Camper Van Plumbing Ramblefest

Grab some popcorn, this is a long one.

I’ve just completed the plumbing system in the 2022 Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 I’ve been converting. Turns out I have a lot to say about plumbing.

The start of the video mostly concerns designing a system that won’t hinder future travels. The second part of the video covers details about what I consider a “perfect compromise” for how I like to camp.

If you found this entertaining, educational or even enraging, consider buying me a coffee...or a beer;). Please use the link:
Thank you for your support!

0:00 Intro
2:00 Designing the Right System for How You’ll Use the Van
8:22 System Overview
9:41 Water Tanks
12:00 Foot Pump
14:42 Sinks and Faucets
17:07 Rear Spray Station
19:14 Water Fill
20:51 Monitoring Water Level
21:58 Grey Water System
24:35 Freeze Prevention
26:37 Winterizing and System Shutdown
28:53 Tubing Choices
31:12 Hose Clamps
32:06 Leak Detection Methods

Product Links (Amazon Links Help Me Out, Thank you!!)

Note: It is possible to swap the sides if you buy the wrong one.
Faucet
Note: 15” version works well with the NW Conversions Water Tank.
Note: you also need two fittings to mate with the rest of your system. Here are two options (you can use two of the same depending on how you set your system up):
Note: This hose is available without end fittings in bulk…but then you have to buy 250’
I seem to use the following sizes most often for plumbing and heater ducting:

[edm]

When drawing water from the top tank fitting do you use a solid or flexible standpipe, and do you use a check valve? Thanks

[davidlundy]

I really enjoy watching your simplicity in a van build. I always overthink stuff too much and it’s always bothered me. So I go camping and say to myself I like this and I don’t like that and go back home and change it. Now after watching you I’m going to change things up again, lol. With my van I am never done. But that’s the fun of it.

[matthewk]

Be very careful when filling the drinking water tank from an auxiliary tank by either pouring it in or through that shower pump. Don't use a river water tank to fill the drinking water tank. You really should not be using river water anyway through that system because the entire system should now be considered contaminated.

[mikefranks]

Wow! thanks so much for this exhaustively detailed video. The points that you make are very sound and you also give great perspective for every consideration with the chart that you shared. Definitely the best plumbing video I’ve seen yet for the last five years I’ve been checking out similar videos on YouTube. This will absolutely be the basis of my plumbing system moving forward.

[LeifTheden]

you sold me on the foot pump because we are so far to the left on the maintenance/hassle scale. thanks again as always

[DailyCakeSlice]

What an awesome video!! Thank you!

Those over-wheel tanks are interesting, but I often wonder about bacteria growth. Is that ever an issue? Do you do any filtration for drinking water?

[noahjensen]

Pro tip on the pumps, you can disassemble and reverse both right and left to become the other. They are identical, just assembled to be one or the other. Comes in handy when your configuration of choice is sold out, or when Scamazon is charging twice as much for the one you need because of low supply.

[johnkassay]

Really enjoy your thought process. Thanks for sharing!

[wolfvee]

Thank you for the excellent presentation.
This video is packed with useful plumbing information.

[GrantRTanner]

Your build is truly amazing. I'm always so surprised at your attention to detail.

[billychristmas]

Unbelievably insightful and helpful. Love your work man.

[Technodude]

Using this data for my van project! I'm very impressed with how well-thought this all is!

[olivetrees]

Such a helpful video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[angeljia]

The best van plumbing setup on YouTube! The reason I think it’s the best is because it offers optimal trade offs and is extremely well thought out. I am so glad I saw this before I build out my water system! The only thing I would add for my build is a hot water heater for the outside shower. Would you possibly offer your thoughts on what water heater I should use? Currently I am thinking the Isotemp Spa. Also thank you for the parts list! Keep up the great content!

[christopherbrown]

Great video! I've been eyeing those foot pumps for a while.
I'm designing the water system for my Vanagon around a 24x36 stainless steel shower pan that I made from a discarded photo developing sink. A stall will sit behind the driver seat and serve as a wet bathroom, with a removable composting toilet and a single wet wall serving the shower and a sink on the other side of the wall facing the rear of the van. This will be geared towards winter camping, so the stall will also serve as secure storage for skis, snowboards, and other expensive gear that gets wet.

I'm playing around with ideas, but I'm leaning towards a freshwater tank immediately behind the driver seat pedestal. I'm planning on having nearly every fitting exposed or easily accessible inside of the stall so that service and troubleshooting will be easy, and any leaks will drip noisily into the shower pan.

It's an exciting challenge, but I have to take breaks periodically to not drive myself nuts. The van is getting an engine swap fitted, so I have some time.

[BenStinnett]

This series is helping me so much. Thanks for sharing!

[jacob.munkhammar]

Very useful and insightful information! Thank you!

[thejackofalltravels]

The more I watch your building techniques. The simpler my build gets I have nearly cut my kitchen in half. You didn’t mention any filter systems does that mean you don’t use one or is that another video?

[joeblow]

You have such great ideas. Thank you for taking the time to film and edit and upload.

[ExplorinDoranRBrown]

What about partial strokes of that water pump for less water? Is that possible? Does it get annoying that there’s a pause and then more water comes out on the upstroke of the pump instead of just one stream until you let off the foot pump? I’m curious about being able to pump out just the right amount of water and to do that quickly.