Southern California Club Xterra
Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX General Discussion => Topic started by: Ghost65 on January 19, 2015, 12:00:00 PM
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Anyone have any thoughts on staying clean while camping? (open door to flaming/threadjacks here...)
Looking at some of the solar options, I see 5 gallon/10 gallon options, as well as some nice privacy enclosures.
We are heading to Zion this year for a 10 day camp sesh, and with hiking and combined mountain biking will be looking for a little warm water washing.
Thoughts, experiences?
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Ask Motorpig77 to post his onboard shower system. Man that thing is amazing. I have tossed around the idea of some of those solar showers myself. I have a couple of buddies that use them and they all have said they work out really nice and get plenty warm. Might want to get you a little wooden pallet or some such to stand on or the dirt and soap won't get completely washed off if you aren't wearing flip flops. For privacy just set up a trekking pole anchored with 550 or similar cord and a large tarp into a V-pattern in the direction of your campsite. Or you can just wear shorts if you don't want to put on a show for the locals.
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I used this on the Death Valley and Rubicon trips and it worked great!!
(http://zodi.com/uploads/images/medium/hot-tap-hp-shower.jpg)
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Ever think about the Helton hot water set-ups?? It uses engine heat to heat up the water. All you have to provide is a water source (cooler of melted ice, pond, etc..).
http://cruiseroutfitters.com/helton.html
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on an extended trip i have used the solar shower and free standing shower tent. works pretty well and gets plenty hot since we have no shortage of sun.
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Solar shower set ups and a free standing tent/privacy privy are leading my search so far.
Looks like a quality 5 gallon solar shower is in the $15-20 range...with the tent between $35 and $100.
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As a matter of fact, I saw a combination privy/shower free standing unit for appro. $30.00 at Walmart the other day.
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One gallon per person solar is plenty. Get the 5 gal. and fill it half full, it heats faster. Curtain is nice if you are in a cold wind, otherwise your undies probably need a wash anyway ;)
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As a matter of fact, I saw a combination privy/shower free standing unit for appro. $30.00 at Walmart the other day.
i hate shopping at walmart but actually this was the only place ive found one that i thought would be able to hold the weight of a 5 gal shower bag because it wasnt made of 3mm fiberglass tent poles, it has metal poles. Ozark Trail Shower Utility Shelter, very nice sturdy poles, has a vented roof and comes with a rain fly with stakes and guy lines.
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One gallon per person solar is plenty. Get the 5 gal. and fill it half full, it heats faster. Curtain is nice if you are in a cold wind, otherwise your undies probably need a wash anyway ;)
Good stuff there...and you didn't say "ass" ;D
As a matter of fact, I saw a combination privy/shower free standing unit for appro. $30.00 at Walmart the other day.
Didn't you bring something to Mojave Road? That was kinda my idea, but I also like Erik's suggestion on the floor to stand on so your kicks don't get all re-sanded whilst spritzing off.
i hate shopping at walmart but actually this was the only place ive found one that i thought would be able to hold the weight of a 5 gal shower bag because it wasnt made of 3mm fiberglass tent poles, it has metal poles. Ozark Trail Shower Utility Shelter, very nice sturdy poles, has a vented roof and comes with a rain fly with stakes and guy lines.
Looks like Wal Mart is no longer offering the Ozark Trail...sooooo, perusing the Cabela's site now.
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Found this:
Camping World: Shower floor (http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/portable-shower-deck/70098)
Terry...which Wal Mart did you see the Ozark Trail enclosure in, Orange County?
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I took some pvc pipe from Lowe's, drilled a few holes to add some standard air line connectors, a filler cap, and a Schrader valve for water pressure, mounted it to the top of my roof rack for a solar shower, holds about three gallons! Took a few brass fittings from Lowe's and made a stepdown connector that a standard garden hose nozzle fits on... Works great! I also have a privacy shower tent I picked up on a road trip on the east coast... Happy to send/post pics to anyone interested.
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Found this:
Camping World: Shower floor (http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/portable-shower-deck/70098)
Terry...which Wal Mart did you see the Ozark Trail enclosure in, Orange County?
Yes as a matter of fact. You can't find them?
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I'd be interested to see this contraption
I took some pvc pipe from Lowe's, drilled a few holes to add some standard air line connectors, a filler cap, and a Schrader valve for water pressure, mounted it to the top of my roof rack for a solar shower, holds about three gallons! Took a few brass fittings from Lowe's and made a stepdown connector that a standard garden hose nozzle fits on... Works great! I also have a privacy shower tent I picked up on a road trip on the east coast... Happy to send/post pics to anyone interested.
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I'll take some good pics in the morning and post them here
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Yes as a matter of fact. You can't find them?
Was looking online...thanks for the call Terry. :)
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I'll take some good pics in the morning and post them here
X2.
American ingenuity at its best. ;D
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its pretty sweet and stealthy, i saw it first hand at justins house.
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Alright guys, here are a few pics. ..
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one connector on each side so I can get water regardless of the angle of the truck, Schrader valve in the front to add air pressure, total cost for everything to include the tubing and hose nozzle was around $65 bucks. Let me know what y'all think please!
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I still am impressed with that mobile shower setup. I'm sure my wife would not be disappointed if I fashioned similar on my truck.
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I'd be happy to help ya build one... Just let me know
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I'd be happy to help ya build one... Just let me know
Giddy up, I will trade you copious amounts of firewood for some assistance in this matter....
:)
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Deal!!!
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Bigger...
(http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae195/DzrtX/The%20GhostX/GhostX%20Mods/clint1.jpg) (http://s971.photobucket.com/user/DzrtX/media/The%20GhostX/GhostX%20Mods/clint1.jpg.html)
(http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae195/DzrtX/The%20GhostX/GhostX%20Mods/clint2.jpg) (http://s971.photobucket.com/user/DzrtX/media/The%20GhostX/GhostX%20Mods/clint2.jpg.html)
(http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae195/DzrtX/The%20GhostX/GhostX%20Mods/clint3.jpg) (http://s971.photobucket.com/user/DzrtX/media/The%20GhostX/GhostX%20Mods/clint3.jpg.html)
(http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae195/DzrtX/The%20GhostX/GhostX%20Mods/clint4.jpg) (http://s971.photobucket.com/user/DzrtX/media/The%20GhostX/GhostX%20Mods/clint4.jpg.html)
(http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae195/DzrtX/The%20GhostX/GhostX%20Mods/clint5.jpg) (http://s971.photobucket.com/user/DzrtX/media/The%20GhostX/GhostX%20Mods/clint5.jpg.html)
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Clint...that's a really cool (well, probably "hot") set up.
A few questions:
How much water does it hold?
For logistics...do you fill before a trip, or as necessary during a trip?
You mention a "Schrader valve"...did you get this from a home improvement store, or a place like Harbor Freight? If so...what size and make?
How do you "charge" the system to provide pressure?
About how much time does this afford under the "shower" in your experience?
Kudos for the black piping, which acts as a natural solar heater. ;D
Thanks for posting...really impressive.
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x2 on what Ghost said....that thing is an engineering feat for sure!!
How do you heat the water? Is it just via the black tube or is there an external heat source?
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Thanks for the kind words, I really enjoy having it there, I've used it quite a few times already!
To answer your questions ...
1. It holds about 2 1/2 to 3 gallons, I've filled it using a five gallon jerry can and it takes a little more than half.
2. I fill it before hand, and will generally fill it before any type of trip
3. Shrader valves (tire stems) can be picked up at any auto parts store, the size just depends on the drill bit you're going to use on the plastic pipe to create the hole for it!
4. I have onboard air now, but before that, I've used a regular hand pump from my mountain bike or a cheap 12v compressor I picked up at target for ten bucks. ..both worked just fine.
5. I get about two minutes of actual running water per fill up, plenty to take a nice camp shower, or wash dishes after cooking.
As for heating, purely solar...although I've considered winter needs and simply heating some water over a campfire and then adding that to the system would surely work on those colder months.
The trickiest part of creating this is sealing the joints and then drilling the holes the right size for the fittings. As for the filler hole, I had to get the right size washer to maintain a tight seal and keep the unit pressurized.
Hope this helps, if you think of anything else, just ask away!
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This is the second one I've created, i...uhhh...broke the first one accidentally when I dropped it in my garage, the second one works even better than the first since I added the second outlet. I used to have to make sure I was parked at the right angle to use it...and that was a pain!
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I used to have to make sure I was parked at the right angle to use it...and that was a pain!
Hmmmm...so you could mount it at an angle for a gravity feed option.
I think I still like the pressurized option...with out it it might feel like something you pay for on CL. :D :D :D
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with out it it might feel like something you pay for on CL. :D :D :D
genuinely laughed out loud.....that was GOLDEN!!!
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You can do gravity, but the air line connectors i used for the system need pressure to get water flowing.
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Even if the unit is pressurized, you still need to make sure the water line is above the outlet or else you'll just be showering in air
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Knightrider, that is exactly why there are two outlets, one on each side. The first one I made only had one, it was a pain in the @$$ moving the truck just to get some water!
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So...I finally pulled the trigger on a nice solar shower, and also a bamboo floor insert. I will be tracking down the infamous Ozark Trail privy at my nearest Wally World...all in preparation for our anniversary trip to Zion coming up in early June.
Thanks for all the input guys!! I really liked pressurized water system Clint on TMR...came in very handy with the dishwashing station.
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Congrats on the solar shower!
I had built one like motorpig has but mine was continuously plagued with small leaks that I got tired of fixing... It worked well when it worked but other than that, it was kind of a pain. Filling was the biggest issue for me, it wasn't bad if filling from a hose, but lifting a jerry can up there to fill sucked for a smaller guy like me. I cut my losses that it and built a new setup that works awesome and is easily moveable to other vehicles/ standalone.
Here is the how to: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/59357-Tyler-s-Shower-Build
The sprayer used in the guide was discontinued, this one works, and is the one I ordered: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HHO8IG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Only minor mods needed to be made to the bug sprayer pump (extending the pickup, using bigger hose, and adding a ball valve with quick disconnect).
(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t507/glamisdude72000/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150319_111915_zpsi78tatmz.jpg) (http://s1063.photobucket.com/user/glamisdude72000/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150319_111915_zpsi78tatmz.jpg.html)
(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t507/glamisdude72000/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150319_111931_zps3enydxae.jpg) (http://s1063.photobucket.com/user/glamisdude72000/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150319_111931_zps3enydxae.jpg.html)
(http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t507/glamisdude72000/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150319_112037_zps4i4tgjcy.jpg) (http://s1063.photobucket.com/user/glamisdude72000/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150319_112037_zps4i4tgjcy.jpg.html)
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So...I finally pulled the trigger on a nice solar shower, and also a bamboo floor insert. I will be tracking down the infamous Ozark Trail privy at my nearest Wally World...all in preparation for our anniversary trip to Zion coming up in early June.
Thanks for all the input guys!! I really liked pressurized water system Clint on TMR...came in very handy with the dishwashing station.
Ive used mine many times! It really changes the game when you have some water pressure! :) Let me know if you need any help!
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That's a nice looking sprayer, Glamisdude. How is the pressure? Is it good enough to spray mud off of boots, for example?
I, too, built a Motorpig-type setup and fell victim to small leaks. Through trial and error, I have spent well in excess of $150 on it, and I'm still not super happy with it. My most current version actually does work very well and has a lot of pressure. However, I am still experiencing some small leaks that only pop up when it's pressurized, so I leave it full of water and un-pressurized until ready to use. The one I made runs the lenght of my roof rack between my home-made cross bars, which is just short of 40" total. Unfortunately, this equates to just about 1.3 gallons of water.
Now, with my new roof rack on the way, I'm faced with a dilema: do I go spend about another $60 or so at Lowe's on more pipe and fittings that will work with the new rack, and build a new one using the knowledge I've gained from my first few attempts? Or do I just buy a commercial solution that would work?
Not sure if anyone has seen this, but I stumbled upon it at the Bass Pro store a few weeks ago. It's called the Rinse Kit, and is a relatively new product. It only has two reviews on Amazon, but they're both 5 stars. It gets it's pressure from being filled by a pressurized water source. This means there is no pumping or batteries, but it also means you can't refill it in the field with a jerry can. According to their website, the company will be offering a "field fill kit" soon, which will allow the unit to be filled with water bottles and pressurized with an air source such as a bike pump. At only $89 and holding a full two gallons, it's a much nicer option than the Road Shower in my opinion (which is $300).
Check it out: http://www.rinsekit.com/ (http://www.rinsekit.com/)
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That Rinse Kit looks ok for it's applications in an urban environment for washing off the kids at the beach so you don't get sand in your BMW. For a long trip off roading, I don't think it would fit the bill. With 4 or so minutes of water on a full charge and a limited supply of water I just don't think it would do the trick. After reviewing the video it looks like you need a pressurized faucet to fill it and it's going to take up a lot of room. Not much bang for the buck. In the end a solar shower would probably suit you much better. Some of them have solar heating panels on them and are 5 gallon capacity. When they empty out they compress flat so they would be easy to store rather than a large plastic box taking up space. If you have a water source you can re-fill them and you are good to go.
In the end many of us are looking for something to make our wives/girlfriends more comfortable. The ultimate goal is to get them out on these trips with us in relative comfort. I learned a long time ago that a small bag of baby wipes will work as a great shower every couple of days and is a lot easier to pack than water. I'm a guy and that doesn't always work with the ladies. A setup like Motorpig or JFAinslie has is a really nice idea as is the 5 gallon solar shower. Keeping it simple and improving on simplicity or even something pulling double duty applications is what I'm all about.
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You guys who are experiencing the small leaks... I can help!!! In total, I've probably spent two hundred dollars between the three that I've built and then modified and had to rebuild! My current one is leak free... Even when pressurized! I am more than happy to help you guys if you want to make a similar system, just let me know
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Ehem......
....write-up......
.....ehem...
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That's a nice looking sprayer, Glamisdude. How is the pressure? Is it good enough to spray mud off of boots, for example?
With the current sprayer nozzle I have on there the pressure would probably be a bit to low to spray off mud. Although, I really haven't tested max spraying pressure as only about 6 pumps are needed before it reaches acceptable shower pressure. I feel like it will never match the pressure given by the motorpig style but for pretty much all other needs its perfect.
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Anyone use one of these? [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
$89 at North County Yamaha - Holds 2 gallons of hot or cold water and is pressurized. Looks pretty cool.
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Yeah that's the one I commented on a few posts up.
Advantages: inexpensive, decent capacity, seems to have adequate pressure, portable so it can be moved close to your shower site without having to move your whole car
Disadvantages: large and cumbersome to bring with (especially if you're filling it with water from the campsite. If you're dry camping, it may as well hold two of the gallons you need to bring anyway), cannot be refilled in the field if dry-camping (this is because it requires a pressurized water source, such as a water hose, which is how it gets it's pressure). Supposedly they are going to start selling a "field kit" which will allow you to fill it from water bottles and pressurize it from a compressor or hand pump, but it's not available on their website yet.
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Yeah ... The company said they will have a pump version and a version with a heater that plugs into a cigarette lighter by late this year .... I take a second look at them once that version come out.
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Frontrunner outfitters has this cool retractable arm that mounts to their racks and holds a sunshower.
we'd be able to carry the full bag on the roof all day then hang it when we get into camp.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/02/0110d7839912e68daab1af2f1a29108e.jpg)
......but it's made to work on their roof racks.
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Frontrunner outfitters has this cool retractable arm that mounts to their racks and holds a sunshower.
we'd be able to carry the full bag on the roof all day then hang it when we get into camp.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/02/0110d7839912e68daab1af2f1a29108e.jpg)
......but it's made to work on their roof racks.
THIS...would have significantly reduced the dust on TMR...just sayin'. :)
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Looks like you could also pull an engine with that bad boy for field repairs if necessary. ;D
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THIS...would have significantly reduced the dust on TMR...just sayin'. :)
One on each side?
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One on each side?
Yessir!