How Much Water Does Your Van Really Hold?

Jun 30

(And Why It’s Not Enough for Daily Showers)

Van life offers the freedom to explore, camp remotely, and live more simply—but there's one challenge every vanlifer encounters: managing water. It’s one of the most precious resources you carry, and it runs out faster than you think—especially when it comes to showering.

Whether you’re off-grid for the weekend or living full-time in your rig, knowing your water limits (and how to stretch them) is essential. Let’s break down how much water your van really holds, how fast traditional showers drain your supply, and how a recirculating shower system like the Infinity Shower changes everything.

Typical Van Water Tank Capacities

Water storage in vans varies widely depending on the build quality, intended use, and available space. Here’s a quick breakdown:

DIY and Entry-Level Builds: 20–30 gallons
Many DIY vans install tanks based on what fits under beds, in wheel wells, or behind cabinetry—often capping out around 30 gallons.
Premium Builds (e.g., Storyteller Overland, Winnebago Revel): 18–30 gallons
Even high-end adventure vans with all the bells and whistles usually max out in this range due to size and weight considerations.
Overlanders and Expedition Rigs: 50+ gallons (rare)
Larger expedition-style vehicles may install dual tanks or auxiliary setups, but that’s the exception, not the rule.

  
      Van Type
      Typical Water Tank Size
    
      DIY Van Conversion
      20–30 gallons
    
      Premium Camper Vans
      18–30 gallons
    
      Expedition Rigs
      50+ gallons (rare)

The Hidden Daily Water Drain: Everyday Tasks

Even if you don’t shower, each person uses 1–2 gallons of water per day on essential tasks like:

Handwashing
Brushing teeth
Cooking
Washing dishes

For a couple, that’s 2–4 gallons per day—just for hygiene and meals. Over the course of a week, that adds up to 15–25 gallons, potentially draining your tank before a single shower.

Shower Water Use: Traditional vs. Infinity

🚿 Traditional Showers

A standard home-style shower uses 2–2.5 gallons per minute. Even with conservation in mind, a short 10-minute shower can use:

20–25 gallons per session
Two people = 40–50 gallons per day
A family of four = 80–100 gallons every four days

🔄 The Infinity Shower (Recirculating System)

The Infinity Shower radically reduces that usage:

Uses just 1 gallon per session, thanks to filtration, UV sterilization, and recirculation
A couple can shower every day for a week using only 7–10 gallons total
The same gallon is reused during the session—water consumption is no longer tied to time

Bar Graph: Weekly Water Use Comparison

  
      Shower Type
      Daily Use (2 People)
      Weekly Use
    
      Traditional Shower
      40–50 gallons
      280–350 gal
    
      Infinity Shower
      2 gallons
      7–10 gal

Why Recirculating Showers Matter in a Van

Water conservation isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about freedom. When your water runs out, so does your independence. You’re forced to:

Find a refill station (which could be hours away)
Pay for water or campgrounds
Cut your trip short

With a traditional setup, your water controls your schedule. With a recirculating shower, you control your adventure.

Real-World Example: A 25-Gallon Tank

Imagine your van holds 25 gallons of water. That's fairly standard for most premium builds.

Without Recirculating:

2–4 gallons/day for dishes and hygiene
20 gallons per shower
You're out of water after 1–2 showers

With the Infinity Shower:

1 gallon per shower
2 people = 2 gallons/day (showers) + 2–4 gallons/day (essentials)
4–6 gallons/day total

Your 25-gallon tank now lasts 4–6 days—with daily showers.

Water = Comfort + Security

The Infinity Shower isn't just about comfort—it's about water security. It enables you to:

Stay longer off-grid
Reduce stress about refills
Avoid navy-style rationing
Enjoy long, hot showers without guilt

Don’t Let Your Water Tank Limit Your Adventures

If your tank holds 25 gallons and a single traditional shower uses 20, you’ll constantly be searching for your next refill.
But with the Infinity Shower, that same 25 gallons could support:

25 long, hot showers
Multiple days of dishes and handwashing
True freedom from water anxiety

Ready to Shower Smarter?

Make the most of every gallon.
Stay longer. Travel farther. Shower daily.
With the Infinity Shower, water isn’t a limitation—it’s a superpower.

Learn more

Ray Kistemaker