waste water tanks/heaters in vans. Forums

SwiftGroup

It looks like a few posts on this thread were lost yesterday with the server changeover. That included mine, so here goes again.....

We appreciate all your contributions, they have been very interesting. As usual with any subject like this, opinions are very diverse but I think a picture has emerged that tells us that a water tank and waste tank are necessary because (a) they take no space if they are outside, (b) it allows more independance and (c) many people want to use the site or home tap and do not want to carry heavy containers. The views on water heating seemed to polarise depending on whether you are a camper at heart or a luxury motorhomer. On balance I think it should be an option, probably a small 230v unit because all the gas or diesel ones make quite big space claims.

Thanks again,

Steve

safariboy

I suspect that those who buy smaller vans are very mobile and want to stop off in airs etc and places where there is not even a tap so a water tank is a help. The water heater will, I suspect, be less important to them.
I am not so sure about a 240V water heater. If I had one of these vans I would want to camp away from sites and so a 240V heater not very useful. Air heating on gas would be better if possible.

Steamdrivenandy

witch

Onboard, or much better underslung waste tank is a must , an underslung fresh water tank is perhaps not so important on a small van provided that there is designed in storage for a portable water container.

The attraction of small vans is there ability to go into towns and out of the way places. It just does not look cool when your parked in Tesco's or a nice National Trust car park to have to get out plonk your waste tank on the ground when you want to rinse your tea cups Sad

I see a few owners of M/Hs who just let the dishwater run out over the carpark, not all of them are small vans either. The temptation is great "ah it's only a bit of dishwater" Evil or Very Mad

I know you can't put quart into a pint pot so perhaps a water heater would be further down my list than an air heater A cup of tea is essential in the morning. Boil enough water tor the tea, dishes and ablutions in one go Laughing

There must be a market for small vans judging by the proliferation of the Bongo's and similar. But is this just the size? I suspect that because they are converted from a car derived vehicle the high level of spec and good sized engine with auto makes them excellent for everyday use, there are some very clever conversions around. No, I don't own one Laughing

Carol

sallytrafic · Southern Rally Co-ordinator

Witch I have never considered looking cool as a prerequisite for enjoying a motorhome. In 20 years of owning motorhomes I have never owned a motorhome with a waste tank.

Also Swiftgroup a 230V heater wouldn't do it for me it has to be diesel or at a stretch LPG otherwise when you need it most no hot water. They are very small nowadays after all most of the components are fitted to private cars in Finland etc

Grizzly

In a small space with no fitted shower I would prefer not to have a big water heater. I could get by with a kettle for washing up and body wash.

I could not do without a fitted waste and fresh water tank however. Several reasons:

In winter there is a danger of the separate containers freezing as they will have to be left outside

If you're going to have to take containers with you -as you are- then they might as well be fitted

Having to put the waste container under the drain every time you stop is a nuisance and, in busy aires, they could get knocked over or even stolen.

A big water container will require, unless you are strong enough to carry it full, either a smaller, more portable, container or a trolley. A fitted container only requires a hose.

Given that many panel vans are owned by people who are downsizing because of age or infirmity, they need to be made as easy to use as possible.

G

Jacobite

Hi,

We had a VW Trooper for 7 years before buying our Trigano Tribute. It was fine for a while, space made us change. We liked the fresh water/waste water being underneath the van, they did not take valuable storage space. Because of the layout, the bed was too small though. We had no hot water and never found this a drawback, we carried an electric kettle or could use the gas. We did have gas blown air heating.

On the Trigano, we would never consider using the shower as a shower, would always use the facilities. We do like the private WC though, on the Trooper you had to go round closing all curtains etc. if you wished to use the porta potti during the day - time consuming if you are desperate!

We have never used the water heater yet, we still just boil a kettle. We are paying for electricity on site anyway, why use the gas. We do not like the fresh water container position either, both the water heater and water container are using up good storage space by being inside the van. The water is not as easy to fill as the VW trooper either, we have bought a very large funnel and fill from the top inside the van, it is much quicker than from the outside.

We go away for the day a lot, I just carry some containers of water with us for use, hot water will stay hot enough for washing hands etc. and I can take flasks with boiling water just to be topped up on the gas. We also carry a bottle of "made up" flush water in the toilet to save filling the tank.

We have never ever used the diesel heater, on site we use an electric heater - again we are paying for the electricity, why use expensive diesel. If it is very warm, the fan heater can blow cold air as well.

I know you are not asking about cooking facilities but should add that we like the 3 ring hob that actually lets you sit your pots with plenty space instead of the 2 burner one we had where the pots were touching one another.

Perhaps we should be classed as "Mean Scots", I would rather be known as a careful Scot.

Jacobite