As an environmental engineer specializing in water treatment systems, I love your approach and simple design. I will installing something similar to this in my FJ. Having safe water to drink is always a priority to me and my wife.
I really don’t think there is much to improve upon. You addressed filtration to get rid of particulates and UV to deal with any potential bacterial issues. Having the tank beneath the vehicle’s floor was good, especially putting protection from casual hits it may encounter. Good job! Wife and I enjoy your informative videos! Keep them coming.
There are so many great products these days. Overlanding Africa back in the 1980’s we used chlorine powder to purify our water and generally nothing to filter particulate, steel jerry cans too. Six months of that
Good on ya for the UV source... A word of caution for those of you seeking a UV "band C" source. Make sure it's emitting "band C" UV. Test it with some inexpensive, re-useable test strips which will change color under band C emmissions. Just because it's UV doesn't mean it's the correct emission wavelength for sterilization and just because it's touted as suitable for sterilization, doesn't mean it is! For my 18 foot travel trailer, I'd 'a bought that filter if I'd known about it when I assembled my simple system. I take two or three 5 gal jugs and fill them from a source... then hump (or drive) them to my trailer. Next, I use a rotary hand pump to pass that water from those jugs through a 0.5 micron cartridge filter and into my trailer's tank. For drinking water, I use a submersible, inexpensive UV fish tank lamp placed inside a stainless 4L steel container, expose the water inside it for a minute or two and then source my drinking water from that (I don't bother with the cooking or washing up water). Cheers!
Thank you for the video! A lot of useful information! To use the AEV water storage, I guess you can just run your breather overflow hose to the AEV tank. And when you run out of water in your main tank, just pump the water in AEV tank back to the main tank.
Water is important. Myself, for filling containers I use 0.1-micron filter such as the Sawyer with a gravity feed bag. Certainly, the speed for filling containers is not as fast as your system. To me the 0.1-micron provides considerably safer water than 5, 10 or 30 microns. To my study filters with larger microns do not filter out giardia, microplastics, bacteria, protozoa, cysts, and more. After the filter add a carbon filter for removing off-putting water taste, coloring, and chemicals from the water, nothing fancy, yet much less expensive. A tank such as yours is an excellent idea.
i just got my tank in, i got a 15 gallon abc drinking water grad tank for a rv from amazon for $ 60 usd, fits perfect under a jeep jlu, then paid $70 usd in fittings, picked up a 3gpm pump for $50 usd, used quick connects to plug into my portable hot water heater and mounted them on the jeep. working really good so far
I just use a hose with a drill attachment type pump and a hose attached filter to my water tank. I don't need more than 7 gallons. They are good for 1000 gal. Easy peasy. I use a little hand drill to pump it. I love that filter though.
I copied your system on the 4WD camper we shipped from Australia to Africa. It did my head in designing it - even using your blog post as a guide. We didn't add the UV to the system, but next time we are in Africa we will be adding UV. It was so useful in places like Angola were water was hard to get. We filled our foldup bucket from all sorts of places including Rivers. Thanks so much for your design, it really added to making our trips so much better. Also I have never seen anyone design as system as good as yours. I - like you - don't remember which valves to change, I have to just remember I have to change all 4!
The thing i would do differently: 2 T valves instead of 4, and mount them on the same place. Bouth handles the same way when you use it. Besides that, no change. Love your setup. Cheers from Norway 🇸🇯
Top notch! You make excellent/informative videos, and without all of the "glamour" and marketing B.S. that so many other 4x4 RUclipsrs seem to rely upon for their so-called "content". "HI FIVE," as my granddaughter would say!
I love the design with the ability to fill the tank with filtered water. I was feeling accomplished yesterday after putting a gravity fed system in my Jeep...
Hello, are those Robertson machine screws? Hells to the yes! You should run your ball valves as a gang on the driver's side passenger accessible lower cabinets. Then, you can label them and have both easy access and easy knowledge of each valve. For example, run the ball valves 1-2-3-4 and label the handles Tank In, Tank Out, External Out, External In; plumb accordingly. You can use clear shrink tubing over either paper or label printer labels, on the handles. That makes for easy to see, permanent ball valve labels. Clean af.
They sure are Robertson screws! I made it in Canada, and they are just so common. Absolutely, putting all the ball valves next to each other would be really nice, but I was just so limited on space I decided to do it this way. It's been flawless for 4 years, so I'm really happy with it.
Thanks for the video. I did not know there was a filter with a UV light in it. That sounds like the ticket for small areas Just a tid bit if info. The water/fluid will flow in the direction of the handle. The handle either runs with the tube/pipe( letting fluid flow or 90deg of the hose (stopped the flow ) . This is good info to know especially if you can't see your ball valves, you can just feel what position they are in. I have to do this every month when I change the filters on my house. When I build my vehicle,this is the system I'm sure I'll use . Simply and not over complicated. Thanks.
I’m thinking on install a similar water system on my pickup truck. The filtration in & out you use it’s pretty clever. I really will consider it for my system. Thanks for the inspiration.
Very simple very well thought out very considerate of tight spaces like it very much I am going to use some version of this system in my overland build/Van build
Mis-spoke below.... I use a 5 micron filter. After it, I use one of those blue "bullet" carbon filters. My usual water source is a stream in the high Uintas in Northern Utah.
Do u know what we do here in Africa on drinking water on our expeditions? Simple solution: We just get a stove and boil the water thoroughly, let it cool and put in drinking cold box. We don't care about the color of the drinking water but so long as it's well boiled, we have safe drinking water and at almost no modifications costs. It has worked for me and my friends fabulously....
Kudos!.... Informative Coherent Good delivery (no ASMR Drone voice) Field tested...on yourself Virgin....(not sullied by sponsors) Keep up the good work Don't sell out Best adventures ahead good Sir, Getting a lot out of your content. Thanks
You need a easily cleaned pre-filter on the intake hose. This is if you are in the wild and taking from a natural source. Eliminates sediment and other junk in the water. You might want to consider adding a second filter canister between the pump and UV filter. This be a simple paper filter sort of like an oil filter. This would extend your primary filter life. This would be a much cheaper type of filter and canister.
Just use the hose to suck the water out of the bumper. You don’t need to make any mods and once every 6 months drop a bit of blue cleaning tab that are used at restaurants and you’re good. You could also pour filtered water into the bumper tanks and continue filling up your main tank. Just swap the faucet to one you can screw a hose on.
Thanks!! I already read your book about your trip around Africa! I really enjoyed it and I highlighted so many interesting things on my e-reader . Have you ever considered writing an "Overlander guide for dummies" ? I'll be your first customer;)
I’ve actually been researching this very idea, but I was also seeing the practicality of using multiple natural filter mediums in stainless steel micro tanks, such as sand, charcoal, etc, as well as the UV light. I like the easy filter replacement, but not being able to reuse them is a concern. The rig I’m building is a large rear/mid engine type, so the water tank can go up front where the engine used to be, under the two spare tires, so it can be low, but at frame height and protected by a heavy duty skid plate.. Since the vehicle has solar and generator 110 volt and 12 volt battery bank, I can install a titan on demand hot water system.
An exhaust relocation to a front side exit or smtn could free more space, and also a local aluminum tig welder can make a cheap aluminum tank on custom dimensions. Good job
A very big "NO" to just any water. Am from Nairobi Kenya. We had one in our previous camper van. Only spring water (No piped water, no Carbonated water, NO CHLORINATED WATER, no water from hot springs). Just natural sources like from Mt Kenya, Nile Basin, Ethiopian Highlands etc...
This is a great idea, and you appear to have been using this with no health problems so far, but I think I may see a flaw in your system. The two valves before the pump has a section of pipe that can hold untreated water during your switching from filling the tank to pumping out. there is a risk of the water in that pipe contaminating your tank when you open the valve closest to the tank after filling, which can contaminate the line to the valve after the filter contaminating the rest of the system when you open the other valves. I would correct this problem by using two pumps, one dedicated to filling the tank pumping through a cheap sediment filter made from paper or string to keep your tank clean, and the other for pumping out though the U/V carbon filter for purification totally isolating the treated from untreated water. I would also add a drain in the bottom of the tank so I could flush and disinfect the tank on occasion.
It would be more interesting to show what the output of the filtration system was when used with water from your typical muddy river or lake instead of feeding it clear water to start with. A river like the Mississippi River as it gets towards the southern end would be a good example. These are waters where if you are diving in them, you can't see your hand in front of your mask. Of course, if you were using a water source like that, it would result in your filter getting clogged up sooner, so it might be advisable to plumb it so that the filter can be backwashed like is done with swimming pool filters.
The tap is the highest point in the system, so that prevents drainage. Set up the ball valve levers to point in direction of flow? Color coded hoses? Bolt all the ball valves to the inside of the door? UV light (great idea, kills paracytes and bacteria) in the tank instead of inline to allow for longer run time? What's your backup if the pump craps out? Does the exhaust heat up the tank?
The system has been perfect for almost 5 years now, never a single issue. These pumps are renowned for being reliable and durable for a long time. It's no more a concern than if the fridge or solar panels "crap out" which is highly unlikely. The exhaust heats the water a little, but to be honest when it's 120F in the shade every day for 3 years in Africa, it doesn't make much difference - the water is always quite warm.
You should turn the pump and lamp on before opening the tap. Purauv recommends a 1-2 minute warm up time for the lamp. I was also wondering how long your 40 litre tank would last with 2 of you using it? I guess it depends on how much you are using for cooking.
Yep, I do let the lamp warm up especially when I'm filling the tank. For two of us water was the limiting factor, I'd say around 7-10 days when we were very careful.
great video! super informative, definitely looking into a setup like this I had a thought for the bumper tanks: instead of plumbing them in, could you use a longer hose attached to the breather to fill them (or to the faucet)? then pull water from them into your main tank the same way you did with the bucket. extra steps, but if the main tank is enough 90% of the time it might be less hassle than properly plumbing them in.
Thanks for the suggestion, and you're absolutely right, that would work. For me personally, living out of a vehicle for years, anything that requires that many steps or that much "screwing around" isn't worth it. Even just carrying a hose long enough to do what you propose is a problem, and I'm certain I'd be sick of it after the first time!
@@TheRoadChoseMe that's fair. my trips have only been for 4 or 5 months at a time, so the strategy is usually do what's quick and easy to get some functionality. when you're in for the long haul a 5 minute inconvenience adds up.
Thanks for all the good information! How much micron does your filter have? And how many times was the water brown/dirty and cause your filter to clog up during the filling of your tank? Thanks-you are an inspiration for our trip starting end of this year.
My filter is 0.5 microns, and I never filled up from brown or dirty water - it always looked clear, and locals said I could drink it straight. Even still the filter was brown and full and I replaced it 3 or 4 times around Africa.
What about two 3-way ball valves instead of four 2-way ones and two tee fittings? That would eliminate the stagnant water in the lines between the valves and the tee fittings as well.
I am impressed with the system. What do you do with the open vent line and open intake line to prevent contamination in the lines when just 'sitting'? You can't cap the vent... so what prevents debris, stuff behind/under the seat from contaminating the line? And the intake - do you cap it when not in use? That UV filter is a dear component (but I can see the value). Being able to fill the system by prefiltering with the same filter was well designed.
Thanks for posting also the Product List above. Unfortunately the pump is missing. What pump did you use? I guess those shureflo pumps everybody use don't build up enough pressure (or switch off when pressure is getting higher)...
Thanks for letting me know, I just added the pump back to the Amazon list. The pressure switch does work perfectly, it will turn itself off if I leave the switch on and the tap closed, I just prefer not to do that.
Awesome content again . thanks for sharing your awesome videos on how to do set ups for over landing . Cheers from Steve Stott in Sutherlin Oregon U.S.A.
I'm amazed that just the one filter is sufficient. Even with the UV element (which wasn't a consideration in my system). Best I could see doing in my setup is a 3-stage stage filtration somehow incorporating Berkeys black carbon filters as the final filter before drinking output. And THAT system would be totally separate from a second pump and filtration group (2-stage minimum) intended for filling the tank from a natural water source, i.e. creek/stream/river. But you use the same pump for output AND input. Doesn't that introduce contamination to the pump used to output the drinking water? I get that the filter is after the pump in both cases - which makes just the one filter even more amazing. Great channel. Great info. Sub'd.
Yes, my system is not "perfect", but you also have to consider price, weight, complexity and space. You can over-design and over-engineer everything all day long, but at the end of the day what I have works perfectly, so it's good enough.
I didn't technically need it when I drove the Pan-Am, but it sure is nice to have, and it would have saved me buying big 5 gal jugs of filtered water the whole trip. Yes, I would
@@TheRoadChoseMe Hi.. are you there!! nice talk to you buddy. Let me ask you.. this particular filter from this brand you are using also has something to remove the tast of th water.. I guess so right!!!
Hi! .. I don't think it officially has something to remove the taste, but the 0.5 micron carbon filter is so fine it takes all the taste out just with that. So even chlorine from taps in the USA is gone.
4 года назад
@@TheRoadChoseMe thnak you.. and this system require much maintenance.. how often and what do you have to servicing
This is essentially exactly how I have set up the water tank in my 4by! I used a bladder type tank, made in Melbourne. However, the taste is still a bit too 'plasticy' so I have only been using it for washing dishes / hands / showers etc. and carrying a separate water container for drinking. I am a little disappointed as the company assured me that the material is food grade and the bad taste is only there for the first couple of uses, but it has been a year with quite a lot of use... Other than that, I have the same lift capability to fill from a river or lake via the filter! I have found the pressure switch on the pump to struggle on occasion to switch off the pump, though I think this may be a pressure head problem on the pump suction.
@@TheRoadChoseMe, that is a good point mate, I will have to check. The filter I bought was from the local caravan shop and was marketed as an inline filter to your tap. The other thing I have thought about is that the pump I bought, whilst marketed as a drinking water pump, was only very cheap from eBay, so perhaps the diaphragm material is not suitable, however, in the time that the water is in contact with the pump diaphragm I'm not certain that it could affect the taste so adversely! Thanks for the response mate!
hey love the videos, really like the setup with the ball valves to fill/draw water. I notice though you said its flowing at about 3g/m but that Pura filter says its rated for 1g per minute. if you push water through it too fast, the UV light doesnt have time to destroy the DNA of the bacteria/virus'. just something to think about, maybe it was fine for you but someone else may think they want a stronger pump and push it even faster.
@@TheRoadChoseMe it would be easy to measure the output flow. I realize now you were quoting the pump's rating for 3g/m so you're right it would be slowed by the filter and its probably sized appropriately!
I never have actually measured the flow, but it does slow considerably when the filter gets dirtier, which I think shows the pump can't just force 3gpm through it.
I love this! Well done! My only concern is that you're using the same filter where the "drinking" water goes through to also pump water going into the tank. Isn't it a concern that it could contaminate the filter?
Great job and thanks for sharing. How do you know when the UV lamp needs to be replaced or is not functioning? Have you considered adding a cheap pre-filter?
The manufacturer says to replace the UV lamp when you replace the filter, I replaced mine once so far. I have never needed a cheap pre-filter, but certainly could add one if I thought I was going to fill with tons of nasty water (which I almost never did)
Nicely done! I'm working on designing a system for my 4Runner and have a couple questions. My system will be plumbed to a valve on the rear bumper. This will give us water at the stove and allow us to hook up a water heater for hot showers. Could we simply add chlorine to the tank to keep it clean and sanitized and kill the bugs then rely on the filter to remove it? We did this on our sailing cruiser before there were UV systems. Second, have you considered using 2 3-way ball valves in place of the 4 ball valves to simplify the plumbing? I want my system to work properly and be as simple as possible. Thanks!
I don't know if you could rely on the filter taking out the chlorine - personally for me I don't want to be drinking that for years on end. Also I didn't go with 3-way ball valves because I carried one spare regular one through Africa that I could use to replace any of them. I also thought keeping with "generic" stuff it would be easier to deal with any issues. Good luck!
Thanks for making this video more thoroughly showing your water system Dan! I’m wondering if the fourth ball valve was even needed in the system before the water tap? Theoretically the tap would make the ball valve redundant but that’s just a theory! I suppose if your tap were to break it would disable the system without the ball valve though.....
You're right, it's probably not needed. I like the idea that it stops water that has only been filtered once from filling the long hose that goes all the way back to the tap..... often it's already full of water, but if I've drained the tank completely it can have a lot of air, so that extra ball valve just gives me confidence the water is actually going where I want it to!
The Road Chose Me There you go! Something I didn’t think about at all! Dirty water, it all makes sense now. You put a lot of thought into your system and I definitely will be using your ideas in my JK build, even if it doesn’t travel nearly as far. Thanks again!
@@TheRoadChoseMe Obviously you did this setup to cut down on the mass of filters, and use the single pump for everything. You also explain why you didn't pressurize the tank. With the way yours is plumbed that makes sense. Personally, I would have used PEX tube and clamps, and pressurize the system. Then I don't need any ball valves at all (That's a fair chunk of weight gone, that can be replaced by a second filter), and then the pump only has to pressurize the tank.
You mentioned that the pump worked with the filter. Is it a specific design or is it the GMP flow that needs to match. You also said that you were reluctant to remove the tank because of the mud build up from past countries. I have read that the vehicle need be very clean and free of mud, bug, seeds to enter another country. How was your experience at borders?
Great info! How robust is the UV element inside the filter? Did you experience any breakages? I’m not sure how these would hold up to the punishment of corrugations in Australia!
Did you ever filter greywater -- say after taking a shower and collecting that water to put back in your system? Would that be safe? Did you ever try to collect rainwater?
I never did either of those, only because I didn't need to. I would certainly use rainwater and even clear river/creek water with my filter and be confident it would be fine.
Very informative; I’ve been thinking about adding a filter to my Wrangler for a bit now. This one is rated at 1gpm, but the pump that you (and I) have is 3gpm. Does the filter slow the output to 1gpm, or does the water just not get a full UV treatment if you’re pushing through at 3gpm?
@@TheRoadChoseMe got it. Well you’re still alive; so it’s obviously killing enough stuff in there even if it is going at over 1gpm 🤷🏻♂️. Awesome build overall! I’ve been following your project for a while now
Hi Dan, I’m currently traveling in Africa and build a copy of your waterfiltersystem in my overland vehicle. With the Pura UV1. How long did your cartridges last? Mine seem to be saturated pretty quick.
My first one made it about 8 months and the whole coast of West Africa (I replaced it in Namibia), then the next was another 6 months and replaced in Zimbabwe.. then I think about 6 months again and I replaced it in Tanzania. I never did fill up from really bad water though, always nice and clear and locals said I could drink it directly. I bet it would clog up quickly with dirty water from a stream or something.
I've had water from this system. 5 stars. Would drink from it again.
As an environmental engineer specializing in water treatment systems, I love your approach and simple design. I will installing something similar to this in my FJ. Having safe water to drink is always a priority to me and my wife.
Thanks for the assessment!! haha. I've never designed anything like this before, so I'm sure it could be even better. I'd love to see what you build.
I really don’t think there is much to improve upon. You addressed filtration to get rid of particulates and UV to deal with any potential bacterial issues. Having the tank beneath the vehicle’s floor was good, especially putting protection from casual hits it may encounter. Good job! Wife and I enjoy your informative videos! Keep them coming.
Thank you took the mystery out of a safe water system in a vehicle.
Very much like these in depth videos around the equipment and Jeep and everything behind the scenes that lead to your success
When I was refurbishing my boat I made a mockup with rigid insulation and a manufacturer in Ontario made exactly what I needed
Wow, at the 11 minute mark where you show how you filter water going into the tank and out of the tank - brilliant!
Wow, what thorough research and planning. No wonder the system served you so well.
Engineer herritage!
Down to earth, common sense, and practical advice. I enjoy your videos. Thanks
I appreciate that!
There are so many great products these days. Overlanding Africa back in the 1980’s we used chlorine powder to purify our water and generally nothing to filter particulate, steel jerry cans too. Six months of that
Good on ya for the UV source... A word of caution for those of you seeking a UV "band C" source. Make sure it's emitting "band C" UV. Test it with some inexpensive, re-useable test strips which will change color under band C emmissions. Just because it's UV doesn't mean it's the correct emission wavelength for sterilization and just because it's touted as suitable for sterilization, doesn't mean it is! For my 18 foot travel trailer, I'd 'a bought that filter if I'd known about it when I assembled my simple system. I take two or three 5 gal jugs and fill them from a source... then hump (or drive) them to my trailer. Next, I use a rotary hand pump to pass that water from those jugs through a 0.5 micron cartridge filter and into my trailer's tank. For drinking water, I use a submersible, inexpensive UV fish tank lamp placed inside a stainless 4L steel container, expose the water inside it for a minute or two and then source my drinking water from that (I don't bother with the cooking or washing up water). Cheers!
$800 for a safe water system like this is well worth it. Thanks for sharing - especially in such depth!
The ball valves to change from supply to fill is very clever. Well done!
Thank you for the video! A lot of useful information! To use the AEV water storage, I guess you can just run your breather overflow hose to the AEV tank. And when you run out of water in your main tank, just pump the water in AEV tank back to the main tank.
Water is important. Myself, for filling containers I use 0.1-micron filter such as the Sawyer with a gravity feed bag. Certainly, the speed for filling containers is not as fast as your system. To me the 0.1-micron provides considerably safer water than 5, 10 or 30 microns. To my study filters with larger microns do not filter out giardia, microplastics, bacteria, protozoa, cysts, and more. After the filter add a carbon filter for removing off-putting water taste, coloring, and chemicals from the water, nothing fancy, yet much less expensive. A tank such as yours is an excellent idea.
i just got my tank in, i got a 15 gallon abc drinking water grad tank for a rv from amazon for $ 60 usd, fits perfect under a jeep jlu, then paid $70 usd in fittings, picked up a 3gpm pump for $50 usd, used quick connects to plug into my portable hot water heater and mounted them on the jeep. working really good so far
Sounds absolutely perfect. Do you have a link to the tank you used?
I just use a hose with a drill attachment type pump and a hose attached filter to my water tank. I don't need more than 7 gallons. They are good for 1000 gal. Easy peasy. I use a little hand drill to pump it. I love that filter though.
I copied your system on the 4WD camper we shipped from Australia to Africa. It did my head in designing it - even using your blog post as a guide. We didn't add the UV to the system, but next time we are in Africa we will be adding UV. It was so useful in places like Angola were water was hard to get. We filled our foldup bucket from all sorts of places including Rivers. Thanks so much for your design, it really added to making our trips so much better. Also I have never seen anyone design as system as good as yours. I - like you - don't remember which valves to change, I have to just remember I have to change all 4!
I'm really happy to hear the design was helpful and your system worked for you! That's great you got into Angola, I absolutely loved it!
That kitchen is indeed impressive Dan! Great kit and a spectacular introduction to it!
Thank you kindly!
The thing i would do differently: 2 T valves instead of 4, and mount them on the same place. Bouth handles the same way when you use it.
Besides that, no change.
Love your setup.
Cheers from Norway 🇸🇯
For sure that would be an improvement! Next time.
Top notch! You make excellent/informative videos, and without all of the "glamour" and marketing B.S. that so many other 4x4 RUclipsrs seem to rely upon for their so-called "content". "HI FIVE," as my granddaughter would say!
Wow, thank you!
I love the design with the ability to fill the tank with filtered water. I was feeling accomplished yesterday after putting a gravity fed system in my Jeep...
You can do it!
Hello, are those Robertson machine screws? Hells to the yes! You should run your ball valves as a gang on the driver's side passenger accessible lower cabinets. Then, you can label them and have both easy access and easy knowledge of each valve. For example, run the ball valves 1-2-3-4 and label the handles Tank In, Tank Out, External Out, External In; plumb accordingly. You can use clear shrink tubing over either paper or label printer labels, on the handles. That makes for easy to see, permanent ball valve labels. Clean af.
They sure are Robertson screws! I made it in Canada, and they are just so common.
Absolutely, putting all the ball valves next to each other would be really nice, but I was just so limited on space I decided to do it this way. It's been flawless for 4 years, so I'm really happy with it.
Thanks for the video. I did not know there was a filter with a UV light in it. That sounds like the ticket for small areas Just a tid bit if info. The water/fluid will flow in the direction of the handle. The handle either runs with the tube/pipe( letting fluid flow or 90deg of the hose (stopped the flow ) . This is good info to know especially if you can't see your ball valves, you can just feel what position they are in. I have to do this every month when I change the filters on my house. When I build my vehicle,this is the system I'm sure I'll use . Simply and not over complicated. Thanks.
I’m thinking on install a similar water system on my pickup truck. The filtration in & out you use it’s pretty clever. I really will consider it for my system. Thanks for the inspiration.
Nice job. One thing I would add is a weight on the end of the suction hose so it doesn’t spring out
Very simple very well thought out very considerate of tight spaces like it very much I am going to use some version of this system in my overland build/Van build
Very clever the plumbing. Thanks for sharing it here mate.
Mis-spoke below.... I use a 5 micron filter. After it, I use one of those blue "bullet" carbon filters. My usual water source is a stream in the high Uintas in Northern Utah.
This is the most amazing water system I've ever seen! Thank you for sharing this
Here's the latest version I designed and built - ruclips.net/video/fPRRPxtL1-w/видео.html
Do u know what we do here in Africa on drinking water on our expeditions? Simple solution: We just get a stove and boil the water thoroughly, let it cool and put in drinking cold box. We don't care about the color of the drinking water but so long as it's well boiled, we have safe drinking water and at almost no modifications costs. It has worked for me and my friends fabulously....
it has been my dream to travel just like what you did
You Can!
I've watched a few of your other videos and was wondering how you dealt with drinking water, perfect timing
One of the best descriptions I've heard. Thanks
Kudos!....
Informative
Coherent
Good delivery (no ASMR Drone voice)
Field tested...on yourself
Virgin....(not sullied by sponsors)
Keep up the good work
Don't sell out
Best adventures ahead good Sir,
Getting a lot out of your content.
Thanks
You need a easily cleaned pre-filter on the intake hose. This is if you are in the wild and taking from a natural source. Eliminates sediment and other junk in the water. You might want to consider adding a second filter canister between the pump and UV filter. This be a simple paper filter sort of like an oil filter. This would extend your primary filter life. This would be a much cheaper type of filter and canister.
For sure I would have done that if I was filling often from "wild" sources, but actually it was never needed all the way around Africa in 3 years.
Oh yeah...Kudos to the Comment Community as well...most seem thus side of sane...and cordial....
Happy to subscribe n join the road with y'all...
Welcome aboard!
Just use the hose to suck the water out of the bumper. You don’t need to make any mods and once every 6 months drop a bit of blue cleaning tab that are used at restaurants and you’re good.
You could also pour filtered water into the bumper tanks and continue filling up your main tank. Just swap the faucet to one you can screw a hose on.
Such good information! Thanks Dan! I’ve been subscribed to your channel for awhile now, and I learn something new from every video. Thanks!
fantastic video. So many good ideas! I'm rebuilding my old water system in my rig
Really great vid. Well done. Steve 🇦🇺
Thanks!! I already read your book about your trip around Africa! I really enjoyed it and I highlighted so many interesting things on my e-reader . Have you ever considered writing an "Overlander guide for dummies" ? I'll be your first customer;)
Thanks, that's great to hear!
... Funny you should mention that, I'm working on something I think you'll find very helpful!
Well done Sir! LOTS of details and great ideas! Thanks for sharing.
Very welcome
Diagrams where great 👍
This is the best like/dislike ratio I've seen
Excellent stuff. Very practical advice. Many thanks. (Ps couldn’t find the amazon link )
Great video thanks. I’ll prob do v similar in my LC100 destined for Africa, but will use 2x 3 way valves instead (source: tank/external; fill/tap)
I'm trying to find three way valves now for my new build and I'm struggling!
Very good video. Learned a lot and well presented
Thanks for the feedback! Plenty more on the way, next video Thursday
great video thanks! I really want to build something like this
I’ve actually been researching this very idea, but I was also seeing the practicality of using multiple natural filter mediums in stainless steel micro tanks, such as sand, charcoal, etc, as well as the UV light.
I like the easy filter replacement, but not being able to reuse them is a concern.
The rig I’m building is a large rear/mid engine type, so the water tank can go up front where the engine used to be, under the two spare tires, so it can be low, but at frame height and protected by a heavy duty skid plate..
Since the vehicle has solar and generator 110 volt and 12 volt battery bank, I can install a titan on demand hot water system.
An exhaust relocation to a front side exit or smtn could free more space, and also a local aluminum tig welder can make a cheap aluminum tank on custom dimensions. Good job
Is it OK to drink water long term that is in an aluminium tank?
A very big "NO" to just any water. Am from Nairobi Kenya. We had one in our previous camper van. Only spring water (No piped water, no Carbonated water, NO CHLORINATED WATER, no water from hot springs). Just natural sources like from Mt Kenya, Nile Basin, Ethiopian Highlands etc...
This is a great idea, and you appear to have been using this with no health problems so far, but I think I may see a flaw in your system. The two valves before the pump has a section of pipe that can hold untreated water during your switching from filling the tank to pumping out. there is a risk of the water in that pipe contaminating your tank when you open the valve closest to the tank after filling, which can contaminate the line to the valve after the filter contaminating the rest of the system when you open the other valves. I would correct this problem by using two pumps, one dedicated to filling the tank pumping through a cheap sediment filter made from paper or string to keep your tank clean, and the other for pumping out though the U/V carbon filter for purification totally isolating the treated from untreated water. I would also add a drain in the bottom of the tank so I could flush and disinfect the tank on occasion.
Two pumps is just too much weight and complexity for what I'm doing. While it might improve the system, it's too much.
🙋🏻♂️ I like this solution. Thank you 👍🏼💛🇪🇦
Great improvement on the camera my guy
Thanks! I'm still battling some microphone and focus issues, though it's getting better with each one I film! More on the way.
UV filter will be my next addition
. DOn
It would be more interesting to show what the output of the filtration system was when used with water from your typical muddy river or lake instead of feeding it clear water to start with. A river like the Mississippi River as it gets towards the southern end would be a good example. These are waters where if you are diving in them, you can't see your hand in front of your mask. Of course, if you were using a water source like that, it would result in your filter getting clogged up sooner, so it might be advisable to plumb it so that the filter can be backwashed like is done with swimming pool filters.
The 0.5 microns filter he is using would actually turn wine into water... so that's some next level filtration
The tap is the highest point in the system, so that prevents drainage. Set up the ball valve levers to point in direction of flow? Color coded hoses? Bolt all the ball valves to the inside of the door? UV light (great idea, kills paracytes and bacteria) in the tank instead of inline to allow for longer run time? What's your backup if the pump craps out? Does the exhaust heat up the tank?
The system has been perfect for almost 5 years now, never a single issue. These pumps are renowned for being reliable and durable for a long time. It's no more a concern than if the fridge or solar panels "crap out" which is highly unlikely.
The exhaust heats the water a little, but to be honest when it's 120F in the shade every day for 3 years in Africa, it doesn't make much difference - the water is always quite warm.
You should turn the pump and lamp on before opening the tap. Purauv recommends a 1-2 minute warm up time for the lamp.
I was also wondering how long your 40 litre tank would last with 2 of you using it? I guess it depends on how much you are using for cooking.
Yep, I do let the lamp warm up especially when I'm filling the tank.
For two of us water was the limiting factor, I'd say around 7-10 days when we were very careful.
Nicely done. Thank you
great video! super informative, definitely looking into a setup like this
I had a thought for the bumper tanks: instead of plumbing them in, could you use a longer hose attached to the breather to fill them (or to the faucet)? then pull water from them into your main tank the same way you did with the bucket. extra steps, but if the main tank is enough 90% of the time it might be less hassle than properly plumbing them in.
Thanks for the suggestion, and you're absolutely right, that would work.
For me personally, living out of a vehicle for years, anything that requires that many steps or that much "screwing around" isn't worth it. Even just carrying a hose long enough to do what you propose is a problem, and I'm certain I'd be sick of it after the first time!
@@TheRoadChoseMe that's fair. my trips have only been for 4 or 5 months at a time, so the strategy is usually do what's quick and easy to get some functionality. when you're in for the long haul a 5 minute inconvenience adds up.
Thanks for all the good information! How much micron does your filter have? And how many times was the water brown/dirty and cause your filter to clog up during the filling of your tank? Thanks-you are an inspiration for our trip starting end of this year.
My filter is 0.5 microns, and I never filled up from brown or dirty water - it always looked clear, and locals said I could drink it straight.
Even still the filter was brown and full and I replaced it 3 or 4 times around Africa.
Love this type of video
Great video
Actually you could use “T” connectors to add the bumper tanks to your existing lines....instead of dropping the tank
What about two 3-way ball valves instead of four 2-way ones and two tee fittings? That would eliminate the stagnant water in the lines between the valves and the tee fittings as well.
A very informative video! Thanks for the ideas and info! Safe travels👍🏻
Thanks! You too!
I am impressed with the system. What do you do with the open vent line and open intake line to prevent contamination in the lines when just 'sitting'? You can't cap the vent... so what prevents debris, stuff behind/under the seat from contaminating the line? And the intake - do you cap it when not in use? That UV filter is a dear component (but I can see the value). Being able to fill the system by prefiltering with the same filter was well designed.
I actually have not capped the fill or vent lines. I probably should have, I just never got around it to and it wasn't a problem.
Were can you by this filter in europe ?
Awesome man ! thank you for sharing
awsome!! Maybe you can do a video on the fuel filter and perhaps another one on hidden camera
Fuel video is here ruclips.net/video/zTsRhp2kaAI/видео.html
Thank you for a great how to
You are welcome!
Thanks for posting also the Product List above. Unfortunately the pump is missing. What pump did you use? I guess those shureflo pumps everybody use don't build up enough pressure (or switch off when pressure is getting higher)...
Thanks for letting me know, I just added the pump back to the Amazon list.
The pressure switch does work perfectly, it will turn itself off if I leave the switch on and the tap closed, I just prefer not to do that.
Awesome content again . thanks for sharing your awesome videos on how to do set ups for over landing . Cheers from Steve Stott in Sutherlin Oregon U.S.A.
Glad you enjoyed it
I'm amazed that just the one filter is sufficient. Even with the UV element (which wasn't a consideration in my system). Best I could see doing in my setup is a 3-stage stage filtration somehow incorporating Berkeys black carbon filters as the final filter before drinking output. And THAT system would be totally separate from a second pump and filtration group (2-stage minimum) intended for filling the tank from a natural water source, i.e. creek/stream/river.
But you use the same pump for output AND input. Doesn't that introduce contamination to the pump used to output the drinking water? I get that the filter is after the pump in both cases - which makes just the one filter even more amazing. Great channel. Great info. Sub'd.
Yes, my system is not "perfect", but you also have to consider price, weight, complexity and space.
You can over-design and over-engineer everything all day long, but at the end of the day what I have works perfectly, so it's good enough.
Great system. I don’t know if I could make it... Would you do the same system for the Pan-American?
I didn't technically need it when I drove the Pan-Am, but it sure is nice to have, and it would have saved me buying big 5 gal jugs of filtered water the whole trip.
Yes, I would
Great info.
Simple. Brilliant!
Great Tutorial!
Just subscribed. Very useful video. I already have mostrly everything but miss the UV filter.. gonna install this in the near future!! thank brother!!
Glad it was helpful!
@@TheRoadChoseMe Hi.. are you there!! nice talk to you buddy. Let me ask you.. this particular filter from this brand you are using also has something to remove the tast of th water.. I guess so right!!!
Hi! .. I don't think it officially has something to remove the taste, but the 0.5 micron carbon filter is so fine it takes all the taste out just with that. So even chlorine from taps in the USA is gone.
@@TheRoadChoseMe thnak you.. and this system require much maintenance.. how often and what do you have to servicing
I just change the filter every 6 months or so. And I put a new UV lamp in after 18 months. Nothing else.
Very helpful!!!
Fantastic video. Very helpful. Ron Vaillant
Glad it was helpful!
This is essentially exactly how I have set up the water tank in my 4by! I used a bladder type tank, made in Melbourne. However, the taste is still a bit too 'plasticy' so I have only been using it for washing dishes / hands / showers etc. and carrying a separate water container for drinking. I am a little disappointed as the company assured me that the material is food grade and the bad taste is only there for the first couple of uses, but it has been a year with quite a lot of use... Other than that, I have the same lift capability to fill from a river or lake via the filter! I have found the pressure switch on the pump to struggle on occasion to switch off the pump, though I think this may be a pressure head problem on the pump suction.
Hi Jimmy - I'm surprised the filter doesn't take out the plastic taste. How fine is the filter?
@@TheRoadChoseMe, that is a good point mate, I will have to check. The filter I bought was from the local caravan shop and was marketed as an inline filter to your tap. The other thing I have thought about is that the pump I bought, whilst marketed as a drinking water pump, was only very cheap from eBay, so perhaps the diaphragm material is not suitable, however, in the time that the water is in contact with the pump diaphragm I'm not certain that it could affect the taste so adversely! Thanks for the response mate!
Great tutorial - thanks! Question: where did you source the tank mounting straps?
They're actually just straight steel straps I bought from Home Depot, and then we bent them into shape and drilled holes to mount them
Great video. Do you have a follow up detailing the electric wiring?
I don't have one specifically for the water system wiring. There's 12V going to the pump and UV lamp through a switch. That's it!
hey love the videos, really like the setup with the ball valves to fill/draw water. I notice though you said its flowing at about 3g/m but that Pura filter says its rated for 1g per minute. if you push water through it too fast, the UV light doesnt have time to destroy the DNA of the bacteria/virus'. just something to think about, maybe it was fine for you but someone else may think they want a stronger pump and push it even faster.
I always thought the filter would just slow it down. It's a 0.5 micron filter, so it takes a lot of effort for the pump to push water through it.
@@TheRoadChoseMe it would be easy to measure the output flow. I realize now you were quoting the pump's rating for 3g/m so you're right it would be slowed by the filter and its probably sized appropriately!
I never have actually measured the flow, but it does slow considerably when the filter gets dirtier, which I think shows the pump can't just force 3gpm through it.
I love this! Well done! My only concern is that you're using the same filter where the "drinking" water goes through to also pump water going into the tank. Isn't it a concern that it could contaminate the filter?
Yes, it's certainly possible. But I've never had a problem, and it keep it light and simple I don't want to make it more complex.
Great job and thanks for sharing. How do you know when the UV lamp needs to be replaced or is not functioning? Have you considered adding a cheap pre-filter?
The manufacturer says to replace the UV lamp when you replace the filter, I replaced mine once so far.
I have never needed a cheap pre-filter, but certainly could add one if I thought I was going to fill with tons of nasty water (which I almost never did)
Nicely done! I'm working on designing a system for my 4Runner and have a couple questions. My system will be plumbed to a valve on the rear bumper. This will give us water at the stove and allow us to hook up a water heater for hot showers. Could we simply add chlorine to the tank to keep it clean and sanitized and kill the bugs then rely on the filter to remove it? We did this on our sailing cruiser before there were UV systems. Second, have you considered using 2 3-way ball valves in place of the 4 ball valves to simplify the plumbing? I want my system to work properly and be as simple as possible. Thanks!
I don't know if you could rely on the filter taking out the chlorine - personally for me I don't want to be drinking that for years on end.
Also I didn't go with 3-way ball valves because I carried one spare regular one through Africa that I could use to replace any of them. I also thought keeping with "generic" stuff it would be easier to deal with any issues.
Good luck!
Thanks for making this video more thoroughly showing your water system Dan! I’m wondering if the fourth ball valve was even needed in the system before the water tap? Theoretically the tap would make the ball valve redundant but that’s just a theory! I suppose if your tap were to break it would disable the system without the ball valve though.....
You're right, it's probably not needed. I like the idea that it stops water that has only been filtered once from filling the long hose that goes all the way back to the tap..... often it's already full of water, but if I've drained the tank completely it can have a lot of air, so that extra ball valve just gives me confidence the water is actually going where I want it to!
The Road Chose Me There you go! Something I didn’t think about at all! Dirty water, it all makes sense now. You put a lot of thought into your system and I definitely will be using your ideas in my JK build, even if it doesn’t travel nearly as far. Thanks again!
@@TheRoadChoseMe Obviously you did this setup to cut down on the mass of filters, and use the single pump for everything. You also explain why you didn't pressurize the tank. With the way yours is plumbed that makes sense.
Personally, I would have used PEX tube and clamps, and pressurize the system. Then I don't need any ball valves at all (That's a fair chunk of weight gone, that can be replaced by a second filter), and then the pump only has to pressurize the tank.
Excellent design.
Is there an alert if the uv light stops working?
There is not, unfortunately.
Excellent water system, what if you manufactured that as a sale item for Jeep and RV owners?
That's an interesting idea, though I have waaaay too many projects on the go right now!
Before considering a water tank under the body of a vehicle, in the US any hidden compartment outside of OEM is ILLEGAL in many states.
how would you winterize a system like this? if I wanted to put a tank under the car could I put heat pads and insulation?
Nice!
You mentioned that the pump worked with the filter. Is it a specific design or is it the GMP flow that needs to match. You also said that you were reluctant to remove the tank because of the mud build up from past countries. I have read that the vehicle need be very clean and free of mud, bug, seeds to enter another country. How was your experience at borders?
Great info! How robust is the UV element inside the filter? Did you experience any breakages? I’m not sure how these would hold up to the punishment of corrugations in Australia!
It handled 87,000kms of punished on the corrugations around Africa without any problems at all!
Trust me, they're as bad as Australia!
Did you ever filter greywater -- say after taking a shower and collecting that water to put back in your system? Would that be safe? Did you ever try to collect rainwater?
I never did either of those, only because I didn't need to.
I would certainly use rainwater and even clear river/creek water with my filter and be confident it would be fine.
Very informative; I’ve been thinking about adding a filter to my Wrangler for a bit now. This one is rated at 1gpm, but the pump that you (and I) have is 3gpm. Does the filter slow the output to 1gpm, or does the water just not get a full UV treatment if you’re pushing through at 3gpm?
I always assumed the filter would slow the flow down to it's max, but to be honest I have never verified that.
@@TheRoadChoseMe got it. Well you’re still alive; so it’s obviously killing enough stuff in there even if it is going at over 1gpm 🤷🏻♂️. Awesome build overall! I’ve been following your project for a while now
Does the filter require electricity for the UV light? Great Video!
Yep, it runs off 12V, same as the pump.
@@TheRoadChoseMe the pura filter comes with an ac to dc converter. Did you just cut and splice the wires to run straight 12v?
@@brendenvermilyea2740 I believe there are three options: 110 V, 220 V and 12 V and you can buy what suits you better.
Wow !
Hi Dan, I’m currently traveling in Africa and build a copy of your waterfiltersystem in my overland vehicle. With the Pura UV1. How long did your cartridges last? Mine seem to be saturated pretty quick.
My first one made it about 8 months and the whole coast of West Africa (I replaced it in Namibia), then the next was another 6 months and replaced in Zimbabwe.. then I think about 6 months again and I replaced it in Tanzania.
I never did fill up from really bad water though, always nice and clear and locals said I could drink it directly. I bet it would clog up quickly with dirty water from a stream or something.