Car Camping / Trip Reports / Photos / Buildouts / “Overland” / Expedition Rigs Area (homeless?)

I like the simplicity of this unit.

Another great idea.

 

Isn't there a system that you can mount under the hood that can take water out of a stream/river and warms it using a heat exchanger hooked up to the engine? I think it might even have a regulator that you can use to bypass the exchanger to regulate the water temperature. Not sure what it was

 

Yes, Kurt @cruiseroutfit still carries them - I think - and they are made by an Australian company called "Helton." If you want to try your hand at making your own there have been a few pretty solid write-ups here on TW with details and parts lists.

 

OK, I thought so. I would like to get a bit more into this but room is always so scarce and water weighing what it does I would only want to carry water for drinking/washing plates etc not for bathing.

 

I've debated whether to install a permanent water tank or use cans/jugs. A built-in is more convenient, but must be maintained or will get "funky" inside. (Not hard to do, just another chore to do.)

For the moment (which means, "until I change my mind - again!") I use water cans. I have several Scepter Military Water Cans (in blue) - I carry 20L ones in the truck, and have a 10L in the teardrop.

Side note - in the teardrop, I didn't want to rely too much on power. I found a manual marine water pump, and mounted it to an extra water can lid. It really works well, and doesn't consume any power. It actually pumps very smoothly and easily - I was surprised myself at how smooth it works.

Here is a picture of the pump in the lid:



And here it is installed:



To use in a larger water can, you can add a hose extension to the water inlet.

For the shower setup, I had similar requirements. I use a Zodi Extreme: (stock photo)




I extended the hose with a kitchen sink sprayer. The spray nozzle works much better than the red one that comes with it. This unit comes with a propane burner for heating water, but we just heat a coffee pot full to boiling, then add it to nominal temperature water in the tank, and end up with 80 - 90 degree water for showering.

Just showing some more ideas.

 

I've noticed that when using manual vs. electric pumps my water supply seems to last much longer.

 

Very good point haha.

 

x2 on the Zodi with a kitchen sink sprayer. So much win! I love that thing. I use the included burner and it works great!

 

Just in case this hasn't been mentioned yet in here.....

Secret Santa is back!!!

Get in on the Fun

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacomaworld-secret-santa-twss-2015.391916/page-45

 

Overland build is coming along....

 

Build is looking good. What ARE cap is that? I am looking at the ARE CX topper with aluminum windows.

 

It's the CX series with the windoors. It's a great shell. Same one I had on my last truck.

 

Since adding my shell, I feel like its becoming more of an expo build. Can't wait to redo the suspension and get out exploring more.

 

If you don't mind could you shoot me a PM with a ballpark price? I'm going to the ARE dealer to get a price on one this weekend. Like to have an idea before I go, and prepare the boss (wife as if you didn't know).

 

Just finished up a trip with Overland Journal and BMW Motorrad - 900 miles from Vegas through Southern Utah to Colorado - the Utah Traverse:

 

@ikarus thats awesome!

I plan on doing the AZBDR in my on my DRZ400S with a few KLR guys. 750miles!

 

That would be super fun. I'd never really considered adventure bikes before this trip, but I was constantly envying them... though that changed whenever we got to a hill with a lot of loose rocks or ledges haha. Very rad nonetheless

 

Ive had it for just over a week so ive got a lot of learning (and crashing) to do to be able to do stuff like that. Luckily there isnt much in the way of ledges on the azbdr as far as i know. Lots of sand though, but I've ridden dirt bikes in sand enough that it shouldnt be too bad.

 

Are you running a tiregate? How do you like it? Ever wish you had the tailgate to fold down as a table?

 

Looks like a very cool trip! Nice photos.

The photo above looks like it has an optical illusion. The tiregate / replacement thing for your tailgate, is on edge in the photo, almost invisible. The spare tire appears as if it's sitting in the bed and appears like it's 40"+ in size! Kinda neat!