I love the CONCEPT of the Joolca system (I have the full set up like you, complete with en-suite tent), but the REALITY of the unit is a bit disappointing. For those considering use of this product for more rigorous situations: I live off grid and use it daily. The components don’t hold up well with use and the flame/heat has a hard time being steady when turned lower for summer use. The faucet on/off button breaks easily (I’ve been through 3 in 8 months) and the hoses break off the quick connect, sometimes mid shower, spraying precious water everywhere. The 12V cord for the pump breaks repeatedly and has been replaced multiple times. Luckily Joolca customer service has been great and I have extended warranties because I bought when their delivery dates got very delayed, so they gave extra years. It does take time to get the replacements, so we’ve been weeks without a shower at times while waiting for parts to arrive. So, if you are just using for camping where an issue will be annoying but just part of the camping experience, I think the thoughtful design will be satisfying. But if you plan to rely on it more regularly and/or breaking components will really bother you, buy with caution. My hope is that they continue to improve quality and reliability over time.
@@clairv.74 If I were to do it again, I’d create my own system from a good quality 12v pump, a well-built portable propane shower, and my own wiring with waterproof on/off switch. There are RU-vid videos showing how others have created similar systems. I don’t need the portability and ease of set up that Joolca provides as much as I need reliable quality that I can easily replace/fix on my own without waiting months for replacement parts from Joolca. As manufacturing and shipping back ups continue to increase, I expect the time to get things from Joolca will be even slower. Better to have components that I can replace by going to my local hardware store.
Feb 2022 Update: My Joolca HOPTAP water heater has died after less than 18 months of use. Something on the inside of the heater broke during a colder night here in North Carolina and water came spewing out the top. It is not repairable, so is headed to the landfill. Joolca customer service told me it was not covered by my 3 year warranty because it was likely frost damage, which is not covered. They said they would replace it for $200. I declined, explaining that so many components of the system had broken that I was not willing to spend additional money and would be switching to another option. They did respond and say they had decided they would replace it for free. So again, the customer service has been great, but I am out hot water for the weeks as I wait for the replacement, which is really hard when I rely on it for dishes, laundry, and showers.
This was an exact replacement for the old one that lasted about 10 years. ru-vid.comUgkx7yWIKcrbA9KMHkGSfcgxW2lsjHT6B8Sh The top of my mitigation tube by my roofline was just a 90 elbow which allowed too much debris to fall down into the fan, eventually ruining it. Without this issue, I bet it would have kept running another 10 years. When I replaced this fan, I added an extra elbow joint so the top tube now it does a 180, which should solve that problem. The radon guys around here wanted to charge me a $300 diagnostic fee, then parts/labor (probably close to $600 total). I installed this all by myself in about an hour for the cost of the fan; it would probably be even easier/faster with two people. FYI the manufacturer's warranty greatly differs depending on whether you install it yourself (1 yr warranty) or have a licensed installer do it (10 yrs).
Lovin my Joolca. I've been living outdoors for 10 months straight and it's given me the opportunity to see what works and what doesn't outdoors. Over $20,000 spent on outdoor equipment and this little jewel is the best buy of any. There are cheaper solutions, but this is the best. It does take some care and getting familiar with the settings. But well worth it to have hot water on demand. Super hot weather here so I find that water pressure set at 4 and temp just barely on gives me a good temp between 84° & 104°. I've used this thing on the go for a month, setting it up and putting it away every night and I've used it as a permanent setup and I love it. Sometimes I just sit with it an drink coffee lol.
@@CodyandKellie unfortunately after posting this I went to do some work and get dirty. Came back to pump running non-stop and no water leaking or running. Pump totally destroyed itself. 40 days to replace.
After watching yours I watched a few more videos about this shower and I have to tell you yours was the best as far as showing all the parts, how they connected, how it worked and tips and tricks. I came back and watched yours again and I just ordered the Joolca. Cannot wait to get it.
I had watched COUNTLESS videos on the Joolca system before I watched your video. This video by you and your wife is hands down the most thorough and thoughtful video that answered not only my questions but made me consider things that I had not thought of. Thank you! I had to like and subscribe 😆👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
@@christophermichaelson1598 power draw. The water heater requires minimal power, just enough for ignition and the display, so it only needs 2 double D cell batteries. The pump is more energy intensive, plus it is situated far from the heaters, especially if it’s drawing from a pond/stream so it can’t power the hot water lol
This is the best and most thorough explanation of how to use this water heater that I have seen. Most of them set it up inside and don't even bother to put water or power to it. Thank you!
Need to unplug those little caps that stop water coming out and ensure you drain the system totally off water. Not much an issue in warmer climate as it only serve to reduce chance of corrosion but in colder climate where the water may freeze, it might crack some inner components. Other thing to remember is that you will spend the first 3-5 litre of water getting up to its maximum temp rise, and the maximum rise of water temp is only 30c (not sure what’s in F)... so depending on your tolerance level, it might still be too cold if your water source temperature is 5-10c or below. You can preheat your water source in a bucket and draw from it.
Thanks for explaining the unit I just saw a commercial on another video I was watching but it really didn't tell you all about the product this is something I've been looking for and I know it's the year later thanks for explaining it and you got another subscriber
I was camping this week at Oyster Point CG in the Croatan NF and posted on the FB Dome Life page. What I didn't post was I made a shower using a 12 volt RV pump,some hose and an old cooler to hold the heated water. I waited until dark and set everything up behind my camper and took a hot shower buck nekkid and under the stars it was the most exhilarating shower I've ever had! Everything worked great but it's only a temporary set up. I envision the Joolca to be implemented into my camper trailer build and believe it would work well! Thanks for the review it's definitely a game changer when it comes to doing dishes and off grid showers. I did buy a shower tent but couldn't use it due to the high winds!
Thank you guys so much for the amazing review! I have had my eye on this product since it was a pre-order. I first got a portable propane tankless waterheater from wish like 6 years ago- but, since its wish (LOL) the igniter was upside down, so it wouldnt light. Then, I got another from amazon and got a pump and filter and the whole nine yards (all separate purchases) and put it all together just to smell leaky gas. I got tired of this mess and went for it and bought the Nomad kit. The price alone pays for itself in lack of frustration. The ease of everything and the quick connect for the hoses are a HUGE selling point. I am a huge camper and outdoors person as well and being able to clean up and have my dishes not be nasty from trying to clean them in cold water is going to allow me to stay out for longer periods of time! I am so over the moon and I cannot wait for it to arrive! You guys did an amazing review!
THANK YOU FOR SHOWING & INPUT . GOING TO HAVE TO CHECK THEM OUT . BEAUTIFUL AREA SCENERY VIDEO WEATHER FOOTAGE LANDSCAPE COLORS 👌 BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS & BE WITH YOU BOTH 🙏 ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨
I have seen this in many off grid settings, but you are the first one I have found that actually shows how to hook it up, use it and control it :D Thank you very much !!
That is what I need I'm currently left in a bad situations where I have no hot water that right there would be a must because it's always seems like that is constantly happening to where I cannot depend on a man I hate to say that I hate to be that way but. That is another reason why I buy certain things just in case I become homeless again. They're selling my home anyways they're auctioning It Off I'm not trying to put all this on here but I appreciate these pages you know exactly what I need to figure out on what I have to get or have. Right now I have to use a coffee pot to have hot water
The cheap solar shower bags that we have were on sale at 2 for $9.95 in our local Anaconda, so I bought 10. I have seen them on sale as low as $4.00 each in Anaconda. We can solar heat up to 200L for the ensuite 12v shower system powered from our solar charged 1987 Cub Camp-O-Matic Offroad 380 camper trailer. If the water is not warm enough for a shower, it can be heated a bit more in a big stainless steel pot over a fire. Any empty bags are filled with the same 12v shower pump from a creek in the morning. I had a thought of joining 3 bags together with hose T pieces connected to just 1 nozzle for increased capacity and pressure without using any 12v power. We don't have any LPG system in our camper trailer, but we do have a few cheap gas canister camp stoves if not able to make an open fire. Regards, Jas. VK4FJGS
I saw this reviewed on another channel... I won’t mention any names but his initials are Bob Wells...I was wondering what you did with the water inlet hose and how noisy it was. Thanks for a very detailed, great review. Don’t get me wrong Bob IS the man!
Initially, I thought this was a great solution for me, but it’s way out of my budget. It is a great product tho & I imagine many will purchase & enjoy.
im actually gonna be buying land and building my own house on it, i don't wanna spend 15K to have plumbing set up in the middle of nowhere so this is actually really cool IMO
I wish they would update the case for this unit so it was more rectangular like the Basecamp showers/heaters. I want the Basecamp form factor, but the bells and whistles (like the sink setup) from this one. The fact you can't set this flat on the ground without a special shelf is a bummer.
I have a small power station which has a small BMS on it. I tried to power an RV water pump with it but the current limit is less than the pump use. I had to switch the pump to another power station I built myself. The power station needs to be big enough to supply the current the pump needs. The "splice" is a "Y" adapter.
Nice demo.hope this product holds up for you,I like the joolca and try to stay positive about quality and dependability ,there's always a couple comments and reviews that send people running,well I hope everything works for along time🍺
Thank you for sharing this device. I have been eyeing the Mr. Heater BOSS system, but I much prefer a on demand system with flame shut off and reigniter. Reading reviews, in May 2021 the nomad model was $429 instead of $519 now (April 2022). Something like a Camplux or any Chinese generic brand is half the price but lacks the polish.
I just found y'all on youtube about a week ago and........ I am obsessed with you two!! Y'all are awesome!! I love watching you at all the camping places you go and I love all the cooking Kellie does! I love to go camping and y'all have expired me to do and make stuff. Thank y'all for all your vlogs!!!!! Love Vickie from Bardstown Ky,
That’s quite a unit! Well put together! I’m assuming it must be well vented (used outside)! Looks like a great addition to a camp! Thanks for sharing! 🤙
It's So Easy Even A Caveman Can Do It..!! LOL! (I couldn't help myself, LOL!) 'Junction' might be more appropriate than splice... All joking aside, this is a well done and informative video..
Say you guys are cut from the same cloth. I've a cabin at the caddo river that you should check Out ...bad-ass. Also have a houseboat on Lake Ouachita at Brady mountain resort.
Great review guys! Love the info and y’all have a great personality and dynamic on camera! Been looking at one of these for a while and this review was much more helpful. I just gotta figure out where I’m gonna put it!
I agree great couple. just ordered my water pump sink and all. $460 something. Do have a shower tent but like the poles that stay att. so may get another. thanks. I am 65 and mostly camp other than tent. Do have several but like to be able to use cot and stand in it. Have a not to fancy cargo trailer with bed, that causes me to burn gas in my F150. That is making me thing hard about tent and taking my RAV4 with three to 4 times MPG. Do yall plan to do a camp out with viewers in near future???? I do plan to go somewhere soon. Have to bring sister stuff IN North Car. so know there is a lot of good stuff that way. Any bike park cheap to free spots please let me know.
Hey Kelly how are you guys doing ? I just watched your blog today I just received my joolca 2 weeks ago . It works great ! And I was just thinking about you guys should get one I’m so happy for you guys , you guys are the best , I just ordered 2 mugs for mom and I when we are on our little adventures lol I also purchased a tee shirt and a sticker I wanted to know if you guys were getting anymore t shirts in a 2X cause everything I wanted in that size was sold out , please get some more I love supporting you guys . You really make my day . Take care and please be safe. ♥️
Looks like the shower will take up a lot of space. Are you getting rid of the old shower and will you be getting a small trailer for all your new gear ☺️. Also noticed that you now have a large propane tank, it takes up space too, but will save you lots of money compared to the small green tanks 😉. Fun to watch you evolve with camping gadgets and can't wait to see what else you get in the next two or three years. I used to be able to pack everything in the back of my Jimmy but not any more. I now have a truck and a 10x6 trailer and they are both full. Have fun and keep exploring. I really enjoy your show 😃
@@CodyandKellie We have been looking at trailers too, those premade offroad models are pretty pricey though.I will more than likely buy a regular 4x6 trailer and modify it to meet our needs.
Great video, very informative. The only thing I don't like about the Joolca is that the filter don't filter out 99.99% of pathogens from water. I believe the filter Is only used to keep out debris. Correct me if I'm wrong.
I really like this system but my concern is the filter looks pretty darn cheap and not a good filtering system but I guess you can add an online water hose filter. Also it will be so cool if they made this rechargeable for better portability
That, without qualification, is the most versatile shower system for camping I've seen and includes everything, even the kitchen sink! Great product and great practical and very useful review guys! I would like to send a small package to you (yes, a little something from me, to show my appreciation for all the hard work, time and energy you put into the videos). How can I get it to you? Please let me know. Catch up with you on Thursday 8:00pm CST!
Watched the shower tent and water heater / pump videos. I'm thinking the hole in the wall of the tent is so you set up the pump to be able to reach through and make adjustments to the pump.
