H2OT - Rooftop, pressurized, solar-heated shower/sprayer using ABS pipe. DIY

After using the shower for 6 years now, I can say that this is the best camping gear I have made. We use it every trip and it is still going strong with no problems at all. Here is my response to the most frequent questions I receive about the build.
ABS VS PVC
I used ABS ( acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipe and not PVC (polyvinyl chloride). I used this for several reasons. ABS is much more resistant to impact, it is cell core meaning it will hold the heat better, it is more readily available in my region, easier to assemble (no primer required) and it is cheaper (up to half price) than PVC.
FILLING AND USAGE.
It is best to slightly elevate the front of the tank when filling and using the shower. This way, air does not get trapped at the drain end, reducing the capacity. It only needs to be 1 or 2 degrees elevated. This could be done by parking slightly uphill or using a thicker foam block on the front.
ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH THE TANK FULL OR EMPTY
Any partially filled tank will act like a water hammer when you hit the brakes. This could launch your shower like a missile, which would not be good. A full tank is similar to a solid mass, nothing will shift inside when braking hard. So, fIll the tank right to the brim and do not travel with a partially filled tank.
PRESSURE RANGE.
I pressurize the tank to 30 psi and shut off the compressor. When the pressure drops to 10 psi, I turn it back on and pressurize to 30 psi. 10 psi is still ample pressure for a shower. An upgrade from what I have would be a compressor with auto shut-off.
PRESSURE VS. VOLUME.
Water does NOT compress. As a result, if the tank is filled to the brim there is no room for air. Thus, the pressure will drop immediately from 30 psi and you will have to turn the compressor back on. As the water is used, the volume of space available to fill with compressed air increases. By the time you reach half a tank, you can go to empty on one recharge.
FILLER SEAL
The 2-inch filler cap has a silicone seal that prevents air from leaking out through that joint. I used a LESSO 2 In. ABS Male Plug MIPT which comes with the gasket.
PRIVACY SCREEN
We use a pop-up shower shelter right up against the side of our truck. We just route the hose over the top. We stand in a big Rubbermaid container to catch most of the water so that we do not have a wet and muddy mess. www.amazon.ca/...
TEE INSTEAD OF HUB
You could use a 4” x 4” x 2” Tee instead of drilling the 2 “ Hub directly into the pipe It would add a bit of weight, and cost and not look as neat, but it will work just as well
DRAIN AND AIR VALVE PLACEMENT
I put both the drain and the air valve on the same end to protect the air valve from being damaged if the end was to hit something. Plus this allows me to store the tank vertically on the front end when not in use.
ABS SOLVENT CEMENT IS NOT GLUE.
The parts are not glued together, they are chemically welded using solvent cement. This literally metals the ABS pieces together. If done correctly, the joint is stronger than the pipe itself.
HAND PUMP
It would be very difficult to pressurize the tank with a hand (i.e. bicycle tire) pump. The volume of the tank is greater than the volume of a typical car tire. How long would it take to inflate a car tire this way?
GRAVITY FLOW.
You cannot use this mounted on the roof of your vehicle and expect gravity to generate the necessary pressure. Water pressure from gravity alone is called "head" and is measured in units of distance. 1 PSI = 28 inches of head. That is, if the spray nozzle is 28 inches below the tank, you will get 1 PSI. Assuming you are standing up and are at normal height and the nozzle is also at head height, you will get next to zero pressure.
THREADED SPIGOT
Before threading the spigot (Drain) into the end cap, I heated the brass threads up with a propane torch. This slightly melted the ABS and made threading it in very easy. Once cold, it formed a perfect seal.
CONTINUOUS USE
We do not have the spray nozzle on other than for initial wetting and then rinsing. This is key to preserving water and how two of us can have showers and still have water left in the tank.
For information or to contact me about my videos, I can be reached at camerasutra.ca

[@johnnytodd9328]

You should consider doing instructional videos for anything and everything, because you sir are awesome! and I have watched literally thousands of videos for instructional purposes and have never enjoyed such an easy to understand and well done straight to the point video............every second was worth watching, you just became my all time favorite!

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thank you for the kind words. It is very much appreciated.

[@socal33]

Ditto!!! Brilliant and thank you for taking the time to educate the masses. This shall soon find a place on top of my Tahoe for our beach trips here in Florida. Cheers!

[@MrJbaise]

Seriously. its straight forward, edited well ,and easy to watch. Thank you. I echo the above sentiments

[@harshreality2672]

Perfect voice for it too!!!

[@SWC44]

Johnny Todd Yes being an Instructor also You Are Good!

[@trevorzzealley2670]

What`s better than a great idea ? A great idea shared . Thank you for sharing .

[@teaohar2]

This is the best instructional RV video I have seen. It is done very well. No useless babble. Direct instructions. Clear presentation. And, the dude has a professional sounding voice.

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thank you for your kind words. I have another version filled with my babble. It's on my how to NOT make a KZbin video channel! :-) . If you decide to build one yourself and have any questions, please contact me.

[@ldprice2008]

11/30/18 - after viewing more than a dozen videos on this topic, you are above and beyond, (with model and data) any others. Thank you for the concise and complete presentation. The spreadsheet was particularly helpful as I am more interested in volume than speed. Aka: where quality and quantity merge. Thank you. LP

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thanks Larry. Your viewing and comments are much appreciated.

[@turbostyler]

Great project, and excellent execution. My favourite part in this setup is the way you mounted the pipe to the roof racks. Very ingenious and it looks like it fits like a glove. I personally would have opted for a 12v pump and hose for convenience, but I like that your air compressor solution turns the compressor from a single application otem to a multi application item and doesn't increase weight.

[@yola7229]

You can use a bike pump or an air compressor. Probably already have one in your kit!

[@ronswanson8141]

His voice is as smooth as Canadian Maple Syrup

[@Boxerrich121]

🤣

[@rickysandoval647]

🤣

[@TheChromePoet]

That is the highest compliment possible.

[@xiaomajm89]

Lmao😂

[@JohnDeschenes99]

It's like Bob Ross wow!!

[@powerwagon3731]

For expansion maybe you should add a small pressure tank and pressure relief valve like those found in hydronic heat systems. Nicely done!

[@firstlast9184]

Very nice setup. Thanks for sharing and providing the details as well.

[@RubberTrampRenegade]

Great explanation of how it was done. I may attempt this on my camper van

[@sicks6six]

great idea, adding a polished aluminium under tray would heat it up even more, the sort of stuff used for indoor plant lights, garden centres DIY stores sell it and it is very cheap, or the shiny reflectors used in ceiling strip lighting, also the biggest diameter pipe I can think of is a WC soil pipe and they are black, again very cheap at DIY stores and PVC fittings that wrap around them !

[@welders485]

If you need any strange parts ,I found that pvc softens in the oven at 300 deg for ten minutes , shape it however you want and it glues together just the same. For instance I made flat sheets by cutting 4 inch pipe the long way ,heating it in the oven, then I put it between 2 boards and stood on it for about a minute.

[@ImaginetMedia]

This is not PVC pipe, it is ABS. Please read the FAQ in the description text before you burn your house down or asphyxiate your family.

[@ugpfpv361]

Just got back from a 7 day camping trip to Yellowstone stone, this would've come in handy as all shower in Yellowstone are currently closed, had to make due with baby wipes and hand sanitizer, also and to do some traveling this winter may have to look at adding a heating element for our Wisconsin Winters.

[@mcorrade]

very cool and smart. I really like this idea and you did it for a fraction of the price. Nicely done!

[@Ring49]

Awesome video! I've been eyeballing the roadshower for a bit, but could never justify the cost. I was thinking about building one myself, so this video helps a lot! (I live pretty close to you too, out in Abbotsford).

[@sonny1597]

I built something very similar using a 4" x 6' pvc pipe but I use 4" sewer stops that are removable .. I have a 5' piece of 4" on the other side of my roof rack that I again use the sewer stops and this one holds my tent poles, hiking poles, sand flag, etc. I do like your idea for an end cap and valve ... your design is better then mine and I may convert to your method. Great video.

[@flomax_actual]

Great video for a simple DYI project! Thanks for sharing -Kyle

[@NKBobcat]

This can be augmented by adding an internal heating element (if you have AC or Inverter) or propane tankless heater for when solar wont be good enough all for under $150 US. Even if I had an indoor shower, I would put one or two of these on the roof of an RV, skoolie or van. Great storage and more water for your off grid showers. Thank you!!

[@robbiebreaux5221]

I built something similar for my square drop and it is great.

[@free.range.engraving5245]

I was planning to build something similar for my rig. You did a great job I’ll be using this idea along with mine for sure!

[@jimmartin7899]

You could also make one of these to generate freash drinking water has well. ; )

[@thomasmurray4717]

Best one I’ve seen yet. 👍👍

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thank you.

[@t.e.h.7711]

I really enjoy this video. I agree, you are a wonderful educator. If I decided to do this but with a 10’ section rather than 6’, I’m not sure on how much pressure to use.

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thank you for your comments. The pressure ratings would remain the same. Pressurize to 30 psi, turn off compressor, run shower until psi drops to approx. 10psi, turn on compressor and pressurize to 30psi. Rinse and repeat.

[@iambj144]

Thomas Howard generally interior house pressure is 30-40 psi. 30 psi seems acceptable and not excessive but the volume of compressed air is much greater in the longer length of your pipe

[@JimFleming1953]

Very nicely done, and ingenious idea.

[@dlk4318]

great idea and marvelous work to make it 🙌🙌

[@ShannonSmith4u2]

super well done, thank you!!

[@blcouch]

Excellent video!!!!

[@AisAL321]

That was genius!

[@ShmooyShmoo]

Great idea. Great job. Great video.

[@johnb6014]

Holy hell... Yours a genius!

[@RandyRandersonthefamous]

That's very cool and well built!

[@campingtips-n-tricks]

Great camping hack!

[@pestlund]

You nailed it sir.

[@64kdawg]

Amazing work, liked and subbed mate.

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@tazmo66]

You are amazing. thank you !

[@Wanna.Wander]

I have the pipe, just need to hook it up to my van💜

[@robertball8580]

Great idea

[@vera713]

wouldn't be a bad idea to install a T&P relief valve next time

[@samsonitte]

so cool, thanks!

[@pappysproductions]

Awesome man

[@squizzyt8698]

Bloody ripper mate!!

[@twilly1127]

Ok now where is the parts list..

[@matthewdaly8772]

How do you connect the radiator drain plug with an airtight seal? -and thank you for the great video

[@ImaginetMedia]

It is just tapped into the lid. it has tapered NPF threads that easily tap into the ABS plastic for an airtight seal.

[@brendaswann7292]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@ImaginetMedia]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@NickMulder]

6 feet is 1.83m, 1.83m*8.11L/m (taken from your data for the 4" pipe) = approx 15L. How did you fill it with 30L ?

[@ImaginetMedia]

Nick Mulder we ran that test twice. Both with the same starting temperature of water.

[@NickMulder]

Ok, but how did you fill it with 30L of water? See my reasoning above, is your pipe 5.65" (all other elements equal), 12.14' long (all other elements equal) or is perhaps is the L/m data on the spreadsheet incorrect by a factor of 2.02 ? (assuming walls are 0 thick) - maybe I need to listen again??

[@1989cranston]

" we ran that test twice " as in 15Lx2 = 30L... what didn't you get about what he wrote to you?

[@NickMulder]

Well, I didn't get the part about running the same test twice as being relevant to my question. It seemed like a weird reply given that there was no explicit reference to the confusion that stemmed from the language used in the video. I could fill in the gaps, but yeah, I didn't know how big the gaps were so left that untouched. Google 'ENTP and INTP personality type' for some more context :D

[@Madridme3]

Oot! Nice job.

[@davebrotchie1493]

His voice is smooth as black tar vegemite😆

[@davebrotchie1493]

MG Stevens Now theres a use for Vegemite i aint tried ...yet 😆😂

[@HondaFit4Adventure]

I just used my road-shower to help put out a brush-fire on the side of the road. The cops look very confused.

[@jackgarden629]

Super small brush fire or very large road shower. Great work putting out the fire.

[@TravisSteeves]

You sir are an absolute genius! I hope you don't mind, I will copy you. For me this will be really great installed on the roof racks of the canopy on my truck. I have been looking for ideas when I found your video. Mine will be used to simply wash up at work or wash off muddy boots after work. Thanks for posting the awesome video!!

[@toddhurst6920]

Did you have a big glass of wine while you did your commentary LOL! You sound like Bob Ross painting pretty little trees! Great video.

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thank you. I was going to add some happy clouds using cobalt blue, but opted for the happy cabin in the trees in burnt ochre.

[@peoepepepepepeoepepeprpepe6031]

Wtf lol 😂

[@vhanson4]

i never leave comments, but you're a dang good DIY video maker. I wish all videos were this thorough and easy to follow. A+, bro. A freaking +

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thank you for the kind words. I hope it helps you with your DIY build if you decide to make one.

[@livingonadollar2882]

I lived with my dad in a camper van in the 80's for 4 months As he worked in Northern Ontario as a bricklayer..Having power was a welcome But We mostly had to think of ways of doing things Dad Would spark up the hibachi style fire And set a large pot of water on to boiling Then mix that half to a half bucket of cold water And it came out warm You would splash alitte on you Dunk your head in And soap up And take a cup and rinse off And towel off ..There was nothing better than waking up and Dad had musky cooking in the cast iron skillet fresh from the French river This solar powered roof I wish he could of seen

[@CurtisDrew1]

Get yourself a Hoola Hoop and some 3/4 inch conduit and 2 shower curtains with rings to make a shower enclosure for your shower. The conduits can be tied with shock cord to your roof rack and stick out the side of the vehicle near the water hose sprayer. Tie your hoola hoop horizontal with loose zip ties or more shock cord under the conduit. Then hang the 2 shower curtains from the hoola hoop, over lapping the ends. The overlap can act as a door. You can build a wood floor , like thin pallet, for your roof rack that can serve as a shower floor. I've been using this shower curtain set up on my expedition rig for years. Nothing like a good hot shower in the middle of no where. I have a hot water tank, heat exchanger under my hood, heater by my radiator water of my truck. I plumb in my 5 gallon water tank to a small 12 volt fuel pump to pump the water from the water tank through the heat exchanger and then to my shower head. But yours will work fine, I used the solar bags before I built the heat exchanger.

[@dasgoat76]

Amazing idea, which I will definitely use in the future...but clarification on something, are you saying you stand up on top of your vehicle to shower? Sounds funny to me. Planning to have a roof top tent on a Jeep.

[@BigGags]

Cool video and great end result!! The only thing I would suggest would be to use an elbow on one end of the pipe with a threaded cap on it - this would be easier than having to use a hole saw to drill the fill point and it would also remove any potential issues for pressure failure at the join where you drilled the hole. Great job man!!!

[@TheRealitarian]

About the drain plug: couldn't you just push in on the inflation valve to let pressure out instead of the drain plug?

[@manimalworks7424]

Thanks for your video. I made the same thing with the following changes (improvements): 1. I installed a 60 psi pressure relieve valve instead of the radiator drain plug. 2. I made it in 3 sections, and installed 2 plate with holes (where the sections meet) to stop the water hammer action when not completely filled. 3. I used thick rubber pad brought from Harbor Freight to mount it.

[@rupe53]

ge gary ... I think you are talking about the water sloshing back and forth while driving, not actually a water hammer. That would be a baffle system and commonly used on tank trucks.

[@manimalworks7424]

@@rupe53 yes, 2 baffles with many small holes to stop water from rushing to the front when braking and the back when accelerating, helps a lot.

[@nickohdub]

That makes a lot of sense, was worried about that as well. Don't need a torpedo on my roof. What kind of place with small holes are you referring to? A shower drain type plate?

[@rupe53]

@@nickohdub ... you have the right idea, but the drain plate may have too many holes and allow the water to move too fast.

[@AmericanJusticeCorp]

Considering the other alternative is the River... Nice. Did you ever actually use the River? It must've shriveled up yer nuds. Either way, nice job. In Arizona, this thing would for sure work, and produce water that is hot a hell!

[@creidenouer]

Great, now that I have seen this I MUST make one. Why the cell core pipe vs PVC? Weight? Thermal retention? Does it stay hot? I have a 12v battery I have in the back of my Tundra with a 50w panel. Any use wiring heat to it for night time? Thank you for such a thorough video. Very helpful.

[@SheehyUTube]

That was an amazing video, you explained the problem, you described your rationale for choosing your solution, you described all the parts and included tips about assembly and finally showed the equipment in use - a truely impressive video

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thank you for your kind words. I am glad you enjoyed it and hopefully it helps you build your own.

[@DBuss-om8sh]

Very very nice and clear instructions. I'm definitely planning to build one at my shack. Thanks !! But I have 2 questions : 1) Did the radiator drain valve is that useful? Do you use it often? 2) Due to the emplacement of the inflating valve, when you've already put pressure in the pipe, did the water comes out when you plug the tire pump again to add pressure in it? Should I place the inflating valve somewhere else on top where it's not directly in contact with water?

[@ImaginetMedia]

Glad you found the video helpful. In answer to your questions: 1) Yes, I use it all the time to let off pressure if I want to open the cap. However, you could easily go without it. 2) I placed the valve in a location that is protected. Anywhere other than on the end cap will be subject to damage due to impact. The entire system is under pressure, including the hose from the compressor. SO no water can backflow. Also, I attach the air hose using the screw on a connection on the tip of the valve. So the threads engage before the valve is actually actuated.

[@DBuss-om8sh]

@@ImaginetMedia Thanks for your return !

[@grgoss1]

Watched, was totally impressed, liked and subscribed. Hit the bell. Thank you. (and commented).

[@GORUCK8275]

Literally the best DIY instructional video ever made! Awesome job!

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thank you. I hope you found it useful.

[@pnolans]

EXCELLENT! It's so refreshing to see a video without loud music, no BS wandering commentary and profanity. It was clear, concise and very professionally done. Understandable instructions, and even text backup . 1. I want one 2. You SHOULD do instructional videos, I agree with the many others who've said that. Thanks, great job!

[@pnolans]

Did I miss where you mentioned where to get that air compressor? If not, would you provide a link? Thx.

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thank you for the very kind words. Glad you found it helpful. No get down to your workshop and build one!

[@ImaginetMedia]

I already had the compressor and keep it in my truck to inflate tires. It has really come down in price I see. Here is the link below. It is a Viair 00088 88P. DO NOT go cheap on the compressor. It will fail you when you need it most (inflating an actual flat tire). This one hooks direct to the battery as it can draw 12 Amps. Any of the cheap ones that plug into your cigarette lighter accessory plug will blow the fuse and then you are in trouble. Also, this is reasonably quiet, fantastic build quality, long power leads and even longer hose. www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I/

[@pnolans]

I agree with not cheating out. To be sure that I understand, you hook the compressor to the valve stem and the spray hose to male pipe output? Sorry if I'm being dense.

[@ImaginetMedia]

That is correct. NOTE: as the tank is 100% full of water, there is no room for compressed air. As such, for the first few sprays, the pressure wil drop from 30psi to 10psi in a few seconds. As the water drains, air capacity increases. As such, after about a minute, you probably don't need to cycle the compressor at all. I find that I can let it drop to 10psi without any noticeably pressure drop. Also, remember I am using a 3/8" water hose for a reason, it restricts flow and holds lower volume. I am also using a a sprayer with a shower setting, also conserving water. And finally, we spray only to rinse. bathing is done without a constant stream. Only spry when needed.

[@meltdownzero]

mate i'd be happy if this guy read me a story !!

[@darthschrader4]

Since this video is several years old, I was wondering how your project is faring. Have you had any issues with warping from too much sunlight? Alternatively, did you remove it from your vehicle for winter and if not did freezing temperatures have a negative effect? Great video by the way and wonderful narration.

[@super88rob]

Probably leaching BPA into the water by now. Never use abs for potable water in the direct sunlight.

[@XxUnknownRecordsxX]

A great video kept it simple and explained it without getting off topic or talking to long

[@stevegem4155]

I built something like this last year but with one additional component I took a bicycle inner tube and inflated it, and put it inside the tube before sealing it up. this bladder compresses as you fill the water heater with air. and allows the water to flow for a much longer period of time without constantly running the compressor.

[@ImaginetMedia]

That is a very interesting modification I will have to explore. Downside would of course be loss of capacity. One thing I have started doing is to drain off some water before I start the compressor. This provides a void that the initial compressed air can occupy. Thus eliminating those immediate cycling of the compressor that your solution solves. I shower standing in big Rubbermaid container so the water is not lost.

[@Inlinetodie]

You did an outstanding job on your project and your Video, greatly appreciated 👏

[@robertmueller6979]

Probably no one will see this comment but here goes. Living on a sailboat I used saltwater for showers. Just add a little Downy clothes softener to the salt water and *presto* water you can shower with.... adjusts the ph and works like a charm.... no more salty skin...

[@ImaginetMedia]

I did not know that. Excellent tip.

[@fvrrljr]

hmm. just be careful since now it's known that those fabric softeners kill a mans testosterone and raises the estrogen... besides if in a boat you must have a septic tank, downy is not good for it. you may try 1 cup of white vinegar. why haven't you put a filter. OLE!

[@michaelfox7925]

I have finished my version of this and I'm very happy with it. It works great! It took me a few tries to get the hose bibb right. I may have heated up the bibb too much as my bibb leaked after tapping it into the cap. Looking into the hose bibb I can see some nylon or plastic material inside that I assume makes it water tight. I might have melted it...For the next try I drilled a larger hole that the bibb could slide into and used epoxy to seal it. Instead of using a retaining nut, I used a threaded brass elbow with the end pointing down. That way I get more water out before the hose bibb starts to suck air. I put bibbs on both end caps so if my van is not level I can attach the hose to the end that is lower. My vehicle is taller than I am so I oriented the hose bibbs to point out (away from the vehicle) instead of down. That way I can rinse off without having to attach the hose if I wanted to. For the hose I used fuel line hose with a 3/8 inner diameter. It was cheap at 1.40 a foot and it's very flexible. Also, it's black so that first blast of water will have a chance of being warm. For the cap, none of my local hardware stores stocked one with a gasket. I initially used one anyway and it had a pretty good seal although not airtight. I ended up ordering one online from a hot tub supply website and that one is airtight. Another problem I had was the end caps from home depot. while being flat on the outside, they had a raised disk on the inside that made installing the air valve tricky as the air valve uses rubber gaskets so the surfaces need to be flat. Once I realized this I looked for end caps at other hardware stores. At Ace hardware I found caps that were flat on the inside and outside. I bought 2, installed the hose bibb and air valves, applied the rubber cement, stuck them on the ends of the 4" abs pipe from home depot and found out they were ever so slightly smaller in diameter than the home depot caps. They were just hard enough to get on that I wasn't able to do the 1/4 turn for a good seal and my bibbs were not oriented in the 6 o'clock position. Ghah! I ended up using the home depot pipe and home depot end caps with the raised disk by drilling the hole for the air valves within the disk, instead of at the 12 o'clock position. There is enough room for the hose bibb handle to open and close without hitting the air valve (remember my hose bibbs points out, not down). Lastly, if you plan on driving around with a few gallons inside the shower, I would recommend making a "water brake" to stop the water hammer effect when slowing or stopping. I purchased 2 extra end caps and cut them down to disks that roughly fit inside the 4" pipe. I then drilled a 1" hole in the center of both of them and inserted a 1" diameter pvc pipe. I secured the disks in place with hose clamps. It looked like a bar bell with an extra long bar. The pvc pipe was as long as my 4" abs pipe. I inserted the "bar bell" into the abs pipe before cementing on the end cap. It works very well. It's effect reminds me of one of those bamboo rain sticks that make noise when upended. Hope this helps anyone who is making this.

[@philcusick3037]

terrific stuff. have you documented this anywhere. The water brake- I am not so clear on. how much room I there between the disks and the walls of the pipe? it doesn't impede flow?

[@michaelfox7925]

@@philcusick3037 The disks are not that tight. I probably have about half a centimeter of room around the disks. Definitely no flow issues.

[@smoketoeeleven]

great video, no fluff, straight to the point. thank you!

[@jjdo556]

Nice job and great narration. Questions: Does the water inside the tube at half full, slosh around under pressure or does it remain somewhat stable? Would you feel an affect while turning sharply and/or braking? Would you think a small expansion tank help with a more even water pressure? Thanks for a reply. Regards JJ

[@ImaginetMedia]

Great question. I always drive with the tank 100% full (literately right to the brim). I do this to avoid the potential water hammer that would be created should a sudden stop occur with a less than full tank. I am fairly sure that if you were going fast enough and the stop was abrupt enough, that there would be consequences. As such, I prefer to have the tank filled so that it is a "solid" mas as opposed to a fluid one.

[@jjdo556]

Thanks for the reply. I just think the top heavy and one sided influence of the system! But, apparently it works good? You are one of the best You Tuber. Everything is the best in your video. Regards JJ

[@MrProp46]

imaginetMedia that is a major serious good point... might be worth the time to do an add on update to the video... even just a little typed in note just so viewers know and can take that into consideration .... even i didnt think of that ...just stumbled onto here just now.

[@mobayguy]

Absolute Genius - Safe, Simple, Effective, Low Cost, Durable and Easy To build - Thanks so Much ! - See you at the beach

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thank you for your kind words. It is much appreciated.

[@marcondespaulo]

Great video! If saltier language was used, I would have thought this was +AvE alter ego.

[@HossStyle1]

I want to make a pillow out of your voice and sleep on it.lol. very well made, explained, And edited video sir. The very best on you tube I've found. I'm new to you tube and will like and subscribe to your page. Oh let me not forget the items and locations you added just a great all around video. Thank you

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thank you for the kind words. It is very much appreciated. i hope you give the build a try and report back here with any problems, questions, or improvements you have.

[@tjellis1479]

Why do I want to put coffee in there?.....10 gallons of Hot coffee on tap or frappe if you're up North :)

[@ImaginetMedia]

Instant Double Double. If you are not Canadian, you will not understand.

[@hankhighsmith9050]

Timmy's!

[@msterpeter1]

Great build.. I go camping and i build one myself but i used 2 tubes and also put an aluminium plate under the 2 tubes to get more out of the sun's heat works well. Also i bought a compressor with a psi auto ajust so i put it at 40 psi and as the shower is used it automatically starts up to keep psi at 40 until no water is left. I was thinking of trying instead of tubes someting like a propane tank that can be high presure with 10 gal or more if not to big.

[@yola7229]

Thank you. I was searching for a single use fishing rod carrier design. And now I have a dual use water heater, fishing rod carrier design. I’ll put the water fittings on one end, and a fully removable end cap on the other. Depending on my predicament, I’ll run hot water, or travel with rods inside the tube.

[@NomadicGearhead]

This is a very clever solution. I love that you put your DIY skills into frugality.

[@duggydugg3937]

Excellent.. Maybe a foot pump pressured version for cabin

[@ImaginetMedia]

That would be an excellent mod. Great idea.

[@duggydugg3937]

imaginetMedia 😊

[@stephennganga7499]

epic idea! love it.. clean and simple... and so is the video.. and the voiceover is ridiculously smooth... sounds like an Attenborough type documentary👍👍👌👌🤘

[@Mariaet2]

Awesome video! You dont have a parts list, would you? I wanted to build this :-) thanks!

[@ImaginetMedia]

All the parts are shown at 1:25 in the video.

[@Simplelittlelife]

That's an awesome idea! And great video production. Thanks for sharing👍

[@HR3Pilot]

Absolutely amazing instructional video. I was on the edge of ordering 1 of those overpriced aluminum tubes when I found your video. I built mine today for a total of $48USD without the foam blocks yet. I have a small adventure trailer and this is EXACTLY what I wanted for that setup. Thx, Jeff

[@ImaginetMedia]

Glad you liked it. Let me know how you make out with yours or if you can think of any mods that would improve it.

[@moez2388]

Wow, This just saved me over $400. Thanks, dude.

[@JayHughart]

How about two PVC one on each side one for water and one for air pressure. you could fill with a hose and pressurize the air tank at the same time.

[@MrProp46]

Jay Hughart ... i like that idea... and you got a good source for air for a flat and dont want to drag out the compressor

[@izzmunir]

By the Way are you Batman?

[@ImaginetMedia]

I AM Batman!

[@duaneputnam7405]

❤❤❤ I LOVE YOU! Thank you... THE TIME SPENT ( yours ) with your maple syrup , so smooth explanatory steps has help me tremendously.❤❤ Boom!

[@apogeus2]

5 and a half minutes of actual useful information! 👍

[@tallstacker]

Best off grid shower I've seen to. Epic vid

[@wbfinley]

Great DIY sir. But I have a question. Do you run the compressor as your spraying? Or does the 30 psi maintain the "spray" for the duration of the water capacity? I'm very interested in making one of these! Great video!

[@CanadienNortherner]

Good video ! As a plumber , I like the idea . I know pools , in the 70s and 80s used the same concept , black poly pipe , to heat up the pool . Again Awesome job and video .

[@Captinhowwdeee]

I built the same thing for a jeep we used to of-froad in.Cost me like 10 bucks maybe. Used an aluminum beer keg a coiled air hose with a spray nossle and a short pipe in the top for water fill with a bolt in tire valve for airing it up.The Jeep never came with A/C so we mounted York A/c compressor from an old dodge to it and used it as an air compressor. Ran the line from that to the tube front bumper later for air storage tank.

[@jaxxbrat2634]

VanGuy Steve yeah well weird u get the keg?

[@Captinhowwdeee]

Got it from a friend that was planning to use it for a project he never did. Keg was just ideal for my jeep because it fit right on inside back fender of the cj-7. Was killer to wash hands and clean mud from windshield and places you dont enjoy having mud after a nasty ride through the woods. I'll be using this setup or close to it on my van for sure. Will incorporate the shower curtain slide out with it . Awesome vid.

[@Captinhowwdeee]

Yeah our van is getting one for sure. Everything I can make myself for this van build will be made. It is going to be a bottom dollar budget build for sure.

[@dannyboy101010]

What was the reasoning for not going with 6" ? The reason I'm asking is because I'm considering 6" and that spreadsheet looks like you might have a good reply.

[@ImaginetMedia]

Price and availability. 6" ABS costs 3 times as much as 4" diameter.

[@dannyboy101010]

@@ImaginetMedia Oh dang. Ok 👍

[@df3photo]

i made a very similar system a few years ago, filmed it but never posted it because I wanted to change some things... nice job. thanks for sharing.

[@bryanyoung2314]

Dude... excellent video but you’ve GOT to say this.... “I’M BATMAN” 😂😂😂

[@jimmartin7899]

A solar vaccm tube with liquid metal that heats the piston on a stering engine pump and presto! Hay you now have knowledge to make a stand alone system right? No electricity needed! Cool!

[@j.w.m.rhynejr9766]

Awesome idea and great build for such a basic necessity as a decent warm/hot SHOWER! Thank you for the idea and such an amazing end product!

[@ImaginetMedia]

Thank you. Glad you found it useful.

[@toughcustomer1715]

Was I the only one that felt like they were being seduced by his voice 🤨😂😭

[@pv4669]

Very nice video, but did I miss something? The pipe was already black, why the primer and black spray paint?

[@ImaginetMedia]

Yes, you missed something. Flat black increases the thermal absorption over a gloss surface. Plus, this offers much-improved UV protection.

[@PilotAKelly]

@@ImaginetMedia ABS plastic has a few cons, UV protection is one of them that weakens it. Thus the paint helps to decrease this issue.

[@DennisScheuvront]

Dude!!! Not sure if your channel is still up and running, but I've been looking for a way to provide warm water to my outdoor kitchen without running permanent water lines. We live in a cold environment and freezing is an issue when the outdoor kitchen is not being heated for extended periods of time. I will place a series of 2 maybe 3 of these on the roof and out of site to absorb the solar energy to heat the water and I'll run a normal water hose to an inconspicuous spot to supply with city water pressure. So no need for the pressurized portion of your system. I will however install an air admittance valve that will allow for air to enter the chambers when the faucet is turned on and allow the system to fill as it drains. I've been looking for the right setup for my kitchen for about 3 months now and this is absolutely the best system I've seen.... Great job

[@reuse_or_die]

Thanks for taking the time to share this. I have a very low income, a small disability, live in a cabin/caravan off-grid. My bathroom is very cold in winter and has only rain water for handwashing. Brrrr. This is probably going on my roof asap. I have a small 12 volt pump ready to help me feed it. Mine wont be pressurised it will be enough with gravity. I will be feeding 70% max volume in, and leaving a small top valve open for when temp drops below zero to try to prevent cracking. I will probably cover it over with a perspex box or even bubble wrap to see if it still works

[@ImaginetMedia]

Glad you found it useful.