Owner guides
Best camping shower set up guide
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There’s no better feeling than getting back to your campsite and washing off a long day of adventure. And with the best camping shower set up, you can do it right! Regardless of whether you’re camping off-grid or at a local caravan park, you’ll always have a nice and powerful shower to return to!
In putting together this list of the best camping showers, we’ve considered the price, heating method, installation method, water capacity, features, benefits, considerations and availability in New Zealand.
Making the shortlist of the best camping shower set ups are:
Coleman PVC Solar - best portable solar camping shower
Yakima Roadshower - best vehicle-mounted solar camping shower
Camplux Pro Series - best gas-powered camping shower
Komodo Portable Camping Shower - best battery-powered camping shower
Companion Aquaheat Portable - best combination (gas/battery) camping shower
Once you’ve added a camping shower to your set up, consider using Camplify to hire out your van and make a return on your investment. Holidaymakers love campervan and caravan rentals that include a shower!
5 best camping shower set ups
1. Coleman PVC Solar - best portable solar camping shower
Price range: $24.99
Heating method: Solar
Water capacity: 18.9L
The Coleman PVC camp shower is one of the best portable solar showers on the market and an easy choice if you’re planning a DIY campervan bathroom. When full, it’s large enough to provide two showers. However, when it’s empty, it weighs only 250 grams and can be rolled up so that it doesn’t consume much space.
The body of the shower is made of heat-locking PVC material that heats the water when left in the sun. The PVC material is durable and highly heat absorbent so that even on cooler days, it will warm the water inside. Plus, it also features a strong handle for hanging and carrying and an on/off shower head valve to help you conserve water.
Overall, an affordable and convenient set up for those wanting a lower-pressure hot camping shower with minimal installation.
Benefits
No need for electricity or gas.
Sufficient capacity for two showers.
Small and compact.
Highly affordable.
Strong and durable construction.
On/off valve and handle.
Considerations
Heavy to lift when full.
Requires 2-3 hours to heat.
Lower water capacity than other camping shower setups.
Lower water pressure than other camping shower setups.
Installation
Fill the PVC camp shower and hang it by the handle from a branch or a hook on the exterior of your campervan conversion. Leave for 2-3 hours in the sun to heat up. Turn on the valve and shower.
Where to buy in New Zealand
Marine Deals
Rebel Sport
2. Yakima Roadshower - Best vehicle-mounted solar camping shower
Price range: $649 - $799
Heating method: Solar
Water capacity: 15L - 26L
The Yakima Roadshower is the best camping shower set up powered by solar. In New Zealand, it’s available in two sizes (small 15L and medium 26L) and on an average day, it takes about 2 hours to heat the water to 30℃.
One of the best things about the Roadshower is that it delivers intense water pressure (like a garden hose) if you pressurise the tank with an air pump (e.g. a bicycle or foot pump). Its durable body is made of powder-coated aluminium tubing and it includes a showerhead gun nozzle for controlling flow.
A great camping set up for those wanting a pressurised heated shower without the hassle of setting up an electric or gas shower.
Benefits
Doesn’t take up any space inside the van.
Minimal set up after initial installation.
Heats water whenever in sunlight.
Good height for a shower.
Intense pressure.
Durable.
Considerations
Requires at least 2 hours of sun to heat up.
More expensive than a portable solar shower.
Water pressure drops off as the tank empties.
Requires a roof rack.
Installation
Attach the Roadshower to roof racks as per instructions. Fill the tank and allow water to heat for 2 hours. Pressurise tank with an air pump. Unhook hose from the side of the tank and shower.
Where to buy in New Zealand
Roof Rack Store
3. Camplux Pro Series - best gas-powered camping shower
Price range: $275 - $450
Heating method: Gas
Water capacity: 6 - 10L per minute
The Camplux Pro Series is the best gas-powered camping shower set up to install in a campervan or caravan. There are two models with different flow rates (i.e. the rate at which the unit converts cold water to hot water): the smaller 6L per minute and the larger 10L per minute. It delivers hot water (up to 46℃) in seconds and there is no need to wait for it to heat up.
The Pro Series is powered by two D-cell batteries and you must connect it to an LPG gas tank to heat the water. You must also attach its hose to a tap that can provide a constant supply of fresh water. The unit's knob controls allow you to adjust water temperature and pressure and it has a wide-nozzle shower head that is almost equivalent to a home shower.
This is a great set up for those wanting to enjoy high-pressure hot showers when staying at campsites with access to a fresh water tap. It may not be the best solution for those wanting to camp off-grid.
Benefits
Hot water in seconds.
Unlimited water capacity because it’s attached to a tap.
Wide-nozzle shower head.
Adjustable pressure and temperature.
Considerations
Requires pressurised water tap.
Requires gas tank.
Bulkier than other portable camping shower setups.
More complicated installation than other camping showers.
Installation
Mount the shower unit in your campervan as per instructions. Attach hose and LPG gas tank. Power on the unit, adjust temperature and pressure knobs and enjoy your hot shower.
Where to buy in New Zealand:
4. Komodo Portable Camping Shower - best battery-powered camping shower
Price range: $50
Power method: USB-rechargeable battery
Water capacity: Depends on the size of the bucket
The Komodo Portable Camping Shower is a small but handy battery-powered camping shower to carry in your campervan or caravan. Its simple design means that it’s easy to store away (coil it up like a hose) and even easier to set up. Simply submerge the electric pump in a bucket of water and start showering. If you like, you can even mount the showerhead using the included hook and suction cup.
It can take anywhere from 2 - 5 hours to fully charge the pump battery via USB but this will provide you with about 1 hour of shower run time. The water pressure is consistent and the wide showerhead makes for a pleasant experience. However, be aware that Komodo Portable Camping Shower does not heat the water - it only pumps.
A highly affordable and effective set up for those wanting a high-pressure cold shower that is lightweight, easy to store and great for off-grid camping.
Benefits
Consistent water pressure.
Very simple set up.
Long-lasting battery life.
More portable than other setups.
Highly affordable.
Considerations
Water isn’t heated.
Pump doesn’t completely drain the bucket.
Not as durable as other setups.
Water capacity depends on bucket size.
Installation
Once you’ve charged the battery via USB, simply submerge the electric pump in a bucket of water, turn it on and start showering.
Where to buy in New Zealand:
Dick Smith NZ
Kogan NZ
5. Companion Aquaheat Portable - best combination (gas/battery) camping shower
Price range: $499
Heating method: Gas
Water capacity: Depends on the size of the bucket
The Companion Aquaheat Portable is a combination shower that’s great for camping off-grid. It is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery and the water is heated by a portable gas cylinder or cartridge. The unit rapidly heats water in a matter of seconds (max temperature of 30˚C) and has a flow rate of 2L per minute.
The Aquaheat weighs 10kg, which makes it slightly heavier than alternative camping shower setups. However, it is easy to use and has some convenient features such as an on/off switch on the showerhead, silicone hoses that won’t kink and a digital display with information about the water temperature, pressure, battery life and more. Plus, the battery will provide you with about 1 - 2 hours of shower run time when fully charged.
This is a great set up for those wanting to enjoy a high-pressure hot shower when camping off-grid without access to pressurised taps.
Benefits
Hot water in seconds.
Consistent pressure.
Digital display is easy to control.
Showerhead controls.
Powered by a rechargeable battery or direct DC power source.
Doesn’t require a pressurised water source (e.g. a tap).
Considerations
Not as light or portable as some smaller camp shower setups.
More expensive.
Requires gas cylinders.
Installation
Ensure that the battery is fully charged or plug the unit directly into a power source. Attach gas cylinder. Submerge the pump in a bucket of water. Turn on the unit, start the shower and enjoy.
Where to buy in New Zealand:
Complete Outdoors
How to choose the best camping shower set up
1. Energy source
Camping showers use different energy sources to heat the water and power the unit. Think about which energy sources you normally have access to when camping.
Solar-powered camping showers
Solar-powered camping showers rely on the sun to heat the water over several hours. As such, water temperatures might not be as high as other types of setups. Further, solar camping showers normally have low water pressure because they simply rely on the power of gravity or air pressure. They are normally more affordable and a great option for those wanting to camp off-grid.
Gas-powered camping showers
Gas-powered camping showers rely on gas cylinders or canisters to heat the water inside via coils and burners. They can heat water within seconds. However, most models require access to a source of running water (e.g. a tap). As such, they are better suited to people who like to camp at caravan or holiday parks (rather than off-grid camping).
Battery-powered camping showers
Battery-powered camping showers rely on replaceable or rechargeable batteries. Some models only pump the water, whilst others both pump and heat water at the same time. They are a good set up for those who have access to a power source or are willing to carry heavy batteries with them when camping off-grid.
Combination (gas/battery) camping showers
Combination camping showers rely on a mixture of both battery and gas to power the shower and heat the water. They are often the best camping shower set up for people wanting a hot shower with high water pressure when camping off-grid.
Pressurised camping showers
Pressurised camping showers require you to manually pump the water out of the showerhead using a foot or hand pump. These are a good set up for people wanting short and sweet camp showers with decent pressure.
Gravity camping showers
Gravity camping showers rely on the power of gravity to drain the water out of the showerhead. These are a good set up if you only want a short shower and you’re not too worried about water pressure.
2. Water supply
Some styles of camping showers require you to fill the tank up with water before use (i.e. solar, pressurised and gravity). Other styles of camping showers might require you to submerge a pump in a water source such as a bucket or a stream (i.e. battery-powered, gas-powered or combination).
And some other styles of camping showers might require you to connect the unit via a hose to a pressurised water source such as a tap (i.e. some battery-powered, gas-powered or combination).
3. Temperature
The best camping shower set up for your van also depends on whether you want to have hot water, and if so, how quickly. Solar camping showers can take hours to heat the water and often only achieve a moderate temperature (depending on exposure to sunlight). Gas and battery-powered setups can heat water to high temperatures within seconds.
However, note that some setups won't heat the water at all (such as low-cost battery camping showers).
4. Size, weight and portability
Solar camping showers tend to be smaller and more portable. Gas and battery-powered setups tend to be larger, bulkier and heavier but they provide better water pressure and temperatures.
5. Flow rate
The flow rate dictates how long the shower will last if it’s hooked up to a finite water source (e.g. a bucket). In the case of gas and battery-powered showers, it will also dictate how many litres of water the unit can heat per minute.
6. Set up
Solar camping showers are very simple to set up but you will have to wait hours for the water to heat up. Gas and battery-powered camping showers take a few minutes to set up but many models can heat the water within seconds.
Earn a return on your camping shower set up
Once you’ve chosen the best camping shower set up for your van and installed it, rent it out through Camplify and begin making a return on the money you’ve invested!
Holidaymakers love van rentals that include a camping shower. So, instead of letting your campervan, caravan or motorhome sit idly in the driveway when it’s not in use, hire it out and make money from the comfort of your own home!
Why Camplify?
Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their van through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.
And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused van!