Your DIY is superior in my opinion. Its compact and easy to get going. Lots of great quality with this unit but its a bit much to set up for a 2-3 min camp shower. I love your DIY as it looks like it only takes a few minutes to set up and take down. Im doing the same DIY build for my overland trailer.
I'm a DIY guy but for the reasons stated at the end of this excellent! presentation, I purchased the Joolca Nomad Kit. Just unboxed it today, too. I will agree with our outstanding video host here and say my first impression of all the plastic quick-connect fittings gives me pause... otherwise, it's an great overall value if only for the time saved in DIY'ing my own kit as our host and YT user betweenthepines4000 have done. My hat's off to you two (at least, for there are surely more) for patiently developing your own shower rigs. I've been frying too many braincells lately trying to first-time-build a cargo trailer camper, so the instant grat from buying the Nomad Kit may have saved my sanity. Heehaw. Safe travels, everyone, and Happy Camping.
Camplux need to make shower stands like that for their unit, and I love my build that you showed me along with my lightspeed shower tent, one of the best on the market, and sets up in less than 5 minutes, I followed your whole shower build and it's still doing as suppose to after almost a year in my van 😀
I DID NOT KNOW JOOLCA IS NOW IN NORTH AMERICA! I've been looking at their hot water system early last year but they responded with no specific date to reach North America...I guess now it is.. sweet!
This was an exact replacement for the old one that lasted about 10 years. ruclips.net/user/postUgkx7yWIKcrbA9KMHkGSfcgxW2lsjHT6B8Sh The top of my mitigation tube by my roofline was just a 90 elbow which allowed too much debris to fall down into the fan, eventually ruining it. Without this issue, I bet it would have kept running another 10 years. When I replaced this fan, I added an extra elbow joint so the top tube now it does a 180, which should solve that problem. The radon guys around here wanted to charge me a $300 diagnostic fee, then parts/labor (probably close to $600 total). I installed this all by myself in about an hour for the cost of the fan; it would probably be even easier/faster with two people. FYI the manufacturer's warranty greatly differs depending on whether you install it yourself (1 yr warranty) or have a licensed installer do it (10 yrs).
I was using a camplux for a few years and have abandoned if for showering. I now carry a 5 gallon kitty litter bucket and a small pump. I attach the pump to the side of the bucket, plumb it to the heater and then back to the bucket, I run the pump and heater until the desired temperature is reached. Then I connect the shower hose to the pump to take my shower. The water temperature is constant and I don't have to worry about the camplux blowing out if it is windy. Alternatively you can heat water on the stove and dump it into the bucket. Two of us can take a shower using one bucket of water. The bucket can be used for holding other items when not being used for showering.
Hey Rob, have you seen/tried the new Kakadu hot water system? I have the Joolca, but it takes up a lot of space and takes some time to setup and tear down. I'd love to see a review comparing the two.
I’ve been eyeing one of these - interesting to hear your comparisons to your DIY version. While using, does the water temperature stay pretty consistent - as in, if you pause the showerhead, and then turn it back on - is the water super hot? I’ve heard of this issue with much cheaper systems.
The temperature is a lot more consistent with the HOTTAP from Joolca. For people who still want the shower in a box, I'd recommend Joolca's over the Camplux.
Even with hot water how feasible is it to take a shower in cold weather? I have contemplated getting some kind of heater for the shower tent, but still....
I think the most efficient way to heat water is to use the excess heat of the engine. Especially in older vehicles. Plumb a "plate heat exchanger" into the cooling system of your vehicle, e.g. via a bypass to the heater of the car. When you arrive at camp, take a bucket, circulate fresh cold water from and back into that bucket through the plate heat exchanger via a small submergible 12V pump. Hoses can be connected easily through quick connectors. You will have 2-3 gal of hot water warmed up to shower temperature (up to almost boiling temperature if needed) within less than 3 minutes. All you will need to store in the vehicle as luggage is the submergible 12V pump and two short pieces of hose with quick connectors to hook up to the plate heat exchanger. No usage of propane, no huge and bulky items that chip away from the little space you have available and total investment for material is less than USD100. When overlanding the Panamericana for over a year, we saw quite a few people who had this installed in smaller expedition rigs. In my opinion, the cheapest and most pragmatic way to have hot water on the road if you do not have the space to install a permanently mounted hot water heater.
I have an Ecotec L5, very good video for helping with setup. I am laughing about using 5 gallons for two people, acually very frugal. My old man built a shower in the basement for his muddy boys. He would stand at the top of the steps and bellow "Wet Down! Lather Up! Rinse Off!"🤣I learned to use 1 gallon per shower, which has been useful in boondocking!
@Revere Overland - thanks for this review (and all your videos). Setting aside that the Joolca is more convenient and perhaps a nicer package than DIY, does it actually perform the task of heating the water better? Like does it get it hotter, or have the capacity to heat more water quicker, or with better temperature control than the DIY one? I've watched the video where you made your own quite a few times in prep to make my own. I was really surprised to hear you give the nod to the Joolca vs the one you made!
Highest temperature and heating speed are about the same, but the temperature control of the Joolca is far better. Even if you were doing a shower in a box, I think it's worth using the Joolca as the base shower!
IMO the DIY system is superior but of course there is no money in it. But trying to sell the Joilca system through an affiliate link brings in some money 💰
I just cancelled my Order .. all These hidden cost.. L.A county tax $10.31, California tax $33.21 and my city tax $3.43 I’m sorry I’m not paying these taxes when this company I’m not in California I think there in Utah never the less it’s like being Penalized for being alive so I’m getting a full refund. Before you order one online I suggest you call them and ask them about hidden taxes. Depending on your state . Mine added up to an extra $50.00 .. no thanks
Your DIY is superior in my opinion. Its compact and easy to get going. Lots of great quality with this unit but its a bit much to set up for a 2-3 min camp shower. I love your DIY as it looks like it only takes a few minutes to set up and take down. Im doing the same DIY build for my overland trailer.
I'm a DIY guy but for the reasons stated at the end of this excellent! presentation, I purchased the Joolca Nomad Kit. Just unboxed it today, too. I will agree with our outstanding video host here and say my first impression of all the plastic quick-connect fittings gives me pause... otherwise, it's an great overall value if only for the time saved in DIY'ing my own kit as our host and YT user betweenthepines4000 have done. My hat's off to you two (at least, for there are surely more) for patiently developing your own shower rigs. I've been frying too many braincells lately trying to first-time-build a cargo trailer camper, so the instant grat from buying the Nomad Kit may have saved my sanity. Heehaw. Safe travels, everyone, and Happy Camping.
Camplux need to make shower stands like that for their unit, and I love my build that you showed me along with my lightspeed shower tent, one of the best on the market, and sets up in less than 5 minutes, I followed your whole shower build and it's still doing as suppose to after almost a year in my van 😀
I DID NOT KNOW JOOLCA IS NOW IN NORTH AMERICA! I've been looking at their hot water system early last year but they responded with no specific date to reach North America...I guess now it is.. sweet!
This was an exact replacement for the old one that lasted about 10 years. ruclips.net/user/postUgkx7yWIKcrbA9KMHkGSfcgxW2lsjHT6B8Sh The top of my mitigation tube by my roofline was just a 90 elbow which allowed too much debris to fall down into the fan, eventually ruining it. Without this issue, I bet it would have kept running another 10 years. When I replaced this fan, I added an extra elbow joint so the top tube now it does a 180, which should solve that problem. The radon guys around here wanted to charge me a $300 diagnostic fee, then parts/labor (probably close to $600 total). I installed this all by myself in about an hour for the cost of the fan; it would probably be even easier/faster with two people. FYI the manufacturer's warranty greatly differs depending on whether you install it yourself (1 yr warranty) or have a licensed installer do it (10 yrs).
Couldn't imagine not having our nomad kit.
I just grabbed their ensuite shower tent. Gonna use the Geyser system for a "hot shower" due to space and no water source at MX tracks.
Got the nomad kit and love it! Total game changer!
Thanks for the great review!
I was using a camplux for a few years and have abandoned if for showering. I now carry a 5 gallon kitty litter bucket and a small pump. I attach the pump to the side of the bucket, plumb it to the heater and then back to the bucket, I run the pump and heater until the desired temperature is reached. Then I connect the shower hose to the pump to take my shower. The water temperature is constant and I don't have to worry about the camplux blowing out if it is windy. Alternatively you can heat water on the stove and dump it into the bucket. Two of us can take a shower using one bucket of water. The bucket can be used for holding other items when not being used for showering.
Hello, what heater do you use?
Damnit, I just ordered a camplux this morning to build.
I’ve watched a lot of RUclips videos and you really put out a good video man very interesting and informative
Good review. Certainly an alternative to our current shower solution. Just have to solve for the propane need now. Thanks for sharing. Cheers
Is this outdoor rated? I like the mounted shower you made. I want to permanently mount it outside
I have the basecamp shower known as BOSS by Mr Heater. It’s battery operated with a 1# propane tank. It’s quite awesome. $160
Is it still performing well
Great review mate. Thanks very much!
I have the Joolca love how easy it is to setup
A great review just what I was looking for. 👌
THANK YOU FOR THIS REVIEW 👍👍👍👍
Hey Rob, have you seen/tried the new Kakadu hot water system? I have the Joolca, but it takes up a lot of space and takes some time to setup and tear down. I'd love to see a review comparing the two.
The,aqua heat is the same unit for less.
I would enjoy seeing a review on the guzzle H2O water purifier
You have such an interesting accent. It’s like a combo Aussie southern United States mix. Where are you from?
Question my hot water went out at my house can i attach that to the shower like detach the shower head connext it to shower
I’ve been eyeing one of these - interesting to hear your comparisons to your DIY version. While using, does the water temperature stay pretty consistent - as in, if you pause the showerhead, and then turn it back on - is the water super hot? I’ve heard of this issue with much cheaper systems.
The temperature is a lot more consistent with the HOTTAP from Joolca. For people who still want the shower in a box, I'd recommend Joolca's over the Camplux.
Would it be possible to hook up 3 more shower heads to this system?
Even with hot water how feasible is it to take a shower in cold weather? I have contemplated getting some kind of heater for the shower tent, but still....
I think the most efficient way to heat water is to use the excess heat of the engine. Especially in older vehicles. Plumb a "plate heat exchanger" into the cooling system of your vehicle, e.g. via a bypass to the heater of the car. When you arrive at camp, take a bucket, circulate fresh cold water from and back into that bucket through the plate heat exchanger via a small submergible 12V pump. Hoses can be connected easily through quick connectors. You will have 2-3 gal of hot water warmed up to shower temperature (up to almost boiling temperature if needed) within less than 3 minutes.
All you will need to store in the vehicle as luggage is the submergible 12V pump and two short pieces of hose with quick connectors to hook up to the plate heat exchanger. No usage of propane, no huge and bulky items that chip away from the little space you have available and total investment for material is less than USD100.
When overlanding the Panamericana for over a year, we saw quite a few people who had this installed in smaller expedition rigs. In my opinion, the cheapest and most pragmatic way to have hot water on the road if you do not have the space to install a permanently mounted hot water heater.
Thanks for the info mate
How big of a water tank do you use/recommend? Any perspective on how long the water in said tank would last with two people showering?
My wife and I use about 5 gallons
I have an Ecotec L5, very good video for helping with setup. I am laughing about using 5 gallons for two people, acually very frugal. My old man built a shower in the basement for his muddy boys. He would stand at the top of the steps and bellow "Wet Down! Lather Up! Rinse Off!"🤣I learned to use 1 gallon per shower, which has been useful in boondocking!
If I have a temporary need for a hot shower at home whilst construction work is happening is it suitable ?
Yes, but ventilation is necessary
What's the propane consumption like?
@Revere Overland - thanks for this review (and all your videos). Setting aside that the Joolca is more convenient and perhaps a nicer package than DIY, does it actually perform the task of heating the water better? Like does it get it hotter, or have the capacity to heat more water quicker, or with better temperature control than the DIY one? I've watched the video where you made your own quite a few times in prep to make my own. I was really surprised to hear you give the nod to the Joolca vs the one you made!
Highest temperature and heating speed are about the same, but the temperature control of the Joolca is far better. Even if you were doing a shower in a box, I think it's worth using the Joolca as the base shower!
can you instal this inside your camper van as your only hot water ?
I would not use it in an enclosed space due to carbon monoxide risk.
Hi can it be used without a pump?
The shower unit requires a certain water flow before it ignites, so it would have to have a high enough flow.
@@RevereOverland thank you....adjusting plans now.
Nice heating unit but is very expensive
BUT THERE IS A RECHARGABLE BATTERY FOR THE PUMP NOW!!!!!!!
Joolca states that you should not drink the water that comes from this sytem.
I was going to mention, if you decide to go to Southern California?, maybe you should try Lake Arrowhead?, (Big Bear Lake area)!!👍👍✌😁😁😮
That looks very built up, unless I'm looking at the wrong place?
@@RevereOverland or you can look at Yelp, 10 Best Tent Camping near Big Bear Lake, CA👍👍✌
@@RevereOverland If you want to try warmer weather in Southern California?, check out; Joshua Tree National Park (in Southern California).👍👍✌
Good review, but takes up way too much space. Space savings is a priority. Certainly someone could design a much smaller unit.
I'd love to see a smaller shower unit. The only one I've seen smaller is the Zodi, but it's pretty terrible!
IMO the DIY system is superior but of course there is no money in it. But trying to sell the Joilca system through an affiliate link brings in some money 💰
I get affiliate earnings for the DIY too 👍
black 5 gallon bucket fill it up in morning put in sunny spot and use $30 battery operated shower head
My wife’s requirement was a toilet. The hot water shower was much easier to solve.
We have a small folding toilet from Walmart that works great!
@@RevereOverland oh, my wife would never go for that, lol.
😂
DIY is cheaper if you skip the ridiculous box assembly that offers little benefit over just setting the heater in a storage box wrapped in a towel.
Pumps undersized as is the unit (smallest one the make) 🤷🏽♂️
It works great
I just cancelled my
Order .. all
These hidden cost.. L.A county tax $10.31, California tax $33.21 and my city tax $3.43 I’m sorry I’m not paying these taxes when this company I’m not in California I think there in Utah never the less it’s like being Penalized for being alive so I’m getting a full refund. Before you order one online I suggest you call them and ask them about hidden taxes. Depending on your state . Mine added up to an extra $50.00 .. no thanks
Thats because anything that has to do with california is like having a leech stuck to the rest of the country!
LoL
BS it’s a scam. Device does not work! Waste of money.
Overpriced!!!!