One of the most common upgrades for serious campers and overlanders is a proper hot shower setup. Not a solar bag hung from a tree — a real on-demand hot water system that works at a campsite, a trailhead, or deep in the backcountry.
Here's exactly what you need, how it all connects, and what to watch out for.
The Three Components You Need
A complete off-grid hot shower system has three parts: a water source, a pump to pressurize it, and a heater to warm it. Most rigs already have a tank and pump — the heater is the piece that most people are missing.
1. Tankless (Instant) Water Heater
A propane-powered tankless water heater is the standard solution for off-grid hot water. It heats water on demand — no tank to preheat, no energy wasted keeping water warm when you're not using it. Turn it on, water comes out hot within seconds.
Key specs to check:
- Flow rate: Look for at least 1.5 GPM for a comfortable shower. Lower than that and you'll struggle to keep water hot at a good pressure.
- BTU rating: Higher BTU = faster heating and better performance in cold weather. 52,000–68,000 BTU is the range for most portable units.
- Ignition: Battery or Piezo ignition. Battery-powered electronic ignition is more reliable in wind.
- Connection: Most units use a standard propane regulator hose that connects to a standard 1lb camp canister or an adapter for a 20lb tank.
2. 12V Water Pump
The pump draws water from your tank and pressurizes it through the system. For a shower, you want at least 3.0 GPM at 55 PSI — enough flow to run the heater efficiently and give good shower pressure.
The pump connects between your water tank and the heater inlet. If you have a water tank in your RV or trailer, you likely already have a pump — just check the flow rate is sufficient.
3. Outdoor Shower Kit (Head, Hose, Valve)
The outdoor shower kit is the final piece — a mounted shower head with hot and cold mixer valve and hose. Most units install into the exterior wall of your trailer or a dedicated outdoor kitchen bay.
How It All Connects
The flow is simple:
Water tank → 12V pump → tankless heater → shower valve → shower head
The pump pulls from your fresh water tank on demand whenever you open the shower valve. The heater senses flow and fires automatically — you don't need to pre-light it. When you close the shower valve, flow stops, and the heater shuts off.
For the propane connection, run a regulator hose from a 20lb propane tank (the same one powering your stove or heater) to the tankless unit. A T-fitting lets you run both appliances off the same tank without swapping hoses.
Installation Tips
- Mount the heater outside the trailer — tankless heaters produce combustion exhaust and must be used in open air, not enclosed spaces.
- Use a pressure accumulator tank if your pump pulses — it smooths out the flow and makes the shower feel more like a house shower.
- Cold weather: Most portable tankless heaters work down to about 35°F (2°C). In freezing conditions, drain the system after use to prevent damage.
- Water pressure: Run a pressure regulator if your pump exceeds 60 PSI — most heaters have a maximum inlet pressure of 80 PSI.
What We Stock
We have all three components you need:
- Tankless water heater — propane-powered, instant hot water for outdoor shower and kitchen
- 12V water pump (3.0 GPM / 55 PSI) — self-priming, automatic pressure switch, direct replacement for Shurflo 3.0 GPM
- Outside shower kit — hot and cold mixer valve with shower head and hose, mounts to exterior wall
Buy all three together and you have everything for a complete hot shower system — nothing extra required except your propane tank and fresh water supply.
Shop Tankless Water Heater →
Shop 12V Water Pump →
Shop Outdoor Shower Kit →
Need help sizing your system or working out the propane connection? Contact us — we'll walk you through it.