How to Get Hot Water in Your Campervan

A complete, beginner-friendly guide — from kettles to proper systems

Hot water in a van doesn’t have to mean a complicated, expensive install. In reality, campervan hot water sits on a spectrum — from literally boiling a kettle all the way up to diesel-powered systems that heat your van and your shower.

This guide walks through all the realistic ways people actually do hot water in vans, explains:

• how hard each option is,

• what extra bits you’ll need (like pumps, accumulators, pressure switches),

• what power is required if it’s electric,

• and suggests well-regarded products people trust — including Bobil for electric and diesel/solar-friendly setups.

No fluff, no scare tactics, just real-world explanations

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First: what do we mean by “hot water” in a van?

Be honest with yourself — this makes everything simpler.

• 🫖 Washing up only → very easy

• 🪥 Warm water at the sink → still easy

• 🚿 Quick showers → moderate

• ❄️ Winter, full-time living → advanced

You don’t need a hotel boiler to feel civilised.

OPTION 1: The simplest possible option — kettle, battery tap + container

(Yes, this counts, and it works)

How it works

You boil a kettle on your gas hob, pour the hot water into a container (often under the sink), mix with cold, and use it for washing up.

What it’s like to live with

Surprisingly common. Surprisingly effective.

Extra hardware needed

• ❌ No pump required

• ❌ No accumulator

• ❌ No pressure switch

• ✔ A container or bowl

• ✔ A kettle

Power / fuel

• Uses gas you already have for cooking

• Zero electrical load

Skill level : Beginner (zero install)

Difficulty : Very low

Pros

• Cheapest option

• Nothing to break

• Works in any van

Cons

• Manual

• Not instant

• No showers

Who this is perfect for:First builds, budget vans, weekend trips, people who hate complexity.

OPTION 2: Electric cold water tap + kettle (step up, still simple)

You’ll see this a lot in smaller vans.

How it works

• A 12V tap with a small pump pulls cold water from a container

• Hot water still comes from a kettle

Extra hardware needed

• ✔ 12V tap with built-in pump

• ❌ No accumulator (usually not needed)

• ❌ No pressure switch (tap controls pump)

Power

• Tiny 12V draw (very battery-friendly)

Skill level :Beginner

Difficulty : Low

Pros

• Running water feel

• Very simple electrics

• Cheap

Cons

• Still no instant hot water

This is often the gateway setup before people upgrade.

OPTION 3: Electric hot water tanks (the most common beginner upgrade)

This is where things start to feel “proper”.

How it works

A small tank (usually 6–15 L) heats water using electricity and stores it ready for use.

Think: mini home boiler.

Extra hardware usually required

✔ 12V water pump✔ Accumulator (smooths flow, protects pump)✔ Pressure switch (often built into the pump)✔ Pressure relief valve (safety)✔ Proper hose fittings

👉 Accumulators matter here because hot water tanks don’t like pulsing pressure.

Power requirements (simple explanation)

12V electric tanks

• Run straight from batteries

• Heat slowly

• Draw a lot of current

Realistic battery needs:

• ⚠️ 200Ah lithium → limited use

• ✅ 300–400Ah lithium → comfortable for sink water

Lead-acid batteries struggle here.

230V electric tanks (campsite power)

• Heat much faster

• No battery drain

• Only work on hook-up unless you have a big inverter

Dual-voltage tanks (12V + 230V)

• 12V when off-grid

• 230V on campsites

• Most flexible option

  
  

Skill level : Beginner → Intermediate

Difficulty : Medium

Well-regarded electric hot water products

• Truma electric water heaters

  • Very reliable

  • Excellent reviews

  • Common in campervans

• Bobil Electric tanks

  • Designed specifically for vans

  • Clean installs

  • Great stepping stone toward hybrid systems

Who this is best for:Most first-time builders who want hot water at the sink and occasional short showers.

OPTION 4: Gas instant water heaters (proper showers)

How it works

Water heats instantly as it flows through a gas burner.

Extra hardware needed

✔ Gas system (bottle, regulator, hose)✔ Water pump✔ Accumulator✔ Ventilation / flue✔ CO detector

Power

• Minimal electric (just for pump/ignition)

• Uses gas for heat

Skill level : Intermediate → Advanced

Difficulty: High

Pros

• Unlimited hot water

• Great showers

Cons

• Gas safety matters

• More rules, more care

Trusted brands

• Camplux

• Eccotemp

  
  

OPTION 5: Diesel heaters with hot water (full-time & winter vans)

How it works

A diesel heater heats:

• your van air

• AND your water (via a tank or heat exchanger)

This is peak van comfort.

Extra hardware needed

✔ Diesel heater✔ Water tank / calorifier✔ Accumulator✔ Pumps & valves✔ Control panel

Power & fuel

• Uses diesel (very efficient)

• Small 12V draw

• Works well with solar

  
  

Skill level : Advanced (often professional install)

Difficulty : Very High

Highly regarded systems

• Webasto

• Truma

• Bobil Air Hybrid & Hydronic systems

  • Combine diesel heating + electric

  • Excellent with solar + off-grid setups

  • Very popular for modern full-time builds

    
    

OPTION 6: Engine heat (drive = hot water)

How it works

Water heats while you drive using engine heat.

Difficulty : High

Skill level : Intermediate → Advanced

Pros

• “Free” hot water

• No gas

Cons

• No driving = cold water

  
  

Quick comparison table (honest version)

Method	Difficulty	Skill	Extra hardware	Best for
Kettle + battery tap, container	Very low	Beginner	Battery tap	Budget & simple
12v Cold tap + kettle	Low	Beginner	Pump only	Small vans
Electric tank	Medium	Beginner–Int	Pump + accumulator	Most builds
Gas instant	High	Int–Adv	Gas + ventilation	Showers
Diesel / Bobil hybrid	Very high	Advanced	Full system	Full-time & winter
Engine heat	High	Int–Adv	Engine plumbing	Daily drivers

Final honest advice

If this is your first campervan:

1. Start with a kettle or simple electric tank

2. Add an accumulator, your pump will thank you

3. Don’t oversize systems “just in case”

4. Upgrade later if you need more comfort

   
   

A warm sink for washing up already feels like luxury in a van.