G'day! If you're camping the coast, touring in a caravan, living off-grid, or raising a family in the bush, hot water is a non-negotiable. The good news is you don't need to cop a massive gas bill to enjoy it. With a few smart choices and a couple of easy habits, you can trim your energy use without sacrificing a toasty shower. This guide walks you through practical, Australia-ready tips that pair beautifully with Camplux outdoor gas water heaters like the 6L AY132, 8L BV158, and 10L F10.
TL;DR (The quick wins)
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Right-size your unit (6L/8L/10L) to your actual needs.
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Set your outlet temperature and avoid mixing cold water.
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Keep runs short, insulate hoses, and add wind shielding.
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Use a steady 12V pump, low-flow showerhead, and inlet filter.
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Maintain it: clean filters, descale, and leak-check.
1) Know Your Outdoor Water Heater Type
Not all hot-water setups are created equal, especially outdoors.
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LPG instant (tankless): Heats water only when you turn the tap on. That means no standby losses and fast, predictable hot water. Perfect for campsites, caravans, and off-grid blocks where you want control and efficiency.
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Electric storage: Fine at home, but outdoors it's bulky, slow to heat, and loses energy just sitting there warm.
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Solar camp showers/bags: Cheap and cheerful on a sunny day but inconsistent, especially in winter or windy conditions.
Why LPG instant wins outside: you're paying for heat only when you're actually using water. Turn off the tap, and the burner stops—simple as that.
In short: On-demand LPG is the most practical, energy-sensible option for outdoor living.
2) Size & Flow Matching (Save Gas Without Losing Comfort)
Bigger isn't always better. Oversizing can tempt you into higher flow and higher gas use for no real gain. Match the unit to your situation:
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6L (e.g., Camplux AY132): Best for solo travellers or couples, lightweight camping, and quick, simple setups. It's compact, frugal, and easy to stow in the ute.
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8L (e.g., Camplux BV158): A sweet spot for families and caravans. Enough flow for comfy showers and washing up without guzzling gas.
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10L (e.g., Camplux F10): For multi-user or multi-outlet use when you've got guests, teenagers, or a more permanent off-grid wash-up station.
Pick the smallest unit that comfortably covers your peak use. If 90% of your time you're showering solo, don't size for the once-a-year mates' trip.
In short: Choose the smallest model that still feels easy to live with.
3) Installation & Site Optimisation (Instant, Low-Cost Wins)
You'd be surprised how much you can save with a few tweaks to the way your system is set up.
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Shorten the hot-water run: Every extra metre of hose is heat leaking to the air. Mount the unit close to the shower or sink.
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Insulate hoses and outlets: Simple foam sleeves or wraps reduce heat loss, so you need less gas to keep temps steady.
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Mount at sensible height: Minimising lift means the pump works less and flow is steadier, which keeps the flame consistent and efficient.
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Add a wind shield: Wind can push heat away from the heat exchanger and destabilise the flame. A simple shield can noticeably reduce gas use on blustery days. Just keep clearance and ventilation in mind.
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Ventilation matters: Outdoor use only. Good airflow prevents poor combustion and CO risks while also helping the burner run cleanly and efficiently.
In short: Keep it close, keep it shielded, keep it breathing.
4) Usage Habits That Cut Bills (Without Killing the Vibe)
You don't have to shower cold to save. A few habit tweaks go a long way.
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Dial in the outlet temperature: Use the water and gas controls to set your shower to your comfortable temp. If you set it right, you won't need to mix cold at the tap—which wastes the energy you just used to heat it.
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Batch your hot-water tasks: Do dishes and showers back-to-back so the unit runs in efficient stretches instead of lots of start-stops.
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Pick a low-flow, high-comfort showerhead: Aim for a moderate flow (often around 7–8 litres/minute feels great) that still rinses quickly. You'll save water and gas without feeling short-changed.
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Seasonal tweaks: In winter, slightly reduce flow so the heater has more time to transfer heat into the water. In summer, ease off the flame or increase flow to avoid overheating.
In short: Set it, forget mixing, and group your hot-water jobs.
5) Smart Pairings = More Savings
A few accessories make your heater feel like a well-tuned rig.
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12V pump with pressure switch: Stable pressure gives stable flame, which means consistent outlet temps and less waste. Pumps with automatic pressure switches also reduce faff—open the tap and you're on.
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Inlet filter: Small mesh filters catch grit before it gets into the heater. Clean it regularly. Less grit means better flow and better heat transfer.
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Water softening/descale routine where needed: Hard water lays down scale in the heat exchanger and showerhead. Scale is an insulator—it forces you to burn more gas to get the same temperature. Descaling pays for itself.
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Quick-connects and splitters: Make it easy to attach hoses correctly and reduce the chance of small leaks you might not notice.
In short: A steady pump, a clean filter, and simple connections keep the system efficient.
6) Maintenance That Pays Back
A little DIY care keeps your heater running like a beauty.
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Clean the inlet screen: It's tiny but mighty. A clogged screen throttles flow and confuses the burner.
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Descale the showerhead (and exchanger if required): If your spray looks patchy, you're burning extra gas for a crummy shower. A quick soak in a mild descaler brings it back.
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Check ignition/batteries (where applicable): Weak batteries and messy electrodes cause unreliable starts, which wastes gas and patience.
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Soap-test for leaks: Open the bottle, brush soapy water on connections (bottle valve, regulator, joints). Bubbles mean a leak. Tighten or replace. Replace ageing hoses before they crack.
In short: Clean, check, and leak-test—quick jobs that save gas.
7) LPG Bottles & Cost Basics (Practical, Not Theoretical)
How long will a 9 kg bottle last? It depends on three things you can control:
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Outlet temperature: Warmer showers = more gas. Find your comfort point, not "as hot as it'll go."
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Flow rate: Higher flow means the burner works harder. A comfy but moderate showerhead is your friend.
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Run time: Shorter showers and batching jobs stretch your bottle further.
Three easy longevity boosters:
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Add a wind shield where safe to do so.
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Use a low-flow showerhead that still rinses fast.
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Set your outlet temperature properly so you're not mixing cold.
In short: Temp, flow, and time are the levers. Nudge all three and bottles last longer.
8) Australia-Specific Safety & Compliance (The Short Version)
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Outdoor use and ventilation only. Never run an outdoor gas water heater in an enclosed space.
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Licensed gas fitters for fixed installs: If you're mounting permanently or modifying gas lines, get a licensed pro.
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Respect Total Fire Bans and local park rules: Some campsites restrict open-flame appliances on high-risk days.
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Follow the manual: Clearances, ventilation, and hose routing aren't suggestions—they're safety rules.
In short: Safety first—outdoor, ventilated, and compliant.
9) Camplux Picks for Different Setups
Camplux outdoor gas water heaters are designed for Aussie conditions and outdoor use, so you can set up once and crack on with your trip. Here's how the popular models stack up for common scenarios:
Lightweight camping (solo or duo): Camplux AY132 (6L)
You want quick, reliable hot water without hauling half the shed. The AY132 is compact, frugal, and a breeze to set up with a 12V pump. Pair it with a low-flow showerhead and an inlet filter. Keep the run short and add a simple wind shield and you'll be laughing.
Family touring or caravans: Camplux BV158 (8L)
If you've got kids, a caravan, or just want a bit more oomph for washing up and showers back-to-back, the BV158 hits the sweet spot. Match it with a steady 12V pump (with a pressure switch), quick-connect hose kit, and basic insulation on your hot hose. It's the kind of "set it and forget it" comfort that makes road trips civilised.
Multi-user or semi-permanent off-grid: Camplux F10 (10L)
When you've got guests, teens, or multiple water points, the F10's higher flow keeps things moving. Add a robust pump, insulate the hot run, and stick to a descaling routine if your water's hard. You'll get consistent temps and fewer complaints of "who used all the hot water?"
In short: AY132 for minimal carry, BV158 for family balance, F10 for bigger jobs.
10) FAQs (Quick Answers)
What changes reduce gas use the most?
Setting your outlet temperature (stop mixing cold), using a moderate-flow showerhead, shielding from wind, and keeping hose runs short.
How long will a 9 kg bottle last?
It varies with temperature setting, flow rate, and run time. If you shorten showers, use a moderate-flow head, and shield the unit from wind, you'll noticeably extend bottle life.
Can I run from a rainwater tank or jerry can?
Yes—use a suitable 12V pump with a filter. Keep debris out of the inlet and maintain steady pressure.
How do I keep temps stable in wind or winter?
Add a wind shield (with proper clearances), shorten the run, insulate hoses, and reduce flow slightly in cold weather so the heater can transfer heat efficiently.
Is LPG cheaper than electric outdoors?
For outdoor and mobile setups, on-demand LPG typically beats electric storage because there's no standby loss and setup is simpler. Actual costs depend on your usage and local prices.
Do I need a licensed gas fitter?
For permanent installations or any gas line modifications—yes. For portable outdoor use with standard gas bottles and hoses, follow the manual and safety guidance.
How often should I descale?
It depends on water hardness and usage. If flow drops or the showerhead looks crusty, it's time. As a habit, inspect monthly and descale as needed.
What's the best flow rate for a comfy but efficient shower?
Often around 7–8 litres per minute feels lush without being wasteful. Your mileage may vary—experiment a tad and stick with what feels good and rinses quickly.
Putting It All Together
If you pick the right-sized heater, dial in the outlet temperature, and keep things neat—short runs, light insulation, sensible shielding—you'll use less gas without feeling like you're "roughing it." Add a steady 12V pump, a clean inlet filter, and a low-flow showerhead, and you've basically built a lean, mean hot-water machine. Top it off with quick maintenance—clean, descale, leak-check—and your system will stay efficient trip after trip.
Ready to Lower Your Energy Bills?
Whether you're packing light for a weekend away or kitting out a family caravan, Camplux outdoor gas water heaters make it easy to get reliable hot water without blowing the budget. Choose the model that fits your crew—AY132 for minimalist comfort, BV158 for families on the move, or F10 for higher flow—and pair it with a steady pump, a tidy hose run, and a bit of wind shielding. That's the Aussie way: practical, efficient, and ready for the next adventure.
