Roof-mounted water tanks and road showers: PVC, aluminum or PE?

How a road shower works

1. Fill the tank with water.
2. Sunlight warms the dark tank while you drive or park.
3. Add air pressure with a foot pump, hand pump or tyre-valve adaptor.
4. Open the valve and use the hose and shower head.

A pressure relief valve protects the tank; check the maximum working pressure in the manual.

Materials compared

	PVC tube	Aluminum	Food-grade PE
Typical capacity	20–30 L	18, 26, 36 L	22–24 L
Mounting	Along the rack side	Along the rack or platform	In the vehicle or on a platform
Pressure method	Foot or tyre pump	Foot pump	Battery or hand pump
Positioning	Value and volume	Premium and durability	Convenience, drinking water options

Mounting tips

• Use the brackets supplied for your rack profile.
• Keep the tank clear of the awning case and tent hinges.
• Remember 1 L of water weighs about 1 kg — add it to the dynamic roof load.

What to ask a supplier

• Tank material and wall thickness
• Valve, gauge and hose specification
• Bracket fit for common rack profiles
• Whether the material is suitable for drinking water

Browse our water tank range or pair a tank with a shower tent for a complete hygiene bundle.

Key takeaways

• Road showers are simple and sell well alongside shower tents.
• Material decides weight, look and price band.
• Include water weight in roof load calculations.

Frequently asked questions