Author Topic: Time For a New Camping Hot Water System (Read 27730 times)

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.

Carlisle Rogers · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2011, 07:44:34 PM »

Quote from: NewcastleKnight on May 01, 2011, 06:34:38 PM

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

Garry H · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2011, 07:51:17 PM »

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

morgue · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2011, 08:13:03 PM »

Quote from: campertraileraustralia on May 01, 2011, 07:44:34 PM

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.

HEM19X · « **Reply #4 on:** May 01, 2011, 08:15:03 PM »

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.

Rasmus · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2011, 08:47:13 PM »

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

SpoonyAU · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2011, 09:24:17 PM »

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.

TroyE · « **Reply #7 on:** May 01, 2011, 09:52:12 PM »

looks the goods and the price is great, just got to talk the minister for war & finance into it

Quote from: Rasmus on May 01, 2011, 08:47:13 PM

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

Rumpig · « **Reply #8 on:** May 01, 2011, 10:16:22 PM »

Quote from: Rasmus on May 01, 2011, 08:47:13 PM

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

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.

Mav · « **Reply #9 on:** May 01, 2011, 10:42:31 PM »

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.

gibbo301 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 02, 2011, 09:50:31 AM »

I have the Companion Series II Cube
haven't used it much but think its brilliant.

TrackTrailerTourer · « **Reply #11 on:** May 02, 2011, 10:10:08 AM »

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

seqfisho · « **Reply #12 on:** May 02, 2011, 10:21:41 AM »

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.

mystq · « **Reply #13 on:** May 02, 2011, 12:41:37 PM »

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.

Tracey family · « **Reply #14 on:** May 02, 2011, 12:50:13 PM »

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.

Glenyse

DannyG · « **Reply #15 on:** May 02, 2011, 01:01:56 PM »

We use the coleman hwod as well, love it.

Bill · « **Reply #16 on:** May 02, 2011, 08:22:22 PM »

Another vote for the Coleman here as well...
Bill and Morag

Straitened Out · « **Reply #17 on:** May 02, 2011, 08:33:21 PM »

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.

Matto · « **Reply #18 on:** May 03, 2011, 12:59:14 PM »

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

NewcastleKnight · « **Reply #19 on:** May 03, 2011, 01:28:39 PM »

Quote from: Straitened Out on May 02, 2011, 08:33:21 PM

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?

Straitened Out · « **Reply #20 on:** May 03, 2011, 10:48:04 PM »

Quote from: NewcastleKnight on May 03, 2011, 01:28:39 PM

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.

rockman · « **Reply #21 on:** May 04, 2011, 05:22:50 AM »

Quote from: NewcastleKnight on May 03, 2011, 01:28:39 PM

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

ScottnRach · « **Reply #22 on:** May 04, 2011, 07:02:22 AM »

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

Straitened Out · « **Reply #23 on:** May 07, 2011, 08:10:47 PM »

Quote from: Straitened Out on May 03, 2011, 10:48:04 PM

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.

rockman · « **Reply #24 on:** May 07, 2011, 08:26:43 PM »

Quote from: ScottnRach on May 04, 2011, 07:02:22 AM

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

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Author Topic: Time For a New Camping Hot Water System (Read 27730 times)