I love my Zodi! I use a small two room shower tent with it when I go camping, no more having to use nasty public showers. If you set your water bucket up higher the pump won't have to work as hard, this will save your batteries. Also, don't store your unit with the batteries installed in case they corrode.
Love my Zodi. Have been using it in the Rocky Mts. out of Wyo since 2004. Put the water draw end in a creek and stand in the shower forever! Hang in a tree and be sure the hoses are not kinked. GOOD to go! P.S. Always have extra batteries!
We've got one of those that I haven't used in years. I was trying to remember what size batteries it needs... FWIW, we use a Cabelas privy tent with it. I've used it in sub freezing temps when the water wasn't quite frozen and been fine until I got dressed again. It all depends on how you set up your shower / privy. The trick is to retain heat as much as you can. Keep the wind off the tent etc... You got me thinking. I have been using one of those cube "AquaTainer" kind of water carriers for the shower. I wonder if wrapping it with reflectix would help keep the water from cooling off as you are trying to heat it up. One of the problems like you showed was how long it took to get the water to temp, and that is because it is losing heat due to the bucket being in the open air. A closed top will help keep heat in, as would insulation on the container...
I have one of the older green metal ones that you store inside a green plastic container that doubles as a water reservoir. Also, the lid converts to the base plate to hold the propane cylinder. One tip is to not leave the pump submerged overnight as they can leak. My first pump suffered and had to be replaced a year or two later. Another thing I did later was to partially cover the top with a reflective piece of fire blanket a guy gave me. This helps cut down on heat lose at colder mountain elevations and helps with air movement that can effect flame performance. Tin foil will also work but it tends to want to float off the unit. I also cut the battery box off and replaced it with a rechargeable ^ volt gel cell. I put a plug on it so I could still use the battery pack if my gel cell died. I eventually sold my Chalet pop-up and bought a travel trailer with a bathroom but have been reluctant to sell my Zodi it since it's a decent little setup.
caverbrad Thanks for the info and advice! I too have a pull behind trailer with indoor plumbing. I use it mostly in the summer as it has air conditioning!! My wife preferes it,, but I love my tent!!! I like the idea of the heat reflector for winter use here in the midwest,, I will have to give that try. Thanks for the info!
Bucket of tap water to 110 degrees, is about 22 minutes. At 115 water is hot just before burning skin. At 120 degrees water will burn skin. 1 lb propanes heats about 4 buckets. The D batteries 4-5 buckets. . Biggest disadvantage is that the ZODI Camp Shower has no temperature control. I like the Zodi. The 2 canister Zodi reduces heating time and less battery time.
I'd like to see how long it takes for 2 gallons of water for 2 people at a gallon each. That's the trust test as well as how much propane is left in the tank.
if it takes about 10 mintues to heat the water, one is better off simply boiling water in a kettle/pot and then pouring the hot water into a bucket with some cold water. As this "kettle method" is just a efficient as the "heater" and costs only the price of a kettle, which any camper already has
+Richard S That would be a great way to start this heating process. With this unit though I can keep the water heated in a separate container and have a warm shower or at least the feeling of one. In a SHTF scenario then the fuel would be at a premium and would run out, so then back to the basics for sure.
Not sure why SkipperT had the Zodi take so long to get hot. Like I stated in my response to him, I have used mine to pull straight from a bucket of just barely liquid water and it went straight to a nice hot shower. I did NOT recirculate the water into the bucket. A more basic approach would be to pre boil a couple of quarts over the camp fire and use that to pre heat your water. When I bought mine, it beat the snot out of hte Coleman unit which was the only competitor I knew of.
@@Wildersport I Remember using mine from cold water to straight showering. It wasn't a hot shower by any means, but it was a warm shower. Of Course I was using this mid summer. For colder temp showering, I imagine I would wash cloth bath with a pot of stove water, and then just use my Zodi to warm rinse the soap off. I wound up here on this video because I am thinking to incorporate this Zodi shower into my Extended road trip. It isn't no Hotel shower, or truck stop shower, but for summer time it is fine. My biggest gripe would be it's a clunky system.
I hope I don't hurt anyones feelings, I mean, you did take the time and effort to explain everything. You did a really great job by the way. This is why I love TH-cam so much...the information, the people that take the time to make nice videos that help others make good decisions. But. BUT. I bought this exact one. D size batteries, tubes, buckets, more tubes, too short a shower tube, BLACK hoses.....which should have been CLEAR tubing so you can see where the water is when it's "trying" to prime......ugh what the H. I'm sorry I bought this. Just way too much clutter of tubes. My carrying case doubled as a "bucket" but geeez.....ugh....tubes, and batteries. Naw......I'll pass. SO, I went and bought the propane heater stand that holds the large "fire extinguisher type" tank. The good one. Brass fittings. LONGER hose. MORE water. Built in temp guage. MANUALLY pump that baby up. Long powerful spray LARGER spray for that matter. Pump it up again....no need for more water, you'll get a long long shower! Remember now, you aren't at a spa....you're in the woods. You KNOW what needs washing :) As far as Zodi? I'll pass. I'm gonna sell it on FB for $10. Lesson learned.
If you want a hot shower with this thing, just fill your bucket with water, start the pump, start the burner, and start your shower. It really is that simple. Now, if you want a bucket of hot water, you need to do it like this. Or, you could just heat some water on the stove.
if I’m out camping most likely I have my camp stove and a pot. I just boil the water and add to bucket with usually cold water. Use a pump and that’s it.
I have the zodi that comes in the ammo box looking thing...I ordered the 12volt pump to use with truck power...never liked the battery box ...Always worried about being left on and burning up the pump or batteries swelling up and ruining the unit...Always removed batteries to avoid this problem...but where to store them and have ready for next use...just another thing to think about...now my rant has been voiced...the heat part is great ...mine heated to 100 degrees in no time...there has been a few times I had to recycle the water ..but it worked great
+Dudeareno Rodent Nice rant,, feel better? LOL How do you like the 12 volt pump adapter? I have thought about picking one up and wonder if it is worth it???
SkipperT only way to go..forget the batteries... Unless your vehicle is parked away from shower area,..as can be the case in some camping areas..in that case the batteries are worth the trouble
I just use a big light weight steel cooking pot on top of a Coleman stove or camp fire and the use a large used joy bottle. Submerg bottle in hot water, fill it up and take squeeze bottle hot bath/shower.
Great video test, many thanks. I'm thinking of running a longer hose between my reflective ground cover and air mat in the tent and using it has a floor heating system ("S" pattern) for fall and early spring camping. Wondering how long the gas would last on a minimum to medium burn
Forget that! This is a crappy design because it burns through batteries like the wind blows! You want a "fire extinguisher" type hand pressurized tank that sits on a small frame with a bottle underneath with a built in thermometer on the side of the tank. This is WAY TOO MANY HOSES AND GADGETS TO PRIME and then you gotta worry about BATTERIES and not getting them wet, or running out. Just a crappy design. You should get something less complicated (they do have them) and forget about this one. (From first hand experience)
+kulito Johnson ,,,Yes it would, one would need to insulate the barrel in colder weather and it would take a while ti heat, but could be done for sure.
so how do you take a shower? what is your water source? incomplete video. i want to set it in action...you're in the woods camping and take a shower where?
Free At_Last In the buff. Whatever water I can find and clean. In the woods I would gather water in my 30 liter waterproof bag (Dry Bag), preheat it and do the old navy shower.
thanks...have researched and seen several other shower sources that look promising, but there is never better evidence than someone who has actually used the product in real time outdoors.
Free At_Last My dad bought a bigger model (X-40) Zodi camp shower for us to use while camping during deer season. During the warm weather, we placed a wooden pallet with a piece of thin plywood on top of it on the ground close to a close group of trees. Wrapped a tarp around the trees and secured it with rope. Set up the camp shower with a 20 gallon propane tank and filled a galvanized tub with water. Then placed the water pump in the water and hung the hose with the shower head over a small tree branch towards the pallet. Then put a 12 volt battery close to the cables coming from the water pump and clipped them to the battery terminals. Turned the gas on and pressed the button to ignite the burner. Within 30 seconds we had hot water coming out of the shower head. And when the weather got too cold to shower outdoors, we set up the Zodi camp shower on a table behind our camper and ran the shower head and hose through a window and showered in the shower stall (since the hot water heater in the camper was bad). It works great!!!
+dale boe My problem with the coleman is sized and weight. Also a friend of mine has one and seems to have trouble with it most of the time. Glad to hear yours is working good!!
@Deborah: You could - using adapters - but, the problem is the flow rate is going to be difficult to adjust properly. For this thing to work right it has to have the right flow rate and that has been tied to the pump they chose. I tried using a garden hose for greater flow and the water wasn't hot enough.
Garden hose will work. Just regulate the flow so the water has a chance to get warmer. You open it wide open, it will be too cool. If you can’t adjust the flow rate from faucet, put a ball valve etc inline to regulate flow.
I am 100% sure you did the test wrong. You are suppose to put the pump in the bucket and just shower out of that. In my opinion, you did that product injustice with your review because you did it wrong. Please don't take it personal. For those that are looking to buy one, I used the Eccotemp L5 at my cabin and loved it. Instant hot water on demand and if not carefully set up, it could scar you.
This review is trash... Sorry for being too honest, but you are not using the product correctly. Of course your water is taking long too heat up... You're heating up a bucket of water in a way that would be accomplished faster over a fire. You need to take a temp of the water as it comes out of the shower head.
I love my Zodi! I use a small two room shower tent with it when I go camping, no more having to use nasty public showers. If you set your water bucket up higher the pump won't have to work as hard, this will save your batteries. Also, don't store your unit with the batteries installed in case they corrode.
Love my Zodi. Have been using it in the Rocky Mts. out of Wyo since 2004. Put the water draw end in a creek and stand in the shower forever! Hang in a tree and be sure the hoses are not kinked. GOOD to go! P.S. Always have extra batteries!
We've got one of those that I haven't used in years. I was trying to remember what size batteries it needs... FWIW, we use a Cabelas privy tent with it. I've used it in sub freezing temps when the water wasn't quite frozen and been fine until I got dressed again. It all depends on how you set up your shower / privy. The trick is to retain heat as much as you can. Keep the wind off the tent etc... You got me thinking. I have been using one of those cube "AquaTainer" kind of water carriers for the shower. I wonder if wrapping it with reflectix would help keep the water from cooling off as you are trying to heat it up. One of the problems like you showed was how long it took to get the water to temp, and that is because it is losing heat due to the bucket being in the open air. A closed top will help keep heat in, as would insulation on the container...
I have one of the older green metal ones that you store inside a green plastic container that doubles as a water reservoir. Also, the lid converts to the base plate to hold the propane cylinder. One tip is to not leave the pump submerged overnight as they can leak. My first pump suffered and had to be replaced a year or two later. Another thing I did later was to partially cover the top with a reflective piece of fire blanket a guy gave me. This helps cut down on heat lose at colder mountain elevations and helps with air movement that can effect flame performance. Tin foil will also work but it tends to want to float off the unit. I also cut the battery box off and replaced it with a rechargeable ^ volt gel cell. I put a plug on it so I could still use the battery pack if my gel cell died. I eventually sold my Chalet pop-up and bought a travel trailer with a bathroom but have been reluctant to sell my Zodi it since it's a decent little setup.
caverbrad Thanks for the info and advice! I too have a pull behind trailer with indoor plumbing. I use it mostly in the summer as it has air conditioning!! My wife preferes it,, but I love my tent!!! I like the idea of the heat reflector for winter use here in the midwest,, I will have to give that try. Thanks for the info!
Bucket of tap water to 110 degrees, is about 22 minutes.
At 115 water is hot just before burning skin. At 120 degrees water will burn skin.
1 lb propanes heats about 4 buckets.
The D batteries 4-5 buckets.
.
Biggest disadvantage is that the ZODI Camp Shower has no temperature control.
I like the Zodi. The 2 canister Zodi reduces heating time and less battery time.
I'd like to see how long it takes for 2 gallons of water for 2 people at a gallon each. That's the trust test as well as how much propane is left in the tank.
Great video. How many showers can you take on one propane bottle?
I have this same unit and I love it.
if it takes about 10 mintues to heat the water, one is better off simply boiling water in a kettle/pot and then pouring the hot water into a bucket with some cold water. As this "kettle method" is just a efficient as the "heater" and costs only the price of a kettle, which any camper already has
+Richard S That would be a great way to start this heating process. With this unit though I can keep the water heated in a separate container and have a warm shower or at least the feeling of one. In a SHTF scenario then the fuel would be at a premium and would run out, so then back to the basics for sure.
Not sure why SkipperT had the Zodi take so long to get hot. Like I stated in my response to him, I have used mine to pull straight from a bucket of just barely liquid water and it went straight to a nice hot shower. I did NOT recirculate the water into the bucket.
A more basic approach would be to pre boil a couple of quarts over the camp fire and use that to pre heat your water.
When I bought mine, it beat the snot out of hte Coleman unit which was the only competitor I knew of.
@@Wildersport I Remember using mine from cold water to straight showering. It wasn't a hot shower by any means, but it was a warm shower. Of Course I was using this mid summer. For colder temp showering, I imagine I would wash cloth bath with a pot of stove water, and then just use my Zodi to warm rinse the soap off. I wound up here on this video because I am thinking to incorporate this Zodi shower into my Extended road trip. It isn't no Hotel shower, or truck stop shower, but for summer time it is fine.
My biggest gripe would be it's a clunky system.
I hope I don't hurt anyones feelings, I mean, you did take the time and effort to explain everything. You did a really great job by the way. This is why I love TH-cam so much...the information, the people that take the time to make nice videos that help others make good decisions. But. BUT. I bought this exact one. D size batteries, tubes, buckets, more tubes, too short a shower tube, BLACK hoses.....which should have been CLEAR tubing so you can see where the water is when it's "trying" to prime......ugh what the H. I'm sorry I bought this. Just way too much clutter of tubes. My carrying case doubled as a "bucket" but geeez.....ugh....tubes, and batteries. Naw......I'll pass. SO, I went and bought the propane heater stand that holds the large "fire extinguisher type" tank. The good one. Brass fittings. LONGER hose. MORE water. Built in temp guage. MANUALLY pump that baby up. Long powerful spray LARGER spray for that matter. Pump it up again....no need for more water, you'll get a long long shower! Remember now, you aren't at a spa....you're in the woods. You KNOW what needs washing :) As far as Zodi? I'll pass. I'm gonna sell it on FB for $10. Lesson learned.
Thank you for doing this video! Been looking at alternatives.
If you want a hot shower with this thing, just fill your bucket with water, start the pump, start the burner, and start your shower. It really is that simple. Now, if you want a bucket of hot water, you need to do it like this. Or, you could just heat some water on the stove.
I agree. This 'test' didn't tell you how hot the water was when it came out of the heat exchanger.
Great video! Great to see how the instant shower works.
if I’m out camping most likely I have my camp stove and a pot. I just boil the water and add to bucket with usually cold water. Use a pump and that’s it.
I have the zodi that comes in the ammo box looking thing...I ordered the 12volt pump to use with truck power...never liked the battery box ...Always worried about being left on and burning up the pump or batteries swelling up and ruining the unit...Always removed batteries to avoid this problem...but where to store them and have ready for next use...just another thing to think about...now my rant has been voiced...the heat part is great ...mine heated to 100 degrees in no time...there has been a few times I had to recycle the water ..but it worked great
+Dudeareno Rodent
Nice rant,, feel better? LOL
How do you like the 12 volt pump adapter? I have thought about picking one up and wonder if it is worth it???
SkipperT only way to go..forget the batteries... Unless your vehicle is parked away from shower area,..as can be the case in some camping areas..in that case the batteries are worth the trouble
+Dudeareno Rodent
Thats a good point,, on distance.
Nice camp shower
have larger 2 burner zodi ,exterior 12 volt pump, and a cooler ,for circulation and this allows 2 take showers ,am most pleased with unit.
Qué bien! Gracias!
I love mine... it works great for me...
Nice, probably newer systems in 2020
I just use a big light weight steel cooking pot on top of a Coleman stove or camp fire and the use a large used joy bottle. Submerg bottle in hot water, fill it up and take squeeze bottle hot bath/shower.
Great video test, many thanks.
I'm thinking of running a longer hose between my reflective ground cover and air mat in the tent and using it has a floor heating system ("S" pattern) for fall and early spring camping. Wondering how long the gas would last on a minimum to medium burn
Forget that! This is a crappy design because it burns through batteries like the wind blows! You want a "fire extinguisher" type hand pressurized tank that sits on a small frame with a bottle underneath with a built in thermometer on the side of the tank. This is WAY TOO MANY HOSES AND GADGETS TO PRIME and then you gotta worry about BATTERIES and not getting them wet, or running out. Just a crappy design. You should get something less complicated (they do have them) and forget about this one. (From first hand experience)
I had the Zodi and hated it then sold it and bought a Triton instant hot water , it gives you unlimited hot water
Great video. I'm definitely ordering one!
Chuck Shivery Worth every penny!!
Is Zodi a real company made many attempts to contact them
looking for ideas for a shower in a cabin I have on a river
those batteries wont last long, that could get expensive. Id rather have a 12v pump
I enjoyed the video. Thanks!
Is it possible to do something like that with a 55 gallon drum? and place a spigot at the bottom for multiple showers if need be.?
+kulito Johnson ,,,Yes it would, one would need to insulate the barrel in colder weather and it would take a while ti heat, but could be done for sure.
If you were going to do that, you may as well setup a propane or kerosene burner under the drum and call it done.
I don't want to take a shower for 10 minutes what does it do if I just turned it on and get under it
so how do you take a shower? what is your water source? incomplete video. i want to set it in action...you're in the woods camping and take a shower where?
Free At_Last In the buff. Whatever water I can find and clean. In the woods I would gather water in my 30 liter waterproof bag (Dry Bag), preheat it and do the old navy shower.
thanks...have researched and seen several other shower sources that look promising, but there is never better evidence than someone who has actually used the product in real time outdoors.
Free At_Last My dad bought a bigger model (X-40) Zodi camp shower for us to use while camping during deer season. During the warm weather, we placed a wooden pallet with a piece of thin plywood on top of it on the ground close to a close group of trees. Wrapped a tarp around the trees and secured it with rope. Set up the camp shower with a 20 gallon propane tank and filled a galvanized tub with water. Then placed the water pump in the water and hung the hose with the shower head over a small tree branch towards the pallet. Then put a 12 volt battery close to the cables coming from the water pump and clipped them to the battery terminals. Turned the gas on and pressed the button to ignite the burner. Within 30 seconds we had hot water coming out of the shower head. And when the weather got too cold to shower outdoors, we set up the Zodi camp shower on a table behind our camper and ran the shower head and hose through a window and showered in the shower stall (since the hot water heater in the camper was bad). It works great!!!
Skipper, your Zodi still running strong?
Thank you for this
I bought one of these and what a waste of money. 10-15 min. Coleman hot water on demand takes about 10 seconds.
+dale boe My problem with the coleman is sized and weight. Also a friend of mine has one and seems to have trouble with it most of the time. Glad to hear yours is working good!!
dale boe I have the bigger model Zodi X-40 and it only takes about 30 seconds and you have hot water. I love mine.
@@skippert1549 i have a lithium ion aquacube auto ignites as well way better!
Hi. Pretty Impressive...can you attach a garden hose to this? Thanks
+Deborah Harris
If the inside diameter would be small enough to fit over the tube and clamp on,,, Yes
Does this shower shut off automatically? If so, how long does it stay on? Thanks!
@Deborah: You could - using adapters - but, the problem is the flow rate is going to be difficult to adjust properly. For this thing to work right it has to have the right flow rate and that has been tied to the pump they chose. I tried using a garden hose for greater flow and the water wasn't hot enough.
Garden hose will work. Just regulate the flow so the water has a chance to get warmer. You open it wide open, it will be too cool. If you can’t adjust the flow rate from faucet, put a ball valve etc inline to regulate flow.
Seems like it will waste a lot of fuel! How many showers can you get off of one fuel tank?
Lousey video. Show the entire setup
I am 100% sure you did the test wrong. You are suppose to put the pump in the bucket and just shower out of that. In my opinion, you did that product injustice with your review because you did it wrong. Please don't take it personal. For those that are looking to buy one, I used the Eccotemp L5 at my cabin and loved it. Instant hot water on demand and if not carefully set up, it could scar you.
ya but you need to hook up to a hose. Not a reliable source for campers.
It says Shower.
Doesn't sound like a very good product if it's going to take me 10 minutes to wait on hot water there are better units
Oh my didn't know it makes noise! 🙉
This would be a really good video.....IF YOU SHOWED HOW TO "PRIME IT"....and then how you LIT it! Most important things.
/
This test is not much value......you are just reheating the same water over and over........that's not how an actual shower would work.
In a naughty mood? Check out Taylor VanBeek's video with a Zodi HOT Water Shower.
This review is trash... Sorry for being too honest, but you are not using the product correctly. Of course your water is taking long too heat up... You're heating up a bucket of water in a way that would be accomplished faster over a fire.
You need to take a temp of the water as it comes out of the shower head.
Great Review!