The Emergency Water Storage We've Been Waiting For - FINALLY!!!

[@MJPeddler]

It looks pretty handy. I think I'd find some sort of "sock" to cover the valve while on the road, or buy a spare cap for the tank, so you could remove the valve. Just to keep it clean, and/or away from damage potential.

[@jerseydevil7574]

@#1 TRACKRECORD what-a-JOKE I trust offroad dirt more than I trust road grime.

[@user-dt5ro]

@I SURVIVED WWIII with IRAN thank you for your service sir

[@ConorMakes]

I think it would be best to travel with the valve in storage and not on the can, It will get dirty. And also I would not want my drinking water where it could be tampered with if I leave the van unattended. I'll have a think for some other options that you may like or not. Sorry this sounds like a negative comment it is not meant to be.

[@4460cows]

It is really great to see that adventure van getting a full test along with all the improvements you have make. It makes me remember my 1979 Ford E-150 4x4 Van with all of it's features comes up way short on the list compared to this newest series. Well at least I did bag two nice size bucks and many memories of hunting trips, fishing trips and camping. Glad to see your getting some great use with the family. Building strong family memories to last a lifetime. Keep them aimed well.

[@nyjohn12]

Before retiring I worked at a plant that occasionally required work in areas greater than 100 degrees. We set up water jugs at the entry/exit for these areas. After a while people were getting sick. The problem was traced back to the valves on the jugs. Even though we cleaned the jugs, the valve interiors had bacteria in them. We had to go to disposable water bottles.

[@chrluc]

Yikes, I was just doing some quick math, and this setup is $135 for 2 gallons of water!

[@jamielee4206]

And with it being white it will grow algae very quickly in sunlight.

[@Bulletstop75]

Yeah - Rotopax are way overpriced and evidently suffering from QC issues if the Amazon reviews are any indication.

[@samanthabentley9876]

It looks really high quality though

[@Jako1987]

It costs 121,13€ to drink 2 gallons of beer in a bar in Finland

[@Bulletstop75]

@@samanthabentley9876 Evidently they are/were - it seems as though the new ones are having some hiccups. I can see their utility for a motorcycle (which I think is what they were designed for originally) but on a 4 wheel application they seem overpriced compared to better cheaper options.

[@Element_lifestyle]

Thanks, what’s the link for the part?

[@elizabethetienne1595]

You neglected to add the name of the spigot faucet product. I cannot find it anywhere on Amazon and there were no links in your description.

[@ryanguy5913]

When I worked in wire rope and rigging fabrication, the design factor (fudge factor) on all of our slings and fitting was either 5:1 or 4:1, meaning either a 20% to 25% overspec to fail. Whenever I’m dealing with things that are designed well, I always keep those numbers in my head.

[@jakejones5991]

I recommend keeping those rotopax locks well oiled. I have had two different sets completely seize up. I know a few other people who have had similar issues. Over all rotopax are great. I’ve had them for 4 years.

[@tfastlane]

I was yelling, PUT THE RING ON! but you wouldn't listen.

[@kurtsollner8767]

I am studying engineering at the moment and depending on the stresses it will be undergoing we calculate from 1/2 to an 1/8 of the yield strength for what we are building. The "limit" on a tongue for a truck is more than likely in the 1/6 to 1/5 range .

[@deerslayer4331]

You should list a link for the valve adapter, help out the vendor and your audience.

[@paramedicferrell]

Watch out Cody, I wouldn’t add that extra 2 gal rotopax. I believe that might overload that van!

[@johnborup4575]

Nice mounting system, but i would get an extra closed cap and keep the valve inside the van during driving, usually the back end of vans gets pretty dirty just driving on public road

[@chrluc]

That's high quality H2O!

[@JG-yk6ny]

Say what you will about my personal hygiene, but please don't waste water.

[@MrAJA1991]

The minimum “Safety Factor” that I was taught in college here in the UK, for engineering design was 4:1. This was for things mounted on a wall etc. (E.g a wall mounted air con unit). I’ve seen safety factors of 10:1 for overhead applications (e.g a lifting beam mounted on a ceiling). So if the Safe Working Load was 100kg it would have been tested up to 1000kg with a 10:1 safety factor

[@vgullotta]

I like those rotopacks, but I think I would have stuck with the walmart ones and cut the bars on the top of your cooking storage container where the valve would stick out so that it would fit, just simply because of the water capacity.

[@GodlessDad]

Make sure not to freeze your fancy new valve. Food safe plastics never last long frozen. It'll likely stop flowing or get accidentally snapped off/cracked. Always enjoy your vids, especially the 4x4 van stuff. Cheers!

[@jasonj9111]

Hey Cody, have you considered the longer your rear payload is the more difficult to see the side brake lights becomes? Perhaps two flush mounted brake lights 6-10” below the upper door hinges would help? Great video.

[@sandymush7163]

PRO TIP: That spout from the water can WILL fit those gas cans... you can use the seal from the gas spout... BEATS those "safety" spouts! ***Order more "Water" spouts for the other gas cans! Also... use a little food safe grease on those seals from time to time to keep them from tearing.

[@alanwilliams5836]

I really like this! The only thing I would have concern with actually is the dust that we get from behind our vehicles.... I'd go one step further, and put a plastic bag with silicone band over the entire valve assy. Carry a few spares. Will save a LOT of cleanup later. Thanks Cody... great video.

[@TheFinkElement]

Cody, you got a good chuckle out of me when you got forgot to put the cap on over the spout. I hadn’t even thought about it while you were assembling. Totally something I would have done!! Great video, BTW!

[@DanDeLaiarro]

Becoming a "stamped" engineering (getting your Professional Engineer license) is a bit more complicated than that but you got the basics down. It's definitely something done post-degree. As for the spigot - I think it's great. Will you be traveling with it attached or in the cabinet? I could see putting it in the cabinet just to avoid mud and what not getting on it. It's also less expensive to replace the plastic spouts than the machined part you bought. I'm loving these van videos! Keep it up!

[@mikeboone4425]

I've had 4 Rotopax water storage can's now for at least 8 years got them at a garage sale for 5 bucks a pop a young service man was being transferred to Europe and just wanted to get rid of them they have worked out great we use them on our trips .

[@snappa222]

Please share link for valve assembly.

[@jonniessink1]

I agree with everyone else, I would put the nozzle in the box to keep dust, dirt and road salt. You know as well as I do what the backs of cars and trucks look like in the winter time. Also i would suggest to put an auxiliary led brake light/ strip up under the roof rack for the people to see when you have all the stuff hanging off the back side. I'd hate to see all that stuff get banged up.

[@My12521252]

Thanks so much for the awesome content Cody! If Jack is really interested in aviation, career-wise the next 10 years will be an amazing time to get into the industry. Think about getting him a small plane to build time in. A Cessna 150/152 will cost you less than 20K and would be perfect for him to build time so that he would hopefully have 500 hours of total time for him to get a job when he turns 18 or 19

[@EngNerdGMN]

What you call the "fudge factor" we call a Factor Of Safety. As far has how much? That REALLY depends on industry, materials, and risk to human life. Airplanes usually have the lowest at 1.2-1.5 because weight is such a major factor. To compensate the low FOS, analysis are *MUCH* more rigorous and materials held to much higher standards. For your hitch the FOS is likely 3. So it's designed to handle 3x the rated load because we know folks like you will abuse them. Personally I would be comfortable loading to 1.5x the rated capacity on something like that.

[@jacobmack7019]

In engineering we account for fatigue life as well. So force wise it is usually a 20-40% gap for the engineered strength vs the actual rated strength and 10x factor for life. This also depends on the engineering protocol for each company but those numbers are a pretty good rule of thumb

[@pferrel]

Awesome video! I wonder if you can leave off the locking bolts that attach the base of the mount to the lower section of rotopax mount so when it is loosened it will pivot from spigot up to spigot down--no need to take on/off. You may not have room to pivot with your setup but some people mount to the side of their vehicle (like me).

[@AH6man]

Man jack has it so good. I’ve always wanted to be a pilot but my family never had the resources and now that I’m in my mid 20s i only have time for work and school still. Soon tho, soon.

[@clintonminer7636]

Thank you for showing your mistakes as well as your knowledge and wisdom. We lessor mortals appreciate it

[@bradkaral1188]

Well-done review. Thanks.

[@plaid13]

You should look for some sort of a cap for that water valve. even turned down road dust and stuff will blow up in there. Could even make one with a rubber cork just drill it out to fit over that and shove it on.

[@Monarch67]

Where do you find this valve system? Normally those who post on you tube add a link to find products

[@MIL-STD]

If the black box it's mounted to is also secured with a lock, you could attach a small chain inside the box with the key to the rotopax can. That way you'd only need to carry one key.

[@Anterak123]

Nice video. What about the dirt and dust accumulating on the rear end of the vehicle? Don't you have any dirt and dust accumulating on your gear in the back of the truck? A flat rear end vehicle is notorious for accumulating grime. Maybe if you drive only on pristine asphalt roads you will be OK, but when you get on dirt roads, all you gear in the back will be cover with dirt and dust.

[@munkeybiznes]

I wonder if a air deflector that diverts air down from the roof rack would help with that?

[@briansaid1730]

Or add foil vanes to keep the streamlines from separating....as my friend Cal Gongwer did on his van side and roof rear corners 30 years ago....tremendous fuel efficiency of course also .....ha

[@DEADB33F]

Will you be doing anything to mitigate algae growth? Usually you'd want a fully opaque tank for external water storage to stop it going green. Otherwise you have to mess about treating the water with chlorine tablets or some-such. --- You might also want to make a cover for the valve to keep the sun off it. I have what looks to be the same valve on a 5 gal tank and it's gone brittle from being in the sun all the time. Will also keep road muck out as well.

[@TheTrailHammer]

Beautiful, I have the Water Rotopax, now I have a solution =) Thanks for sharing

[@donaldmcgregor8152]

Freeze one, and put the valve on the other. You will have cold water and it will be usable right away, and the secondary one will have time to thaw out! Cool ideas Cody!

[@claykalmar8131]

Just to clarify for you, it’s a Factor of Safety, and it ranges from item to item. Airplanes are different than bridges which are different from hand tools. And yes, we like to build them in for safety because stuff happens and we are adventurous too haha. I was taught to design things as if your own family were using them. And to get the Professional Engineer stamp, you need a bachelor’s degree, plus your FE (fundamentals exam) certificate to start four years of work underneath licensed professional engineers. After that you have to pass the PE (professional exam). You pass that, then you are a Professional Engineer. I’m currently working on my four years.

[@EngNerdGMN]

And to get your Structural license you need an additional desire for pain and sorrow to make it through the 16hr test.

[@dougcaseltine2462]

I for one like what you've done with the van. few things I would do differently but my children are grown . keep up the good work.

[@JP-NL]

Jack have fun on your trip to Amsterdam. I live 30 minutes away and I would recommend you to eat some Stroopwafels, they are delicious!

[@Mrbfgray]

"Fudge factor" (Factor of Safety) is typically 2 or 3 ish, 200 to 300% of expected max load. The torque, leverage from the extended arm does look a tad scary on a rough road but compared to a max tongue wt. trailer on a shorter reach, maybe not. If hitch is well made as I expect it will at least bend and droop long before breaking, won't likely fail without plenty of warning.

[@jamielee4206]

That will be about $140 for 4 gallons of water storage. That's insanely expensive and with them being white they will grow algae on the inside very quickly and will be difficult to clean.

[@BoilerRoomRadio]

A little silver water in each fill, and the algae is no worry.

[@ChewbacaTW]

Factor of safety is typically dictated by several factors: Material, expected forces, application, and gut. Most factors of safety for towing down a highway are at least 2.0. Sometimes more for aluminum because it yields far more quickly and dramatically than steel.

[@archeryandoutdoors1776]

Walmart one is 7 gallons, not 6. Just FYI if anyone was interested.

[@dougdickey7381]

I dont know as it pertains to other areas, but as for ASME pressure vessels there was a safety factor of 4 for vessels built before 1999 and there is a safety factor of 3 for vessels built after 1999 (the materials were actually stronger than they originally thought when earlier versions of the code was written)...as for engineers, it depends on the jurisdiction (state) but generally once a person graduates with a BS degree in engineering they have to work two years under a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) before the P.E. will sign off on thier application to sit for the P.E. exam (which is pretty tough). Once they pass the exam and thier application is accepted, then they are a P.E. for that jurisdiction (there may or may not be a reciprocity agreement for neighboring jurisdictions).....as for ASME pressure vessels, the P.E. is responsible for the design and calculations, AND there is also an Authorized Inspector (A.I.) that has also had a significant amount of experience and passed the National Board exam that will also sign for the vessel and both are responsible for it.

[@MrPir84free]

I'm thinking I'm looking at an infomercial.. Replacing $6 water cans with $54 water cans of less than 1/3rd the capacity... It'd be cheaper using bottled water..

[@bking0740]

Is the plastic on that water can translucent Or does it omit all light? With it being mounted outside like that you may be battling a Algae problem. freezing them full of water would work good For inside a cooler. But if you froze it and put it on your Carrier outside I think you and end up with Quite a mess due to condensation and road dust. But you are right those cans are very nice with a very nice mounting system. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us.

[@jeffreyarmstrong2800]

Cody, Thank you for the review and installation videos. I’m planning on using these on our sailboat. I hadn’t see these until you installed. Thank you again, Jeffrey

[@AH6man]

My cousins are engineers one of them for nasa and i remember him telling me something similar to fudge factor. He was working with semi trucks at the time and they want their number to show as high as possible without people exceeding it too much. 8-12% for something like this is kinda pushing it but it’s there. Also it depends on the terrain if you’re on flat smooth ground it can be there but on a bumpy trashing roads it’s on the lower side.

[@face2faceyouth]

You could use a water spigot that would go on your house for a garden hose with a check valve if you ever wanted to get away from the plastic valve. Regardless I think it’s a good system. Thanks for sharing as always.

[@cornbreadbees5385]

Nice setup. No worries on the load your hauling you have set it up right with suspension and tires. I run load range E on my 1/2 ton Dodge Ram 4x4 it's a truck to be used and worked not to sit and look pretty lol thanks for the video.

[@kimwiser445]

Your videos are great for ideas. I find it interesting reading the negative comments. No one has to use the same items but can come up with their own ideas or change out items to fit their own budget.

[@johnmeyer5180]

Hi. Because you have so much you pack on the rear bumper area. It might be a good thought to mount auxiliary tail/ signal lights above the windows. A safety precaution and ticket repellant.

[@mavos1211]

That’s a great system thank you for sharing. I guess it would be easy to lengthen the “vent” so it goes up inside above the water line but not sure if that would make much of a difference.

[@alanmoffat4454]

THE VAN KEY WRING IS GETING BIGGER .BUT GOOD IDEA,WELL DONE.

[@kkilby11]

Not sure if I missed it and if I did I apologize. Please post a link to where you bought the spout kit.

[@joyceano5354]

Great video. Though just to clarify, your camper is not a "1 tonne truck". The new Suzuki Jimny weighs 1 tonne (plus 65 kilos) and it's TINY. Your van is tonnes heavier for sure.

[@nelsonholmes6174]

Cody I can appreciate that you are building the ultimate adventure van for your family, by using the best equipment that fits into your budget, My only gripe is that all this comes at a huge financial cost, that you can comfortably afford, but for your average viewer it's way out of the average persons budget. I'm not hating in the slightest. I would just like you to maybe include budget versions of the products you use. Your work ethic is not at fault whatsoever.

[@wranglerstar]

These videos are not a blueprint to be followed precisely. They are ideas to regard or disregard as a person sees fit. You don't need an adventure van to have a use for a quality water storage system.

[@sheldonfrey1]

Don't know if you have the room or not, maybe add the second can on the other side of the kitchen box. Then when you swing the kitchen out to use under the awning your water is on the outside not against the side of the van.

[@TSGEnt]

14:53 On a previous home where we had some remodeling going on, our structural engineer had really added additional "fudgefactor" to the garage part of the building. A 4x8 beam would have sufficed but he called out an 8x12 glulam to be sure it would pass code and we could (jokingly) hang a full 454 chevy engine from the beam. In fact, we could! He didn't want us to ever come back and say the building fell down. We joked the entire house would come down in an earthquake the but the garage would still be standing.

[@EngNerdGMN]

Sounds like he was *WAY* overly cautious because he wasn't used to typical timber design. A timber beam will flex wildly long before it's in danger of breaking, so timber designs are usually governed by deflection and not by load. If a 4x8 beam would pass deflection limits, you still could have easily loaded it with an engine block without it failing, you just might have noticed slightly more sag than usual in the floor above it.

[@TSGEnt]

@@EngNerdGMN 🤓

[@JoeyRock333]

I dont see this on Amazon. Wish you would have included a link.

[@Speedie15]

I really loved CAP when I was a kid. Learned things I have used every day of my life.

[@Thereal111t]

Cool setup! I picked up a few of the lci or scepter military water cans. They’re tough. There’s a spout assembly I picked up, but it’s nowhere near as nice as that custom machined one you have. You might want to figure some kind of bag to cover the spout from dust. Thanks for the video!

[@hammer9390]

Looks good. As others have mentioned, I would add a cover to keep the valve from gathering road grime.

[@blatant2subtlety]

Something you may want to try. In order to keep dust out of the spigot, buy a few rubber chair leg caps. They're only a dollar or two for a set so no biggie if you lose it.

[@turnersparadise8368]

Hey! So glad to hear Jack is ready for CAP!!!!!! Caitlin LOVES it. She is a 2nd Lt. and boy has it changed her life.

[@bilexperten]

we have those valves in Sweden. some times they starts to leak. but they are good.

[@artfisher1615]

Covering valve is a great idea. Think it will get dusty on dirt roads. Maybe not very glamorous, but a baggie and rubber band would work.

[@jhisick9339]

I have a question for you. Will the water nozzle fit the gas can? This would eliminate the lousy government imposed safety devices... if there are replacement nozzles available from the manufacturer. l enjoy your videos, keep up the good work!!

[@Alex-hr3qu]

Can you give a link to the adapter! Or at the very least give the name of the seller. I’ve browsed on amazon and can’t find it thank you!

[@jaym3280]

Another nice video, Cody. That adapter looks like a nice solution. BTW, it's not pot-a-ble like what you cook in, the "o" is long, like potent.

[@timreid9556]

I was certified for Amusement Device Safety inspection and that was done through the Elevator union here. 15 people can get on an elevator. ..but what are they carrying.... large weight allowance in elevators.

[@albenv2]

You might want to extend the vent tube with a piece of pvc tubing that reaches near the bottom of the can. It will flow faster when inverted..

[@keithbrookshire]

This isn't meant to be snarky at all. The first syllable of Potable rhymes with poe, not pa. It's pronounced poe ta ble. I'm really enjoying seeing the van come along.

[@turnersparadise8368]

Yet it was so...snarky...

[@keithbrookshire]

@@turnersparadise8368 Honestly, almost no one pronounces potable properly except those of us that process water for a living. I process 4-6 MGD of drinking water.

[@prjroberts]

Hey Cody, I know you're saying about the weight, but you should maybe load up with everything and try a weigh station against the vehicle specs (plus your mods). Also water on roof scares me for stability. Overall, you really want to make sure that you don't invalidate your insurance or be criminally liable in case of an accident. Safe travels to your family and yourself.

[@collincox5315]

Hey Cody, I see you said you have a pump filter for the van. I'd highly recommend the Platypus gravity-fed water filters. I've used mine backpacking and it has always outperformed the pump or squeeze filters in my experiences.

[@offgridsweden]

Looking great Cody. Have an amazing week, Andreas from Off Grid Sweden 🇸🇪

[@inalaska1709]

Looks great. I’m just curious, I’m sure you looked at just adding a water line from your inside system. Would you give us your thought on this? I use one of the Walmart jugs for outside water with my motor home, but have been considering plumbing an outside line.

[@benningtoncamper2852]

I think if they open the driver side rear door there is a spigot there - showering if I recall.

[@inalaska1709]

Bennington Camper there is, mostly used to flush out waste tubes after emptying your tanks. I want to put one on the passenger side as that is the side the entry door is on, and where we put the grill.

[@Adeoneer]

It's a works van. It can handle a lot more than that. I think having one on each side would ballance it out. Enjoying the conversion. Quality 😼👍

[@MrFlip001]

16 to solo. 17 to hold a pilot certificate. We recommended starting training at 15.5+ to solo on or close to their 16th birthday. Biggest thing to remember is it’s not rocket science. Don’t let it overwhelm you. Jack will do great. Be careful with the CAP. It’s paramilitary (which is fine to an extent) but depending on how busy the chapter is or who’s running it, I’ve seen guys wait for years to even fly in the plane. All the while doing grunt work.

[@rickmaudlin2160]

How about adding additional LED Brake/Tail Lights on the back of those long loads. Connected to your trailer socket, it,s quick and clean.

[@mathbrown9099]

As long as I can have water for my Norske Coffee, I appreciate the device.

[@mattcero1]

Your engineering acumen and creativity is so appreciated man. I'm needing an inexpensive container to hold potable water for my motorcycle tail end. Any recommendations? Thanks again.

[@ichikurataichou3119]

This is awesome exactly what I need does anyone know if you can directly mount it I have a Honda Element and want to put it on the tailgate but I don't want to just go drilling holes or would it be better to attach it to something else

[@says8]

"Fudge factor" is more commonly referred to as tolerance. Also, engineers don't just get a stamp to be able to sign off on designs. With experience and an exam, they can earn the designation of Professional Engineer and, with it, the ability to accept liability of designs.

[@nat5720]

Careful freezing it with your valve on there, not sure if the valve holds water in a cavity when shut, loving the van sir!

[@cjoor]

'fudge factor' is 1.7 or 2.7, depending on conditions. That's what they taught me anyways. As an aside, maybe a cover for that valve while driving? Wouldn't want to have to waste precious water just to clean a valve before a cooking session

[@MNAZ12]

Thanks Cody!

[@SuperLee47]

Just remember that for every pound you add behind the rear axle you take two pounds off the front axle.. So if you are putting 2,000# on the back, you are taking 4,000# off you front axle, so you could make your front so light that you would have trouble making turns.. Be safe my friend..

[@5150Lane]

Wow! What a great summer for Jack! Have you ever considered adopting someone? If you have, I'd like to volunteer for you to adopt me! lol

[@silentcadence06]

I can’t see the stud the can mounts to, but instead of taking the locking mechanism all the way off and flipping it to get water. Is it possible to just loosen up the mechanism and spin the can itself on the stud to the usable position. Maybe a clearance issue with the door once the can is long ways or just not enough play in the locking portion. Just my thought so mrs. w could possibly just spin it herself, or you or anyone.

[@teedawg2112]

Rotopax locking adapter $60 Rotopax 2gallon tank $50 x 2 - $100 Valve adapter $25 x 2 - $50 4 gallon Total setup $210! 🤣

[@jayhat]

What's your point though? He cant spend his money on nice stuff? Lots of people use multiple Rotopax on their rigs.

[@almosthomesteading9734]

Super slick setup ! Nicely done.

[@JankyShack]

The safety factor or "fudge factor" is usually 3x the rated/working load limit.

[@EngNerdGMN]

For mechanical systems, yes. It is higher/lower for other types of systems.

[@MHomesteading]

Cody, your van is super impressive. Can you do a little review on the E-Bikes (if you haven't already). They look pretty cool and caught my interest. Great video as always!

[@drewadams7025]

Where can I get that valve , please post a link . Ty

[@JS-.-]

I’d get a small water balloon to put over the nozzle so dust and road grime doesn’t get in.

[@wingshooter1967]

A small snack bag and a rubber band would also work and won’t break as easily