DIY CAMPER VAN PLUMBING (full tutorial)
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
- This video will show you how to install a DIY plumbing system in your camper van. We'll walk you through the steps of setting up your freshwater tank, sink connections, and a shower connection.
Titan Vans Water Tank: www.titandiykits.com/products...
Shower: amzn.to/3VYa9NE
Black Aluminum Extrusion: www.tnutz.com/product/ex-1010...
Water Pump: amzn.to/3Cvptu6
Accumulator Tank: amzn.to/3k0DVEk
1/2" Pex Tubing: amzn.to/3QCjnhL
1/2" Pex Crimper: amzn.to/3vLGrAM
T's: amzn.to/3X9eAGs
L's: amzn.to/3CyvcQa
Crimp Ring: amzn.to/3Creq5p
Heater: amzn.to/41TihlS
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➤How to Wire an AC/DC Breaker/Fuse Box: www.explorist.life/how-to-wir...
00:00 Introduction
00:34 Tank Information
00:58 Build Frame
01:37 Plumbing
03:58 First Test
04:33 Aluminum Extrusion Enclosure
05:07 Brackets Attaching Enclosure to Tank
05:51 Aluminum Extrusion Blocks
06:41 Install Water Inlet
07:44 Water Gauge In Tank
08:06 Wiring for Water Gauge
08:47 Cut Panels for Enclosure
09:24 Finish Wiring
10:40 Failed Hatch
11:05 Attach Shower and Hoses
11:30 Attach Sink Connections and Hoses
11:57 Strap Down Water Heater
12:16 Drill Drain Holes Through Van Floor
12:33 Insulate Wheel Well
12:46 Attach Tank/Enclosure to Van
13:17 Connect Drain Tube
13:49 Wire Switch for Water Pump
14:26 Attach Water Inlet/Final Test - Авто та транспорт
I continue to be very impressed with not only the quality of your work, but the design of it as well. You are truly a craftsman! Thanks for another great video. 👍🏼
Thank you! Cheers!
Fantastic video -- just ahead of where I am in my build so it will be very useful! Thanks for the time put in and the great attention to detail. These are my favorite van conversion videos and I have watched pretty much all of them!
Really thorough and beautifully well designed work, Nate. Excellent video shooting, narration, and editing, too! Thanks. Love watching your projects. You're in a special class, that's for sure.
I'm going to miss these videos. Thank you for doing the Transit build series. It was, and still is, extremely helpful.
Brilliant work. You are an artisan, a mechanic, and an engineer. I build computers and work with electronics, but I could never do all the things you do. I pride myself on my solutions to problems and workarounds which many times involve fabricating small parts, but this is another level of complexity.
Omg perfecting timing!!! About to make a plan for out plumbing system! i can always rely on you guys for the best tutorials! You really make things easy to follow, thank you so much!
Awesome! Glad it helped! 😁
You guys made this video just in time. We are installing our water system right now. And we just got some tips from you guys 😀
Thank you!
Awesome! Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!
Y'all just make it look so easy, like TV chefs cooking a 6 hr meal in 30 minutes easy!! Love the look and can't wait to use your knowledge to make my van. I followed along to about 60% of that. Looks like I'll be rewatching it again soon. Thank you very much for the time and explanations!!
Haha, yeah, this project took FOREVER. 🤣
Your work is so neat and your instruction is so clear. 👍
Thanks so much 😊
Very nice! I will strive to have an equally well thought system for my upcoming plumbing build. Thanks!
These videos are so helpful! Sure, I have to watch parts multiple times and do screen captures to study… but you can’t get more beginner than me. I need an Explorist Life Diploma when I’ve proven I can do these things in my van. Thank you for your hard work!
Glad you like them!
Very nice! I strive to design as well a thought out system as you have done here with my upcoming plumbing build. Thanks!
I couldn't help but see the use for Pex A over Pex B. You can rotate the fittings without causing a leak on the pex. Great install Nate
Thanks for tuning in!
Will you be following up about the water heater and why you choose it? Would love for you to dive deeper into plumbing for your build. You hinted there will be more when you get to the kitchen module. Looking forward to it.
Wow! This instructional video made me realize I have no idea what is involved in installing a water system. I think I will need a professional like your selves for this part of my build. You're system looks great!!!
Sigh, only the 5th or 6th time I've watched this, since I'm at this stage and I would love to put my vote into a short video for programming the Cervo GX. Still watching all/most of your videos (multiple times!! as I'm a slow learner) and loving them all.
Solid video. Can’t wait to see the galley build!
Thanks! 🙂🙌
Very neat compact installation! Well done.
Thanks!
JUst found your channel and I am enjoying it. Just bought and old truck bed pop up camper and will use some of your methods! Thank you
Awesome! Thank you!
Just a heads up, but we've released our full install video featuring a Truck Camper; that you may find helpful! Here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/gcDYiYgUCzg/v-deo.html
Great job! Looks amazing.
Hey, Matt Bolton Music! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
I have been watching this whole series, as well as most of your electrical videos, and I don't remember you ever mentioning Anderson connectors before. Can you link a video where you go into more detail on these? Thanks for this video! I am not close to plumbing yet, but I will be back to watch this again when I get to that.
Beautiful work. I love it.
Thank you very much!
This looks really well done. Can you do a video where you go over the ideas of fill, flow and explain why you decided to design the system the way you did? What about city water/ pressure line? What about water filtration?
Another great training module. IF you have time, I would love to see where you sourced the knurled threaded connectors you used on the high pressure woven clear tubing. All I can find are the Shurflo winged connectors and I'm not really wanting the wings due to space constraints. Thanks again!
This was very clean and organized work. Attention to detail is impeccable
Can you do a video about programming the tank gauge with the Cerbo GX?
It would be great to see a video on the programing of the water level meter to the cerbo gx! Been following all of your videos. Super helpful!
Hey ricky yaconelli, Thanks so much! Cheers!
A tip to you since I’ve been doing plumbing work for a while now, use Teflon tape along with paste and you will never have a leak again. ;)
Do you put the tape on first?
@@amateurdiy3960 Yes the tape goes first. Careful Wich way you wrap it
@@amateurdiy3960 tape first clockwise about three full circles wraps
Any chance you could explain why pex is used in parts of the system, and flexible hose is used in others?
@calevel
Wow Nate, just started following your videos and kudos ! Workmanship personified. Question, did you look at the IRVPC pump controller for your install? We have one in our RV and just love it.
Nice. Good job
Wonderful series and I always look forward to each new posting. Very well thought out and narrated. One question for you. I'm confused on the links to the tools and supplies versus what was actually used in the video. The links are for the copper crimp rings along with the tool to install that. But the video clearly shows using the clamping method. Might help if you are able to clarify the difference between the links and the video. Keep up the good work Nate!
You and your team are doing great videos which have helped me out immensely with my build out. Thank you very much and keep up the great work. On a side note, do you have any experience using a second alternator to just charge your lithium house batteries?
Yes, please do the video on programming a gauge to the cerbo!
Just following up, but our video showing how to connect the tank level sensor to the Cerbo GX just went live: ua-cam.com/video/Uejlm8VKAhY/v-deo.html
Would love to see a video explaining how you program your cerbo to work with the tank monitor. I've been building something very similar for the last year I decided to build everything modular with 80/20 and even have my power over the left wheel and water over the right. Also a huuuge fan of steamboat my google pic is me on the mountain!
Wow such a great video a lot of thought and workmanship. What is the outside dimentions of the outside extrusions. I know my build will be different but I need an estimate with what I gotta work with. Keep up the great work and keep them coming.
Freekin PRO BUILD BRO 😎👍
Please show us how to program the water gauge.
Fantastic!
Many thanks!
Thank you for your video - you ended up with a compact, beautiful install that is also accessible for maintenance & future service. Not many builders go into the materials & methods to the extent that your team does.
What was your rationale on the locations that called for braided tubing versus PEX tubing?
13:45 I feel that on another level
I'll be building a similar system, so really appreciate this description. I suggest thicker brackets for securing plywood to extrusion and to van walls/floor. If you've been in a crash more than a fender-bender, you know forces can be huge and weird. Use backing plates behind floor/wall to help resist pull-out in a crash.
As a firefighter, I've actually been to MVA's that were bad enough that the entire engine was ejected from the frame. You can't make anything 100% safe. What we did was fine. Do what you want in your own build. Thanks for watching.
@@EXPLORISTlife Agree, nothing is complete safe. Again, thanks for this great overview.
Nate - at 7:40 you attached the pex tubing into the water fill. The way you attached that was a little dodgy shall we say...The pex pipe will actually spin around the barbed fitting with the crimp attachment on it, therefore when you spun the blue pex so the male thread went into the outlet itself, you may have just been spinning the pex on the last few turns, making the connecting between the brass fittings not very secure. if you can get a spanner in there and just give it a 1/2 turn that could save you big time down the road. Especially as you wouldnt notice a small leak for a while in that inconspicuous space. Youve helped me so much in the past i wanted to pass that along.
It was tightened. There's a lot that happens off camera. 🙂👍
Very solid design, build and clear video and editing. Well done, and thank you! The only thing I'm not sure about is whether you used flexible tubing on PEX connectors, which apparently is not a good practice and can lead to leaks in the future. I'm sure that is fine with low pressure/drain applications, but probably not on the pressure lines. Thanks again!
Flexible lines went to barbed connectors made for flexible lines in most cases. If there was a spot where this wasn't the case and it starts to leak; I'll fix it. 🤷♂️🤣 That's the glory of building something yourself. If you make it yourself; you know how to fix it if it breaks.
nice job
Yes please make a video on programming 🙏
Wonderful!
Thank you! Cheers!
As always, extremely detailed on all aspects of the build and exceptional quality. One questions, what's the brand/source for the water inlet fill connection you used. I like the locking aspect to ensure no leaks and would like to incorporate that in my build. Once again, super impressed at the exceptional detail!
Excellent video and one I will be referencing in the future if everything goes to plan. Did you consider a tankless water heater?
Another great video. I am definitely interested in how to wire tank level gauge!
Noted! Thanks for watching. 🙂😁
Yes please 🙏
Just following up, but our video showing how to connect the tank level sensor to the Cerbo GX just went live: ua-cam.com/video/Uejlm8VKAhY/v-deo.html
I would watch a short video on the Cerbo GX water level configuration!
Very nice
Thanks! 🙂🙌
Great video mate … a video programming the Cerbo would be much appreciated
Noted! Thanks for watching! 😀
Excellent and informative videos. Thank you. Is there a video on waste water plumbing and holding tanks? I can't find one.
🙌🏼👊🏼💪🏼🤘🏼 thank you!
Thanks Nate - This is next level! Any chance you could post your order from t-nutz for the extrusions to build that box? Mainly interested in how you had the ends machined. Thank You!
Wow!
Yes please, show us how you programmed the cerbo gx.
I'm working on a similar setup, so this was good to see. My question though, is how do you turn your Bosch water heater on and off since it is buried in the modular frame? Do you have a switched 110v outlet dedicated for that? (And is that install covered in another video?)
Very nice video, thanks! what type of Water Gauge In Tank did you use?
When will a drawing and all the parts be in the store ? LOL great video, Thanks
😂🤣 I guess that depends on how well this video does.
GREAT !
Thanks! 🙂🙌
Sweet
*Titan Vans Water Tank:* www.titandiykits.com/products/20-gallon-water-system-for-vans?sca_ref=1784496.sAUQHwAeDP
Shower: amzn.to/3VYa9NE
Black Aluminum Extrusion: www.tnutz.com/product/ex-1010-b-black/aff-id/nate.yarbrough/
Water Pump: amzn.to/3Cvptu6
Accumulator Tank: amzn.to/3k0DVEk
16.5" Gauge: amzn.to/3CtJdhS
Water Inlet: amzn.to/3GL5pGN
1/2" Pex Tubing: amzn.to/3QCjnhL
1/2" Pex Crimper: amzn.to/3vLGrAM
T's: amzn.to/3X9eAGs
L's: amzn.to/3CyvcQa
Crimp Ring: amzn.to/3Creq5p
Heater: amzn.to/41TihlS
I can’t read over 200 comments so if this is a double up question I apologize. Why did you mix Lex with the flexible hoses? Is it possible to just use Lex or just use flexible? Thanks.
Love the videos. I’ll be watching them all multiple times before I start my build this summer.
Using anderson plugs to prewire is genius.
I'm quite proud of that. 🤣😂 It has worked out very well in this build; especially in the cabinets.
good work as always guys...... I would like to see the method of connecting the water level sensor to the cerbo
Perfect! Will do. Thanks for watching!
Just following up, but our video showing how to connect the tank level sensor to the Cerbo GX just went live: ua-cam.com/video/Uejlm8VKAhY/v-deo.html
Hi Nate ... can you reveal the Make/Model of the electric water heater?
Nice video had always.
I will be interested about how you connect your gage to your cerbo GX and what is the reference of it?
Thanks from France
A shut off valve at the overflow is essential. Without it, you'll lose a lot of water (sloshing around while driving, and through evaporation).
We've found there isn't much water lost due to that; but yeah; definitely put a shutoff in there if you want. Just make sure there is another way for air to get into the tank.
@@EXPLORISTlife I noticed, especially in overseas van conversions, they have dual water inlets at the port. One acts as the fill tube, and the other one is the vent. They open the vent cap when filling and when excess water spits out the vent- it's topped off. Then they screw both caps on. No overflow pipe needed. When they arrive at a camp site, they unscrew the vent cap to let air into the tank.
@@michaeltravis3562 Sounds like another neat way to do things.
Hi Nate and Steph. Great video! Did you add a switch or timer to the outlet your water heater is plugged into? If so, do you have a diagram showing this piece? Thank you.
Thanks for this super helpful step and step process. I was curious about what you did for air ventilation in & out of the tank?
There's an overflow to the outside of the van that is also the vent.
I really like the modular design. Can you share a link for the water inlet that you are using? Please?
Great vids… What flexible tubing is that? Do the screw rings hold without adding any “lock tight” stuff?
as always, super job!!! I'm interested in the gage system you used, would you share the name brand??? thxs again....
will you post a link for the type of Water heater you installed? Or some water heating recommendations please.
Great - Fast video! Why did you use the flexible tubing instead of all pexs tubing? Is that not as flexible?
Hey Nate, what is that shut off valve used for on the tank fill line between the tank fill outlet and the water pump?
Any chance you're going to create a plumbing diagram like your electrical one? It was super helpful to me and id love to see a great plumbing one too! :)
Glad the electrical one was helpful! I don't anticipate doing a plumbing one at this time.
Two questions first one is the water accumulator really that helpful for such a small water tank in system.
2. What size is the water tank and what voltage and wattage
one question! It it a good idea to place a filter in this system for drinking water? Is it necessary?
Thanks. What are you using for water gage? I ordered two gages, that look identical, then asked if it’s safe for drinking water and was told no, ask to cancel order and they said, oh yeah, they are safe. Bottom line I canceled the order.
Also because tank has wheel well when it’s says half empty it will not truly be half empty.
I am considering external monitors so I can place sensors in better positions to indicate/read level.
Can you link to the product you are using?
That was an interesting water fill inlet and hose. I can't find that anywhere. What is it, and are you happy with it?
Great video - doing my plumbing now..... I was waiting for your video. Also, what size water heater did you go with 2.5 gal or 4 gal.?
My wife and I had the 2.5 gallon water heater and it wasn't enough for 2 quick showers for us. We upgraded to a 4 gallon tank and haven't had issues since. I think they are almost the same dimensions.
Good morning. Thank you for the in depth video. How have you been liking the Bosch water heater? Pros and cons if you have the time. Thank you kindly.
We are still mid-build, so we haven't used it, but we've never heard any complaints about it from those who've we've recommended it to in the past (which is why we bought it).
What connectors for the pex to flex tubing? I don't see those listed... Thanks. (the 1/2 inch female connectors on the flex pipe)
Do you have a link to the hose connector you are using?
I think I have the same pump. I was going to add an accumulator tank however the manual doesn't recommend one I think it's the new bypass pumps that don't need them. They are loud af for me without flexible tubing attached directly at the inlet and outlet of the pump.
Interesting. Ours is whisper quiet. 🤷🫤
For me it's the Pex line coming off. It vibrates and reverberates. The company actually sells a kit with flexible tubing to help quite the pump.
Some questions: what van is this? Also, on the passenger side tank, what are the dimensions of the 8020 box and how much room is left between that front void space between tank frame and the actual tank?
Are you familiar with a shower steamer? How could that be also incorporated? Ty!
Thank you for the helpfulness of your work. What kind of water gauge are you installing?
Just following up, but our video showing how to connect the tank level sensor to the Cerbo GX just went live: ua-cam.com/video/Uejlm8VKAhY/v-deo.html
Awesome setup. Question, is your distribution box grounded to the frame of the van? Thanks Don
Distribution box?
I’m curious about the KUS Sender unit in relation to calibration with the Cerbo GX. I see you are using a wheel arch tank which has a variable cross section as you travel down the Z-axis. Is it possible to calibrate the sender with the Cerbo GX and Victron touch unit so that it displays a more accurate percentage/volume. We are using a wheel arch tank that has a huge cross sectional area change from the top half of the tank to the bottom.
We have something very similar to this and I just ignore the tank shape. You can program the Cerbo to have a specific curve to match it but I don't find it worth the trouble.
is that an AQUOR hose bib for your water inlet? that is really slick!!!
It is! It's super nice and well built: amzn.to/3GL5pGN
Thank you for such a clear build, really helps eliminate the learning curve for van plumbing. My one question would be is if the Bosch Water Heater is always on and just senses when there is water coming from the pump or is there a switch for that as well? I'm not too familiar with water heaters so any information would be very helpful! Thank you!
Currently, it's just switched on/off at the breaker. I may put it on a switch in the plumbing enclosure eventually or a bluetooth outlet switch; but I wanted to see if the simpler solution was adequate.
That definitely makes the most sense. Thank you!
Nice and clean system! Can I order that setup? Thanks!
Thanks! Parts sourcing info is in the pinned comment of this video.
I am curious, what is the total lenght and width of the plumbing system? Thanks. :)
1/4 turn ball valves!
Yep... gate valves suck
So that method to mount panels to the frames with the small pieces of extruded aluminium is clever! But your video doesn't demonstrate it fully, so I've got questions. :)
You say you cut them to 5/8" thickness, and it looks like your panels are flush with the main frame rails, so both the hole through the small aluminium piece and the threads tapped through the end *have* to overlap - how do you mount that aluminium piece to the frame rail without that piece of hardware being in the way of the hardware used to mount the panel afterwards?
It looks like you're using the 10 series (1" x 1") rails so I assume you're putting that throughhole in at the half-inch mark so as to line up with a T-nut in the long rail? If the hardware used to mount that piece up sticks down through the centerline, that wouldn't leave much space for the hardware holding the panel in place to bite into threads.
Thanks for this vid!
Hey Nate, great vid. What 3D printer are you using at your shop?
We have a Prusa Mk3 and a Ender Plus 5.
Hey Nate, Just curious, you linked a crimp tool for the sharkbite connections in your description but in the video you are using a clamp tool for all the sharkbite connections. any preference over which one is better or same thing?
All of the pex was crimped with that crimp tool. The flexible tubing was connected with the screw clamps.
Will the flex tubing leak over time? Looks like it's connected to a shark bite T. Shark bite and flex tubes have a different flange to hold them once tighten. Won't the flex tube expand on a shark bite connection?
Although it's not 'technically' the right connection, we had to heat up the flex tubing so it would even fit over the fitting, then it shrinks back down as it cools. That plus a hose clamp gives me pretty high confidence in it not leaking.