Van Life Water Systems Australia: Everything You Need to Know
📋 Table of Contents
Hide ▲How to design and build a van water system for Australian conditions — tank sizing, pump selection, filtration, and grey water management.
Water is Your Most Critical System
Running out of power is inconvenient. Running out of water in the Australian outback is dangerous. Get your water system right before you worry about anything else.
Tank Sizing
A single person uses approximately 8–12 litres per day for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. A couple uses 15–20 litres per day. For outback travel, plan for 5–7 days of self-sufficiency:
- Solo, coastal travel: 40–60 litres (refill at towns regularly)
- Solo, outback capable: 80–100 litres
- Couple, coastal: 60–80 litres
- Couple, outback: 100–160 litres (split across two tanks for redundancy)
Tank Material
Food-grade polyethylene tanks (white or translucent) are the standard. The translucent ones let you see water level without a sensor — practically useful. Ensure any tank you buy is marked "food safe" or "potable water".
Jerry cans as supplementary tanks are excellent for outback runs — cheap, removable, and you can fill them from remote bore water supplies more easily than built-in tanks.
The Pump: Shurflo Revolution is the Default
The Shurflo 2088 is the most installed 12V water pump in Australian van builds. 3.5 GPM, automatic demand switch (only runs when you open a tap), 7.5A draw, and genuinely quiet operation. Install with an inline strainer filter upstream of the pump to extend its life significantly.
Price: A$80–110
Tip: Add a 0.5L accumulator tank downstream of the pump to eliminate pressure pulsing and extend pump life
Water Filtration
For general Australian town water, a basic inline carbon filter (A$20–40, replaceable every 6–12 months) removes taste and odour. For remote bore water or creek water, a Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn filter provides bacterial and protozoan protection. In the NT and northern WA, never drink bore water without filtering — high mineral content and potential contamination.
Grey Water
This is where most van builds fall short. You need either a grey water tank (minimum 10–15L) that you empty at dump points, or a grey water dispersion system that passes through a filter and disperses slowly — legal in many areas. Never dump grey water directly on the ground at campgrounds or in national parks.
A cheap solution: a 15L bucket under the sink that you empty at dump stations. Inelegant but functional and easy to implement mid-build.
Hot Water
Options in order of complexity:
- Camp shower bag: A$15–30, leave in sun for 30 minutes, basic but works
- Joolca HOTTAP: Instant gas hot water heater, A$280–350, needs LPG, excellent for outdoor showers
- 12V inline heater: A$150–300, slow, high power draw, not recommended
- Calorifier (diesel heater integration): A$200–400 in parts, heats water using your diesel heater's coolant — the most efficient option for builds with a Webasto/Espar
Australian Tips
Australia's climate demands extra consideration. Extreme heat above 45°C can damage lithium batteries — ensure proper ventilation and consider thermal cutoffs. Remote travel means reliability is critical; stick to brands with Australian warranty support. Corrugated roads create constant vibration, so secure batteries properly with quality mounting brackets. Check state regulations for battery installations — some require isolation switches. Solar charging is excellent across most of Australia, but dust buildup reduces efficiency. Clean panels weekly in dusty conditions. Northern Australia's wet season humidity can cause connection corrosion — use marine-grade terminals and apply protective spray.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install lithium batteries myself in Australia?
Yes, 12V DC installations under 50V don't require licensed electricians in most states. However, complex systems with inverters over 2000W may need professional certification. Check local regulations first.
Do lithium batteries work in Australian winter conditions?
LiFePO4 batteries perform well in Australian winters. They can discharge in sub-zero temperatures but shouldn't be charged below 0°C. Built-in heating systems handle this automatically in quality batteries.
What happens if my lithium battery fails while remote touring?
Quality lithium batteries have 5-10 year warranties. Carry a backup power source like portable power stations for critical items. Most failures are BMS-related, not cell damage, and reset automatically.
Our Pick
For most Australian van builds, we recommend starting with a quality 200Ah LiFePO4 system. It handles typical couples' needs including fridge, lighting, and moderate electronics. Brands like Battle Born or Victron offer excellent Australian support networks, crucial for remote travel confidence.
