In short
A camper water loop separates fresh, grey, and sometimes black water by project. We size litres, 12 V pumps, and winter drain-down for real road use.
Before you start
- Define indoor, outdoor, or sink-only water.
- Calculate litres for desired off-grid days.
- Reserve under-floor or bench space for tanks.
- Plan winter drain-down or antifreeze.
Tanks and routing
Fresh in food-grade polyethylene; grey with trap and vent. Litres depend on showers, kitchen, and people—no universal tank. Alexis places tanks under bed or technical floor with straps and hatches. Multi-layer pipe or certified hose, anti-vibration clips. In Sant Julià de Ramis we pressure-test before closing furniture. We do not sell a loose tank without knowing anchor points in your layout.
Pumps and taps
12 V pressure pump with accumulator cuts cycles and noise. Tap and shower matched to real flow, not a house catalogue. Small water heater or boiler if included—coordinates with gas or electric guides. Each load adds to the electrical sheet. Air purge on first fill avoids fake 'faults' on night one at the campsite.
Grey water and drainage
Grey outlet with valve and hose where legal on service areas. Never mix with fresh at one fitting. Sink strainers and shower grates prevent blockages. Smells come from bad traps or unvented grey tanks. Winter full drain protects exposed runs under the body if any.
Workshop installation
Plumbing goes before final panelling in wet zones. Floor penetrations sealed with compatible resin. You get fill, mild sanitiser, and drain instructions. If you add an indoor shower later, we check whether the current tank suffices or a phase-two upgrade makes sense.
Common mistakes
- Unsecured fresh tank shifting and breaking fittings.
- No vent on grey tank.
- No winter drain-down bursting fragile hose.
When to bring it to the workshop
Water in your layout? Full plumbing at Belcampers with leak testing.
FAQ
How many litres do you recommend?
Depends on showers and off-grid days. We calculate in the project.
Chemical toilet or black tank?
Many builds use portable toilets; fixed black tanks need more space and maintenance.
Sources & references
- Sanitary water guidance for recreational vehicles — general reference
- Manual de Reformas de Vehículos (MITMA)