[swellguy]

Someone requested info on adding a water system to their build, I can't find the thread right now but I think he was a kayaker. While I want an external tank, consistent with my objectives of a no-drill, no screw into sheet metal build, I built an interior cabinet which straddles the wheel well and has an integrated pump, fill, and shower attachment. It connects at the factory threaded holes on the passenger side and also serves as a base for my bed. After removing the cover, I can remove the tank in about 5 minutes by undoing the bolts with a socket set.

The cabinet is made of laminated plywood and has a 12 gallon tank. Depending on your needs, you can go larger, but this one size hit all my objectives. The key above the wheel well is to make sure it's got the right width, I think this one was about 8" and had all the connections at the right places.

I use my rig for windsurfing and biking, and the water system is a good alternative to something like a rinse kit which has been discussed here. I use it for cleaning off sand on equipment/people after surf/windsurf sessions. It has a Everflow 3 gpm pump and connects at a power source I put near the pump in the wall with a 12v connection. I used a gravity/pressure fill, and a shower with a door on it with a sprayer. It works pretty good, but the water pressure is not blasting, so I may need to improve on that somehow.

Anyway, here are some pics that might give you some ideas.

 

[richard]

Never thought of placing the water tank above the wheel well. Great idea, that's where it will go.

 

[swellguy]

Never thought of placing the water tank above the wheel well. Great idea, that's where it will go.

Yeah, the wheel wells are typically wasted space imho, because you have to work around them anyhow. It also allowed me room to put the pump and shower connections adjacent it, so it's a good use of the space, it all fits in there like a jigsaw puzzle with maximum use of the space. The cabinet also doubles as a bed support which I needed as well. Not shown is the pressure fill line which is plumbed from the fill to a T at the input to the pump, I think this is an earlier picture than the "production" version. The pressure fill has a check valve in it, and you can open the gravity fill for venting so you only have two connections. The fill does have a separate vent line connection, but I figured I didn't need that with the gravity fill and I didn't want another connection.

Also, was trying to figure out how to do a sink in the same cabinet, but I'm still working on that. It would be nice to be self-contained, but it will also be blocked by the bed when the bed is made, so I've held off for the time being. I may still eventually do that since having a sink is pretty convenient in a camper imho.

You'll notice I notched out the back of the water cabinet, this is to allow a small seat I can perch on while I get out of my wetsuit. Eventually, will put a padded seat of some sort probably vinyl or neoprene on that notch but it's only plastic laminate right now.

 

[richard]

You might consider purchasing an inexpensive stadium seat. Folds out of the way when you don't need it.

 

[swellguy]

You might consider purchasing an inexpensive stadium seat. Folds out of the way when you don't need it.

You mean like from an actual stadium? I agree, though, something that folds up out of the way seems intriguing.

 

[richard]

Sure, from an actual stadium - just don't let them see you taking it. The NFL tends to frown on that type of thing. Or maybe wait until they tear down the Charger's stadium. If you can't wait until then, try searching Amazon for "stadium seats".

 

[DrJean]

You might look into the tub/shower seats for the elderly... a small one is all but waterproof with rubberized feet, seat with drain holes etc. Or make a wood one yourself and have it fold up against the wall or cabinet?