out there.
So I have my choices are.
1. Aussie camp shower.
http://www.aussiecampshower.com.au/
2. 2. Companion Series II Cube
http://www.companionleisure.com.au/index.php?p=line&sid=1278983950
3. Coleman HWOD
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=2300B700
I am leaning towards the Aussie Camp Shower but I am finding it hard to find out any information about them other then whats on the website which is not much.
So please let me know your thoughts on these options, the good, the bad and the ugly.
-
So please let me know your thoughts on these options, the good, the bad and the ugly.
NewcastleKnight,
The latest issue of Camper Trailer Australia features a roundup of just about every bush shower option on the market now, but that might just complicate things for you!
Carlisle
-
our choice was the Coleman, bought the shower rose to go with it but ended up using a seperate 12v shower, heat the water into a container and put it all in the shower tent
good luck with your hunting/choice
hot water = happy women in the campsite
-
NewcastleKnight,
The latest issue of Camper Trailer Australia features a roundup of just about every bush shower option on the market now, but that might just complicate things for you!
Carlisle
x2
Not a bad article I must say,covers all the products on the market.
Personally for space and convience, I am look towards a heat exhanger system bolted into the 4x4 engine bay...yes, a bit expensive, but less junk you have to pull out and set up.
-
Hi Marc,
We have had a Coleman for a few years, never had any issues. We bought the fittings to use with a gas bottle but also bought one of the small bottles that fit in them. This bottle has been in use for over 2 months & I've lost count of the showers we have had with it.
Anyway, If you want to reduce water usage, you can use the HWOD to heat the water & then run a small 12v shower also.
Regards
Mark.
-
Hey Mate,
i Found this one on e-Bay, don't know if it is Any good bot the prise is right.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HOT-Choice-6L-LPG-Gas-Stainless-Water-Heater-Caravan-RV-/260776042901?pt=AU_HotWaterSystems&hash=item3cb776a195 (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HOT-Choice-6L-LPG-Gas-Stainless-Water-Heater-Caravan-RV-/260776042901?pt=AU_HotWaterSystems&hash=item3cb776a195)
-
We have the Coleman HWOD and after using about 5 full gas cylinders (the small coleman ones) it is still going strong. I have no complaints with it ... it gets used all the time while we are camping from cooking and washing up to showering. We have ours plumbed into the kitchen sink so it's out of the way most of the time. So far I would definitely recommend it.
-
looks the goods and the price is great, just got to talk the minister for war & finance into it
Hey Mate,
i Found this one on e-Bay, don't know if it is Any good bot the prise is right.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HOT-Choice-6L-LPG-Gas-Stainless-Water-Heater-Caravan-RV-/260776042901?pt=AU_HotWaterSystems&hash=item3cb776a195 (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HOT-Choice-6L-LPG-Gas-Stainless-Water-Heater-Caravan-RV-/260776042901?pt=AU_HotWaterSystems&hash=item3cb776a195)
-
Hey Mate,
i Found this one on e-Bay, don't know if it is Any good bot the prise is right.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HOT-Choice-6L-LPG-Gas-Stainless-Water-Heater-Caravan-RV-/260776042901?pt=AU_HotWaterSystems&hash=item3cb776a195 (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HOT-Choice-6L-LPG-Gas-Stainless-Water-Heater-Caravan-RV-/260776042901?pt=AU_HotWaterSystems&hash=item3cb776a195)
we use a similar unit when we beach camp for extended periods in the one place. be aware you need a pump aswell to run the unit, it is mentioned at the very bottom of the add if you look closely. the wind can play havoc with the pilot light, but sheild it out of the wind and you'll be fine.
-
Yep we also use the Coleman HWOD unit and also purchased the shower head to go with it. It works a treat, funniest sight to see this last camp at Chambers Pillar were my two kids standing in the esky and mum showering them in it. They were too scared to use the shower tent due to the mice so we had to shower them in the main tent. Good job we have a big plastic esky.
-
I have the Companion Series II Cube
haven't used it much but think its brilliant.
-
I use the Helton heat exchange unit under the bonnet, brilliant. $316.00 on ebay. pretty much same money as the CHWOD, but always with you under the bonnet. Just need a bucket to cycle the water thru to heat up.
Peter
-
We use the Coleman HWOD but the pump pressure is crap for showers and it's awkward to adjust the temperature if your in the shower tent and the unit is obviously outside, so just heat the water with it and pump it into a canvas shower bag which has a large rose and you can turn on and off at will so you end up saving quite a bit of water in the shower.
Worked a treat at Fraser last May and we all had a good hot shower everyday without running out or charge for the pump or using much gas. :cup:
-
Have been looking at the Coleman HWOD but I seem to find more negative reviews than positive why is this, they look like a good unit.
-
Another vote for the Coleman. It's so easy to use. We didn't buy the shower attachment as we wanted to use it in the kitchen and didn't want to be moving it around. We just fill a bucket with hot water from the Coleman, take that to the ensuite and use a $20 Jaycar 12v shower.
:cheers: Glenyse
-
We use the coleman hwod as well, love it.
-
Another vote for the Coleman here as well...
Bill and Morag
-
We have the Aussie. Made in Cairns and uses good quality materials. Very simple but effective. Only downside is they are a bit expensive to buy.
Cheers
S.O.
-
Hey NewcastleKnight,
Depends on what you want it for - hot showers, or more of an "all round" hot water supply? If it's just hot showers, then (without knowing anything about the engine bay of the 150-series), I'd recommend a heat-exchanger shower system. But it's not really any good as a "I need a cup of tea now" hot water system.
We've got a Glind unit fitted (with the big pump), for much the same reasons as morgue and Peter - almost everything's already attached to the car this way, and I just need a small additional bag with the hoses and collapsible bucket to make it all work. My system's modified a bit from the standard design, but works brilliantly and gives beautifully hot showers within 5 mins of starting the car, with no need to pre-warm the water. We can do 3-4 showers from a 15L bucket no problems, or pump from a creek for long showers. Can't recommend it enough.
Of course, for boiling water for coffee/washing up, we use just a kettle on the stove. If you're after more of a general hot water system I can't help you, other than to suggest the Coleman HWOD units which I've never used but almost bought a couple of years back. People who have them seem to like them, and seem to rate them higher than the similar blue Primus systems.
Good luck!
Matto :)
-
We have the Aussie. Made in Cairns and uses good quality materials. Very simple but effective. Only downside is they are a bit expensive to buy.
Cheers
S.O.
Haha, finally found someone who has got one. A couple of question for you.
1. Would you be able to store it inside a piece of 150mm pipe when travelling?
2. How do you find the heat/water temp adjustment?
Would you buy another one if you were in the market?
-
Haha, finally found someone who has got one. A couple of question for you.
1. Would you be able to store it inside a piece of 150mm pipe when travelling?
2. How do you find the heat/water temp adjustment?
Would you buy another one if you were in the market?
1. Probably. It's in the CT in the shed so I'll get it out on the weekend and measure it for you.
2. Easy, just adjust the gas.
3. Yes, though they are exxy!!
Cheers
S.O.
-
Haha, finally found someone who has got one. A couple of question for you.
1. Would you be able to store it inside a piece of 150mm pipe when travelling?
2. How do you find the heat/water temp adjustment?
Would you buy another one if you were in the market?
Cheers
Good shower ... just dont lend it to someone that does not know how to use it .
Without the water on , you have about 1 min before the aluminium tubing melts , costly job to have it pulled apart and fixed .
I am looking at doing a small mod to mine to pin the shower to the ground to make it a bit more stable .
You do need to make a decent carry case for it , with the couple of fittings poking out of the main tube , it would be easy to bump them off .
Have you looked at the " Rainman " shower system ?.
Different sort of concept .
Cheers
-
Has anyone used this type of shower, doesn't look too bad, easy to heat and easy to store.
http://www.2daloo.com/camp_shower.htm
Hope the link works?
Cheers
ScottnRach
-
1. Probably. It's in the CT in the shed so I'll get it out on the weekend and measure it for you.
2. Easy, just adjust the gas.
3. Yes, though they are exxy!!
Cheers
S.O.
Just checked it out this afternoon and it fits in a 150mm pipe. You have to unscrew one of the outlet pipes but that's a couple of seconds work.
Cheers
S.O.
-
Has anyone used this type of shower, doesn't look too bad, easy to heat and easy to store.
http://www.2daloo.com/camp_shower.htm
Hope the link works?
Cheers
ScottnRach
Only thing with this would be how long it takes you or the wife to shower .Maybe a good excuse to shower together " honey I'm only here to save water " LOL
Good thing with the aussie camp shower . if you are camping beside water , endless time having a shower .
Cheers
-
Has anyone used this type of shower, doesn't look too bad, easy to heat and easy to store.
http://www.2daloo.com/camp_shower.htm
Hope the link works?
Cheers
ScottnRach
We used a similar system where we heated the water first on the stove then tipped it into a 10 litre garden sprayer, about $30. Make the hole in the nozzle a bit bigger and an easy, cheap shower.
Mind you for extended trips you may come back looking buffed from pumping the shower. Kinda takes away the enjoyment. ???
-
You guys must have to much money :D We use a galvanised bucket, heat the water up on any heating sort to your desired temperature (around $10). Buy a 12 volt portable jump starter, if you do not already have one, about $70. A 12 volt shower unit, $30, but throw away their pump and buy a TMC 12 volt in line pump, $50.
The bucket has many uses, we cook our yabbies in our hahahahaha, the jump starter can start your vehicle, plug in a 12 volt light to it, and the in line pump can be used to transfer water. All up around $160.
-
You guys must have to much money :D We use a galvanised bucket, heat the water up on any heating sort to your desired temperature (around $10). Buy a 12 volt portable jump starter, if you do not already have one, about $70. A 12 volt shower unit, $30, but throw away their pump and buy a TMC 12 volt in line pump, $50.
The bucket has many uses, we cook our yabbies in our hahahahaha, the jump starter can start your vehicle, plug in a 12 volt light to it, and the in line pump can be used to transfer water. All up around $160.
:cup: Sounds great :cup:
-
You guys must have to much money :D We use a galvanised bucket, heat the water up on any heating sort to your desired temperature (around $10). Buy a 12 volt portable jump starter, if you do not already have one, about $70. A 12 volt shower unit, $30, but throw away their pump and buy a TMC 12 volt in line pump, $50.
The bucket has many uses, we cook our yabbies in our hahahahaha, the jump starter can start your vehicle, plug in a 12 volt light to it, and the in line pump can be used to transfer water. All up around $160.
Fantastic. You hear of people trying to set their gear up so that as many items as possible have dual functions, but I don't think I've seen it exemplified quite as cleverly as this. 10/10!
The galvanised bucket would help retain water temperature and you know you're not going to split it on the first night of a 7-night remote camp...
-
Settled for a Green Cube. Got one at the Maitland show for $229.00.
-
Settled for a Green Cube. Got one at the Maitland show for $229.00.
As in the AquaCube Series II?
-
As in the AquaCube Series II?
Yep that's the one.
-
Have you had a chance to try it out yet?
I'm tossing up between that one too and the Coleman Hot water on Demand system. ???
-
Have you had a chance to try it out yet?
I'm tossing up between that one too and the Coleman Hot water on Demand system. ???
No just got it today. Used a mates and it went well. I think either the CHWD or the green cube are Ok.
-
we have a coleman one but hardly used it
-
No just got it today. Used a mates and it went well. I think either the CHWD or the green cube are Ok.
you won,t be sorry had no trouble with mine and the price is good :cup:
-
Yep that's the one.
I went into BCF the other day in regards to the "Green Cube" , they had 10 in stock , but they said that they where sending them all back for warranty work . ??????
-
I went into BCF the other day in regards to the "Green Cube" , they had 10 in stock , but they said that they where sending them all back for warranty work . ??????
Time will tell I guess. I know of people that had problems with the first one they produced but from all accounts the Series II works alot better. I had a one of the original blue primus hotwater systems and I only used it a handful of times and it was always playing up.
We where away at Easter and one family, with a tribe of kids had seven people using a green cube and it had no issues.
Anyway time will tell....I would have liked an Aussie Camp Shower but at this stage the extra $$ prohibiited it.
-
Settled for a Green Cube. Got one at the Maitland show for $229.00.
Think that's what is in the new CT...haven't yet used it but it won't be long.
Will have to compare notes, Regards
Hem
-
we have a coleman one but hardly used it
Yep I got one a few weeks back, and it hasn't been used to fiddley and bulky, and when put on hot the water goes hot then cold then hot e.t.c.
-
I picked up the Aqua Cube Series II today from Rays Outdoors for $219. They are having a 20% off store wide sale + an extra 6.5% for members.
Will post my thoughts when I give it a test run.
Shrek4
-
Good pick up on the price will give mine a run tomorrow we can compare notes
-
I tested my Aqua Cube series II today and was very easy to set up. Unlike the Coleman Hot water on demand, it does require a separate power source and fuel source. That said I've already got a small 15AMP thumper which is perfect for this type of application. Plug the gas in and away you go.
The Cube heated the water quickly and I'm sure we'll appreciate this little gadget when out bush. I did start to wonder when the unit started cutting in and out. This as I discovered was a safety feature. I was recirculating the water into the water tub. I pulled the hose out the tub to discover that the temperature coming from the hose would have burnt a child if gone unchecked. So a big plus in that regard.
The included carry bag is also a neat addition. Stores all the gear, inlet hose, outlet hose (+shower head), power cord, gas hose and regulator all nicely. I feel this is a great value unit given I got it on special from the Rays Outdoors Sale.
-
Actually a bit disappointed with ours. Does not seem to heat the water past "Very warm"..even direct from the unit I can still keep my hand under it. When you run it the 3m to the sink, the water comes out "luke warm".
As stated, keeps cutting in and out...looks like it Will be headed back to the manufacturer for be checked out because the thermostat may be playing up.
Hem
-
Got the our local paper this morning...the local Aussie Disposals ad has got the aquacube for sale for $24.95!!! Plus a free shower tent valued at $80!!! :o
I'm heading in just in case..... ;D
Tim
Edit - Went to Aussies - was greeted by a B-I-G sign apologising for the error in price in the ad ::) - and I was going to buy ten to pass on to My Swaggers too 8)
-
I have plumbed an LPG instantanious 10Lp/m hot water service to the drawbar of the jayco. Its services both the kitchen sink and to the rear of the jayco for an external shower. The unit uses the existing surflo pump and has been awesome and only cost a few hundred bucks to do. I am in the process of installing a tempering valve at the rear of the van to regulate the water for the shower at 35 -38 degrees and it will save me mixing hot and cold making it easier for the wife and kids ( just turn on one tap!), and less water wastage. It uses bugger all gas and is very efficient.
Good luck with your decision.
-
:worthles:
-
I am in the process of installing a tempering valve at the rear of the van
Worth every cent.
Thanks!
Matto :)
-
we use the coleman,had it about 12 months excelent unit instant hot water even hot enough for a cuppa if u turn it up flat bicki, As for a shower we use a kids bath in the ensuit with a cheapo 12 volt shower in a sock/old stocking as a filter and put the pump in the bath minding not to stand on it of coarse and u can have a shower for an hour if u like using about 2 litres of water recirculating.
Works a treat when u have kids that like a good soak.
-
we bought the cube, works good but you need to set it up right. it has a safety feature that cuts out the hot water if it gets too hot (cuts in and out) so what you have to do is set the dial to a point where it stays on and mark it there so you can turn it up full for washing up water then turn it back to the shower mark to get consistant warm/hot water.