The Water System
A van camper's water system differs significantly from a residential one -- especially behind the scenes. Understanding how your particular system works will help you get the most out of it and keep it functioning properly.
An Overview
Your van camper's water system provides hot or cold water to sinks and the shower (including outdoor shower if equipped) and cold water the toilet. Freshwater comes either from the onboard tank powered by a 12v water pump or a "city water" connection that's pressurized. All sink and shower water drains to a "gray tank" and toilet water/waste to a "black tank" or toilet cassette.
Freshwater
While your van camper can connect to a pressurized "city water" faucet with an ordinary garden hose, many forego this option and simply use their freshwater tank. In such a case it's even more important to keep your tank clean and sanitized. If you connect to city water, your system might require opening/closing valves to switch from the onboard tank to city water. Make sure you read your owners manual!
Gray Water Tanks
In addition to saving a step while setting up camp, van campers often forego city water connections because gray water tanks have such limited capacity. That makes an infinite water source largely irrelevant. Indeed, as a van camper you will want to conserve as much water as possible. Some people use collapsible basins in their sinks to capture gray water and take "Navy" showers.
Water Filtration
Maintaining water quality and filtration in a van is crucial, especially in hot weather when the fresh water tank requires regular cleaning to keep it safe. Filtration can be added at the city water connection point, under the sink, or both. Some van owners opt for aftermarket UV filters like Acuva for extra protection, while others prefer not to drink from the system and instead use a Berkey or another drinking water solution.
Hot Water
Most van campers have tankless or tank water heaters powered by propane and a 12v ignitor. Tankless water heaters provide "on-demand" hot water, saving energy since they only heat water when needed. Tank water heaters ensure a consistent temperature but might use more propane to keep the water heated. Click here to learn more about the pros and cons.
Showering
Many people consider showering in a van camper wet bath to be the most significant sacrifice as compared to other types of RVs. It's cramped. Gray tanks fill up fast. You really should wipe down the wet bath afterwards. And water temperature regulation can be tricky, especially if you're turning off the water flow at times to conserve. But it works and is private! When possible, using the outdoor shower eliminates most of these concerns. Click here to learn more about showering.
Winterizing
While the basic concept of replacing water in your system with RV antifreeze is the same, the process of winterizing your van camper will likely be specific to your model. Consult your owners manual, YouTube and Facebook groups for details and advice. Or you can pay a dealer to winterize. I recommend -75 degree antifreeze for colder climates. Make sure to use biodegradable, non-toxic antifreeze labeled for RV use.
