Camp Shower Showdown

[Dave Bennett]

In conjunction with this thread http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56560 ; I'm looking for feedback on some shower units!

Zodi Extreme: Who has one? Is it a PITA to setup/use? Comments?
http://www.zodi.com/Consumer/zodiextremeshower.html

Zodi Hot Tap On-Demand: Is it a PITA to setup/use? Comments?
http://www.zodi.com/Consumer/zodihottaptravelshower.html

Coleman Hot Water on Demand: Who has one? Is it a PITA to setup/use? Comments? (SARSquid did a great write up on this one)
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/subcategory.asp?CategoryID=2200

Helton: Who has one? Is it a PITA to setup/use? Comments?
http://www.helton.com.au/

AT Water Tank Heat Exchanger/Shower: Who has one? Is it a PITA to setup/use? Comments?
http://www.adventuretrailers.com/page/accessories/showers_and_enclosures/

 

[Salue]

I have an R&M Shower that I purchased over 10 years ago. It has been on my '87 4runner, then transferred to my '94 4Runner and now it's on my '97 Cruiser. The reason I bought that one was because that was the only one around (or that I could find) back then. I see the price has gone up quite a bit but it definitely was worth the price seeing that it's still working like it did when I first purchased it.
If I had to do it over again, I would probably get the Helton since it is relatively cheaper and does the same thing.

http://www.hotcampshowers.com/vehicle_mounted_shower

Cheers,
Salue

 

[Chazz Layne]

The Zodi Hot Tap is super easy to setup and use, but the water pump leaves a lot to be desired (not surprising, on mere "D" batteries). Another minus is if you leave the flow off too long it can burn up the coils. The obvious plus side is it is extremely portable and not vehicle-dependent.

I lean towards the Helton with a proper marine-grade water pump. Despite the higher flow (it'll drain a jerrycan quick), we went through less water because the increased pressure made it easier to rinse off quickly. It was also nice to not have to worry about burning up the heater. Down side is you're tethered to a vehicle, but it does make a perfect anchor for the shower shelter and a convenient place to get dressed. Use quick-release fittings for the install and setup at camp will be as quick as plugging in 2 hoses and starting the vehicle.

Here's a link to the Helton install we used: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43197&highlight=helton
Finding room under the hood seems to be the biggest hurdle.

 

[Corey]

Zodi Hotman Extreme here.
Have had it for three seasons, and no complaints.
It has a strong burner on it, and I heat the water while I am doing other chores in camp.

When it is ready, I take it off of the burner and set the can directly on the ground inside of my Outback shower/crapper enclosure.
You can insert the hand pump then or outside, but never ever have the pump in when heating the water up.

The shower comes with a small crappy shower head though, I suggest discarding it and modifying the unit with a sink sprayer like I did.
You have more control over the water this way, and also better pressure.

When the pressure gets low, just pump it up some more, no sweat.

Stock shower head

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9hrjcbRsYM"]YouTube - Zodi Hotman Extreme S/C Shower[/ame]

Sink sprayer head

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzI-sXNrIFA"]YouTube - Zodi Extreme Series Water Heater/Shower Part II[/ame]

 

[StumpXJ]

I too have had my Zodi Extreme for 3 years now, it works flawlessly. Replace the shower head with something that works for you, and enjoy.

I use the burner for cooking duties all the time as well, so its an added bonus.

Here is my 'modification' thread.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12422

~ Stump

 

[elcoyote]

Obviously I am a bit jaded but like my on board AT water tank heat exchanger the best. It is very simple to use, reliable and effective.

My next best favorite for utility, simplicity, and price is the Zodi Extreme with the tap changed to an on demand sprayer. I hate their stove solution though and always use my Partner Steel camp stove instead.

 

[CSG]

Solar shower. It's just easier even if it isn't a great shower. Less gear, nothing to go wrong, easy to use.

 

[Cabrito]

I just got the Zodi Extreme recently. Can't wait to try it out next month. Seems like it could be handy for multiple uses.

For backup and reliability I also have a solor shower that I converted from an old Camel back bladder that I added a shower head to. I find that it's just enough for a single shower. This has been my shower for the past few years.

 

[VicHanson]

Solar shower. It's just easier even if it isn't a great shower. Less gear, nothing to go wrong, easy to use.

Not quite true! I have a Coleman one, got it at Walmart for about $8 I think. Have only used it 10 times at the most and the tube has developed a leak where it goes into the bag. Not sure if I could take it back and get a new one but I doubt if I can find the receipt anyway!
Vic

 

[opie]

I use a homemade version of what Corey uses. IIRC, 2 gallon stainless bug sprayer and fittings. Thats enough water for me and my son to get clean.

 

[rambrush]

I am still running low tech using Seattle Sports solar eco bag. Cabellas enclosure. Leave the bag on a rock during day almost gets to hot. Tried those cheaper bags and ran into leaks and problems.

 

[Redline]

I'm hoping for more Helton reports, it has my interest.

 

[Dave Bennett]

I'm hoping for more Helton reports, it has my interest.

x2

 

[UNI]

We have the Zodi Extreme Hot Shower unit. We've had the unit for 3 years now and it works great. We can get two showers per tank of water (Wet, Soap, Rinse).
No problems with unit, very satisfied!

 

[TangoBlue]

I'm hoping for more Helton reports, it has my interest.

x2

x3