Who This Guide Is For (and why it matters)
G'day! If you're camping by the coast, touring in a caravan, running a bush block, or living off-grid somewhere the kookaburras outnumber the neighbours, this guide is for you. We'll show you how to squeeze better heat, steadier temps, and lower gas use from your Camplux outdoor gas water heater—with tips tailored for Aussie conditions.
The Promise: Home-like hot showers in the bush
With the right setup, you can enjoy a comfy, household-style shower out where the stars are brightest. We'll cover the handful of factors that truly move the needle and give you fast, practical checklists for camping, caravans, and off-grid homes. No waffle—just stuff that works.
Performance Basics: The five levers that matter most
1) Inlet water temperature & ambient weather
Cold inlet water (think alpine creeks or winter mornings) demands more heat to reach your target shower temp. On chilly, windy nights your heater works harder and can lose heat to airflow. Expect to reduce flow slightly and increase flame in cold or windy conditions.
2) Flow rate (L/min) vs. water pressure (kPa/PSI)
Temperature stability is mostly a pressure story. Stable pressure = stable temperature. If pressure surges or dips, you'll feel it instantly. Aim for a pump/regulator setup that delivers a steady, realistic flow rather than chasing the biggest L/min number on a box.
3) Gas supply (bottle, regulator, hose)
A half-empty bottle on a frosty night, a tired regulator, or a kinked hose can all starve the flame. Keep bottles upright and secure, use a quality regulator matched to your Camplux, and avoid tight hose bends. If the heater splutters, check gas first.
4) Shower hardware & plumbing runs
Long hoses, narrow fittings, and some "rain-style" heads can mess with pressure. A well-matched low-restriction shower head and shorter runs help a lot. If your temp hunts, try slightly reducing flow at the head until the heat stabilises, then fine-tune the flame.
5) Ventilation & wind management
These units need fresh air and a clear exhaust path. Wind across the front can rob heat or blow out the flame. Face the heater out of the wind, use natural shelter, and give it breathing room. Never use an outdoor heater in enclosed spaces.
In short: set your pressure, choose a sensible flow, then trim flame and shelter from wind.
Quick-Hit Checklists for Three Real-World Setups
Camping Setup: Fast wins you can do in five minutes
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Water source: Use a simple inline filter to keep grit out of the pump and heat exchanger. If drawing from a jerry or creek, elevate the container slightly to reduce pump strain.
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12V pump: Prioritise stable pressure over maximum flow. A consistent pump often beats a "big number" pump for shower comfort.
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Hose & head: Keep hoses short where practical; choose a shower head known to play nicely with portable heaters (not too restrictive).
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Controls: Start with medium flame + moderate flow; step the flow down a touch until temp holds steady, then trim flame to taste.
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Wind: Pitch the heater where it's naturally sheltered (lee side of a vehicle or windbreak).
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Camplux tip: Models like BV158 are light and quick to hang or stand, which is ace when you're chasing sunset.
Caravan / RV Setup: Stable pressure = stable heat
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Pressure first: If you're plumbed to an onboard tank and pump, confirm your pump/regulator are healthy and delivering a smooth feed. Add a small accumulator if pressure pulses.
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Gas lines: Secure bottle, correct regulator, tidy hose routing away from exhausts or hot surfaces.
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Flow discipline: Avoid rapid on/off cycles (kitchen tap, then shower, then kitchen again). Group tasks so the heater doesn't short-cycle.
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Night temps: On cold nights, drop the flow first to increase temperature rise, then nudge flame up.
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Mounting & venting: If semi-fixed, ensure the exhaust is clear of windows/doors and complies with Australian guidelines.
Off-Grid Home / Remote Property: Consistency over time
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Semi-permanent spot: Choose a location with good natural ventilation and protection from direct gusts.
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Water plan: If multiple outlets are used (dishwashing + shower), run them sequentially when you want stable temps.
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Filter & descaling routine: Hard water and dust can nick efficiency. Set a calendar reminder to flush and descale (frequency depends on your water).
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Heat expectations: For very cold bores/streams, design for slightly lower flows in winter and consider insulating hot lines.
In short: lock in pressure stability for caravans, wind shelter for camping, and a maintenance rhythm off-grid.
Dial-In Settings: Seasonal & flow-based presets
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Warm weather / mild inlet water: Start with higher flow, mid-low flame for comfort and lower gas use. If temps dip, increase flame a notch.
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Cold weather / cold inlet water: Start with slightly lower flow, then bring flame up until the temp hits your sweet spot.
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Practical order: Stabilise pressure → set flow for comfort → trim flame. One change at a time so you can feel the difference.
In short: colder water = reduce flow first, then add flame.
Use Less Gas Without Losing Heat
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Avoid rapid short cycles: If you can, batch tasks—rinse dishes together, then shower—so the heater stays in a steady state.
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Pre-heat trick: Run the shower for 15–30 seconds to let temp stabilise before you hop in.
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Smart hardware: Use an efficient shower head and keep hot runs short. Don't overshoot flame when a small nudge will do.
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Wind discipline: Shelter the unit; wind is sneaky gas waste.
In short: steady operation beats stop-start, and wind control pays back.
Water Source & Pump: Pressure makes perfect
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Pump choice: A pump that delivers consistent pressure beats a headline L/min monster for shower feel. Check the duty cycle and noise too—quiet pumps make nicer evenings.
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Suction side basics: Keep the suction hose short and kink-free; prime the line and use a foot filter to stop air ingestion and grit.
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Elevation: If you're drawing from a container, raising it a little reduces work for the pump and helps avoid cavitation.
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Symptoms & fixes:
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Temp swings: Often pressure pulsing—check pump, regulator, and head restriction.
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Delayed ignition: Purge air from lines; confirm bottle valve is fully open and regulator is healthy.
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Flameouts: Wind, low bottle pressure in the cold, or a kinked hose. Reposition, warm the bottle gently (passive warmth, never direct heat), check hoses.
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In short: protect the pump, keep lines simple, and respect the suction side.
Troubleshooting: Fast fixes for common issues
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"It's warm, not hot." Reduce flow slightly, then increase flame a touch. Ensure wind isn't hitting the face of the unit.
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"Temp hunts up and down." Look for pressure pulses—accumulator tank, better pump, or a less restrictive head can help.
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"Won't ignite every time." Confirm gas bottle isn't near empty, valve is open, and the regulator isn't tired. Bleed air from lines.
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"Flame cuts out in gusts." Re-site the heater out of direct wind; angle the front away from prevailing gusts; shorten hose runs if they're acting like windsocks.
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"Sooty flame or odd smell." Stop and check ventilation; clear intake/exhaust paths; never run in enclosed spaces.
In short: most gremlins are wind, pressure pulsation, or gas supply.
Maintenance: Keep it clean, keep it efficient
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Filters & screens: Rinse the inline filter regularly, especially after creek draws or dusty trips.
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Descale: If your water is mineral-rich, schedule periodic descaling to keep the heat exchanger efficient.
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Exterior care: Brush dust from intake/exhaust grills; check for insect nests (yep, bush life).
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Storage: Drain residual water before travel, dry the unit, and pad it so it doesn't rattle around the ute.
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Hoses & seals: Inspect O-rings and connections; replace anything cracked or perished.
In short: a clean, dry, de-scaled heater runs hotter on less gas.
Safety & Compliance in Australia
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Outdoor-only operation: Camplux outdoor gas water heaters are designed for outdoor use with generous ventilation. Keep clear of windows, doors, and vents.
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Gas gear: Use the correct regulator and hose as specified; secure bottles upright and away from ignition sources.
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Semi-fixed installs: For any permanent or semi-permanent gas work, consult a licensed gas fitter and follow local regulations.
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CO awareness: Carbon monoxide is deadly. Never enclose or "tent" the unit; keep kids and pets at a safe distance.
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Water & electrics: Keep electrical connections for 12V pumps neat, fused, and off the ground.
In short: fresh air always, correct gear, and licensed help for fixed setups.
Pick the Right Camplux for Your Setup (short & sharp)
Below is a quick, no-fuss guide to two popular AU-friendly options. Keep in mind your inlet water temp, wind exposure, and how many people are showering back-to-back.
Recommendation | Why | Capability | Best For | Model
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Go-anywhere camping | Light, quick setup, easy tuning | ~8 L/min class, portable | Weekend camping, coastal parks | Camplux BV158
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Comfort-first & multi-user | Higher flow & temp rise | ~10 L/min class, robust | Family trips, off-grid cabins, caravans with regular showers | Camplux F10
In short: BV158 for nimble portability; F10 when comfort and back-to-back showers matter.
FAQ: Quick Answers
Q1: How do I stop temperature swings mid-shower?
Start by stabilising pressure (healthy pump/regulator), then reduce flow slightly and bring the flame up a notch. Shelter the unit from wind and avoid rapid on-off cycling at other taps.
Q2: What should I change first on a cold winter morning?
Lower the flow to increase temperature rise, then increase flame as needed. If the bottle is low or very cold, swap to a fuller one or move it out of direct frost (never apply direct heat).
Q3: My gas use seems high—any tips to save?
Batch your hot-water tasks so the heater runs steadily, keep hoses short, use an efficient shower head, and shelter the heater from wind. Don't run more flame than you need.
Q4: Do shower heads and hose length really make a difference?
Yes. Restrictive heads and long, narrow hoses cause pressure fluctuations. A compatible low-restriction head and sensible hose length improve stability and comfort.
Q5: What pump spec should I look for?
Favour consistent pressure delivery and good duty cycle over a flashy max-flow number. If pressure pulses, consider adding a small accumulator tank.
Q6: How often should I descale?
It depends on water hardness. If you use bore/stream or notice performance drop-off, set a regular descaling routine (e.g., seasonally). Always flush filters after dusty trips.
Q7: Can I semi-fix the unit to a wall at home?
You can set up a semi-permanent outdoor spot with excellent ventilation and weather protection, but for any gas work beyond plug-and-play connections, use a licensed gas fitter and follow local rules.
Final word: Lock in steady pressure, choose a sensible flow, trim flame, and shield the unit from wind. Do those four and your Camplux will punch well above its weight—hot, comfy showers wherever you pull up for the night.
