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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:
Sale
Scepter Portable Military Style Water Container for Camping and Outdoors, 5...
- Portable Water Storage Solution: Offers a reliable and compact solution for safely storing water for emergencies, outdoor adventures, or camping trips.
- Durable and Safe Design: Military-style design ensures long-term and secure water storage, making it withstand impacts and tough conditions while protecting against unwanted leaks and spills.
- Convenient and Efficient: Easily carry the water jug from car to campsite with the super-strong molded-in carry handle, offering maximum convenience and portability wherever you go.
- Heavy-Duty Capacity: Featuring a 5-gallon, 20-liter capacity, this water container makes storing large amounts of water quick and easy, making it a must-have for outdoor activities or emergencies.
- Dimensions and Material: Made from BPA-free, high-density polyethylene plastic, the lightweight container measures 13.7 x 6.8 x 18.8 inches and is ideal for long-term use in demanding conditions.
- BPA-free collapsible water container:
WaterStorageCube BPA-Free Collapsible Water Container with Spigot,...
- FOOD-GRADE ODORLESS GREAT TASTE: PE plastic made with highest quality USA raw material. Environmentally friendly non-toxic, No BPA PVC or DEHP, No plastic PVC odor and water taste will not be...
- LIGHT, COMPACT, PORTABLE AND REUSABLE Foldable space saving design store away easily. Remains soft and flexible even when cold yet retains shape and is easy to fill, dry, drain and reuse. Soft molded...
- WORRY-FREE AND LEAK-PROOF Custom made lid and spigot with gasketless design means no leaks or parts to replace. Good spigot water-flow. Thicker lid to withstand heavy pressure. Easy on/off spigot with...
- EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DAILY USE Enables you quickly and safely store all the water your family needs in the event of an emergency or natural disaster like hurricane, tornado, earthquake, fire,...
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE AND EBOOK INCLUDED If for any reason within 30 days you're not satisfied, simply return for a refund or replacement. THANK-YOU BONUS: Cubey wants you and your family to Be...
$12
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- 5 Gallon Water Jug:
Coleman® Chiller Water Jug—5 Gal. Water Jug
- Easy-use spigot lets you conveniently fill your drink
- Molded handle for easy, controlled lifting and carrying
- Made in the USA
- Hinged lid for easy, one-handed access
$22
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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:
Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets with PA Plus, Portable and...
- One Bottle Of 50 Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets And One Bottle Of 50 Potable Aqua Pa Plus Tables
- Water Purification Tablets Make Questionable Water Bacteriologically Suitable To Drink In Emergency Water Situations
- These Water Purification Tablets For Drinking Water Leaves No Iodine Taste Or Color In Your Emergency Water, When Used Correctly.
- Portable Water Treatment Tablets Are Effective Against Bacteria And Giardia Lamblia, For Trusted Emergency Water Purification
- Water Treatment Tablets Offer Emergency Water Purification For Hiking, Travel, And Natural Disasters, And Ideal To Keep With Camping Accessories
- LifeStraw:
Sale
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency...
- Removes Bacteria & Parasites: The Microfiltration Membrane Removes 99.999999% Of Waterborne Bacteria (Including E. Coli And Salmonella), And 99.999% Of Waterborne Parasites (Including Giardia And...
- Removes Microplastics: Removes The Smallest Microplastics Found In The Environment (Down To 1 Micron), And Reduces Turbidity Down To 0.2 Microns
- Rigorous Testing: All Claims Are Verified With Laboratories Using Standard Testing Protocols Set By The Us Epa, Nsf, Astm For Water Purifiers
- Long Lifetime: The Microbiological Filter Will Provide 4,000 Liters (1,000 Gallons) Of Clean And Safe Drinking Water With Proper Use And Maintenance
- Make An Impact: For Every Lifestraw Product Purchased, A School Child In Need Receives Safe Drinking Water For An Entire School Year.Bpa Free Materials
$19
−$2
$17
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- Gravity Fed Water Filter:
Purewell Stainless Steel Gravity-Fed Water Filter, High Capacity 2.9 Gallon...
- 💧【Big Capacity】: The kitchen filtration system holds 2.9 gallons of clean water at a time. 17.7''X 7.9'' compact designed and portable, it’s a great water purification system for 3 to 5...
- 💧【Simple To Use】: With the high quality water filter system you will have clean, drinkable water on tap.Water is poured manually into the upper chamber.It flow through the filter under pressure...
- 💧【High-Performance Filters】: Each filter has millions of microscopic pores that are big enough to allow water molecules to pass through but small enough to block many contaminants, also retains...
- 💧【High Grade 304 Stainless Steel】: Stainless steel units with coconut activated carbon filters you can clean and reuse for years, which is ideal for protect environments and reducing plastic...
- 💧【Worth Your Family】: Purewell gravity water filter system is standalone and works independently of your plumbing, so you can setup and move where you desire. It’s not only a super filtration...
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:
Sale
2.4 Gal(9L) Collapsible Dish Basin with Drain Plug, Space Saving Outdoor...
- 【Plug & Drainer Design】The portable kitchen sink and camping sink basin come with a removable drain plug that you won't lift to drain. The collapsible dish drainer is suitable for washing dishes,...
- 【Multifunctional】The collapsible washing basin is versatile for all your household tasks. It can use as a dish tub, RV sink, rinse basin, or storage basket. Perfect for camping, hiking,...
- 【Space-Saving and Foldable】The dish basin feature a foldable design so that you can adjust the size as needed. It collapses easily for storage and takes up very little space.Expanded size:12.4 x...
- 【Easy to carry】Water basin, dishwashing tub has a dual carry handle for raising your sink and convenient use. A non-slip design at the bottom can keep the collapsible dishpan steady and firmly....
- 【Durable Material(BPA FREE)】The collapsible dishpan comprises flexible thermoplastic rubber (TPR) + food-grade premium PP material and is dishwasher safe. Which is not easily deformed and durable.
$23
−$7
$16
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- Plastic spray bottle:
Sale
KREMORV Plastic Spray Bottles Clear and Brown Refillable Container Empty...
- 【Material】The Plastic spray bottles are made of high-quality plastic, The durable construction ensures that they can withstand regular use without easily breaking or cracking
- 【Application】Empty spray bottle have multipurpose uses, Use on cleaning products, plants, pet, hair, cooking, ironing, janitorial, laundry, cleaning, car detailing, make your own homemade DIY...
- 【Specificities】Empty spray bottles have adjustable nozzle and multiple adjustment modes. From a fine mist to a steady stream, you can adjust the nozzle to suit your specific spraying requirements
- 【Safe】Plastic spray bottles are lightweight and break resistant, and brown bottles provide ultraviolet light resistance to protect the bottle contents
- 【Package include】2pcs 10oz/300ml clear plastic spray bottle
$9
−$2
$6
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- Silicone dish scrubbers – Mold-resistant dish scrubbers to clean all your dishes.
4Pcs Silicone Sponge Dish Sponge Washing Kitchen Scrubber for Dishes...
- High Quality Materials: Dish sponge is made of high quality food grade silicone sponge. The shape of the bone makes the hand easier to control and more flexible to use.
- Double-sided Cleaning: Silicone sponge is double-sided design, easy to clean and easy to operate.
- Ease Of Use: You can safely use it for kitchen tools because the brushes on the sponge are soft and scratch-free. And it won't stick to the oil! No matter how much oil you wash, as long as you wash...
- Convenient Suspension: With hole design, fast dehydration suspension, easy to hang anywhere to dry.
- Uses: Food-grade silicone scrubber can clean everything from utensils to dirty pots, and it is also very suitable for washing dishes, fruits and vegetables.
- Microfiber dish towel:
Sea to Summit Tek Towel, Plush Camping and Travel Towel, Medium (20 x 39...
- Ultra-plush towel is ideal for camping, backpacking, hiking, boating, and travel; suitable for bath, kitchen, and beach
- Made from thick, soft, super-absorbent microfiber fabric with a terrycloth handfeel
- Dries in a flash; microfiber has a surface area around 40 times that of a regular fiber, so it dries much faster than an average towel
- A press-stud tab attaches towel to a pack or clothesline; includes a molded EVA case for easy packing
- Medium towel measures 20 x 39 inches, packs to 6.5 x 4.5 inches, weighs 7.1 ounces; machine washable
$22
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- Drying mat: – Many designs available!
Hummingbird Dish Drying Mat Absorbent Kitchen Pads for Counter Kitchen Dish...
- SIZE: There are two sizes of drying dish mat to choose from, Medium size: 16 x 18 inches, Which can hold many of your dishes and plates, and also it is perfect to hold your big pots and pans. When you...
- MATERIAL: Polyester & Absorbent sponge. Quickly absorb water and keep the kitchen countertop dry and tidy.
- DESIGN: The Hummingbird Drying Rack for Dishes with Mat with hanging loop, can be hung on the kitchen wall. Soft and foldable, easy to store in any drawer, cabinet, or closet. Keep the kitchen dry and...
- MULTIPLE USES: Place your dishes here, or tuck it under dish racks and appliances. Folded between high-tech layers of microfiber, keep even antique glassware safe, while protecting the counter from...
- PRODUCT GUARANTEE: If there is any question with the dish drying pad, feel free to contact with us, we will respond to you within 24 hours.
$14
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- Bottlebrush:
- Biodegradable dish soap:
MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Liquid Dish Soap, Biodegradable Formula, Basil, 16...
- This liquid Dish Soap cuts through grease, while making dishes clean and bright
- Our Dish Soap has a biodegradable formula that contains plant-derived cleaning agents and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients to make grease disappear
- Garden-inspired Basil has a cool, crisp scent that is uplifting & grounding
- Easy to use Dish Soap, made without parabens, phthalates or animal-derived ingredients
- Mrs. Meyer's products are made with cruelty-free formulas and are Leaping Bunny certified.
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
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.
Extremus Camping Shower Bag, 6.6 Gallons/25L Camp Shower Bag, Reliable,...
- Powered by Sunshine: The solar shower bag is made of heavy-duty, black PVC that absorbs the sun's thermal energy to heat water to 113°F (45°C). In direct sunlight, water heats quickly in just three...
- Powered by Sunshine: The solar shower bag is made of heavy-duty, black PVC that absorbs the sun's thermal energy to heat water to 113°F (45°C). In direct sunlight, water heats quickly in just three...
- Impeccable Water Pressure: Our patented functional camp shower bag has a full-shaped design that works with gravity to enhance performance and increase water pressure. When full, you can enjoy a...
- Unmatched Durability: The Extremus Shower Bag features a 3-layer, including a translucent protective layer, PVC solar absorption layer, and PVC waterproof layer. Heavy-duty PVC bladder that can hold...
- Portable and Practical: The Extremus Portable Camp Shower is the perfect companion to make you feel right at home and one with nature. The portable design folds up to fit easily with your gear. Simply...
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.
Outdoor Shower Tent Changing Room Privacy Portable Camping Shelters (Gray)
- If you are worry about there are no toilet, changing room, bathroom when hiking, this perfect privacy tent can help you deal with all these problems
- Durable Material：It has a mesh window on the one side of tent for seeing outside and ventilation. You just need to take off the cover to see outside through mesh.
- Easy to use Outdoor privacy tent, camp toilet, camp shower and changing room.Ideal for your day at beach, backyard pool, campsite and so on. A reliable quick private shelter for changing clothes.
- Size：Open size 55" w x 55" d x 86.5" h Packed size 25" x 7" Weight 13 lbs
- If you have any problem, pls feel free to contact us. We will try our best to help you timely.
$109
Buy on Amazon
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
KEDSUM Portable Camping Shower, Camping Shower Pump with Dual Detachable...
- ▶ Model Number: GFS-1701 Upgraded Version: Come with TWO detachable USB rechargeable batteries, separated from the pump. External on/off switch feature, which is an improvement over previous...
- ▶Durable and Powerful: We provide two batteries, one can work for up to 45-60 minutes with a full charge ,two for up to 90-120 minutes, which can make sure you will have a constant happy shower.The...
- ▶Easy Assembly and Operation: Just fully submerse the pump in your bucket/tub of water and turn the motor on,it will pumps water from bucket into steady, gentle shower stream and you get a nice...
- ▶Compact & Portable: Weighs only 25.2 ounce,easy to carry and store in luggage,backpack or car trunk,perfect for outdoors,camping,hiking,kid bathing,pet cleaning,car washing, plants watering,...
- ▶Notes: PRODUCT OPERATE ONLY WITH WATER WITHIN THE TEMPERATURE RANGE 10°C to 50°C（50℉ to 122℉）,ONLY CHARGE THIS DEVICE WITH A 5V ADOPTER OR LESS. DO NOT CHARGE IT WITH AN ADAPTOR THAT’S...
$45
Buy on Amazon
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.
Other shower solutions great for boondocking
- POMO High Pressure 5L Portable Shower, Outdoor Shower – This reminds me of a Hudson sprayer except modified to take a hose attachment with a shower head. I’m not seeing a way to heat the water either.
Pomo High Pressure 5L Portable Shower, Outdoor Shower, Camping Shower, Surf...
- Long Lasting, Resistant & BPA Free - A camp shower made of industrial grade high density polyethylene this product won't leak or break. Pomo's camping showers will serve you for many years to come.
- Multi-Use - Ideal for spraying water under pressure. Great for as a camping shower, portable water hose, surf shower, portable beach shower, paw cleaner for dogs, portable rinse kit for car and boat,...
- High-Pressure - This portable shower pump is capable of building the same pressure as a garden hose: 45 PSI. The portable shower hose is 5 foot 6 inches (170cm) to reach anywhere you need....
- Different Nozzle Settings - This rinse kit portable shower system has an industrial hose nozzle with 5 settings: Jet, Mist, Shower, Flat Jet, Super Pressure Jet
- Perfect Capacity and Portable - The bottle has 1.5 gal or 5.5 liters in capacity which is perfect in terms usability as a portable shower for camping. The POMO outdoor camping shower is easy to carry...
$54
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- WaterPORT:
WaterPORT 4.0 Gallon Self-Pressurized Water Tank for Camping Showers,...
- Convenient Off Road Shower - The Water Port Day Tank mounts to your tow hitch, bumper, roof rack or truck bed rail. WaterPORT’s self-pressurizing 4.0-gallon day tank, filled fast and efficiently...
- Large cap opening fills tank to full capacity within 60 seconds. Stay cool by adding ice to your water through the large fill cap.
- Generous spray time thanks to the 8-foot hose and a high-pressure multi-pattern spray nozzle that flows for up to 15 minutes.
- WaterPORT can go wherever the road leads via the convenient 2-inch tow hitch mount. The compact tank dimensions measure 9 inches (height) x 8 inches (width) x 25 inches (length).
- Keep your truck or car interior clean by washing off your body and gear with this overlanding shower and rinse kit after surfing and beach trips, camping, motocross, mud driving, fishing, hiking,...
- Dr. Prepare Portable Camping Shower, 5 Gallons/20L Collapsible Bucket with Pump
DR.PREPARE 4.5 Gallons Portable Shower for Camping, 17L Camping Shower with...
- [Constant Large Water Flow] Dr.Prepare Portable Camping Shower Kit includes a showerhead and sprayer with 2 spray modes. The showerhead let you enjoy a gentle yet large water flow just like you're at...
- [Reinforced Open-Top Shower Bag] This Shower Bag is reinforced with a sturdy metal ring on the top, stable enough to hold 4.5 Gal / 17L of water for a quick shower, dishwashing, campsite cleaning, or...
- [Rechargeale Battery with 80 min Runtime] This 2,200 mAh battery lasts up to 80 min per charge. Charge it with your adapter, power bank, or car charger - any power source of DC 5V/1~2A. *Note:...
- [Portable Shower Solution] Lightweight & compact camping shower kit, ideal for camping, hiking, pet cleaning, car washing, plant watering, window and backyard cleaning, or washing off sand on the...
- [Easy to Use] Includes a complete shower kit. Simply assemble, place the pump in your water source, turn it on, and enjoy instant water flow. "Spraying off sweat and dirt after hiking feels like a...
$39
Buy on Amazon
- Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater – For this solution, you will also need a propane tank and a way to store it in a vented compartment. Also, you would need a carbon monoxide detector and water storage to hook up to it. Honestly, for a minivan camper, this is the last option I would ever choose due to the space requirements for it.
CAMPLUX Tankless Water Heater Outdoor, 1.32 GPM Portable Propane Camping...
- Lightweight, Compact & Portable Design: The 10 pounds lightweight portable water heater's folding handle keeps it out of the way and enables easy setup outside.
- Flow Rate & Temperature Specification: The temperature raise is 114.8℉ (46℃) at its highest point and 46.4℉ (8℃) is at its lowest point of 1.32 GPM. Also, 1.32 gallons of hot water can be...
- Versatile Applications: The lowest water pressure at beginning for the water heater is 3.0 PSI. For off-grid and rural areas, this hot water generator powered by two size D batteries is ideal. No more...
- 6-in-1 Protection & CSA Safety Approved: This tankless water heater is CSA Approved with anti-freezing protection, over-heating protection, low water flow protection, dry combustion protection, high...
- Installation Instruction & Package Content: This Camplux AY132 heater comes with 1-year guarantee, 5 feet premium on/off shower head, 5 feet gas regulator, 1 set US-standard garden hose, and 1...
$159
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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.
▶What’s something I forgot? Comment below or click the thing to tell me:
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Last update on 2025-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
