How to Set Up a Portable Hot Water System for Camping
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Quick Answer:
To set up a portable hot water system for camping, connect your water source and pump (if required), connect the shower hose & rose, insert the 2 x D-Cell batteries, connect your LPG bottle with the supplied LCC27 gas hose and regulator in a safe outdoor location. Then turn on the water from the water source and release the shower rose. The heater will ignite once water runs through the system, turn on the gas and adjust the water flow. Most systems, such as the Country Comfort Portable Water Heater, take less than 30 seconds to produce instant hot water.
There is nothing quite like washing off the dust after a long day on the tracks or enjoying a warm shower on a crisp morning in the bush. While camping is about getting back to basics, having reliable hot water is one luxury that makes a huge difference to your comfort and hygiene, especially on longer trips.
If you’ve just picked up a Country Comfort Portable Hot Water system, or are considering one, you might be wondering how easy it is to get it running.
The good news is that setting up a portable gas hot water system is incredibly simple. Modern units are designed to be plug-and-play, meaning you don’t need to be a plumber or a gas fitter to get them working. Whether you are at a powered caravan park or setting up an off-grid bush camp, the process is quick, safe, and perfectly suited to Australian outdoor conditions.
For a broader look at choosing the right unit, check out our full portable hot water guide for Australia.
What You Need for a Camping Hot Water Setup
Before you start connecting hoses, it’s important to make sure you have all the right components ready. Most beginners get caught out by missing a simple fitting or forgetting the pump.
What equipment do you need for a camping hot water setup?
To run a portable hot water system effectively, you need the heater unit, a standard LPG gas bottle, a water source (like a jerry can or tank), a 12V water pump (for non-mains water), and the necessary input and output hoses.
Here is your essential checklist:
- Portable gas hot water system: The main heating unit.
- Water source: This could be a jerry can, a caravan water tank, or even a bucket drawn from a creek (always check safety guidelines for creek water).
- 12V water pump: Essential if you aren't connecting to a mains tap. This pushes the water through the system.
- Hoses and fittings: To connect the water and gas.
- LCC27 LPG bottle: A standard BBQ gas bottle works perfectly.
- Shower head attachment: Usually included with your heater.
- Optional: A heater stand or mounting bracket, and an inline filter if using creek water.
If you are unsure about which pump you need for your setup, have a read of our guide on choosing the right pump to ensure you get the right flow rate.
Ready to get your gear? Browse our Country Comfort portable heaters.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Follow these steps to get your camping hot water setup running smoothly. This process is the same whether you are setting up a quick overnight stop or a permanent base camp.
Step 1: Choose a Safe Setup Location
Safety always comes first. Your portable water heater runs on LPG and has an open flame, so it must be set up outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
- Find a flat, stable surface or hang the unit securely from a camper trailer, caravan, or sturdy tree branch.
- Ensure the unit is at a comfortable height for adjusting the dials.
- Keep the area clear of dry grass, flammable materials, and curious children.
- Never operate the unit inside a tent, swag, or enclosed annex.
Step 2: Connect the Water Source
Depending on where you are camping in Australia, your water source will vary.
How do you connect water to a portable heater?
Connect a water hose from your source to the "Water Inlet" fitting on the bottom of the heater. If using a 12V pump, the hose goes from the water container to the pump, and then from the pump to the heater inlet.
- Mains Water: Connect a hose directly from the tap to the heater inlet.
- Jerry Can / Tank: Have your hose from the water source, connect to the water inlet on the pump. Connect the hose from the pump's water outlet to the water heater's water inlet. You will need a 12V battery to run your pump.
- Creek / River: Ensure you use a filter to stop debris from entering the pump. Read more about water safety considerations when using natural water sources.
Step 3: Attach the Pump (If Required)
If you are off-grid, the pump is the heart of your system.
- Connect to the pump’s water inlet from your water source.
- Connect the outlet side of your 12V pump to the heater’s water inlet using a hose and tap connector.
- Connect the pump to your power source (usually a cigarette lighter socket in your car or deep-cycle battery clips).
- Before turning the heater on, run the pump to push water through the system.
Need help sizing your pump? Check our pump size guide.
Step 4: Connect the Shower Hose and Attachments
Take your shower hose and screw it onto the "Water Outlet" fitting. Make sure the washer is in place to prevent leaks. Tighten it by hand; do not over-tighten with tools, as this can crack the fittings. Attach your shower rose to the other end.
If you need more reach, you can find extension hoses on our accessories page.
Step 5: Connect the LPG Gas Bottle
Now for the fuel.
How do I safely connect gas to a camping hot water system?
- Attach the LCC27 gas hose and regulator to the "Gas Inlet" on the heater and screw the other end into your LPG bottle. Ensure the connection is tight and the bottle is sitting upright on stable ground before opening the valve.
- Tighten the regulator fitting securely – do not over-tighten.
- Perform a quick "soapy water test" if you suspect any leaks; bubbles mean trouble.
- Keep the gas bottle away from the direct heat of the unit.
Step 6: Turn On the System & Test the Flow
You are ready to go.
- Switch on your water pump (or turn on the tap).
- Switch the toggle on the shower rose to "On".
- Open the gas valve on the bottle.
- Ensure the "Gas" and "Water" dials on the heater are set to minimum.
You should hear a clicking sound, followed by the "whoosh" of the burners igniting. Hot water should flow within seconds. Adjust your water flow and gas to your desired temperature.
Troubleshooting:
- No ignition? Check that the 2 x D-Cell batteries are in the correct orientation, and you have 3.1 volts. You might have low water pressure. Try increasing the water flow or checking your pump battery.
- Water too cold? Turn the gas dial up, and the water flow dial down.
- Water too hot? Increase water flow and decrease gas.
For more help, visit our troubleshooting page.
Step 7: Fine-Tune for Your Campsite
Every campsite is different.
- Low Pressure: If you are relying on a gravity feed or a weak pump, keep the water flow dial on "Min" to help the unit ignite.
- Water Conservation: In dry bush camping setups, use the shower head trigger to stop flow while soaping up.
This flexibility makes an off-grid camping setup easy to manage anywhere in Australia.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Even experienced campers can make small errors during setup. Here is how to avoid them:
- Always check your 2 x D-Cell batteries, as your water heater relies on each D-Cell battery being 1.56V. The D-Cell batteries play a significant role in the operation of your water heater. They start the piezo ignition, light up the LED display and hold the gas solenoid open. If your batteries do not have full voltage, your water heater will not operate as intended.
- The pump: Make sure your 12V battery is fully charged to power the pump. Make sure your hoses are correct for water in and out. Always a good idea to have a filter on the water intake, especially if pumping from a creek, to prevent debris from entering the pump. This will stop water flow to your water heater.
- Enclosed spaces: Never put the heater inside a bathroom tent with the roof on. Carbon monoxide is invisible and dangerous.
- Incorrect flow settings: Check your pump LPM (litres per minute). If your pump is rated at 4.3 lpm, you can only deliver 4.3 lpm through the system. If you try to exceed the LPM, your water heater will shut off automatically as a safety precaution, since you are asking it to do more than the pump can deliver. Always check your incoming water ambient. If the ambient water temperature is already warm, you will need to adjust your water flow, burners and gas settings, as the water heater has a legal temperature limit of 50 deg before it will auto-shut off.
- Backwards hoses: Double-check you haven't swapped the gas and water inlets (they are usually clearly labelled).
Best Practical Uses Once Your System Is Set Up
Once you have mastered the setup, you will find endless uses for your heater beyond showers.
- Rinsing sandy gear: Wash down surfboards, wetsuits, and fishing tackle with warm, fresh water to prevent corrosion.
- Washing pets: Rinse the dog off before they jump back into the car.
- Farm and remote work: Great for cleaning tools or washing hands in the shearing shed.
- Pre-soaking dishes: Fill your washing-up tub with hot water instantly, no need to boil the billy.
Discover more creative ways to use your portable water heater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a pump for portable hot water?
Yes, unless you are connected to mains water. Portable heaters require water pressure to ignite. A 12V pump is the standard solution for drawing water from tanks or jerry cans.
Where should you place a portable hot water system when camping?
Place it outdoors in a well-ventilated area, suspended vertically or on a stable stand. Keep it sheltered from the weather, but never enclose it completely.
How long does a gas bottle last?
A standard 9kg gas bottle can provide anywhere from 20 to 40 hours of continuous run time, depending on your heat settings. For weekend trips, a 4.5kg bottle is usually plenty.
Can you run a portable heater off a car battery?
The heater itself uses D-cell batteries for ignition, but the 12V water pump can efficiently run off your car battery or a portable power pack without draining it significantly.
Is it safe to use creek water?
Yes, but it is advised to use a filter on the intake hose. Sediment, sand, and algae from creeks can clog the heater's internal pipes and damage the pump.
Want a system that’s easy to set up at any Australian campsite? The Country Comfort Water Heater is designed for off-grid travel and low-pressure water sources, making it ideal for camping, 4WD trips, and caravan adventures.