Project - Onboard shower & Water supply

[LOLSNOW]

Que: AwwwWww!​

I will admit I love my showers. I need them and preferably hot. I figured the easiest way to set this up would be to use a tank, a heat source, and a pump. So I did did just that, made a tank, got a heat source, and a pump.

The tank. Approx 25 gallons.​

The tank is built from aluminum with various fittings place throughout - clean out, mounting area, inlets, outlets, and fittings for a electric heater. Missing are the gussets which were welded on later after dry fitting the tank.

After welding the gussets I mocked up a plate that would hold the pump and relay for the electric heaters. The relay was needed as the heaters are rated at 12v 500Watts each and I used two of them so I could bring water from 75F to 115F within 20 minutes.

Relay and pump mounted

Dual heaters wired with MIL-W-22759/16 wire

Pump, relay, power wires, delphi weatherproof plug​

That's it for now as this is all the progress I've made so far but more to follow soon. I'm already seeing a few areas of improvement which I will likely incorporate into another tank once I feel this one out. One is to add a few more mounting locations on the tank so I can build a shield/box for the relay and pump. Others are more minor and nice to haves but I'll go into that later.

 

[On Point]

where are you planning to mount a tank that has more capacity than your fuel tank?

 

[wild_turkey]

Build Thread?

Very interested in this shower solution! I've thought about it through the pump and heating elements, but I don't have the fab skills for the tank. I'm guessing this is going in the spare tire location? Are you planning to add a skid plate?

I've just started stumbling upon some of your upgrade threads and your ingenuity and work is top notch! Any plans to consolidate it all into a single build thread? I would certainly subscribe to follow the progress! Keep up the great work.

 

[JohnTheLuck]

I have been thinking for some time about a water storage and shower solution. I am leaning for a tank mounting on the second row of seats after removing them; low center of gravity and this would for a sleeping platform and storage for other items.

But instead of heating the whole water in the tank, did you look to heat only the water coming from the outlet before usage?

 

[Bossman]

Saw this news item on msn.com that is somewhat related (albeit by a Jeep owner) - 7 gallon tank in the rear bumper with a pressurized system.

Genius Youtuber Adds Pressurized Water Tank To His Jeep Wrangler

 

[LOLSNOW]

where are you planning to mount a tank that has more capacity than your fuel tank?

I'm such an doofus that I forgot to mention this. It will go where the spare tire went. Conveniently there are already 5+ threaded holes on each side of the frame where I will mount the tank to. I also have a rear bumper on the way that will negate the need for the stock location for the spare tire.

Very interested in this shower solution! I've thought about it through the pump and heating elements, but I don't have the fab skills for the tank. I'm guessing this is going in the spare tire location? Are you planning to add a skid plate?

Tank has pretty thick aluminum but I will still add one. This will be part of the design on my next version of the water tank.

I've just started stumbling upon some of your upgrade threads and your ingenuity and work is top notch! Any plans to consolidate it all into a single build thread? I would certainly subscribe to follow the progress! Keep up the great work.

I have a main thread but starting second guessing the build thread in the forum format. My plan is to start individual project threads such as these and link them in my main build thread. That way the info/feedback/questions all stay on topic which makes it easier for everyone to read. Nevertheless here's my build thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ife-after-red-wagon-leads-toyota-4runner.html

I have been thinking for some time about a water storage and shower solution. I am leaning for a tank mounting on the second row of seats after removing them; low center of gravity and this would for a sleeping platform and storage for other items.

But instead of heating the whole water in the tank, did you look to heat only the water coming from the outlet before usage?

That setup would be a bit more complicated and take additional space. The proper way to do that would be via a heat exchanger which is typically tied into the engine's cooling system. I opted against that route as I didn't want to add additional points of failure by adding a hot water system. With this setup the only point of failure is the contained system itself which is fed power from a 150amp breaker in the engine bay.

Saw this news item on msn.com that is somewhat related (albeit by a Jeep owner) - 7 gallon tank in the rear bumper with a pressurized system.

Genius Youtuber Adds Pressurized Water Tank To His Jeep Wrangler

I saw that too! Genius setup utilizing the OEM bumper. :nod:

 

[jerad]

Nice welds! Love the idea. Will it sit any lower than the factory tire? Will you be installing a steel skid??

 

[JohnTheLuck]

That setup would be a bit more complicated and take additional space. The proper way to do that would be via a heat exchanger which is typically tied into the engine's cooling system. I opted against that route as I didn't want to add additional points of failure by adding a hot water system. With this setup the only point of failure is the contained system itself which is fed power from a 150amp breaker in the engine bay.

I agree that an heat exchanger with the engine cooling system would be a lot more complicated. I was more thinking about an electric heater inline with the outlet that would start when water is flowing and shut otherwise. I saw this kind of systems in Europe in houses.

 

[tb-av]

Did you put baffles in the tank? If not, that's a lot of weight moving rapidly when it's not full.

Most tanks have baffles so the contents can't move very far.

 

[phillyd2]

Interesting project. I went with the Piranha On Board Power Hot Shower System, although I don’t think they offer it any more but there are other similar options. It’s a
Heat Exchanger system with a Surflo Pump but you do need a separate water source, which I prefer. It has worked very well for years of moderate use. Being out of engine bay space I had to put it into the fender.

Not my video but it will show the basics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TliLRT4btI

 

[LOLSNOW]

Part II

Temperature Probe​

I picked up a digital thermostat from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019I3YCFS The thermostat will be wired to control the temperature of the water by triggering the relay that controls the two heating elements. The probe is attached to a stainless steel washer so that it can measure the temp at the bottom of the tank.

Water pickup w/ slight bend to pick up water at the bottom of the tank

All wired and hoses mounted

Tank mounted to frame using stock threaded holes

Thank is finally mounted to the frame and is quite solid. I'll be finishing up the wiring in the next few days and do a quick test run. I'm also waiting on my rear bumper to come in so I can permanently mount the fill and output water lines. More updates soon!

 

[LOLSNOW]

I agree that an heat exchanger with the engine cooling system would be a lot more complicated. I was more thinking about an electric heater inline with the outlet that would start when water is flowing and shut otherwise. I saw this kind of systems in Europe in houses.

Ahh. That's a interesting idea. I could see it working with the electric heating elements if there was some inline/pass-though tube with the heaters in them.

Did you put baffles in the tank? If not, that's a lot of weight moving rapidly when it's not full.

Most tanks have baffles so the contents can't move very far.

I'll be using baffle balls. I opted not welding in anything inside the tank as it would make cleaning it out a bit more difficult.

Interesting project. I went with the Piranha On Board Power Hot Shower System, although I don’t think they offer it any more but there are other similar options. It’s a
Heat Exchanger system with a Surflo Pump but you do need a separate water source, which I prefer. It has worked very well for years of moderate use. Being out of engine bay space I had to put it into the fender.

Not my video but it will show the basics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TliLRT4btI

I recall seeing your setup when doing some research. Defiantly taken some inspiration from what you did.

 

[LOLSNOW]

It's been awhile but the shower project is done and has already survived several trips and at least 20+ uses.

At the "RV" fill station.

Younger Bro enjoying a quick rinse

Water is handy when cooking but really could use a sink

At Big Bear with close to 50Gallons water combined

Overall the project is a wrap. I'm still toying with making a shower curtain for extra privacy as this setup attracts way too much attention whenever I use it. Also need to add some insulation to the tank as driving in 40F weather stips a lot of heat from the tank.

 

[longeuayms]

well done! That is exactly what I was thinking of doing once I get my 4runner built out. Very nice work.

 

[rmbertoldi]

Awesome ingenuity

What an awesome build, your 4runner really is a rolling RV now fridge and all! Wondering if, with all the extra liquid weight plus the fridge and Airstream, what type of suspension are you running in the rear, added air bags? I'm hoping to have an Airstream in my future and was wondering how capable the 4runner is with that much weight in the rear along with the RV?
Thanks!

 

[jhguth]

But instead of heating the whole water in the tank, did you look to heat only the water coming from the outlet before usage?

i don't feel like doing any heat transfer calculations, but it would be well into the kW range for instant hot water, so you would need a good battery bank and alternators if that's your plan. without doing even a single napkin calculation i'd guess 5kW+ for a 50 degree temp rise at 1gpm. if you want instant heat you can use a heat exchanger from the engine or you'll need to carry propane.

 

[LOLSNOW]

What an awesome build, your 4runner really is a rolling RV now fridge and all! Wondering if, with all the extra liquid weight plus the fridge and Airstream, what type of suspension are you running in the rear, added air bags? I'm hoping to have an Airstream in my future and was wondering how capable the 4runner is with that much weight in the rear along with the RV?
Thanks!

I have the OME-899 rear coils. I have a hard time to get those to sag and been real happy with them. The 4runner pulled great up the mountain road with the Bambi. I recently threw in a S/C now so pulling it now is almost a non-issue

 

[LOLSNOW]

i don't feel like doing any heat transfer calculations, but it would be well into the kW range for instant hot water, so you would need a good battery bank and alternators if that's your plan. without doing even a single napkin calculation i'd guess 5kW+ for a 50 degree temp rise at 1gpm. if you want instant heat you can use a heat exchanger from the engine or you'll need to carry propane.

Pretty much spot on. Another issue I didn't want to deal with was wasting water while trying to dial in the temperature.

Of course my way is a bit more cumbersome as it can take an hour or two of planning but it's usually a non issue as I typically heat the water when driving to my destination.

 

[Bumbo]

I just saw this, pretty awesome build! I have been researching a similar build but I was focusing more on the electric point of use water heater right now…

I recently came into some EV car batteries which are capable of delivering the current but I still have to deal with the DC to AC inverter. I really wish I was able to find more DC native solutions which could do the same but most of these things are installed in buildings.

I have a lithium 3.3 kWh capacity battery setup that is going to be used as a 55.5VDC supply (48v) for an inverter and with a DC-DC converter to make 24v for the fridge.

What I really need is a nice tank like the OP!

 

[DKC4R]

[MENTION=153545]LOLSNOW[/MENTION] would you ever consider making these for other members? I would definitely be interested in buying a tank set up from you if you're interested.

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