Everything you need to know about your free camping hot water solution

First, if you’re unfamiliar with free camping, let us explain it. Free camping is camping off-grid without the confines of a campground. It is a great way to explore and experience absolute freedom in your RV. It might also be referred to as dry camping or off-grid camping. There is something extremely thrilling about hitting the road to wherever you feel and the freedom of exploration that free camping gives you. As well as being low-cost, free camping allows you to see some of the most beautiful places in the world and camp under crystal clear night skies, far away from civilisation. For many, the awe-inspiring sights you can witness when free camping make it the number one choice for camping. It is the ultimate relaxation!

However, there are a few important factors to consider when free camping. When you’re out there, you’re far away from everything. This can mean hook-ups, water supplies, or servos. Therefore, you must be fully prepared and be tooled up to cope with anything coming your way. Don’t worry; it isn’t as stressful as it might seem. If you’re prepared, you will have the best time of your life. This article will discuss a big concern for many: off-grid hot water heating.

Let’s get started

Make sure you take enough – Although warm water might seem contradictory to a life of freedom on the road; it can be pretty dirty out there. After a few weeks in the heat and the dust, you will understand that warm water Is essential. Sometimes you might be able to pitch your RV near a shower block, but if you want to experience true exploration, that is not always the case. 

One mistake that newbies often make happens before they even set off, so we wanted to emphasise this before we move on. Always ensure you fill both the fresh and hot water tanks before leaving. If you only fill the fresh tank, you’ll waste your precious fresh water on washing dishes, cleaning, and showering. You would be surprised how often that happens. 

How to heat water while free camping 

Simply put, you will need to invest in a good water heater. There are plenty on the market, and they aren’t as expensive as you think. If you compare it to fees you would pay at campsites that provide hook-ups, you will actually save money. A top tip for first-time free campers; don’t be put off by the initial fees because once you have the essentials and are ready to go, it is time to experience a freedom like no other. 

We can’t stress enough that the most important thing when it comes to free camping is your water supply. To make it work and last should be on the top of your list if you are new to this type of exploration. We highly recommend you keep reading if you need great advice on free camping hot water systems.

Powering your heater 

To power your hot water supply, you usually have two choices. That is solar or gas. 

Solar – If you, like most of us, are environmentally conscious, you’re probably considering going solar for your off-grid hot water heating. In theory, this is a great idea, but it has disadvantages. The panels in solar water heating systems will only heat water. This means that the panels might take up roof space for anyone wishing to charge their batteries. They also require regular costly maintenance and need sunlight to work effectively. You won’t be getting hot water if it is very cloudy, or you pitch up under trees.

Gas – As often as we might try to avoid gas, it is a better way to guarantee warm water on your free camping trip.  They are more cost-efficient, reliable, and easier to maintain. They will also free up your roof space if you want to install solar panels for your electricity. You can also consider using solar and gas, switching between the two on those not-so-sunny days. 

Buy quality 

When purchasing your free camping hot water systems, do a little background research on the product. Like most things, going too cheap will cost you more in the long run. And the last thing you want is your hot water system failing you halfway through your free camping adventure. But, on the other hand, a slightly larger investment now could mean a lifetime of great showers.

Maintaining your heater 

Like we said before, if you opt for a gas heater installation in your RV, there will be much less maintenance than solar. However, this doesn’t mean no maintenance. To get the most out of your system, you must drain, flush, and clean your water tank a couple of times every year. If you’re on the adventure of a lifetime and free camping full-time, you need to do this quarterly. 

Best products on the market 

There are a lot of great products on the market, but there are many that aren’t so great. So to save you time, we have shortlisted our top brands for free camping hot water systems. If you go with Suburban, Truma Combi, or Swift, you will surely get a heater that will last. 

Save your warm water 

When you're on the road, it can be difficult to tell how long your water will last. So it is good to familiarise yourself with ways to recycle what you can. For instance, you can install a tray in your shower that can filter the toilet or other water-dependent facilities. Also, if you’re warming up water to use for the dishes, you can heat a pan on the stove. This might save you energy in the long run. 

Check out some off-grid hot water heating systems.

If you want to check out some top-quality RV hot water systems, RV Parts Express Is Australia’s number one choice for RV parts and accessories. Whether you’re new to the RV world or a seasoned boondocker, check out our amazing products.