DIY Solar Shower System Pressurized for Roof Rack Camping off the grid under $100

[@seansteede]

Hey, not a pro here - but when I made mine I read black PVC is not rated for pressure and sources I read said dont exceed 20 psi. If black PVC fails at pressure it's gonna be like shards if glass and yo not gonna wanna be nearby! You said you tested it to 80 psi... No bueno my friend. White PVC is rated to 220 psi so I used that and sprayed it black to absorb the lovely suns rays! Just tell in ya what i learned. Great setup though! 80psi shower gonna rip your skin off anyway! Lol

[@winstongoodman3244]

Thanks for your info on the white pvc. I will use that instead and paint it black too

[@craftymulligar]

Use copper but expensive.

[@craftymulligar]

Schedule 40 for pressure yeah that's what you mean ok.

[@craftymulligar]

Abs is pretty tough. I guess good pressure rating also. Yeah some pvc types shatter. Sun breaks it down is worse.

[@kb-xy6pc]

I'm going to add a bleed off pressure valve. These are adjustable and will dump air at the preset level and simply reset with the pressure is below the preset limit. $15 Amazon

[@sixgunmiller6198]

good video, as someone who works a lot with glue and pvc. After you apply the glue insert your pipe and turn it a quarter turn. This eliminates any bubbles in the glue and the glue and pipe wont push against each other. Good build though.

[@natenesstv6685]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@CredibleHulk10]

I'm honestly shocked this didn't leak like a sieve with pressure. I've had the tiniest discrepancies cause issues in the past.

[@jagpilot2]

Correct!

[@80nodrog]

I used to make Potato Gun. They were awesome

[@9031LN1H]

Your next project, work table!!👍👍

[@manofthetombs]

Very well thought out. From the air input up top to the drain on the bottom. The only thing I will change is, I will use 6" pipe. With 6" pipe, 1 foot = 1 gallon. So a 6' pipe = 6 gallons. Best roof top shower ever! Thank you.

[@natenesstv6685]

I like it man! 6" is gonna look awesome!

[@tadcody]

With 6" pipe, 1 foot = 1.469 gallons though: www.inchcalculator.com/pipe-volume-calculator/?uc_length=1&uc_length_unit=foot&uc_diameter=6&uc_diameter_unit=inch Still agree it would be a better option (even better with the additional volume per foot) and may try 6" for mine.

[@manofthetombs]

@@tadcody Thank you very much for the correction. I did a quick net search which told me 1 gallon per foot, so I failed in my due diligence. I agree with you, the greater volume would be even better. And the overall weight should still be under 75 pounds. My roof rack is rated for 150 lbs, so it's good.

[@justincuarte5485]

@@manofthetombs that’s what I’m concerned about. Weight capacity of my rack on my suv. I’m planning to run a roof carrier on the rack and this shower system alongside it! Just want to make sure I am staying within weight limit lol.

[@manofthetombs]

@@justincuarte5485 I am thinking the same as you, sir. I am thinking a rack on the passenger side, and water on the driver's side. The rack would be for shovel, air compressor, tarps, and maybe traction boards

[@directgrover]

I think there is a company in Australia that took this idea and are now selling it for $700! Lol They even called it a bazooka! 😂

[@jagpilot2]

Ha!

[@geographyinaction7814]

You can purchase a small pressure gauge and a safety valve and mount them on the top. The safety valve I am thinking of, can be set by spinning the valve housing, it has settings marked, and you can run at 30# or wherever you want to be. It is safer as you cannot go over your safe operating pressure.

[@paulguerrero972]

Here's a couple of notes for this project: Be careful when pressurizing PVC pipe. If you over pressure it, it will explode and shatter!!!! More so when cold. (If you use 2 end caps instead of the mention plug) If you are gonna use it for drinking water run a small amount of bleach thru it every once and awhile to kill off the bacteria. This is how regular water lines are sanitized. Also if you use glue make sure it's for safe for drinking water. I'm also looking to make one out of spare PVC left on the job site. If you need a free pipe just go to a job site and ask. There is always a stick left over. Especially if the sun has bleached it. The inspector will not let it be installed, but ok for dyi.

[@ivanvujosevic289]

its ABS pipe tho (fyi)

[@wheresmydamnedkeys2179]

@@ivanvujosevic289 That inspector might be having a problem with the sun bleached pipe intended for sewage and waste water because it's tolerances are set based on being buried, within walls, or in basements. UV rays will cause these pipes to release known toxins and carcinogens into the water . Plenty of data on it. No need to take my word for it, the research is simple enough to access. So, let's even say you might decide it's safe enough for you despite this. You gonna make that decision for your kids? How about your pregnant wife? The puppy you got for your kids that's lapping up the run off, and the other critters this might impact, including turning up in that venison you're looking forward to? Sure as hell not the venison I'm looking forward to!! Please, think twice and consider your materials and your options. Expect it to be a future issue at campsites, and State and National Parks before you put the effort in.

[@SunnyDays09]

When you say you can pick up free pieces around a job site .. do you mean any construction job site ? Can you share ? I'm looking into making one and I was going to buy from Home depot 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@norml.hugh-mann]

​@@SunnyDays09you've got to know when to ask a site. It should be on the back end of of the plumbing. I would say just before the windows go in but after the DensGlass is installed

[@Czechmix82]

Excellent. All the other videos I’ve watched didn’t have a clean out option. Glad I found this video because having that is such a smart idea to clean out any mold that could build up.

[@natenesstv6685]

Thanks for watching!!

[@benjaminanderson1983]

Sugar Beet Cannon. Packs a punch!

[@jagpilot2]

I have a good shipmate and good friend who was chief engineer on ships I served on as mate and master who built a potato gun. I got word he was testing it in the ER. Carburetor cleaner and a piezo in a combustion chamber powered it. He loaded and fired it aft from the forward frames of the main engine room through the bulkhead watertight passage into the steering gear room. A fair reach. I had to go below and investigate. It worked great! I still had to give him a verbal and a note pad warning not to do it anymore. We still laugh about it. I love knuckleheads as long as they don't get people hurt.

[@doraexplora9046]

You're the first person I've seen use a rubber expanding end plug. They're nearly always a screw type end plug that almost impossible to get off without a huge shifter! Having everything already in black is a huge bonus and time saver. Unfortunately for me, they don't have that in Australia. I had to sand and paint mine.

[@markm3.16]

Might I suggest when you press your ABS fittings together you should insert then give a twist. This will help bond the plastics together making a stronger connection. Awesome build, great idea. Thanks for the design & video.

[@natenesstv6685]

Good tip!

[@floppinfish]

Wonder if that's actually true. Would live to see some actual tests supporting this theory. Cause hear say is usually false information.

[@nickgibbs4692]

​@@floppinfish really what it does is it eliminates any air bubble in the cement so it has a more thorough bond, making it a stronger bond also

[@DBbyDesign]

Abs is super high in bpa especially when warmed. Not overly concerning for a shower. But id use pvc just so you could use it for potable drinking water if needed aswell. You can always throw a copper pipe inside to prevent bacteria.😊

[@natenesstv6685]

That’s a great idea I haven’t heard of using copper to fight bacteria! If I could do it over I would definitely go with PVC. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and watching!

[@LuckyTown77]

Great balance of quality and economy... zucchini gun

[@henrycolestage7650]

I like the test plug. That's a great idea. Not only can you clean it out, but you now have inside access to modify it if needed. My only concern at all would be the Schraeder valve sticking up so high. It might be vulnerable to branches, etc. Maybe something glued to the pipe fore and aft of it to help objects up and over? Well done! (except for the Crocs. That's a flogging offense ;-) )

[@natenesstv6685]

Thanks! Great thought, It does stick up to high, I have trouble backing into my garage now! haha! As to the crocs don't knock em till you try them! haha!

[@henrycolestage7650]

@@natenesstv6685 No worries! I do have a pair of Crocs that I use sometimes. But they are like riding a moped; pretty fun until your mates see ya! ;-)

[@natenesstv6685]

Hahaha! Thats about sums it up!

[@matthewlefthand8177]

Has the test plug held up to pressure?

[@adamshartley]

Build a potato gun but with 3/4 pipe for the barrel. They are fun! Like the shower. I did the same on my suburban but with 6in abs. Wish I would have used the y like you did for the valve. Good idea. The only thing I would change on yours is the air valve. I put mine on the end so it didn't get caught on any trees while out on rhe trails. Stay safe man

[@natenesstv6685]

Good call! I would totally put the air valve in a different place, I haven't had it hang up on any brush but see how it totally could. I also like the idea of using 6in abs! thanks for watching and for the great feed back!

[@iainmossie4120]

I enjoyed your video! Ya double buck brussel sprout launcher! Or beet launcher...I wont eat them either. I will be heading to canadian tire to buy the parts for my camp shower! Thanks✌

[@natenesstv6685]

Hahaha! Thanks for your comment! Good luck with your build!

[@MrBrewzr]

Very cool. I drive a semi truck and I have a space inside my cab under my bunk the width of the tractor, and I think I am going to build myself one of these. Currently I use a 5 gallon jug in my side box while out on the road. It would be really nice to carry more water, but also have it pressurized making washing dishes and cooking just a little easier. Thanks

[@davidblankenship670]

I use a test plug for filling and just note that in time they can launch out under pressure, mine did twice, now I use a restraining system.

[@garykreutzer1239]

Im the department head for the local lumberyard's Plumbing and electrical department. Few years plumbing behind me. I help people design repairs to plumbing systems every day. I think i can help you with yours to save a little time and money. Mine is going atop my E-350 van and be permantly mounted on unirail. Im designing one in an "0" design. Four 5'pieces fot 20' holds about 13 gallons. Ill plumb it with water from my clear water tank. Much easier plumbing. 1 cold line to fill and a hot one to the shower and sink. Should be able to push 35 psi, plenty for a shower. Much safer than air. Weight is 108 lbs plus pipe. Im using inspection ports with screw on caps so no need for inspectionport. Put in 4x4x2 wyes. Bush down to 3/4 or 1/2 inch. Now you can use regular plumbing fittings to adjust to whaterver size you need. Put one on each end next to the inspecion port. Cold in one hot out the other. I realize yours is easily removed when your not camping, but mine will be permanant.but still removable with 4 clamps for service. To drain, just pull a cap. Ill do a vid on Facebook when i build it.

[@stevepaul2641]

Interesting. Did you post a video or sketch of your system?

[@kajsanewlin9661]

the kid and I are going to make one. thank you!

[@jasonschlencker8108]

That is interesting. The cheap solar shower bags that we have were on sale at 2 for $9.95 in our local Anaconda, so I bought 10. I have seen them on sale as low as $4.00 each in Anaconda. We can solar heat up to 200L for the ensuite 12v shower system powered from our solar charged 1987 Cub Camp-O-Matic Offroad 380 camper trailer. If the water is not warm enough for a shower, it can be heated a bit more in a big stainless steel pot over a fire. Any empty bags are filled with the same 12v shower pump from a creek in the morning. I had a thought of joining 3 bags together with hose T pieces connected to just 1 nozzle for increased capacity and pressure without using any 12v power. We don't have any LPG system in our camper trailer, but we do have a few cheap gas canister camp stoves if not able to make an open fire. Regards, Jas. VK4FJGS

[@natenesstv6685]

Nice! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheJake949]

If you are driving a lot or have a dual battery system you should try adding a 12v 150w heating element. They are only like $20 on Amazon

[@natenesstv6685]

Dude that is a great idea!!

[@1mw4tch1ng]

you should have placed the spigot as close to the bottom of the tube to drain most of the water. Also, twist a quarter of a thrun of the parts joining to squeeze out any air bubbles on the joint.

[@natenesstv6685]

I didn’t get a good shot of it but it is on the bottom that’s why I put the y in it. Thanks for the tip on the 1/4 turn! That’s a good trick!

[@clarencemainjk9231]

Great video I’m going to build one for my 91 Ford club wagon , I’m building it into a camper van for my son and I

[@natenesstv6685]

That’s awesome! Good luck with the build!

[@cineskies114]

Very nice build. Thanks a lot for the tips! I can’t wait to be in the woods and be able to wash off my 4wheeler!! 👏

[@natenesstv6685]

Right on!

[@jonathanbrazeau970]

seriously, really nice built here, congrats, I like your design also, with the different angled section. I would have maybe scuffed up the ABS where the marine putty goes but not a huge deal, I'm sure it will still hold.....

[@natenesstv6685]

Thanks for the tip! Makes sense!

[@craftymulligar]

Plumbers use chop saws., Quicky saw, pvc saw. Some ive seen use hack saws which is a pain if your not a pro. I use a hack saw in the 90s some outfits didnt buy a lot of band saws. So they use hack to cut rods. I probably still got those slip scars on my fingers still.

[@roylane1564]

For a Schrader/air valve - NAPA has one for a tractor (about $5.00) that is threaded to bolt in. I was concerned about over time the pop in valve might push inside the tube. The one I purchased has at least an inch of threads. Will fit no what size pipe or cap you use.

[@natenesstv6685]

Nice! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@dustinlombardo6610]

Awesome video. Informative, entertaining, and well edited. Good work!

[@natenesstv6685]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@chrisz.9974]

I’ve seen someone add a 12v heater to it. Sounds amazing.

[@natenesstv6685]

I have often wondered how adding a 12v heater would work! That’s a great idea!

[@TVCAVEMAN213]

Great Presentation Nate, You might have added approximately how much water TUBE SHOWER, But I am reasonably sure it is more than enough for a better than average RV.

[@sangrilaontheroad1259]

How about a coconut gun 🤣 Nice video guys thanks from the Netherlands.

[@natenesstv6685]

coconut gun - that's a new one! I like it. Thanks for watching!!

[@fifigirl8208]

Didnt put baffles in pipe to slow the flow of water from one end to another. Watch Eric loves Earth video for great explanation why its necessary.

[@adrenalinejunkeee45]

Thx for sharing! Cool build... one of the cleanest I’ve seen so far. Gives me some great ideas for my rig. 👍🏼

[@natenesstv6685]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@iansmith605]

Tennis ball bazooka (three tennis ball cans joined but third one cut down to four inches at the end with needle on top and needle hole through back wall ! Squirt iso.alcohol into chamber load tennis ball and it will shoot about 100 yards

[@natenesstv6685]

Dude that sounds insane! haha!

[@schuey5537]

This is sick but in Australia I'll probly get pulled over for carrying a bazooka on the roof

[@natenesstv6685]

Hahaha! Thanks watching man!

[@rockywing6217]

Make one that shoots golf balls they are amazing

[@joemorrow7691]

I made one similar 5 years ago works great ,,,👍👍 nice job

[@natenesstv6685]

Thanks for the comment! Its good to know a build from 5 years ago is still working well!

[@JragoRahder]

Brussel sprout gun!

[@natenesstv6685]

alright! It's on!!

[@HELLAARTSYDUDE]

Cool Build Nate !!! I have been thinking of building one of those for my vehicle 👍👍👍

[@natenesstv6685]

You should! Be sure to post a video showing us how you go about it!

[@MrKeenaz]

Great vid guys. I would really liked to have seen how long the flow or pressure would last for. I do understand that the less water the pipe has the longer air pressure you would have, still I’m doubting you would have enough pressure to have a 3-4 minute average shower. Cheers.

[@meanders9221]

Can't actually pressurize it at first because the water is taking up all the room. Have to keep it pressurized with your portable air up compressor (or tank) as long as you are using it.

[@oz9000]

Great video, but any reason why you didn't use Schedule 40 PVC, ABS can become brittle under direct sunlight, and there are some toxic qualities to it that makes the water non-potable in an pinch. PVC schedule 40 is pretty durable up to @120-30 deg F. and psi of 155 I believe. Just some feed back but helpful video regardless. Cheers

[@natenesstv6685]

Thanks man! Yes I used it because it was black and didn’t feel like painting the schedule 40. I have such low psi I’m not worried about it shattering. I would say schedule 40 or 80 is way more quality and durable. With ABS we don’t drink the water and usually go through it so fast and refill I’m not too worried about toxicity, but that’s just me. Haha! I like your feedback hopefully it’s helpful to some one reading.

[@laracroftismyhomegirl]

You should make a portable jerry can pressurized shower in a diy video. I like the roof rack video

[@natenesstv6685]

Thank you for you feed back! I haven't seen a jerry can shower, I'll look in to it!

[@PeteRose64]

Well done Nate

[@MexicoAdventurer]

This is an exact copy of Mav's solar shower from a year before your video. I see you watch Mav!

[@natenesstv6685]

Nice! I just looked him up and he has great content, I like that he used PVC and painted it black I would have done that if I had seen his video first. If anyone is thinking about building one of these systems check out Mav, every one does it a little differently and it’s always helpful to see several approaches.

[@MexicoAdventurer]

@@natenesstv6685 Have you ever seen black pvc? Most big box stores sell it, even at the Home Depot stores here in Mexico. The solar heated water tanks I'm going to put on my van here in Mexico and on my Tahoe in the USA will be made from the black pvc pipe. I was going to use a 6" PVC pipe but there's too much volume there to heat up. If you use a 4" pipe, the surface area versus volume requires minimal sunlight to warm up your water. If you use screw on ends (still using thread tape) instead glued caps, you can clean your pipe tanks thoroughly when you unscrew the ends off. The black PVC shoulder arrow quivers for both of my PSE bows in the USA and here in Mexico... I made from black PVC. But with these, I used end caps glued on because one end is open. I'm going to load a video about making one. But my KZbin studio is not complete yet.

[@rubencampos1873]

Awesome video, now to see if I can get it done...

[@percyjackson2800]

You can also fill it up from your hose at home and it pressurizes as it fills up. I think, haven’t really tried that myself.

[@natenesstv6685]

Thats a great idea! I haven't tried that!

[@timphillian8963]

I'm thinking a quick release for that test plug for tailgater applications...great video.

[@natenesstv6685]

Good call!

[@dsteck5888]

@@natenesstv6685 Nate...I used the test plug one at the end and one at the fill point...could inky get 35psi in it before it blew the test plug out 9f the pipe. Did you have any issues with PSI and the test plug?

[@dimambroguitar]

That test plug he used is rated only to 15psi.

[@hansschmid3937]

orange gun seen by an australian Guy at the racetrack :-) Good job with the shower tank!!!

[@natenesstv6685]

Thanks man!!

[@Jacobs-pillow]

Dig that music as well..

[@natenesstv6685]

Thanks!

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

maybe add a pressure release valve for safety.

[@mohameddocrat4393]

Excellent design and an easy build, thanks

[@natenesstv6685]

Glad you like it!

[@12vLife]

Nice. I built a U-shaped 12gallon and wrapped it around a 320 watt solar panel but I used only two air valves. takes longer to fill, but super frugal and easy to pressurize. Water always seems to be hot. Video on my channel.

[@natenesstv6685]

Nice work!

[@michs1708]

really well done! very instructive vid. thanks! 👍

[@natenesstv6685]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobr4987]

Great video, saved it for reference. Thanks! 👍

[@natenesstv6685]

Glad you liked it!

[@oursimplestorychannel]

Thanks for the informative video. It was thorough, right to the point and funny as well. I hope to build this on my channel in the next couple weeks and will give you credit for the idea :) we are traveling from southern Alabama to the Ark Encounter in Kentucky and camping along the way so this will come in handy!

[@natenesstv6685]

Thanks man! Ill check out your channel, sound like you have a fun trip planned!

[@Dubnot]

Wonderful work. Maybe I missed it in the video but is there a rule of thumb for how much air pressure to add? It doesn't seem like anything would indicate if you over filled it

[@natenesstv6685]

Around 25psi. Any more that that and you have to really tighten the clean out plug down a lot to keep it from popping out.

[@Dubnot]

@@natenesstv6685 I apologise if that was already answered. I got it built today but I need to go get stitches from something related 🤣 subbed. Thanks for getting back to me

[@adam190]

Cmon bruv gotta do with the coconut gun !!! Donkey Kong style

[@natenesstv6685]

Hahaha! Dude that would be insane!

[@LWORD]

Nice work! Nice! What kind of PVC did you use - I see 'schedule 40' is the kind made for pressurized applications but its so heavy! Did you just use regular DWV? Drain waste vent?

[@mikestone9129]

Thanks for the detailed DIY. Try tomatoes in you potato gun lol

[@oscarfox]

A W E S O M E !! I'm doing it in a couple of weeks. Just one question: how can I know how much presure it has? I think I'm gonna fill it with air like a tire in a gas station if I'm going on a trip, but how would I know if it has enough air? Thanks a lot and best regards from Perú!!

[@natenesstv6685]

It really doesn’t take much and keep in mind that ABS pipe is not rated for pressure. I have had no issues putting 20 lbs in it. My air compressor I use to pressure it has a gauge on it so I know how many much pressure I’m putting in. Great question thanks for watching!

[@nightstringers]

Love this video thank you.

[@TheApeiron424]

Looks good Brother.

[@natenesstv6685]

Thanks 👍

[@mikegreene9215]

Great video, thanks for posting!

[@natenesstv6685]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@travel4you573]

How are you just saw your video and I think it was the best. Now, what are roof racks you have???? I have a 2018 JKU 4 Doors... Thank you

[@natenesstv6685]

Thank you! The roof rack I had on that truck were Yakama universal roof racks.

[@huntergolden7464]

Have you had any issues with either the test cap or cleanout cap leaking pressure?

[@natenesstv6685]

The first time I used it the test plug popped out & I lost all my water. Once I tightened it better I have had no issues. I love the test plug and highly recommend it for this application, just be sure to tighten it well.

[@michaelsoberanes]

@@natenesstv6685 my test plug blew out at 30psi, I had to tighten the plug with a wrench to be safe

[@verkinkcard4142]

Check the pressure rating on the pipe pvc/abs is not rated for air pressure. water pressure is different than air pressure. I still love the idea

[@natenesstv6685]

Thanks

[@TK-zf7sx]

2 questions: 1) how easy is it to fill with the opening that high? Do you use a ladder to get up there, or stand on the truck seat, or...? B) How do you pressurize the system? Bike pump, 12V compressor, or something else? What's the typical and max pressure you use?

[@natenesstv6685]

Great questions! 1) I stand on the door frame of my truck, most people use a stool or ladder. 2) I am set up to use a 12v compressor but I actually end up using the bike pump more often! haha! Thanks for watching and thanks for the good questions!

[@yupsidedown1]

Also what would you suggest for max psi?

[@johanmiesendenkgrootwordrijk]

you could use a 1/2 " nut and wo fiber rings where you use the putty

[@natenesstv6685]

Possibly, I would say its worth a try! let me know if it works!

[@dakotaborn6774]

Nut wouldn’t thread. MIP threads. Tapered

[@scottgorman7166]

Glue both pieces, slip together and 1/4 turn the pieces.

[@natenesstv6685]

Thanks for the tip!

[@brenstonmoss5197]

You inspired me to save money for that I thank you! Do you by chance have a part number or link to which test valve you used. The ones I am looking up are all 17 psi max

[@natenesstv6685]

I just got it from our local hardware store. Ive seen them at Homedepot. If I can find a link I throw it on the description and let you know! Thanks for watching!

[@karlalton3170]

Instead of putting putty round the tap fitting , Why did you not just get a tap with threads on it and a nut ? much more secure 😁 just saying 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@karapuzik16]

How well does this work heat wise? Does it heat the water enough for a comfortable shower?

[@natenesstv6685]

Depends on the temperature outside and if your are in direct sun. You kinda have to play with it a bit. On a 85 degree day it was just right for showering for me.

[@jagpilot2]

Has anyone ever had a problem with instability of your vehicle while accelerating or braking with free surface in the pipe? Water weighs a lot! It's high up. It's on one side. Would it be wise to construct a simple small long pipe interspersed with wide perforated collars or flanges into the 6" pipe to baffle and break down the rush of water from one end to the other? Maybe I worked as a tanker officer for too long.

[@natenesstv6685]

I have heard of people adding baffles and I think it is a good call. I have had the water blow the plug out when I accelerated the first time after filling it, I learned my lesson quickly really tightened it down and haven’t had that problem again.

[@CorbinBerriman]

this is why you measure twice and drill once folks

[@natenesstv6685]

LOL! yes...

[@kyao888]

Great video...I missed using the sealant and now it is leaking...I wonder if it is too late to use the water bond to seal the water boiler drain from the outside.

[@natenesstv6685]

I don’t know if I would try that personally, if possible probably best to cut the pipe open and redo it from the inside. either way let me know what you end up doing and how it works! Thanks

[@hoosierinthewoods]

I look forward to building one. Thanks

[@natenesstv6685]

Yea man!

[@innerstream]

Would be awesome for any outdoor shower! ....and Brussels sprouts hands down! 😎🇨🇦

[@natenesstv6685]

haha yes!!! Not a bad idea! Thanks for watching!

[@RodricWeiland]

Water melon cannon!

[@jamesmengel5818]

Nice looking build! Curious now that it’s been 3yrs how it’s been over time?

[@natenesstv6685]

It’s been good to go, I will say I don’t pressurize it like I use to because the pipe looks faded (looks maybe brittle) so I keep it at 15psi when using. If I could do it over I would use PVC schedule 40 or 80 (and paint black)as I’ve heard that is is more durable for our door use.

[@jamesmengel5818]

@@natenesstv6685 Thanks for the feedback! I’m currently building one now, but wanted to use the test plug vs threaded clean out. And that was the part I was most curious about. I am using schedule 40 for my build, the plumbers on the job site I’m on hooked me up with all the parts and pieces!!

[@natenesstv6685]

Good call with the test plug, I wish I had done that! Have fun with your build!

[@yousifsky4152]

Awesome, thanks man

[@natenesstv6685]

You bet!

[@clinclin1240]

Great idea on the clean out plug!

[@natenesstv6685]

Thank you!

[@JeffBromley]

I tried the clean out but it shot off like a cannonball at 30lbs psi

[@nicolerichards7216]

@@JeffBromley same. Came down and cracked my windshield...

[@maxpower9848]

I'm really worried about that test plug. I used to pressurize Ford EGR coolers with similar test plug and put 100 lb of shop air and it blew across the shop in a million miles an hour! It was in there as tight as it could possibly be and it still blew out.

[@natenesstv6685]

Yes if you don't want to use a test plug you can use a abs screw plug with thread tape. If you do use a test plug be sure you don't put more that 23-30lbs and make sure the water is full in the system. If the water is full in the system it won't shoot the plug as far. Be care full and use at your own risk! Good luck, hope this helps.

[@christopherthumm4348]

Tampon gun , preferably not used although they might go farther

[@nebulousJames12345]

Why did you put that weld stuff instead of threaded back?

[@stevew.1256]

After having used this now for a year - can you give some feedback: Are you completely happy with it or are you considering changing your water/shower solution to something different? Does the water get warm enough when camping in cool summer climate (not snow). Do you or your spouse/gf wish you had a water heater, more water capacity, etc?

[@natenesstv6685]

I’m pretty happy with it and for what we do it’s just fine. It’s held up fine, I would change the water fill to be a clean out plug rather than a threaded plug and would try and figure out how to add baffles to keep the water from sloshing when driving. As to the temperature it doesn’t hold the heat so taking a shower when it’s dark is not Pleasant unless you like cold / lukewarm water. Thanks for watching?

[@stevew.1256]

@@natenesstv6685 good feedback thanks. I was trying to come up with an easy way to add baffles - let me know if you've thought of something.

[@brucebennett5759]

@@stevew.1256 For baffles, I would try gluing a few 2 inch caps inside, maybe 6 & 12 inches in from each end.

[@susannaornever1495]

Hey, this is a great build! I would like to see it in use, how much water capacity does it have, and how do you put pressure in it, or does it work with gravity?

[@natenesstv6685]

Thanks! It holds about 4.5 gal. Gravity works but for more pressure I’ll hook up a little compressor that hooks into my battery system of the car and will maintain about 15-20lbs. It’s more than enough to wash dishes or shower. Thanks for watching!

[@gracezero7438]

Nate, I replicated the build with a 10 foot section, when I go to pressurize the pipe, I am leaking air around the plug caps. I tighten them down good but air still leaks, did you use an O-Ring with your plugs?

[@natenesstv6685]

Be sure to clue both the abs pipe and the abs cap then do a 1/4 after pressing together.

[@jefferyjordan1710]

Use Teflon tape on the threads of the cap

[@foulwind4582]

Should have installed the faucet closer to to lower edge so more water can be used. Having it in tne middle will only drain to middle or half the water.

[@natenesstv6685]

The faucet is at the bottom of the pipe the way it’s designed. Look at the end of the video to see the finished build.

[@foulwind4582]

Doh... You are correct! I forgot about the y pipe. Have you measured how much water the shower tube holds?

[@natenesstv6685]

It holds 4 gal. If I was to do it over I would go with a bigger pipe, like 6” white schedule 40 pvc pipe and paint it black.

[@SD-pi9co]

Put locktite on the boiler drain handle otherwise, it will vibrate loose and fall off down a washboard road.

[@natenesstv6685]

Good call! I didn’t think of that! Thanks for your comment and watching!

[@danwhitlock1946]

Thanks for showing us this. Would it be possible to build a larger system shaped like an 'H' using elbows and a center pipe or pipes like the rungs on a ladder? Would it be more useful and capable or is there something im missing?

[@natenesstv6685]

I don't see what that wouldn't work... only one way to find out! Give it a try! Let me know how it goes!

[@meanders9221]

For roof mounting remember weight of water is 8.3 lb/gal.

[@peitriot4763]

hazelnut shooter

[@JonathanCWard]

Great video. Thank you for taking the time to make it. I’m a curious to what pressure you see the test plug remaining in at? I’m considering using one end of the pipe for the spigot and pressure valve, and the other end simply having the test plug in as an end cap. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and what pressure toy see it staying in at.

[@natenesstv6685]

Good question! and thanks for watching! I usually keep the pressure around 25psi, it came out the first time I used it and since then I have tightened the test plug more and its been fine at 25psi.

[@meanders9221]

I used a similar design, was intending to test it to 80 psi but at 70 psi test plug blew across the shop. Put it back in, tightened it down harder and tested it successfully to 80 psi. Been using it for a few months now at 30 psi and everything seems tight.

[@meanders9221]

Oh and the limiting factor is probably the pipe not the plug. I think that pipe is intended for gravity drain only and not rated for any pressure application, but it seems to work fine at the pressures I mentioned.

[@specops1903]

@@meanders9221 with abs pipe specifically?

[@giovannibeniniehlert8350]

gracias muy buen video

[@natenesstv6685]

A la orden. Me allegra que le gusto.

[@garrisonwilliams3480]

where has everyone gone to buy ABS pipe? all my home debot/lowes in town (Austin, Texas) are out and dont have the option to order to the store for pickup.

[@natenesstv6685]

There is currently an ABS shortage Im told. We here in Washington state are having the same problem. Something about the production being shut down?

[@MiguelRamirez-kq8tn]

Thanks for your video I have a question how many psi you put on the pipe thanks

[@Live-Life-Freely]

7:04 he says he had 80 psi in it.

[@natenesstv6685]

I pressure tested everything at 80 PSI but I would not recommend putting more than 35-40 PSI in there for normal usage. Thanks for watching!

[@gregcole5753]

Have you checked the pressure and water temp in the pipe after it has sat in the sun all day? Would love to hear how it worked after a summer and winter of use.

[@natenesstv6685]

Great question! I only pressurize the system when I’m using it, it seems to work best that way. Works great in the summertime, honestly not so great in the winter time! I didn’t notice a water being any warmer in winter, I even noticed on cool summer days if I use the water an hour after dark it was pretty cold. I hope that’s helpful!

[@h2olove]

A buddy of mine at work made one of these years ago. He said it worked fine with one exception. He pressurized it to 80 psi then set it out in the summer sun. It blew out the valve before the day was over. I like your method for constructing it. Being an engineer and living in the southeast, I’d install a pressure gauge and thermometer out of curiosity as much as concern.

[@xxissatlxx9621]

Just curious why you used piping not made to be used under pressure vs getting pvc pipe that can handle high pressure?

[@jcarney42]

No PVC piping is recommended for pressurization. Add a 12 volt water pump to pressurize shower hose downstream of the 4” solar heated pipe system instead.

[@natenesstv6685]

That’s a great idea! Do you have any recommendations for a 12v pump? I have been thinking of building something similar but using a 5 gallon bucket.

[@G2offroad]

Why not screw the drain on with a sized bolt.