Van Life: Water - The Key to Survival on the Road

tags: [“van life”, “water”, “van life essentials”, “van life tips”, “water management”]

Water is an essential resource that plays a vital role in our daily lives, especially when living the van life. From drinking and cooking to personal hygiene and cleaning, water serves multiple purposes on our journeys. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of water in van life and discuss effective water management techniques.

When it comes to water storage in your van, the capacity largely depends on the size of your vehicle. Smaller vans will have smaller tanks, while bigger motorhomes can accommodate larger tanks. In my case, I have a 100L clean water tank and a 100L gray water tank located underneath the van for storing used water.

It’s important to note that water, just like electricity, is not an infinite resource like in a traditional house. Therefore, managing your water consumption becomes crucial, especially during the winter season. For instance, if you have a gray water tank located outside the vehicle, like mine, it is more exposed to the freezing temperatures, which can lead to complications.

Now, let’s dive into the specifics of my water management system. My 100L clean water tank is conveniently stored in a closet under the bed, allowing easy access. I can charge water from the outside and inspect the tank’s content to ensure cleanliness. To empty the tank, there is a mechanism that I can activate by pulling a lever at the bottom.

Inside the tank, there is a water pump that facilitates the flow of water to various appliances in the van. These appliances include the kitchen and bathroom sinks, the toilet in the bathroom, and the boiler. Speaking of the boiler, I rely on a Truma Combi 4, which serves both as a propane boiler and the main heater of the vehicle.

Hot water from the boiler is distributed to the kitchen and bathroom sinks. However, it is important to keep in mind that the capacity of the boiler may vary depending on your specific setup. In my case, I have a 10L boiler that fulfills my needs adequately.

When embarking on a journey, I ensure that I have a full water tank. Depending on usage, my 100L water tank typically lasts for around 7 days or even more. However, it’s essential to plan for regular refills at public places or campgrounds. Fortunately, many places offer facilities for offloading gray water and charging clean water, often free of charge or for a nominal fee.

Now, let’s address an important aspect of water management – cleanliness. It is crucial to maintain clean water in your tank to prevent any potential health risks. While the water you store in your tank may not be as clean as you expect, it is advisable to carry drinking water in bottles as a backup.

In some cases, water sources may contain impurities such as algae or other unknown substances, as I experienced in Norway. To mitigate this, you can invest in advanced filters like those offered by Alb Filter. However, keep in mind that these filters can be expensive and may require regular maintenance. Alternatively, you can opt for a transparent filter to detect impurities while adding water to your tank.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning the importance of responsible waste disposal. Having a toilet on board is crucial to avoid damaging the environment. Using nature as your toilet may seem appealing, but it has long-term consequences. It’s recommended to discharge your toilet waste at designated areas built for this purpose. Many of these facilities can be found for free, particularly in Europe, as preserving the cleanliness of nature remains a priority.

In conclusion, water is a precious resource that demands careful management when living the van life. Understanding the specifics of your water system, ensuring cleanliness, and practicing responsible waste disposal are essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey. However, challenges may arise during cold weather, which we will delve into in a future post. Stay tuned for more insights on water management in van life!