Companion AquaHeat Lithium Gas Shower

[@patrickmalloy5107]

These units are fantastic. I have the older cube style but exactly the same. For more pressure and unlimited water I bring my own hose along fitted with a brass airline fitting that connects perfectly to the unit. I then just connect the other end of the hose to a tap by the camp shower and adjust the pressure by how much I open the tap. Combined with a 9kg gas bottle this give a large family long showers all week while camping.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for the tips @Patrick Malloy ~ Lauren

[@67MJL]

Hi, we're looking to do something similar, can you explain in more detail please

[@fromjarrod]

Camping is getting so comfy these days

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It sure is! We just had a canvas bag with water heated from the fire when I was a kid. ~ Lauren

[@andydrew3320]

Awesome! Can you imagine hooking this up to a stream and just taking a nice 10-15 minute hot shower 😆

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I guess you could do this, Andy, just gotta make sure you aren't sucking dirty water into the pump. You'd also need to consider what is happening with the runoff from your shower. Would be interesting to see the reactions of other people near the creek. 😆 ~ Ben

[@andydrew3320]

@@SnowysOutdoors oh for sure! I guess I mean with a soap that’s safe to go back into water like that in case it does run off back into the source. But agreed, good point!

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

This is OK if you don't use any soap, Never use shop bought soap near rivers or natural waterways, all shop bought soap contains surfactants as well as a load of other nasty stuff, surfactants are really bad for the wildlife in the water, as can lead to algae blooms, only use hand made soap when out in the bush, and NEVER use it near any waterway, take your shower a long distance from the waterway to ensure the grey water runoff can't get into the stream etc, same with waste dish water, never use regular washing up liquid this is extremely bad for the natural environment.

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

@@andydrew3320 There is no such soap that can be safely washed into the waterways, even stuff labeled as bio-degradable or natural is no good, washing with soap near waterways has a detrimental effect on the fish and causes algae blooms. recommendation are to shower at least 60 meters away from any natural waterway, once you leave the site the soap starts to do it's damage to the wildlife.

[@kyfisher3662]

i see a slow flowrate as a bonus as im always short on water

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Good point, gives you more time to shower before your water supply runs dry. ~ Ben

[@conellisgreatadventure8864]

I’ve not long bought one and used it a few weeks ago on our week trip to Fraser Island. Can’t fault it. I upgraded from my Coleman Hot water on demand that I bought back in 2002. Sold it for $175 🙂I upgraded because I have two young kids and with the companion you won’t burn kids with hot water. The Coleman hot water on demand had no safety cut out, it got friggin hot. By far the best how water unit out there. For those who question 2 litres a minute, it’s more then sufficient to have a wash. When off grid water is limited

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We have a lot of confidence in this unit, our demo hasn't missed a beat. Thanks for your feedback, Conelli. ~ Ben

[@eddiifuentes9298]

Do you find a 10L bucket enough for one person to shower with? Just planning our trip to Fraser as well with two kids. Do you also find that you have to charge it every night? Thanks.

[@conellisgreatadventure8864]

@@eddiifuentes9298 mate 10 litres per person per day is very generous, could get away with 5 litres, get wet, water off, soap up then water on to rinse off. From memory every second day I charged it. I have a hose to run over a 4.5kg gas bottle but found the small disposable bottle despite there cost a lot more easier. Enjoy your trip to Fraser

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@eddiifuentes9298, I've not personally used this in the field sorry, Eddii, but it will run for about 2 hours so you shouldn't;t need to charge every night. As for the amount of water, at 2 litres per minute flow rate a 10 litre bucket is going ot give you a 5 minute shower, which should be enough for one person. ~ Ben

[@eddiifuentes9298]

@@conellisgreatadventure8864 Thanks for the tip. I'll be definitely getting one before we go :)

[@drumcrazy72]

I bought two of these from you a couple of days ago. The free shipping was much appreciated. Thanks for the helpful video too :)

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I hope you enjoy using your new camp shower, drumcrazy72. ~ Ben

[@BundyBearsShed]

We have one of these, great water heater and simple to use.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We are impressed with this unit, Bundy Bears Shed, and we've had good feedback from our customers too. ~ Ben

[@tribefenatic]

i do love a video with a link to where to buy the product thats always in stock, i hate to go to a website when i really want it it's out of stock and they dont ship to other countries overseas

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Sometime we might be out of stock, but usually never for too long. Thanks for watching ~ Lauren

[@a1leadership]

Bought an aquacube, had ignition issues, took it back and teplaced it with the aquaheat, having e3 error code constantly, cannot get it to stay lit, so far ive had nothing but problems, so frustrating!!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

E3 is a burner or ignition code error. I've not really heard of it being a consistent issue, and the fact that you've had the same problem with both units is odd. What fuel supply are you using & how have you got it connected? ~ Lauren

[@scottcrawford745]

Hi just wondering if the pump will fit into a normal water 20l jerry can.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It wont sorry Scott - its a bucket job ~ Lauren

[@JustAnotherReviewwithAlek]

If you have a camper trailer with plumbing, can I plug this unit into the water source, tap which will direct flow to the unit, or do I need to fill up a bucket of water for this to work? I noticed the pump that goes in the bucket of water that pushes the water to the hot water unit, if I don’t need the pump, will this still work😊

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We've had this question a few times before through other channels @Just Another Camping Review, Companion have said it cant be connected to mains or any other pressurised or plumbed system, unfortunately. Potentially worth checking out the Smarttek units instead, they are able to do this. ~ Lauren

[@JustAnotherReviewwithAlek]

@@SnowysOutdoors thanks mate. I have a big list of items to buy from you guys. Just need to make sure on finer details.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@JustAnotherReviewwithAlek 100% - finer details are important! Happy to help. Hit us up any time. ~ Lauren

[@cristinebowd8497]

Can the unit get wet, if not, where do you put it to keep it dry

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It can get a splash of water, but you'd need to place the unit under an awning or similar shelter if it is being used in the rain. ~ Ben

[@dominica2765]

Hi, thanks for the video. How do I get one of these units if I live in United States?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

No sure, sorry - try contacting Companion to see if they have any retailers over there www.companionoutdoor.com/form/contact-us/ ~ Lauren

[@expatconn7242]

Is there a solar option instead of a car port to charge ?I need it for Camping ⛺️ some day. Let’s just say we need it for circle ⭕️ of life . Will be used for other cleanly reasons.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You can get a 240V AC adaptor, Anthony, check it out here - www.snowys.com.au/ac-power-adaptor. ~ Ben

[@mumzy147]

Can this hot water system be left out in the rain? Thanks Scott

[@SnowysOutdoors]

No, it needs to be kept under shelter, Scott. ~ Ben

[@mybasecampisuptownhighrent]

Q 1: I have a Ironman 4x4 30L Water Tank with Integrated 12V Pump on my roof rack. Would I be able to hook the water up to it instead of dropping the pump in a bucket? Q2: I have dual batteries (not lithium) hooked up to my solar panel. Do I just charge this unit straight from the lighter socket of the battery or do I have to have some sort of inverter type of thing?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Q1. I dont think so. The hose size and fittings aren't standard, they're Companion specific, so I'm not sure if you'd be able to fit it without some DIY MacGyver-ing. The Aquheat unit can also only be used with a pump rate of 2L/pm MAX. Most stand alone 12v pump have a higher flow rate, so you'd need to check the compatibility of the one you have, and if you can adjust it. Something like the Smarttek water heater uses standardised fittings and can accept water pumped for 4.5-6L/pm from up to 10m away, so could be worth looking at as an alternative? Q2. This unit chargers from 12v, so your cig lighter socket will be fine! Hope that helps, let us know if you have other questions! ~ Lauren

[@cathykennedy964]

Can these work with lpg bottle??

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Yes, you just need an appropriate hose like these: POL bottle - www.snowys.com.au/cylinder-hose-kit-pol 3/8BS bottle - www.snowys.com.au/cylinder-hose-kit-38 ~ Ben

[@OldFellaDave]

Used once - was great, now the handset end leaks water from the connector both back down the hose and between the white connector join to the actual handset, no matter how hard I unscrew and re-screw the handset back in. Is there supposed to be a washer of any description in there? Seems to be a bit of movement from the silicon tube and white connector even after screwed in tight. Anyone unscrew their working handset and tell me if there is anything else other than the silicon hose end (with white plastic bit on end and metal ring) and black thread of the handset. There was a small plastic piece in the handset which seems to be some kind of restrictor as well.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Might be worth a Warranty claim with Companion (or us if you grabbed it from Snowys) if its within the warranty period. Haven't really heard of anything like this before, so i think its worth a further look ~ Lauren

[@sandyhuysmans6917]

Why can’t we turn the temp right down to cool. On a hot day we want a cold shower, but the lowest temp is still far too warm to get refreshed.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I guess they designed predominantly to heat water, a cold shower wasn't on the brief. ~ Ben

[@cathyhartley73]

The water hose is too short for camping. Only 1.5m ... why????

[@SnowysOutdoors]

There is probably a limit at which the pump can effectively push water through the hose, but that's the only rationale I can come up with sorry. ~ Ben

[@kiwiace625]

Can you buy a replacement pump if it fails?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You'd need to contact Companion directly in this case - [e-mail] ~ Lauren

[@roughnecktrekker1976]

It would be nice if they made it more than 2Lpm. I will eventually add one to my Evershower and it’s recycling system. I’m sure it would work with a larger pump. Maybe 6/7Lpm. 👍

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I reckon you'd find the 2lpm to be more than enough for a decent shower in the campsite, Roughneck Trekker, also means you aren't using too much water. ~ Ben

[@roughnecktrekker1976]

@@SnowysOutdoors the beauty of the evershower is that it recycles the water. Just need to heat it on the way up to the shower head. It’s the only option when water is scarce out in the scrub.

[@BradGryphonn]

EDIT: Before reading my comment, just understand that depending on how you approach it, the alternative I describe could cost almost as much in materials as this costs to buy outright: Back in the 80s, I met an old digger who had a setup under the bonnet of his Landcruiser. It was a canister that had water directed from the cooling water for the engine through said canister. Inside the canister was coiled copper pipe that ran from a water reservoir via a pump. The heat from the engine water heated the water in the copper coil that passed through a small pump to provide pressurised hot water for showers. I see the advantage in these systems you are showing, but there are cheaper alternatives if your budget doesn't allow. I like this system though.

[@dx80cruiser46]

Glide is the classic brand of under bonnet water heater. They cost as much as these things do, and than you need a pump. Problem with under bonnet systems is the car has to be at temperature and running, which is often only after a decent drive.

[@BradGryphonn]

@@dx80cruiser46 The old bloke I knew made his own. He'd kick his old cruiser in and get it up to temp, then have his shower.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Sounds like a cool setup, makes sense to use the heat that the engine is already generating. I can see it being a hassle if you need hot water and your car isn't warm though, guess you'd just need to plan ahead so you use the engine heat soon after you pull up at camp. ~ Ben

[@BradGryphonn]

@@SnowysOutdoors The old bloke I referred to was a gem fossicker. He traveled around a fair bit and would often be parked up for a few weeks. He'd run his Cruiser for an hour or so at the end of the day to charge his batteries for his lights and stuff and for his shower. This was the mid-eighties, so there wasn't portable solar or power packs etc. He used his vehicle as a basic generator but also had a diesel-powered welder. He was pretty much self-sufficient besides the cost f fuel. Diesel was cheap back then. The vehicle I'm putting together has been influenced by that old bloke.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@BradGryphonn sounds super interesting. ~ Ben

[@Muamir23]

Great review. So for the pump option, there’s no way to use an alternative pump. Example have a different pump that will pump water out of a water bladder. Is that possible ?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I wouldn't say it was impossible, Muamir, but changing it over would require some ingenuity and modification that would void the warranty and potentially impact the performance of the product. My recommendation would be to change the water vessel rather than the water pump. ~ Ben

[@Muamir23]

@@SnowysOutdoors thanks for the prompt response. Planning in getting one but have to check alternative solutions on the pump issue. So theory should work but jeopardising the warranty etc. right?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@Muamir23I don' know if it will work, Muamir, and I'm not sure you would find anyone that would say it will. These are approved gas appliances, I'm not sure what modifications to the flow rate of the water would do to the safety mechanisms in the unit. ~ Ben

[@hopelbsfreely]

Does it have a filter on it, can we toss it in lake water, etc?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The pump has a small filter on the end of it, but its designed to block out larger debris that may be floating in otherwise clean water. If the water is relatively clear then you should be ok, but if its super muddy I wouldn't risk it. ~ Lauren

[@hopelbsfreely]

Thanks, we will have to get the HOTTAP V2 NOMAD Portable Hot Water Kit, it has a filter to clean water.

[@aretelmasian2482]

can we buy extra hoses/pumps shower heads etc? any chance we can hook this up to mains water?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You would likely be able to get replacement parts if needed, Aret, we'd be able to follow that up for you. You can't connect to mains water though, you need to use the included pump. ~ Ben

[@John-bh7hj]

Did you say 45 hours to full charge it 😳

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I do mumble a bit, four TO five hours is what I said, not fourty five. ~ Ben

[@djfdel]

Just got one of these and so far It’s 👌. Can anyone recommend a Jerry can that the pump fits. I can’t find one at any of the local stores (they all sell the same thing).

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@djfdel we've yet to come across a jerry can that's compatible I'm sorry! Jerry can mouth sizes are the universal standard of 42mm which is too small. It'd be rare to find one with a bigger mouth. ~ Lauren

[@djfdel]

@@SnowysOutdoors thanks for the prompt reply Lauren. That’s such a shame.

[@Nixer1131]

Ia this safe to take shower cuz it's electric ?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The unit sits outside of where you are having a shower rather than in the shower with you so it isn't a problem. ~ Ben

[@dannywilson3386]

I'm keen on getting one these, but concerned about water wastage while it gets up to temperature. Also, is it fiddly to find the right temp.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Any of these units will use a little bit of water while it get's up to temp, Danny, you can always cycle the water back into the source until the water gets hot enough. As far at getting the temp right, it will go up and down a few degrees, but there are about as accurate as I've seen when it comes to compact portable units. ~ Ben

[@sandyhuysmans6917]

It gets to temp very fast. It’s not giddy and I just put my hand through our tent hole(where the hose comes in), to adjust if hubby has left it too hot for me.

[@djfdel]

Has anyone found a magnetic shower head holder for this one? Be great for the outside of your vehicle.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I don't think there's an off the shelf option, but it wouldn't be to hard to come up with a DIY solution ~ Lauren

[@kurtj8971]

gas bottle only lasts about 10 min of constant running

[@SnowysOutdoors]

A single 428g propane bottle should last just under an hour on the highest setting according to the gas consumption specs. I haven't heard of anyone going through gas as fast as what you've mentioned Kurt, so sounds like its not quite threaded properly and you've got a leak. ~ Lauren

[@진리박-g4h]

wow I want one of this in Korea

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We only ship this within Australia sorry. ~ Ben

[@itolond]

can this unit run on butane gas?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Not butane, only lpg/propane. You can attach it to a larger lpg cylinder though. ~ Ben

[@itolond]

@@SnowysOutdoors ULPG -Universal LPG as an option

[@itolond]

@@SnowysOutdoors what size and type is the aquaheat connector for gas?

[@judgedredd8876]

Is the battery "user-replaceable"?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Companion state that the appliance shouldn't be modified and should only be serviced by a repair agent. It's likely that you can get the battery replaced, but it's not designed to be 'user-replaceable'. ~ Ben

[@judgedredd8876]

@@SnowysOutdoors If they don't offer replacement batteries on their website then this omission is another "dealbreaker". That's not a cheap unit.

[@coreygolder6503]

@@judgedredd8876but being lithium you should get somewhere around 5000 cycles at 75/80% DOD. So if you charge it once it hits 50% (say 3 showers) say you go off the 5000 cycles. That’s 15000 showers. That’s a shower a day for 40 odd years. Look after the battery and it will look after you. I’d be more concerned about the pump shitting itself before the battery.

[@jonny433]

This seems to only be an Australian product , would do me great for my fishing over here in the UK. Dread to think the cost of shipping 😂

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We only ship within Australia sorry, Jonny. Surely there is something similar over there. ~ Ben

[@jonny433]

@@SnowysOutdoors it appears not ! Crazy really as any market to sell us Brits something is usually snagged straight away 😂 may have to take the hit as it looks a good bit of kit. I want to go all over Europe fishing and some places are quite remote. Thank you for the reply

[@mickromer6199]

I just my head with one of those $20 bilge pump style heads.. heaps more pressure.. 👍

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Does the unit still operate ok, Mick, usually you need to use the same showerhead so the water in the unit stays at the right pressure. ~ Ben

[@mickromer6199]

@@SnowysOutdoors yeh the unit works fine 👍 those cheap shower heads have an adjustable flow rate slide aswell so the auto start feature still works aswell 🤙

[@fatmanoverlanding]

I like it, but I have no more room on my 80 Series Landcruiser to bring all of these stuff.😁

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Haha, If we ended up packing all the cool gear we COULD take camping, Fatman Overlanding, we'd all need small trucks to fit our gear in. ~ Ben

[@pmurphy12667]

would be nice if Kakadu that rebranded it here in the U.S didn't upsell it and wants to charge $499 USD. thats $746 AUS.. Pretty ridiculous

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Might not be a re-brand, but a similar model out of the same factory. Worth checking specs, etc ~ Lauren

[@ji6050]

It's reasonable. But I feel it is made cheaply and may not last which is a concern with gas. But yes it does work and you can shower reasonably well. It's far from the greatest shower ever.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It's one of the most reliably consistent showers we've ever had in our range, JI. ~ Ben

[@troy3312]

What is the greatest shower?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@troy3312 Its hard to say with all the available options out there. In our range this one would be the best choice, I'd say. ~ Lauren

[@mikefortescue4882]

Re the companion portable propane heater: presenter says unit will recharge in 45 HOURS; did he mean 45 minutes?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

At 3:10 I mention 45-50 mins of run time, and 4-5 hours to charge. Maybe I mumbled a little sorry, Mike. ~ Ben

[@Plantsrdabestt]

Can’t even buy these for the US.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I believe they are only available here in Australia, Michael. ~ Ben

[@007oli]

I wish they made the pump small enough to fit in a jerry can.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Yeah, that's the only negative I can think of with this unit, Oli. ~ Ben

[@tedbullpit6164]

Did you just say 🤔45 to 50 minutes runtime and 45 hours to charge😲 that's 💩

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Four to five hours, not forty five. My apologies. ~ Ben