G’day! Picture this: you’ve just rinsed the salt off after a sunrise surf along the NSW coast. The breeze has a bite, the kookaburras are cackling, and you’re ready for a proper hot shower—without faffing about with kettles or juggling campsite queues. That’s where Camplux comes in. Built for Aussie conditions and caravan life, Camplux heaters give you reliable, on-demand comfort so you can spend more time exploring and less time mucking around with gear.
Whether you’re weekending in a camper van, touring the Big Lap, or living off-grid for months at a time, hot water is the creature comfort that turns “making do” into “too easy.” In plain English, this guide shows how to pick the right Camplux setup, install it safely for outdoor use, and keep it running sweet—no complicated maths, just practical choices that work on the road.
Who This Guide Is For (and Why It Matters)
If you own a caravan or camper van, travel as a couple or with a small crew, or run an off-grid setup on a rural property, you’ll get immediate value here. Typical pain points we hear from Aussie travellers:
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You’re sick of waiting ages for water to warm up—or getting blasted by “whoa, that’s hot!” then “eek, that’s cold!”
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You want something lighter and more efficient than a bulky Gas hot water system at home.
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You’re trying to cut LPG costs and battery drain while keeping showers feeling like home.
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You want a safe, outdoor-only solution that still plays nicely with a compact van layout.
The bottom line: you want hot water that just works, doesn’t chew through gas, and doesn’t require a tradie every time you move camp.
Why Tankless Gas Suits Caravans (vs Electric/Storage)
Electric storage units keep a tank hot even when you’re off fishing—like leaving a pan on the stove “just in case.” Tankless gas heats only when you open the tap, which is why road-trippers love it. Think of it as cruise control for comfort: quick start, consistent warmth, and no standby losses. It’s also compact and light, important when every centimetre in your van counts.
Because caravan life has constraints—limited battery, changing inlet water temps, wind, dust—on-demand gas units shine. They’re designed for outdoor use with proper ventilation, so you keep the risk outside while enjoying steamy comfort a few steps from your door.
Quick Pick in 30 Seconds (No Maths, Just Clear Choices)
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Weekend light packers / surfers (1–2 people): Choose 6L portable (AY132). It’s grab-and-go, perfect for campsite showers and beach rinses.
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Touring couples/families (2–4 people): Choose 8L steady output (BV158). You’ll get calmer, more consistent showers—fewer temp swings, less grumble.
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Colder climates / bigger crews / fussier shower feel: Choose 10L (F10). This has more “headroom” for chilly inlets and longer showers.
Three-step filter:
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People count → 2) Typical climate → 3) Available outdoor space for the unit.
Pro tip: Pair your unit with a low-flow shower head and a constant-pressure 12V pump. That combo stabilises temperature and sips LPG. You’ll feel the difference straight away.
The Camplux Line-Up for Australia
6L Portable (AY132)
If your travel rhythm is “park, pop up, and shower,” the AY132 suits you down to the ground. It’s a compact lpg gas water heater that fires only when water flows—great when you want instant gas hot water after surfing, hiking, or dirty jobs around the campsite. Because it’s portable, you can reposition it for wind protection and easy hose routing.
8L Outdoor (BV series; AU example: BV158)
Touring with a partner or kids? The BV158 gives you steadier flow and a more “home-like” feel, particularly if your inlet water’s a bit nippy. It’s a strong pick for semi-fixed, outdoor caravan setups. With the right pump, you’ll get a comfortable shower without the yo-yo temperature drama. Consider it the sweet spot for many vans doing regular multi-week trips.
10L (F10)
If you’re traveling through alpine regions, hosting more people, or simply want that “ahh, hotel shower” vibe, the 10L unit gives you extra buffer. More capacity means it copes better with variable inlet temps and back-to-back showers. It’s still built for outdoor use, with a rugged design that suits longer stays and heavier use.
Shared strengths across the range
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True on-demand hot water = less wasted gas and faster comfort.
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Outdoor-use design for safety and airflow.
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Plays nicely with 12V pump setups common in caravans and camper vans.
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Straightforward upkeep, with easy access to filters and common parts.
Safety and compliance
Camplux models sold in Australia are engineered with multi-layer safety features (like over-temperature cut-off and flame monitoring). For any fixed gas work, bring in a licensed gas fitter and follow local regs—no cowboy installs, mate.
Install & Placement (Outdoor Use & Ventilation)
You’ll get the best results by treating installation like you’d pitch a tent: location matters.
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Outdoor-only, always. These units are not for indoors or cramped van bathrooms. Keep clearances as per the manual and orient away from prevailing wind.
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Water line: Add a small pre-filter to protect the heater, insulate longer hose runs, and use quick-connect fittings for easy pack-up. Shorter runs help the heater stabilise faster.
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Gas line: Use a good regulator and compliant hose, then test connections with soapy water. Bubbles = leaks. Fix before firing up.
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Weather sense: If it’s gusty, use wind shielding (even a smart placement behind your awning or a wind-break panel). Units breathe better and hold a steadier flame.
If you’re making a semi-permanent setup on the van’s exterior, a licensed pro can help with brackets, gas routing, and keeping everything neat and legal.
Save Gas & Keep Temps Steady (Simple Habits)
You don’t need spreadsheets to stretch a bottle; just build a few habits into your routine.
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Set a sensible outlet temperature. If you nail the shower temp at the heater, you won’t need to mix cold at the tap, which wastes energy and causes temp swings. “Set and forget” is your friend.
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Use a low-flow shower head and a constant-pressure 12V pump. Low-flow doesn’t mean “weak”—modern heads feel lush while using less water. A steady pump removes the up-down pressure that causes “blast/fade” showers.
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Shorter, smarter showers. Quick rinse, soap off with water off, final rinse. It’s the classic campsite rhythm, and you’d be surprised how comfy it feels after a day in the elements.
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Keep intakes clean. Rinse or swap filters regularly, especially after dusty tracks or silty creek draws. A clean filter equals smoother ignition and steadier heat.
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Mind the wind. If you feel gusts cutting across the burner area, shift or shield the unit. Flame stability = stable comfort.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting (DIY-Friendly)
A little care beats big repairs. Add these to your road-trip checklist:
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Seasonal care: In cold snaps, drain the unit before a long drive or any chance of freezing overnight. If you travel through hard-water regions, plan regular light descaling to keep internals clean.
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Common symptoms & quick checks:
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Won’t ignite: Check gas bottle level, regulator tap, and filter clogging. Confirm pump is pushing water and that batteries (if applicable) are fresh.
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Temp swings: Verify shower head isn’t oversized, confirm pump pressure is steady, and reduce hose length if it’s very long and cooling the water.
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Unstable flame: Inspect for wind exposure and ensure the air intake/exhaust area is clear of obstructions.
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When to call support: If you see persistent ignition faults, unusual smells, or you suspect a gas issue, pause use and talk to a pro. For semi-permanent gas work, bring in a licensed fitter every time—no exceptions.
Smart Bundles & Accessories
The right add-ons make a good setup great:
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12V pump kits sized for caravan use; look for constant-pressure models designed for shower comfort.
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Low-flow shower heads that deliver a proper spray pattern without wasting water.
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Pre-filters to catch grit and extend heater life—particularly if you’re pumping from creeks or tanks.
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Shower tents for privacy and weather protection; a small wind-break goes a long way on breezy sites.
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Hose extensions & quick-connects to keep your layout flexible and tidy.
If you’re the “one-and-done” type, pack an all-in-one crate: pump, filter, head, short insulated hoses, and spare fittings. It speeds up set-up and teardown and stops “where’s that adaptor?” moments.
FAQs
Can I use a Camplux inside my caravan bathroom?
No. These are outdoor-use heaters. Keep them outside with clear airflow. That’s a non-negotiable for safety.
What about rain, sea breeze, and dust?
Choose a spot with natural shielding or add a wind-break. Avoid directing spray at the unit, and give the air intake clear breathing room. Rinse filters after dusty drives and salty days on the coast.
How long will a 9 kg bottle last?
It depends on how long and how hot your showers are, plus inlet water temperature and the size of your unit. Shorter showers, a steady pump, and a sensible temperature setting all make bottles last longer.
Do I need a licensed gas fitter?
For any fixed installation or gas work, yes. For portable use with standard connectors, follow the manual carefully and always leak-test with soapy water.
How is this different from solar camp showers?
Solar bags are brilliant on hot days but don’t help much at dawn, in winter, or after a long drive. A Camplux gives you instant hot water heater lpg performance whenever you need it—morning, night, sunny or not.
Why Camplux Plays Nicely With Van Life
A Camplux unit is designed around the realities of Aussie touring—variable wind, mixed water sources, long distances between refills, and the need to pack light. Compared with constantly boiling a kettle or relying on campsite amenities, a compact outdoor heater is a huge quality-of-life upgrade. You’ll waste less time waiting, use less water faffing with temperature, and save LPG through on-demand heating.
And because the range supports different demand levels, it’s easy to scale up or down: from a quick beach rinse to a comfy family wash-up after a muddy hike. For many travellers, a Camplux is the missing puzzle piece that makes life on the road feel like home.
Your Next Step (Too Easy)
Choose your size based on people × climate × space, then pair it with a constant-pressure pump and a low-flow shower head. If you’re a weekender, the AY132 is your mate; if you tour for weeks with family, the BV158 hits the sweet spot; if you chase alpine winters or travel with a bigger crew, the F10 brings that at-home feel. Set it up outdoors, leak-test, give it a wind-smart spot—and enjoy the kind of shower that makes every campsite feel five-star.
