Joolca Hottap b2 Shower/hot water

[Otter]

I’ve been researching instant hot water/shower devices and came across the Joolca. Those Aussies do have lots available to them and now it’s available here. I’m pretty impressed with what I’m seeing compared to what’s been on the market. Anybody have any experience with the Joolca? Thoughts?

https://www.joolca.com/


https://youtu.be/zuAPGVx9vhs

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[vandiesel]

That looks amazing. These guys figured this out like no other. You could nearly retrofit the inside sink and just have a tank outside the van. I'm impressed.

[Otter]

Yeah, Vandiesel, so true. Most of the other instant hot water heaters I’ve looked at seemed to be geared to a different application such as outdoor buildings, etc. And others for camping don’t have much in the way of accessories. Looks like these folks know their outback audience and put together a nice kit.

My brain was already working on how you could adapt this to an indoor sink. With one hole in the van, I think it could work. It’s not that expensive and might be worth it just for the experiment. We’ll see!
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[neatvan]

At the very least, that marketing video is fantastic!

I installed an Eccotemp L5 on the rear door of my last van and loved it. We used it for post mountain biking and playing. It worked very well and would heat up water from a glacier fed river to a very comfy hot shower. The Joolca seems very well thought out, and if I hadn't already bought another Eccotemp I would give it serious thought.

A couple benefits I see to the Joolca:
1. The all in one kit is very convenient. I had to source all parts separately (filter, pump, etc.) and then put it together.
2. The controls on the Joolca look a little better.
3. The accessories like shower head mount, weighted river filter, sink, all look very thoughtful and well designed.
4. The shower head and switch look better than Eccotemp.
5. Quick connect fittings!

I'll also add that my setup was only used for hot showers. I wanted to be able to pull endless water from any lake, river, stream, bucket, etc. that we came across. With that in mind, I didn't want any bacteria, protozoa, gut bugs ,etc. getting into my potable water, so this was never connected to my drinking water.

[Otter]

Originally Posted by neatvan

At the very least, that marketing video is fantastic!

I installed an Eccotemp L5 on the rear door of my last van and loved it.

I'll also add that my setup was only used for hot showers. I wanted to be able to pull endless water from any lake, river, stream, bucket, etc. that we came across. With that in mind, I didn't want any bacteria, protozoa, gut bugs ,etc. getting into my potable water, so this was never connected to my drinking water.

I thought the videos were fun, too. I’ve been looking at the Eccotemp for a while. Glad to hear you’ve had a good experience with it.

Good advice on keeping your drinking water vessels uncontaminated.
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[JWA]

I completely enjoyed the video and while I don't need what the Joolca can do it seems to be perfectly suited to many here on SMB. Even with all the accessories shown in the video you're still not into this set-up for too much especially considering the benefits it brings.

Thanks for sharing this Otter!

[Otter]

^^^

JWA, you’re welcome. That’s exactly what struck me, too (the price). I just got quoted $6500 for an Espar combination heater/hot water install and I’m like, ok, ya, gotta start buying those lottery tickets again.

[MSD]

Was considering the base camp by mr buddy but now need to reconsider as the Joolca looks pretty sweet.

[BroncoHauler]

"Sounds like a crap-load of stuff to carry". I was thinking the same thing, and then he said it and I had to laugh. It does stow nicely, but it is a lot of stuff.


I primarily camp in dry climates, so the amount of water I am able to carry doesn't lend itself to much in the way of showers, let alone warm showers, but this does seem like a well thought out setup.




Herb

[Otter]

Originally Posted by MSD

Was considering the base camp by mr buddy but now need to reconsider as the Joolca looks pretty sweet.

That Base Camp looks cool but I like the Joolca footprint. Looks like you could hang it anywhere you like and it’s flat. Looking at the Base Camp did bring up the question of whether you could get an adapter for the Joolca for use with Coleman 1lb bottles. I sent them an email. I have a smallish tank, so it’s not an issue, really.

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

"Sounds like a crap-load of stuff to carry". I was thinking the same thing, and then he said it and I had to laugh. It does stow nicely, but it is a lot of stuff.

I primarily camp in dry climates, so the amount of water I am able to carry doesn't lend itself to much in the way of showers, let alone warm showers, but this does seem like a well thought out setup.

Water supply is definitely a thing to consider. And I don’t know whether I would get the entire sink setup or just the Hottap and shower head. Though, as you say, it does stow nicely that way.
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