Truly one of the best, most comprehensive videos I've seen on the topic of van plumbing. (And I've PAID for lessons re various van life "schools"!) Your explanation was terrific and as a single, older woman absolutely boosted my confidence that I could do this! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
thanks so much. Glad I can help. I want to tell you that I recently replaced the foot pump with a better model. I found that filling water bottles, dog dish, pots for cooking took too long. I recommend this pump instead with this same set up. I'm going to publish a review on the new pump in a few weeks. www.amazon.com/dp/B000FHQL6K?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Your welcome. Thanks for watching. Good luck on your project. have you see my video about upgrading this little gusher foot pump? This small pump was perfect to get me started but I soon discovered I really needed more flow but didn't want to hook up an electric pump. I did a video comparing flows of this little Gusher with the Whale Gusher (names not so clear, sorry). I'm really happy I invested in a higher flow foot pump, it was so easy to install, just a few minutes to switch out.
Thanks for the comment. When I went to do this sink build I couldn't find a video that showed the whole process including what exact parts you would need. So it inspired me to make this one. FYI the 1/2 sink reducer nut, the cone shaped part that attaches the tubing to the faucet was hard to find. I eventually found it at Menards but it wasn't listed on line. You may also be able to find it at a hardware store like ACE.
Great video I just purchased the whale pump And some half-inch food grade silicone Tubing I am converting a 6 x 10 cargo trailer into a camper I can’t wait to finish it I’m looking forward to having some fun.
Incredible. Subscribed to see more. We love our water jugs with spigot high up to gravity feed the water into just a dish tub, dump the water from the dish tub to a 5 gallon bucket (with a fine mesh drainer) and then dump the 5 gallon bucket into black water/grey water intake or just a toilet if there is one. Since that entire process is repeated several times a day, we see no reason to have any tank connected to any pipe and having to undo the pipe several times a day to refill water/empty water. So in truth, we will not be using your kitchen sink system. But. If we ever needed to build one, your video will be the one that we will be referring to. We love the grid, but there's something to be said about being off grid, and your instructions are just too good to pass. We'd be interested to see more vanlife content, solutions to challenges, etc. Eager to learn.
I love hearing people have their own solution and what works for them. I considered a gravity fed system for a long while to bypass the foot pump, but in the end it's what works for me since I do a lot of cooking from scratch and create a lot of dishes. I have a playlist of my vanbuild videos.
Hello. Thank you. You laid everything out and were very clear about it all. You made me feel a little more confident I can get this done, and now I don’t have to lose my mind in the hardware store. Peace 👊
Wine?? Hahaha,, it would be fun!!! I love being able to see the waste water level. I also see how nasty it gets and I tend to empty more often. Also it's nice to see I've got it totally clean when I rinse it at a dump station.. The sprayer on my kitchen sink scrubs all the nasties off the wall of the tank, I bleach it and leave it upside down to drain dry. I also take off the S trap and dry it completely.
What a boss!!! - thanks for the tips. I'm building an outhouse soon to go along with my a-frame cabin build and this info is helpful to allow people to wash their hands.
Great vid! Can you provide the names of the parts you used to connect the pex tube to the 1/2” vinyl tubing? (ie specifics of the quick disconnect and how you connected it to the pex etc)
Thank you, thank you! I have watched a lot of videos of people installing their sinks and water pump systems. I'm leaning towards a foot pump - rather than a 12V (I don't like the noise) - seems like a simple no fuss solution. Won't be doing my build till next year, I'm still in the research phase - enjoying that and making a journal of the ideas that I like. Have liked and subbed - you have other videos, I'm keen to watch now. 😃
Thanks. I recommend you make a secret playlist on your UA-cam channel and save all the ideas/video you like there. That's what I did and I was grateful to have the van build videos once a project was planned. After I used the video or decided I wouldn't use it, I'd delete the video. It turned out to be my most valuable information resource.
I use a battery powered (rechargeable usb) water bottle dispenser as a faucet. It delivers a constant stream of water at the push of a button. The plumbing is super simple: one end of the hose goes into the faucet mounted on the countertop, the other end into a 5 gallon Jerry can under the sink.
I considered one of those units, they are pretty neat and convenient and they give you a nice steady stream effortlessly. In my build I was going for more water conservation. I was just out for 6 days campground camping and boondocking with my daughter and we only used one of the 5 gallon jerry water jugs for cooking, washing hands, brushing teeth and washing dishes. We also used 3 more gallon sized water jugs for filling water bottles. Your setup is a really great option so you don't need to run electric to a water pump either.
Do you have some pics D Lowe? How do you ensure that there is water up to the water bottle dispenser when you want to use it? It just uses a straight piece of plastic tubing and the water stays at the top? I was actually going to just use 5 gal plastic water jugs and one of those push button dispensers, but decided I want a sink. It would be kind of cool to combine them.
@@uber2tuber I don't have pictures of my setup. It's an IKEA cabinet and countertop with a standard 2 hole sink: one for the soap dispenser the other for the water dispenser (held in place by a couple of PVC adaptors). It is the only all in one (faucet, pump, power) system that I am aware of, it's simple and cheap. It doesn't deliver a ton of water, mine does ~0.3 gpm but it's sufficient for brushing teeth, washing hands, etc. And it's quiet compared to most RV pumps. A charge lasts a very long time, I plug mine into a cell phone battery pack for 15 minutes every time I refill the tank, but I know that's overkill. There are a few UA-cam videos on this subject, the best one I've seen is "DIY Sink and Water Delivery System" by Endgame.
@@uber2tuber I'll try and answer your question to D Lowe's about the electric pump. On top of the water container sits the electric pump, it's integrated with the small faucet. You push a button and it activates the pump connected to a hose that runs to the bottom of your water jug. After use the pump may remain primed (which means water stays in that tube once it's been sucked up the first time until you break that seal and it slides back into the jug) if not, the pump just reprimes the tube each time. Either way it happens in a second or two. These little pumps are pretty cool. I don't think you'll regret the decision of a sink. it's pretty nice to have a place to wash dishes, hands, hair etc. good luck.
@@michele2017promastertravel Thanks michele. Yes I'm familiar with the pump that fits on a 5 gallon water bottle.... what I'm wondering about is how he fixed that to the top of the sink and used it as the faucet. He does add above that he used a couple of PVC adapters... but I wish there were a few more details, or photos. lol. I like the fact that it charges via usb and provides a good stream of water, but I guess I would have to use something else for a shower head... hmmmm. Decisions decisions! One more question for you please... what is the width and length of your galley cabinet? Do you have the sides added now? I really like how you can get two water jugs in it, and the one gray water jug as well.... rather than just one water jug as most of them have. Thank you so much!
Hi, I have the same Reliance water containers and the Whale Gusher Galley foot pump, and I am trying to do this exact set up. There seems to be a variety of quick disconnects on Amazon, so wondering exactly which one you used. Thank you for this very informative and straight forward video!
Hi there. Here is a link to the quick disconnects I bought. Good luck. Have you seen my video about upgrading my foot pump? I was pretty happy with the small one on this video but I since disconnect and drain everything after every trip I got worried about retightening the lead in on the pump and honestly even though the flow is perfect for washing hands and even doing dishes, I found it a bit cumbersome for filling the dog's dish and water for cooking and heating for dishes. Good luck. Thanks for the question glad I could help. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079J5X3XD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Hey Michelle - we're looking to make a change to what you did for your supply line (what we did isn't ideal). Wondering how the pex tubing that sits inside your fresh water tank is holding up for you?
I found the video I asked you about, yay me :) and yay you for this accomplishment. I’ve heard of putting a little white vinegar in the tanks/parts when rinsing (before storage) to keep the yucks away. What’s your thought on that? Thank you again.
Yep, Your on the right track. Vinegar is a good way to clean out all the tanks. It isn't always need, but sometime I do use vinegar on the grey water tank: swish a few cups, rinse with a few cups of water and turn upside down to dry. I also turn fresh water tanks upside down out in the sunshine to sanitize. I try not to put anything but water in my fresh tanks, but sometimes water I get on the road that isn't the cleanest (like iron rich, city water with chlorine, high calcium,etc ) when I get home I do a real good rinse with just water that usually cleans it well enough. Always visually inspect your tanks and give them a good sniff to make sure nothing is funky in there before use.
Do you have a video of how you constructed the actual cabinet section? What kind of lumber did you use? Or a list of cut lumber? I will be using 1/2" birch for the top as I already have a small sink. Thanks!
My cabinet construction was 2 x2's in oak (maybe red oak) for the top frame and vertical corner supports (all the visible spots). I used a 1x3 (leftover furring strip) on the front and side bottoms to square it (and support my fold out table- see video build). Where you would stand to use the sink I used a 2x4 cross up high to make the cabinet sturdy so it wouldn't wobble and I cold use the foot pump clearly. If you've seen one of my later videos (the one I change my foot pump) you can see how I made shelves in my galley (with the scrap plywood). Because I used hardwood 2x2's to frame it I could use a come-a-long strap to secure the cabinet to the D ring on the floor directly behind the slider -if your van is missing the D ring you can easily replace at Menard's or Home Depot. The come-a-long also goes around my 2 x 6gal fresh water tanks so in a crash that cabinet doesn't have to contain 100# of water. Hope this helps.
@@michele2017promastertravel Thank you so much! Yes I saw your videos and loved them...very simple design. I decided not to go with a 12 volt pump system and I'm on the fence on getting the Gusher vs a USB chargeable 5 gl faucet pump system. I've seen lots of videos on these USB faucet units and even though there not as quiet as the Gusher, there not as loud as a 12 volt pump system, and they spew out more water vs the Gusher...anyhoo thanks again for your response!
@@hawk4117 There are pro's and cons to either system. If you're planning on doing cold weather camping a USB recharge may become problematic in the very cold, or a foot pump may freeze on the floor. I've seen people be creative with the USB with a long hose so the tank can sit on the floor. They seem kinda handy and I thought about a USB for a while. Good luck, it's so great to build exactly the way you want it then when something goes awry you can problem solve and fix so much easier.
@@michele2017promastertravel Your absolutely right about the pros & cons. I live in Southern California so I won't need to worry about things freezing! lol Hell sometimes I run the AC in the winter! lolol I do have one more question if I may. I already laid my subfloor down with 1/2" birch plywood. I have some D Rings I bought from Home Depot able to support 600lbs. I wondered how you anchored your assembly to the top and side? I don't think I could anchor my D rings on 1/2" plywood to support it from moving when driving? I would probably have to drill through the floor with bolts. Any suggestions? I have a 2016 Chevy express 2500.
A question: did you choose a pea trap to help reduce any oder that might escape from the grey water tank, have you noticed any fowl smells from the grey water tank after a few days?
Yes, I chose the pea trap for smell reasons. When my greywater goes 3 or 4 days just with dish washing, brushing teeth, hand washing etc - it really does smell bad as I pour it out. When I get home I use any leftover clean water to flush out the pea trap, then disconnect everything and hang it outside the van to dry out entirely along with all the water jugs and foot pump are disconnected and dried out . You'll be surprised how nasty that grey water gets in just a couple of days. I find I use about 15 gallons of fresh water for each dump of the grey because I cook, dog water, drinking water etc. With my dog I'll used 1 to 2 gallons a day, without my dog usually around 1+ gallon a day for 2 people. Did you check out my foot pump upgrade video? After using the small foot pump for a year and half, I decided I wanted more flow. I found don't use more water with the larger flow foot pump, I just access it faster. I'm pretty happy with the larger pump.
Hi Meredith, I used red oak 2x2's to frame the cabinet. I made it to exactly fit my sink so you're measurements would be different. It is 22" x 36" approximately. The unit is 40" tall on the top surface. I then used 1x3's to frame the bottom of the legs on door and entry hall sides but on the foot pump side and where it sits next to the bed I used a 2x4's to make attaching to the D ring with come-a-long more stable (that's how I attach all my furniture so I can remove them, even the bed is held in place with come-a-longs). Also I used L brackets everywhere I could to attach the 2x2'a together. I'm not a carpenter so L brackets keep everything square (which I couldn't do with just screwing the boards together. Also one thing I did was make the front legs a little longer than the back legs because on the PM has a 2" slant from the back of the cargo area to front of the cargo area. My build turned out to be 6,900 pounds when we are loaded with a full tank of gas. It's rated for 8,900#
It's still available on Amazon. I really like it after 2 years. If you haven't see my updated foot pump video, I replaced the foot pump in this video with the Whale Gusher - it works so much better for me. This faucet is a single temperature input for cold water only, perfect for vanlife. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRQ1DH7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Hi Andy, here is the link to the quick disconnects. I bought one for each water jug. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079J5X3XD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@michele2017promastertravel hi miss Eliot Thank you. If I have 2 of the tanks, should I order 2 of each? Because there's a female Mpt and a female Fpt Not sure what that means
@@michele2017promastertravel in running 2 6 gallons water tanks. So that's why I need 2 quick disconnect for those tanks. Do I buy 2 of each or 2 of the same ?
@@overlandjunky5535 Yes. Good question. It was confusing for me also. There are two parts to each Quick Connect. So even though the picture on Amazon show two pieces they are both part of the one connection and the two are purchased togther. Bottom part fits on your jug (so you need two bottoms) but you only use one of the 'top' parts because that's the feed up to your faucet. So If you have two water tanks you need to order 2 units from amazon. You don't use the top of one of the units (keep it for a spare- because it has the moving part to disconnect). It's confusing and I struggled with this question. Buy 2.
Sure do. Thanks for the question. It's a bar sink with a single temperature inlet. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRQ1DH7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Where did you get the reducer nut? Can you provide a link? I've been watching a lot of foot pump sink videos and a lot of people ran into that problem and had complex solutions, but this seems the easiest
I bought it locally. from Menards. I'll bet they have them at Lowes and others. I went on line to see if I could find a link but it didn't quite look the same as the one I bought (not a graduated cone) So I can't say it will be the same. Check locally at specialty plumbing stores like ACE hardware too, they almost certainly would have them in stock. You want a: female 1/2" reducer nut. That's what the package called it. May have another name. Oh it was copper or brass (no lead).
P.S. You don't need a p-trap on this sink drain system. The only purpose of a p-trap is to keep sewer gases from getting in your house. since you are draining into a can, you have no sewer gas.
You know I thought that too, but for me it's not just water that goes down the sink, we cook from scratch a lot so perhaps my tank gets more stinky than others. When I get home and dump that tank.... peeeyouuuu. I have to sanitized it and leave it in the sun before reinstallation and still it stinks until it dries out completely. I saw several van builds do a straight pipe for the kitchen, and when they reviewed their system they often complain of the smell it creates. We pretty much don't have any smell- ever, occasionally on a bumpy road we get a whiff of it if I haven't dumped it in a few days. It would be nice to skip the p-trap, make things less complicated but, over and over I'm glad I put one in. When I clean up after a trip I undo the p-trap and drain and dry everything out, also the foot pump- it gets opened up and dried out. Bad smell is something that really hangs around in a van. Thanks for your comment and good luck. Remember travel broadens the mind.
Finally a video showing HOW to build one of these instead of "hey look what we built"
Thank you. That's the exact road block I came across when trying to put this project together. I'm glad I could help.
Truly one of the best, most comprehensive videos I've seen on the topic of van plumbing. (And I've PAID for lessons re various van life "schools"!) Your explanation was terrific and as a single, older woman absolutely boosted my confidence that I could do this! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
thanks so much. Glad I can help. I want to tell you that I recently replaced the foot pump with a better model. I found that filling water bottles, dog dish, pots for cooking took too long. I recommend this pump instead with this same set up. I'm going to publish a review on the new pump in a few weeks. www.amazon.com/dp/B000FHQL6K?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
This is a very informative and straightforward video. Well done!
I will be looking into the Whale Gusher as well. Thank you
Your welcome. Thanks for watching. Good luck on your project. have you see my video about upgrading this little gusher foot pump? This small pump was perfect to get me started but I soon discovered I really needed more flow but didn't want to hook up an electric pump. I did a video comparing flows of this little Gusher with the Whale Gusher (names not so clear, sorry). I'm really happy I invested in a higher flow foot pump, it was so easy to install, just a few minutes to switch out.
Thank you ever so much for the clear explanation!
your welcome. Hope your project goes well.
From sink to pump.. really smart desgin! Great DIY instructions too.. thanks Michele!
thanks. have you seen my updated pump replacement video?
Thanks for the step, by step. Got it!
Glad I can help.
You are a God send! Great video! This is going to help me a lot in my skoolie build.
Glad I could help
Thank you so much, this as about as simple as it gets!!! Very well explained!
Thank you.
The most in-depth video I've found. Working on a similar system for an off-grid camp. Greatly appreciate the info!
Thanks for the comment. When I went to do this sink build I couldn't find a video that showed the whole process including what exact parts you would need. So it inspired me to make this one. FYI the 1/2 sink reducer nut, the cone shaped part that attaches the tubing to the faucet was hard to find. I eventually found it at Menards but it wasn't listed on line. You may also be able to find it at a hardware store like ACE.
Great video I just purchased the whale pump And some half-inch food grade silicone Tubing I am converting a 6 x 10 cargo trailer into a camper I can’t wait to finish it I’m looking forward to having some fun.
That sounds perfect. Travel Broadens the Mind.
Incredible. Subscribed to see more. We love our water jugs with spigot high up to gravity feed the water into just a dish tub, dump the water from the dish tub to a 5 gallon bucket (with a fine mesh drainer) and then dump the 5 gallon bucket into black water/grey water intake or just a toilet if there is one. Since that entire process is repeated several times a day, we see no reason to have any tank connected to any pipe and having to undo the pipe several times a day to refill water/empty water. So in truth, we will not be using your kitchen sink system. But. If we ever needed to build one, your video will be the one that we will be referring to. We love the grid, but there's something to be said about being off grid, and your instructions are just too good to pass. We'd be interested to see more vanlife content, solutions to challenges, etc. Eager to learn.
I love hearing people have their own solution and what works for them. I considered a gravity fed system for a long while to bypass the foot pump, but in the end it's what works for me since I do a lot of cooking from scratch and create a lot of dishes. I have a playlist of my vanbuild videos.
Hello. Thank you. You laid everything out and were very clear about it all. You made me feel a little more confident I can get this done, and now I don’t have to lose my mind in the hardware store. Peace 👊
Wine would be fun in the faucet!!🤣 Interesting tip on clear jug to see water level!
Wine?? Hahaha,, it would be fun!!! I love being able to see the waste water level. I also see how nasty it gets and I tend to empty more often. Also it's nice to see I've got it totally clean when I rinse it at a dump station.. The sprayer on my kitchen sink scrubs all the nasties off the wall of the tank, I bleach it and leave it upside down to drain dry. I also take off the S trap and dry it completely.
Awesome. Thank you for all the great details. I will put something similar in my 2002 Dodge Ram Van.
Cool. Glad I could help.
Thank you Michelle!!! Really appreciate you making this video!
You're welcome.
Hi Michele, new subscriber here. Thanks for some really great easy to follow content.
Thank you.
vantastic!!! thank you so much for making this so simple, easy to understand and follow!!! thank you!! thank you! thank you!!!!!!!!
Your very welcome.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video!
Great info and tips!
Thank you for sharing honey! xoxo
What a boss!!! - thanks for the tips. I'm building an outhouse soon to go along with my a-frame cabin build and this info is helpful to allow people to wash their hands.
Great vid! Can you provide the names of the parts you used to connect the pex tube to the 1/2” vinyl tubing? (ie specifics of the quick disconnect and how you connected it to the pex etc)
Thank you, thank you!
I have watched a lot of videos of people installing their sinks and water pump systems.
I'm leaning towards a foot pump - rather than a 12V (I don't like the noise) - seems like a simple no fuss solution.
Won't be doing my build till next year, I'm still in the research phase - enjoying that and making a journal of the ideas that I like.
Have liked and subbed - you have other videos, I'm keen to watch now.
😃
Thanks. I recommend you make a secret playlist on your UA-cam channel and save all the ideas/video you like there. That's what I did and I was grateful to have the van build videos once a project was planned. After I used the video or decided I wouldn't use it, I'd delete the video. It turned out to be my most valuable information resource.
Thank you!
I use a battery powered (rechargeable usb) water bottle dispenser as a faucet. It delivers a constant stream of water at the push of a button. The plumbing is super simple: one end of the hose goes into the faucet mounted on the countertop, the other end into a 5 gallon Jerry can under the sink.
I considered one of those units, they are pretty neat and convenient and they give you a nice steady stream effortlessly. In my build I was going for more water conservation. I was just out for 6 days campground camping and boondocking with my daughter and we only used one of the 5 gallon jerry water jugs for cooking, washing hands, brushing teeth and washing dishes. We also used 3 more gallon sized water jugs for filling water bottles. Your setup is a really great option so you don't need to run electric to a water pump either.
Do you have some pics D Lowe? How do you ensure that there is water up to the water bottle dispenser when you want to use it? It just uses a straight piece of plastic tubing and the water stays at the top? I was actually going to just use 5 gal plastic water jugs and one of those push button dispensers, but decided I want a sink. It would be kind of cool to combine them.
@@uber2tuber I don't have pictures of my setup. It's an IKEA cabinet and countertop with a standard 2 hole sink: one for the soap dispenser the other for the water dispenser (held in place by a couple of PVC adaptors). It is the only all in one (faucet, pump, power) system that I am aware of, it's simple and cheap. It doesn't deliver a ton of water, mine does ~0.3 gpm but it's sufficient for brushing teeth, washing hands, etc. And it's quiet compared to most RV pumps. A charge lasts a very long time, I plug mine into a cell phone battery pack for 15 minutes every time I refill the tank, but I know that's overkill.
There are a few UA-cam videos on this subject, the best one I've seen is "DIY Sink and Water Delivery System" by Endgame.
@@uber2tuber I'll try and answer your question to D Lowe's about the electric pump. On top of the water container sits the electric pump, it's integrated with the small faucet. You push a button and it activates the pump connected to a hose that runs to the bottom of your water jug. After use the pump may remain primed (which means water stays in that tube once it's been sucked up the first time until you break that seal and it slides back into the jug) if not, the pump just reprimes the tube each time. Either way it happens in a second or two. These little pumps are pretty cool. I don't think you'll regret the decision of a sink. it's pretty nice to have a place to wash dishes, hands, hair etc. good luck.
@@michele2017promastertravel Thanks michele. Yes I'm familiar with the pump that fits on a 5 gallon water bottle.... what I'm wondering about is how he fixed that to the top of the sink and used it as the faucet.
He does add above that he used a couple of PVC adapters... but I wish there were a few more details, or photos. lol. I like the fact that it charges via usb and provides a good stream of water, but I guess I would have to use something else for a shower head... hmmmm. Decisions decisions!
One more question for you please... what is the width and length of your galley cabinet? Do you have the sides added now? I really like how you can get two water jugs in it, and the one gray water jug as well.... rather than just one water jug as most of them have. Thank you so much!
Hi, I have the same Reliance water containers and the Whale Gusher Galley foot pump, and I am trying to do this exact set up. There seems to be a variety of quick disconnects on Amazon, so wondering exactly which one you used. Thank you for this very informative and straight forward video!
Hi there. Here is a link to the quick disconnects I bought. Good luck. Have you seen my video about upgrading my foot pump? I was pretty happy with the small one on this video but I since disconnect and drain everything after every trip I got worried about retightening the lead in on the pump and honestly even though the flow is perfect for washing hands and even doing dishes, I found it a bit cumbersome for filling the dog's dish and water for cooking and heating for dishes. Good luck. Thanks for the question glad I could help.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079J5X3XD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
It's coming along nicely!
Thanks. I'm really enjoying every project.
Hey Michelle - we're looking to make a change to what you did for your supply line (what we did isn't ideal). Wondering how the pex tubing that sits inside your fresh water tank is holding up for you?
It is really very clear video which is great. What is the diameter of Pea trap you used please? Thanks,
It's a standard sink P trap for residential.
@@michele2017promastertravel thanks
Thanks for the detail.
Your Welcome.
I found the video I asked you about, yay me :) and yay you for this accomplishment. I’ve heard of putting a little white vinegar in the tanks/parts when rinsing (before storage) to keep the yucks away. What’s your thought on that? Thank you again.
Yep, Your on the right track. Vinegar is a good way to clean out all the tanks. It isn't always need, but sometime I do use vinegar on the grey water tank: swish a few cups, rinse with a few cups of water and turn upside down to dry. I also turn fresh water tanks upside down out in the sunshine to sanitize. I try not to put anything but water in my fresh tanks, but sometimes water I get on the road that isn't the cleanest (like iron rich, city water with chlorine, high calcium,etc ) when I get home I do a real good rinse with just water that usually cleans it well enough. Always visually inspect your tanks and give them a good sniff to make sure nothing is funky in there before use.
Do you have a video of how you constructed the actual cabinet section? What kind of lumber did you use? Or a list of cut lumber? I will be using 1/2" birch for the top as I already have a small sink. Thanks!
My cabinet construction was 2 x2's in oak (maybe red oak) for the top frame and vertical corner supports (all the visible spots). I used a 1x3 (leftover furring strip) on the front and side bottoms to square it (and support my fold out table- see video build). Where you would stand to use the sink I used a 2x4 cross up high to make the cabinet sturdy so it wouldn't wobble and I cold use the foot pump clearly. If you've seen one of my later videos (the one I change my foot pump) you can see how I made shelves in my galley (with the scrap plywood). Because I used hardwood 2x2's to frame it I could use a come-a-long strap to secure the cabinet to the D ring on the floor directly behind the slider -if your van is missing the D ring you can easily replace at Menard's or Home Depot. The come-a-long also goes around my 2 x 6gal fresh water tanks so in a crash that cabinet doesn't have to contain 100# of water. Hope this helps.
@@michele2017promastertravel Thank you so much! Yes I saw your videos and loved them...very simple design. I decided not to go with a 12 volt pump system and I'm on the fence on getting the Gusher vs a USB chargeable 5 gl faucet pump system. I've seen lots of videos on these USB faucet units and even though there not as quiet as the Gusher, there not as loud as a 12 volt pump system, and they spew out more water vs the Gusher...anyhoo thanks again for your response!
@@hawk4117 There are pro's and cons to either system. If you're planning on doing cold weather camping a USB recharge may become problematic in the very cold, or a foot pump may freeze on the floor. I've seen people be creative with the USB with a long hose so the tank can sit on the floor. They seem kinda handy and I thought about a USB for a while. Good luck, it's so great to build exactly the way you want it then when something goes awry you can problem solve and fix so much easier.
@@michele2017promastertravel Your absolutely right about the pros & cons. I live in Southern California so I won't need to worry about things freezing! lol Hell sometimes I run the AC in the winter! lolol I do have one more question if I may. I already laid my subfloor down with 1/2" birch plywood. I have some D Rings I bought from Home Depot able to support 600lbs. I wondered how you anchored your assembly to the top and side? I don't think I could anchor my D rings on 1/2" plywood to support it from moving when driving? I would probably have to drill through the floor with bolts. Any suggestions? I have a 2016 Chevy express 2500.
A question: did you choose a pea trap to help reduce any oder that might escape from the grey water tank, have you noticed any fowl smells from the grey water tank after a few days?
Yes, I chose the pea trap for smell reasons. When my greywater goes 3 or 4 days just with dish washing, brushing teeth, hand washing etc - it really does smell bad as I pour it out. When I get home I use any leftover clean water to flush out the pea trap, then disconnect everything and hang it outside the van to dry out entirely along with all the water jugs and foot pump are disconnected and dried out . You'll be surprised how nasty that grey water gets in just a couple of days. I find I use about 15 gallons of fresh water for each dump of the grey because I cook, dog water, drinking water etc. With my dog I'll used 1 to 2 gallons a day, without my dog usually around 1+ gallon a day for 2 people. Did you check out my foot pump upgrade video? After using the small foot pump for a year and half, I decided I wanted more flow. I found don't use more water with the larger flow foot pump, I just access it faster. I'm pretty happy with the larger pump.
@@michele2017promastertravel yes I found it. Thank you very informative
Nicely done. I wonder if you could tell us the dimensions of your cabinet and the supplies you used.
Hi Meredith, I used red oak 2x2's to frame the cabinet. I made it to exactly fit my sink so you're measurements would be different. It is 22" x 36" approximately. The unit is 40" tall on the top surface. I then used 1x3's to frame the bottom of the legs on door and entry hall sides but on the foot pump side and where it sits next to the bed I used a 2x4's to make attaching to the D ring with come-a-long more stable (that's how I attach all my furniture so I can remove them, even the bed is held in place with come-a-longs). Also I used L brackets everywhere I could to attach the 2x2'a together. I'm not a carpenter so L brackets keep everything square (which I couldn't do with just screwing the boards together. Also one thing I did was make the front legs a little longer than the back legs because on the PM has a 2" slant from the back of the cargo area to front of the cargo area. My build turned out to be 6,900 pounds when we are loaded with a full tank of gas. It's rated for 8,900#
Could you use a 1/2" PEX tube or would it draw out too much water at once?
That's a great faucet! Where did you find it? Brand?
It's still available on Amazon. I really like it after 2 years. If you haven't see my updated foot pump video, I replaced the foot pump in this video with the Whale Gusher - it works so much better for me. This faucet is a single temperature input for cold water only, perfect for vanlife. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRQ1DH7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
@@michele2017promastertravel Thanks! We also started with the same foot pump and then switched to the Gusher. I agree it is SOOOOO much better!
@@hctrout7006 Thanks. It is amazing.
What kind of quick disconnect? Do you have the Amazon #. I would like to order one. Thanks
Here are the ones I bought. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079J5X3XD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hi miss Eliot
Can you please give me details as to where you get that quick disconnect? Exact details or part number on it? Plus that flex tubing too.
Hi Andy, here is the link to the quick disconnects. I bought one for each water jug.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079J5X3XD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@michele2017promastertravel hi miss Eliot
Thank you.
If I have 2 of the tanks, should I order 2 of each? Because there's a female Mpt and a female Fpt
Not sure what that means
@@michele2017promastertravel in running 2 6 gallons water tanks. So that's why I need 2 quick disconnect for those tanks. Do I buy 2 of each or 2 of the same ?
@@overlandjunky5535 Yes. Good question. It was confusing for me also. There are two parts to each Quick Connect. So even though the picture on Amazon show two pieces they are both part of the one connection and the two are purchased togther. Bottom part fits on your jug (so you need two bottoms) but you only use one of the 'top' parts because that's the feed up to your faucet. So If you have two water tanks you need to order 2 units from amazon. You don't use the top of one of the units (keep it for a spare- because it has the moving part to disconnect). It's confusing and I struggled with this question. Buy 2.
Hi miss Eliot
I got my sink all hooked up thanks to your help. 2. 6 gallons water running on a sea flow pump. Good pressure going through the hose.
Do you by chance have a link to the bar faucet you used? ty!
Sure do. Thanks for the question. It's a bar sink with a single temperature inlet. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRQ1DH7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Where did you get the reducer nut? Can you provide a link? I've been watching a lot of foot pump sink videos and a lot of people ran into that problem and had complex solutions, but this seems the easiest
I bought it locally. from Menards. I'll bet they have them at Lowes and others. I went on line to see if I could find a link but it didn't quite look the same as the one I bought (not a graduated cone) So I can't say it will be the same. Check locally at specialty plumbing stores like ACE hardware too, they almost certainly would have them in stock. You want a: female 1/2" reducer nut. That's what the package called it. May have another name. Oh it was copper or brass (no lead).
@@michele2017promastertravel Would this work?
www.homedepot.com/p/Apollo-1-2-in-Brass-PEX-A-Barb-x-1-2-in-FNPT-Female-Adapter-EPXFA1212/310850784
P.S. You don't need a p-trap on this sink drain system. The only purpose of a p-trap is to keep sewer gases from getting in your house. since you are draining into a can, you have no sewer gas.
You know I thought that too, but for me it's not just water that goes down the sink, we cook from scratch a lot so perhaps my tank gets more stinky than others. When I get home and dump that tank.... peeeyouuuu. I have to sanitized it and leave it in the sun before reinstallation and still it stinks until it dries out completely. I saw several van builds do a straight pipe for the kitchen, and when they reviewed their system they often complain of the smell it creates. We pretty much don't have any smell- ever, occasionally on a bumpy road we get a whiff of it if I haven't dumped it in a few days. It would be nice to skip the p-trap, make things less complicated but, over and over I'm glad I put one in. When I clean up after a trip I undo the p-trap and drain and dry everything out, also the foot pump- it gets opened up and dried out. Bad smell is something that really hangs around in a van. Thanks for your comment and good luck. Remember travel broadens the mind.