Camper Van Water Systems: Self-Contained, Fresh Water Tanks & Plumbing

Having flowing water in your van build is a huge plus for any van adventure, and when you get right down to it there are only a few key parts needed to make your water system work properly.  

In this guide we’ll show you the three main Camper Van water systems choices to help you decide what’s best for your layout.

1. Self-contained in the Galley

2. Fresh Water Tank (cold water only)

3. Fresh Water Tank (hot & cold water)

Before we jump into the details, let's discuss the Camper Van plumbing basics as they vary in complexity and cost depending on build outs.  

Camper Van Water System Components

Fresh Water Tank: 

Store your fresh water.  

• 2-7 gallon for removable containers or 

• 20-36 gallon tanks that fit over the wheel well.

Pump System

Send cold water to sink, shower or other water outlets. It operates by maintaining pressure in the water line and turning on automatically when a faucet is opened. Look for:

• Pump (necessary) GPM stands for Gallons Per Minute, and bigger isn’t necessarily  better for van plumbing.  1.5-3 GPM is usually plenty, otherwise fresh water quickly goes down the drain.  These pumps keep pressurized water in the line between them and the sink/shower, and start up automatically when sensing a pressure drop like when a faucet is turned on.

• Accumulator (optional): Extends the life of the pump, and minimizes noise and pump start/stops

• Pre-filter (optional): Small filter usually installed right before the pump.

• On/Off Switch (nearly necessary): Manually turn the power off to the pump.  If water runs out, the pump will keep running and running.  Also useful for winterizing.

• Inline Filter (optional): Reduce potential bad taste and remove unwanted particles from your drinking water

Grey Water Tank

Collects and stores water from the sink drain and sometimes the shower drain (usually only from the sink drain with an inside grey water tank).  External grey water tanks are an option for showers, and so is a drain hole through the floor.  Removable containers are usually 2-4 gallons, under van tanks are usually 20 gallons.

• Plumbing: Moves water throughout your van.  Tubing and PEX both have advantages and disadvantages we’ll discuss below.  

• Hot Water System: Heats cold water for showers and sometimes the sink.  Solutions vary from a couple of hundred dollars to many thousands depending on convenience and overall size.

WATER SOLUTION A.  Self Contained in the Galley

This setup is great if you aren’t planning to take showers in the van, and you don’t need running hot water.  You are limited in how long you can be fully off-grid, but 4 gallons is enough for multiple days of cooking, teeth brushing, etc, especially if you have other beverages to drink some of the time.

You will end up filling and emptying your water containers more often than with permanent tanks, but quick-connects allow for topping off at campsite spigots or tall sinks most anywhere.

Most Skyliner Galleys have shelving sized to accommodate at least 4 gallons of fresh and grey water, with mounting locations for the pump system.

PROS:

• Simple to fill and empty

• Minimal space needs

• Winterization is simple, just remove the tanks and run the pump

CONS:

• No hot water

• 4 gallons of water weighs 35lb (heavy to fill and empty)

• Limited capacity for longer outings 

• No shower, other than possibly spraying the faucet out the doorway
  

If you’re interested in a self contained water system in your galley, here are a few key details to keep in mind:

• Use pressure rated tubing, at least between the pump and your sink

• Use quality clamps sized for your tubing to minimize lifetime leaks

• Wire an on/off switch for your pump

• When picking a sink, consider replacing the included drain with a low-profile version so you'll have more room for water containers

Here’s a diagram showing components we’ve tested for self contained water systems.  For a PDF of this page, with links to each part and a complete Amazon Shopping List, enter your email below.

WATER SOLUTION B.  20-36 Gallon Fresh Water Tank

This water setup offers the most van capability and adventure options.  Water tanks of this size mean you can explore farther off the grid and stay out longer before thinking about filling up.  Wheel Well shaped tanks keep the extra weight balanced over the axles for smoother travel, and since the outside is often dirty you’ll have capacity to spare to hose yourself or your gear off as needed.

PROS:

• Simple to fill from any garden hose

• Ample water for showers

• Hot water very doable

• Extended offgrid adventures are possible

CONS:

• Winterizing and sanitizing are necessary

• Does take more space

Skyliner Wheel Well Cabinets are sized for 20-36 gallon water tanks, and designed with access and mounting locations for the Pump System and whatever plumbing you choose to use. Here’s what you want to think about:

Tank Size:  Choose to go with a 20 or 33 gallon if you are really trying to maximize the open area in the rear of your van.  The 20 and 33 gallon tank is 12.5” wide, while the 36 gallon tank is 16” wide, so your wheel well cabinet will have a 14” depth compared to 17.5” depth with the 36 gallon.  However, the 36 gallon cabinet is the only one sized for integrating the RIXENS hydronic heater system.

Secure Mounting: Skyliner Wheel Well H20 Cabinets have extremely strong aluminum framework, and adjustable mounts to hold the water tank exactly where you want it.  If you use another cabinet or make one yourself, mount the tank to your van very, very securely.  36 gallons of water alone weigh nearly 300lbs.

Plumbing: Tubing vs PEX

PEX is what most builders use to run van plumbing because when properly installed it will not leak.  The downside is the tools and fittings cost more and take longer to install, but if you are planning on living full time, have an indoor shower, or otherwise extensively using your water system, the peace of mind advantage goes to PEX.

Tubing: The right tubing and quality clamps can also be used to securely plumb your van, and the advantage is cost and an easier time routing the lines.  Follow these guidelines and your chances of springing a leak go way down:  

Plumbing- Water Tank Connections:

Most van water tanks come with two ways to connect on each side, (2) ½” NPT threaded connections that are ready to use and (2) 1.5” NPT connections that need to be drilled out to use.  Drilling-out leaves plastic shavings in your tank that are not easy to completely remove.  Use any you like, but here’s our preferred connection path:

•  Filling the Tank:  To minimize spilled water in your van we suggest a quick-connect fitting with the valve on the water tank side.  By using the lowest connection point, this will let you drain your tank with the same equipment.
  Look in the viewing slot to check your tank level when filling.
• Air Vent & Overflow:  When water goes in to fill the tank, air needs to come out.  Likewise, water being used is replaced by air coming in.  Make your air vent line reach up higher than your tank (shown) and water won’t splash out on rough roads.  If you accidentally overfill your tank, water will shoot out of this opening (mostly outside).
• Fresh Water Output:  The front of the tank is the typical water output location.  Skyliner H2O Cabinets have access and mounting panels typically in this area for easy service and plumbing.
• Shower:  After your Pump System, a Tee Splitter sends water to both the sink and the shower.  The shower line routes above the tank, and we suggest it should connect into the same type of valved quick-connect used for filling the tank.  This way your shower hose could double as a fill hose if needed.
• Sink:  Skyliner Galleys structurally mount to all Wheel Well cabinets.  Once mounted together, drill one hole to route your fresh water to your faucet.

Hot Water: Various hot water systems will fit in Skyliner H20 Cabinets.  Routing lines will still send cold water to sink and shower, but a second Tee Splitter will send cold water to your heater and from there to hot shower and hot sink.  Here are a few options to consider:

• Outside shower only: Tankless propane is inexpensive, but propane needs venting and Carbon Monoxide detectors are recommended.  Only usable for outside use so winter showers aren't likely to happen

• Inside hot water tank (electric, vehicle coolant, or fuel):  These are dedicated additional tanks that house usually 2-4 gallons of hot water.  These aren't on demand heating but you can plan ahead and have the hot water when you need it.  Less convenient, and larger footprints than Hydronic, but less expensive as well.

• Inside on-demand hot water and van heat (Hydronic Heater + Furnace). Hydronic systems usually connect to your vehicle fuel and heated fluid circulates to blow hot air, heat water and even heated floors.  If hot water and indoor showers are important to your van adventures, and your budget allows, this is the prefered system based on features, reliability and on-demand heating.  We recommend the RIXENS Hydronic heaters, which are offered in a pre-plumbed solution in 36 gallon H20 Wheel Well Cabinets and some Power Cabinets. 

Everyone's water needs will be a little different, but hopefully this information will help you think about what's important for your van adventures.  Feel free to reach out with any questions, and best of luck with your buildout!