How to Install Water Systems in Your Minivan Camper

Are you considering van life in a minivan? Then you’ll want to know about the minivan-camper conversion water systems you will need in your setup.

What are Minivan-Camper Conversion Water Systems?

Simply put, these water systems are responsible for providing clean drinking and cooking water. Additionally, these systems help you keep yourself and your cooking gear clean.

What are the different components of Minivan-Camper Conversion Water Systems?

There are typically just a few components to these systems: water storage container, water pump, and grey water collector.

Water Storage Containers – Just as the name implies, these containers store your freshwater

Water Pump – you can opt for a manual style that will require your foot or hand action to work, a battery-powered and rechargeable style, or an electric style

Grey Water Collector – The water that’s left after you wash dishes, brush your teeth, or bathe yourself is called grey water. You will want to collect this grey water and dispose of it properly. Much grey water may have food particles that will attract pests, rodents, and wild animals. Water left from doing dishes or bathing will have soap not suitable for the environment. You can switch to bio-degradable soaps and toothpaste to avoid the need to collect your grey water.

Types of Water Storage Containers for Minivan-Camper Conversion Water Systems

Military-style water container:

BPA-free collapsible water container:

5 Gallon Water Jug:

Other components to supplement your Minivan-Camper Conversion Water Systems

Now that you have learned about the main components of your water system, I will talk about some of the other components I include in my minivan-camper conversion water systems.

Water Purifying Components for your Minivan-Camper Conversion Water Systems

There are a few additional items I carry with me to be prepared. These items are not required to enjoy a fun and safe camping experience in your minivan-camper conversion. However, in an emergency situation, these items can be life-saving.

Water purifying tablets:

LifeStraw:

Gravity Fed Water Filter:

Kitchen in a Minivan-Camper Conversion Water Systems Components

I add the following components to complete my minivan-camper conversion kitchen setup:

Collapsible dish basin with drain:

Plastic spray bottle:

Silicone dish scrubbers – Mold-resistant dish scrubbers to clean all your dishes.

Microfiber dish towel:

Drying mat: – Many designs available!

Bottlebrush:

Biodegradable dish soap:

Shower Options 💦

When traveling and living the van life in my minivan-camper conversion, I definitely have a solid solution that I use while I’m on the road. However, there is definitely more than one solution to keep you clean.

Shower Option #1 – Planet Fitness

For me, the solution has been a relatively inexpensive one. I decided to join Planet Fitness. I have the Black Card Membership which allows you to access all Planet Fitness locations across the United States.

There is an annual membership fee of $39.99 and the Black Card Membership runs me $24.44/month or $293.28 per year. This works out to $.91 per day.

Benefits of a Planet Fitness Black Card Membership

Nationwide locations
Gym membership
Tanning
Infrared booths
Massages chairs/tables
Showers
Lockers
You don’t need shower water storage in your camper

✍️ Sign Up For Planet Fitness Black Card Here!

Shower Option #2 – Solar Shower Bag

If you are set on having a portable shower while you’re out boondocking, then the cheapest option is likely this solar shower bag. With a bag of this type, simply fill it with water from a nearby water source and then place the filled bag in the sun.

These bags are typically black or a dark color which will attract the sun’s heat. As the bag sits out in the sun, the water inside heats up. After a few hours, hang the bag from a tree or your rear hatch/door.

What about privacy? 👀

Concerned about privacy? Then you will definitely want to pick up one of the privacy pop-up shower tents. Be wary of the type that cost less than $100 as these typically do not last more than one trip nor do they hold up in windy conditions.

Your best bet is to invest in a pop-up privacy tent that has strings to tie the tent down to stakes in the ground. Also, look for those with a floor to keep critters out.

Shower Option #3 – Portable Camp Shower w/USB Rechargeable Batteries

This option is essentially a small water pump that you drop into a bucket of water. The pump has a hose attached and a showerhead attachment on the end. With two batteries included, you should always be ready to take a shower. There are many brands of this style so I suggest doing your homework by reading the reviews. I have not purchased one of these units yet, however, I know many nomads who use this option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are only a few components necessary to complete your minivan-camper conversion water systems setup. As long as you have a way to store & access water while you travel, you will be prepared for your next adventure.

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