Driving a Tacoma around the world

This looks like an interesting water disinfection system. Has anyone tried it?

 

I have one for my house!
I catch and use my own water here in Hawaii and it has been nothing short of fantastic.

 

I'm just going to put this out there so don't shoot the messenger.

I have been in water treatment for forty years, retiring the end of the month. If any of the gee whiz magic bullets that have come down the pike in that time actually worked everyone, including municipal water districts, would be using them.

From magnets in the 1980's to the latest nano-filtration all fail when it comes to both scale formation (not a problem in most drinking water) and biological control.

The things that have proven themselves to work are, filtration (you can include carbon bed filters in this as they both filter and absorb undesirable elements). Chemical treatment, most usually chlorine or chloramine. Lastly ultraviolet exposure and ozonation.

One more note, the absolute last person's word you want to take on something that will effect your life (quite literally, you can die from bad water) is the person trying to sell you something.

 

I agree as well but i don’t want to be the first, if you know what i mean. I’m happy using leadin edge technology but not bleeding edge.

Sounds very promising though and will Keep my eye on it

 

Ends in Romania...not Russia, I know because I'm from overthere...talking water filtration, how about Berkey ?

 

Ooooops, I had the "R" correct...lol. I did not get the "Berkey" comment.
Thanks
Zim

 

I carry one of these as a basic filter. Even though the marketing lists that it filters microorganisms, it also mentions on the label about not for use in biologically unsafe water... so ? Also it definitely does not taste pure after filling my 15G tank from house water through it. But for a simple filter and adding a small amount of chlorine bleach (epa.gov guidelines), it can cover a lot of nasties. Boiling can help too. Just depends on your risk comfort level.

The water flavoring drops can help on long trips to mask flavor and add variety.

note: listed 3mo lifespan

$16 Camco Tastepure RV Water Filter - New & Advanced RV Inline Water Filter with Flexible Hose Protector - GAC & KDF Filtration - Made in USA - Camping Essentials for Fresh Drinking Water (40043)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006IX87S

 

Thanks Ken. That’s definitely a cheap option. Looks like it has a 20 micron filter which will remove the larger dirt (sand and silt) particulates, with activated charcoal to improve taste. But you’d need to inject/add chlorine to take care of the remaining nasties like viruses

 

I think @DAS Taco meant the Berkey water filter system. I haven’t heard of it before and am not sure if it would fit our travel needs but it looks quite effective for home use in that it purifies water as opposed to just filtering it. The short of it is that it can remove viruses and chemical pollutants that filter can’t touch. Filters only go down to around 0.3 micron which still allows for viruses and chemicals to pass through.

Looks like the Berkey system would be great for stationary household use.

 

Correct, Berkey can purify water from any source, and what is great about it is that doesn't rely on power, pumps...gravity it's all you need!
They have a Camper model that can be stashed almost anywhere...I'm not payed by Berkey to say these things but we have been using them for years now and I wouldn't use anything else to not just filter my water...but to purity it.

 

The berkey water filters are a popular item..

The black filters are what is being talked about regarding chemical removal and taste improvement .

Been ages since i have kept up with there product line. Funny story... the name actually changed slightly due to the voice over guy mispronouncing the name. It was. Not caught until after the ad ran for a bit. The owner, said sales and calls where higher than ever, and people like the way the name was mispronounced so he changed the name to match..

Geeze, that has been over 20 years ago now.. how time flies

 

Get a Unimog.

 

Dan from The Road Chose Me did a nice video on filtration systems. Looks the same as the one that you have although he did it a little differently in that he filters the water both on the way in and the way out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geGO_yNmVKM

 

Btw, that's really sweet the way you have set that up in the back seat pumping directly into the camper. I was wondering it the dealer had some options.

 

Totally funny that you noticed my system is basically the same as Dan Grec of The Road Chose Me cause that’s where i got the idea from! I’ve shamelessly copied his system. I’ve even contacted him a couple of times with questions about his system. He’s had no problems with it over 3 years of driving around Africa; that is good enough for me. I did upgrade to a dual filter system because there’s two of us where he usually was traveling by himself.

If anyone has not heard of his story and you’re curious about Africa check out his site, http://theroadchoseme.com/
He’s a good writer and has spoken at several overland expos and many Jeep get togethers.



Can you tell that I’m very impressed with what he’s done. Taken at the 2018 Overland Expo

 

Maybe I missed it, but how and where are you storing your water?

 

Hey no problem. The camper has a built in 20 gallon tank as well as a 6 gallon hot water tank. In isolated desert places that's means at best occasional "navy" showers

 

Yes, Dan has a great story I've followed him for years. I know what you mean with the water, if not for the weight it would be nice to have twice that amount but if you have to choose between gas and water

 

Finally installed the newly made stairs! They’re super sturdy and quite light, maybe 8 lbs?


The red thing in the upper left corner is the Tacoma-keyed padlock from Bolt locks. I have five of them on the truck.


A close up of how the stairs are secured to the camper. Lower bar is for the lock


It folds up and fits inside the camper!

 

Your rig looks awesome, very well thought out! I can see you two being very comfortable in it. We have firmed up our date and it looks like April 2022 is when we hope to start our travels. Now that you have it pretty much done just wondering with the additional weight how does it drive and handle, looks like you took it on a fairly aggressive trail so you have a pretty good feel for it? As you know I'm looking at something along the same lines as what you have, probably just a slide in though. Everybody keeps talking about the weight on the Tacoma but there are all sorts of people travelling around with all sorts of things strapped to the back, any idea what percentage of people actually have a problem? Particularly if you're driving conservatively. The four wheel camper/mule expedition etc don't seem to have any concerns with the extra weight. Sorry to beat a dead horse but it's a big question for me, thanks.