Alternate ideas for heating solar showers? (1 Viewer)

[slowLC]

I was going to be picking up a portable shower for my first official expedition my wife and I will be taking!! My concern is that where I live it won't exactly be very warm when we do this. Day temps will be around 45 and nights will drop below freezing. Is there any other way to heat these? I was thinking about leaving it next to the heater but didn't know if that would damage the bag. If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Ebag333]

Could go the old fashioned route and just boil water.

Other than that, there's a ton of write ups out there. You can do a heat exchange unit that ties into the vehicle cooling system (requires the engine running and warmed up), a propane heater (self destructs if you run it dry), or some other method.

 

[We-Cruz]

I have a Coleman instant hot water heater - Couldn't be any simpler in my mind...

Coleman Hot Water on Demand - YouTube

 

[NLXTACY]

I saw someone wrap copper tubing around their muffler. Just run the truck for a few minutes and plenty of hot water. Looked super ghetto but worked.

 

[rusty_tlc]

This is a popular option;
Cruiser Outfitters
I've seen these systems in use and they work great.

Install thread;
https://forum.ih8mud.com/camping-outdoor-gear/475592-helton-hot-water-heat-exchanger-install.html


Here is a popular propane option that seems to work well;
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more



Install thread;
https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/222142-hot-water.html

 

[cruiseroutfit]

If you have any questions about the Helton Hot Water systems linked above I would be more than happy to assist. We've sold and installed hundreds of them in just about every Toyota 4x4 under the sun, 40's, 55's, 60's 70's.... you get the point. They are a very reliable and efficient way to heat water, I've provided shower water for one or 20 in minutes. Let me know!

 

[slowLC]

would putting the shower bag into a warm place like under the heater or on the hood heat it up enough?? I know its a dumb question but im not ready to pull the trigger on something more expensive until i know for sure that we would be getting good use out of it. Thanks everyone

 

[Ebag333]

would putting the shower bag into a warm place like under the heater or on the hood heat it up enough?? I know its a dumb question but im not ready to pull the trigger on something more expensive until i know for sure that we would be getting good use out of it. Thanks everyone

Depends on what you mean by "enough." To get it luke warm? No problem. To get 150-175* water temps for a 5 minute shower? Not likely.

 

[Bogo]

If you will be in a campgrounds with water, fill it in the morning from the campground's hydrant. That will be roughly at ground temperature. Otherwise keep your water supply insulated at night. Sit it out in the sun all day. You may wish to have a foam pad or some other insulation under it. Block any winds. Check its temperature an hour before you want to shower. If not warm enough, draw some water off and boil it in a teapot. Return that to the bag and check the temperature again. Lather, rinse, repeat until the temperature is high enough. The shower bag I have does have some insulation on the side you are to put down, but it is very minimal.