Water & Plumbing
Disclosure: Links marked with (eBay⇒) or (Amazon⇒) are affiliate links. This means I get paid a small commission if you buy something after clicking on the links. This money helps to pay for the running of the website.
Continuing the theme of a small but basically self-sufficient campervan, I’ve illustrated a basic, cold water setup here.
There’s no hot water, no shower and only one tap – but it does have on-board fresh and waste water and is perfectly ample for many purposes (in my experience/opinion). That said, water/bathroom facilities are quite a personal preference. Some people don’t find having to use the kitchen sink (eBay⇒) for everything to be acceptable.
Both main and spare fresh water containers should be removable but held firmly in place for travel/use. Don’t underestimate the destructive force of an unrestrained 25-litre container of water if you have to brake suddenly or are in an accident.
The waste water container (eBay⇒), should be similarly restrained but easier to remove as it will need to be emptied fairly often – probably every day or two, to ensure you don’t overflow…
The water pump (eBay⇒) described in this setup is the type used by most caravanners – a submersible pump (eBay⇒) that is simply dropped into the water container so that it sits at the bottom and sucks up water. These pumps have two connections – water and electricity and are very cheap and simple to use.
Click here for a Submersible Water Pump (eBay⇒)
In this case, the water pump could be wired up so that it comes on when the tap is turned on, as there are no other taps in the vehicle. Multi-tap setups require a little more thought and wiring complexity!
Next: Guide to all Parts used in the conversion
Back to the Conversion Guide Index
Disclaimer: All material is provided for information purposes and is my opinion only. I can take no responsibility for the accuracy, suitability, reliability or safety of the information in this guide.
my son is converting a recently purchased hi-top and ihave found your conversion tips immensly helpfull-many thanks
mr k halliwell
You don’t say what adhesive you should use to fit the battens to the ceiling and the walls?
Tony. I am just in the process of getting everything together to start my conversion.
Hi Tony,
I do talk about adhesive a bit on this page:
https://motorhomeplanet.co.uk/motorhome-diy-guide/diy-campervan-conversion-guide/panelling-insulating-the-van
In short, I used Sikaflex adhesive to stick the battens to the floors, ceilings and anywhere else required. I used Styccobond contact adhesive to help hold the insulation in place and to stick down the carpet lining to the panels.
Cheers,
Roland
I find your explanations invaluable in my planning. Can I ask – for conversion on the V5 I just have to have a water container in the van (secured naturally) but it doesn’t say anything about a tap or pump does it. Thanks for your help
Hi Caroline,
I’m not really sure if you’d need a tap/pump to pass as a motorhome conversion (body type: motorcaravan).
Sorry I can’t be of more help!
Cheers,
Roland