Camplux F5 Portable Camp Shower Review: The Easiest Way to Add Hot Water to Your Camper or Overland Rig

Camplux F5 Portable Camp Shower Review: The Easiest Way to Add Hot Water to Your Camper or Overland Rig

Why Add On-Demand Hot Water to Your Setup?

Hot water is one of those “quality of life” upgrades that instantly makes camping feel like home. With a compact on-demand unit like the Camplux F5, you can take real showers, wash dishes with warm water, and rinse gear or pets—even when temps drop and a tank heater can’t keep up. No waiting hours for a water tank to heat up. No complicated plumbing. Just click the sprayer and the burner lights—hot water, right now.

Key benefits:

  • Instant hot water for showers, dishes, and pets

  • Compact footprint (stashes easily in a storage bin)

  • Precise control of water pressure and temperature

  • Works great with a small 12V pump + accumulator

  • Easy to mount and remove for camp use

What’s in My R4T Hot-Water System

This is a proven, modular combo that’s easy to copy and customize:

  • Heater: Camplux F5 on-demand propane heater

  • Pump & Pressure: 12V Seaflo water pump + Seaflo accumulator for steady flow

  • Water Source: ROAM 7-gal aluminum tank (baffled to reduce slosh)

  • Shower Space: Dirtbox Overland hard-shell shower awning on a 90° pivot

  • Drain Management: Collapsible shower basin with overflow hose

  • Mounting: R4T custom mount for the Tune Outdoor M1 (keeps the heater vertical and cushioned on a rubber pad)

Pro tip: Use quick-connects at the heater and sprayer so you can switch between heated and non-heated water in seconds.

How the Camplux F5 Works (and How to Dial It In)

The F5 uses propane to heat water as it flows through the unit. Two simple dials make it easy:

  • Outer Dial = Water Pressure

  • Inner Dial = Heat/Gas

For a typical shower, aim for 95–110°F. In warmer weather, you’ll reach temp fast; in colder weather, you may need to reduce flow slightly or increase gas input to hit your target. The built-in display helps you monitor outlet temperature so you can fine-tune on the fly.

Fast start/stop: Pull the trigger on the shower head, and the burner ignites almost instantly. Release it, and both the heater and pump shut down—no wasted water or fuel.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

  1. Mount the Heater (Camp Use Only):
    Secure the Camplux F5 on a stable vertical surface. On the Tune M1, our R4T bracket straightens the unit and adds a rubber bottom pad for support. Don’t drive with the heater mounted externally.

  2. Plumb the Water Side:

    • Water tank → Seaflo pump → Seaflo accumulator → quick-connect to Camplux inlet

    • Camplux outlet → shower hose & sprayer head (with trigger)

  3. Connect Propane:
    Use a 10-lb tank for longer trips, or a 1-lb cylinder with an adapter for lighter setups. Check all fittings for leaks.

  4. Power the Pump:
    Wire the 12V pump to your auxiliary battery system with proper fuse protection and a switch.

  5. Set Your Temperature:
    Start with moderate flow and mid heat. Watch the digital readout and fine-tune to your preferred shower temp.

  6. Manage the Shower Space:
    Deploy the shower awning for privacy and weather protection. Use a collapsible basin to keep mud and runoff contained; route the overflow hose away from camp.

Safety & Best Practices

  • Ventilation: Always run the heater outside in a well-ventilated area. Never operate in an enclosed space.

  • Clearances: Keep soft goods, fuel, and walls clear of the exhaust.

  • Fuel Handling: Close the propane valve when not in use. Check for leaks with soapy water.

  • Water Quality: If pulling from a natural source, pre-filter to protect the pump and heater.

  • Cold Weather: Drain the unit after use and before freezing temps to prevent damage.

Real-World Use Cases

  • Weekend Overlanding: Hot shower after a dusty trail day = better sleep and morale.

  • Family Camping: Warm water on-demand for dishes and kid clean-ups.

  • Fishing & Hunting: Rinse waders, boots, and gear without freezing your hands.

  • Dog Owners: Quick, warm rinse for muddy trail dogs before they jump back in the rig.

Troubleshooting Quick Hits

  • Water not heating enough: Reduce flow slightly or increase the heat dial; confirm propane level.

  • Burner won’t ignite: Check propane valve, ensure adequate water flow/pressure, replace batteries if applicable, verify all connections.

  • Temperature swings: Add an accumulator (or increase its precharge) and avoid long runs of tiny hose; keep the water source at consistent height where possible.

  • Low pressure: Inspect the pump filter and lines for kinks; charge your auxiliary battery.

FAQs

How hot can it get?
For comfortable showers, target 95–110°F. In warm ambient temps and low flow, you can achieve higher readouts, but set expectations around typical “hot shower” temps for the best experience.

How much water do I need per shower?
Plan 1.5–3 gallons for a quick “camp rinse” with smart on/off trigger use. Longer hair and colder weather may use more.

Will it work in winter?
Yes—with proper ventilation and freeze management. Keep the water line and pump insulated, and drain the heater after use to prevent freeze damage.

Can I use lake or river water?
Yes, with pre-filtration to protect your pump and heater. Many campers run a simple inline screen plus a finer filter.

Build Your Hot-Water Kit with R4T

If you want a turnkey path to hot showers on your rig, we can help you source and install everything—from the heater and pump to the tank, mount, and shower awning—so your setup just works.

  • Heater - Camplux F5 (use code "TACOCP" for 10% OFF): https://camplux.com/products/camplux-portable-water-heater-f5

  • Pump - Pump/Pressure: Seaflo 12V water pump (https://amzn.to/3KGsdMw) + Seaflo accumulator (https://amzn.to/4h22Wbn)

  • Water Tank - ROAM 7-gal aluminum tank (baffled; less slosh): https://runnin4tacos.com/products/roam-adventure-co-water-tank

  • Shower Awning - Privacy/Cover: Dirtbox Overland hard-shell shower awning on 90° pivot: https://runnin4tacos.com/products/dirtbox-shower-bathroom-awning

  • Shower Floor - Collapsible shower basin with overflow hose: https://amzn.to/4odJOcZ

  • Heater Mount - R4T M1 Camplux mount (keeps unit vertical and secure while camped): Coming soon...

👉 Tap “Contact Us” or browse runnin4tacos.com for parts, install scheduling, and full camper plumbing builds tailored to your Toyota. Talk to a rep at 303-909-6047 from Monday through Friday 8:30AM-4:30PM