The Yakima RoadShower is a roof-mounted water storage and pressurized shower system designed for outdoor use. It allows users to store and heat water on their vehicle's roof, providing a convenient way to shower, wash gear, or access potable water while on the go.
Function Description:
The RoadShower functions by storing water in a black aluminum tank, which absorbs solar energy to heat the water. The aluminum transfers heat to the water, and the water temperature rises as long as the tank receives sunlight. The system is pressurized using an air pump, which can be a 12-volt tire compressor or another suitable pump, connected to an air valve on the tank. The tank is designed to be pressurized to 55-65 PSI. A pressure relief valve on the fill cap ensures that the pressure does not exceed safe limits, preventing potential hazards. The system includes a sprayer hose with an adjustable nozzle, allowing for various spray patterns, from a shower spray to a jet setting. The nozzle can be removed for direct water flow from the hose. The RoadShower can be used for drinking water, provided it is properly sanitized.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Pressure Target: 55-65 PSI (3.8-4.5 bar).
- Maximum Pressure (before fill cap replacement): 75 PSI (5.2 bar).
- Water Heating: Approximately 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit (5-8 degrees Celsius) per hour on a warm, sunny day. Water can reach 90+ degrees Fahrenheit (32+ degrees Celsius) in 2-3 hours from a starting temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). Generally, the water will be 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit (11-16 degrees Celsius) warmer than the ambient temperature on a sunny day.
- Capacity for Sanitization: 15.2 liters (4 gallons) of water with 1/2 cup of bleach.
- Crossbar Spread (RoadShower #8004109 and #8004110): 609-1270 mm.
- Included Accessories: Sprayer hose (76.2 cm for #8004106, 48.26 cm for #8004104), washers, nuts, hose clip, Velcro.
- Mounting Bolts: Shorter bolts for thinner crossbars, longer bolts for thicker crossbars. Longer bolts are recommended if using accessory locks.
- Clamp Tightening Torque: 6 Nm.
Usage Features:
- Installation: The RoadShower is typically installed using the bottom slot on vehicle crossbars. A side slot is available for custom installations, but Yakima recommends using more than two clamps for secure mounting when using the side slot. The clamps are assembled around the crossbar, and washers and nuts are installed using a 13 mm wrench, tightened to 6 Nm.
- Water Filling and Pressurization: Before first use, the tank should be rinsed with water to remove any foreign material. To fill, remove the air valve cap, connect a pump (e.g., a 12-volt tire compressor), and pressurize the tank to 55-65 PSI. Always check the thermometer and test the water on your hand to avoid scalding. If the water is too hot, cool water can be added via the fill cap (after releasing pressure) or allowed to cool naturally.
- Sprayer Nozzle: The nozzle offers adjustable spray patterns. Rotating the tip adjusts the spray from shower to jet. Fully tightening the tip stops water flow. The nozzle can be detached for direct hose flow and should be reattached with the hose clip and Velcro before travel.
- Potable Water Use: The aluminum tank and food-grade poly hose are non-toxic, making the RoadShower suitable for drinking water. For this purpose, it must be sanitized annually.
- Parking on a Hill: If the vehicle is parked on a hill, it should be positioned with the outlet on the downhill end to ensure all water can be used. An optional second outlet can be added to the opposite end, allowing the hose to be moved to the lowest outlet.
Maintenance Features:
- Regular Cleaning: The unit should be cleaned with soap and water.
- Sanitization for Drinking Water: For potable water use, the tank should be sanitized annually. This involves washing the container with dishwashing soap and water, rinsing thoroughly, filling with 15.2 liters of water, adding 1/2 cup of bleach, shaking well (or driving for a few minutes) to ensure the solution contacts all internal surfaces, waiting at least 30 seconds, draining the solution, and then thoroughly rinsing the empty container with clean water. After rinsing, the hose and nozzle should be removed, and cooking oil spray applied inside the hose ends after they dry to prevent corrosion from bleach.
- Storage: When storing, the tank should be completely emptied. It should be stored with the valve open, and the hose and fill cap removed to allow it to dry out.
- Fastener Checks: All screws, mounting hardware, and fittings should be tightened regularly.
- Troubleshooting:
- Leaking Air Valve: Use a Schrader valve core tightening tool to tighten the valve.
- Leaks Around On/Off Valve: Uninstall the valve, apply thread seal tape, and then reinstall it according to the instructions.
- Nozzle Deposits: Periodically check the inside of the nozzle for hard water deposits and clean as needed.
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